Home Remedies and Herbs for Candidiasis

Candidiasis is an infection caused by a yeast-like fungus named “Candida albicans”. It affects the mouth, skin, urinary tract, stomach, and vagina. ^1,2 Oral infections, or candidiasis of the mouth, is usually called “thrush”. Thrush is common in infants, the elderly, and those with a weakened immune system like people with HIV/AIDS. ^1,2, Genital or vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is often called a “yeast infection”. At least 75 percent of women will suffer a yeast infection in their adult life. VVC can easily be cured with candidiasis home and natural treatments.¹ Invasive candidiasis is a serious infection that invades the blood, bone, brain, heart, eyes, and other body parts. Candidemia is a serious bloodstream infection that commonly occurs in hospitalized patients. It is very dangerous and must be treated with antibiotics.²

What Causes Candidiasis?

Candidiasis causes are attributed to an overgrowth of Candida albicans. Normal amounts of candida occur in the mouth, stomach, and vagina and generally do not cause infections. When the yeast’s growth exceeds the body’s ability to control it, an infection breaks out.¹ Some candidiasis outbreaks are caused by certain drugs like antibiotics, birth control pills, and corticosteroids. Pregnancy, being overweight, having a weakened immune system and diseases like diabetes and psoriasis also cause candidiasis.¹ Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), candidiasis of the mouth, and candidiasis of the skin are the most common forms of infection.^1,3

Candidiasis Symptoms

Candidiasis symptoms include:^1,3

• Painful cracks at mouth corners (oral thrush)
• Creamy white patches in mouth or throat (oral thrush)
• Loss of taste (oral thrush)
• Pain in swallowing (oral thrush)
• Itching of groin and vaginal area (VVC)
• Vaginal discharge resembling cottage cheese (VVC)
• Skin rashes, lesions, patches, and blisters (Candidemia)

Natural Remedies and Herbs for Candidiasis

Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) and oral candidiasis can be relieved through home and natural treatments. They include:

• Garlic - Garlic is a universally known for antioxidant and organosulfur compounds. This superfood also contains essentials like vitamins c and B6, selenium, and manganese. Oral ingestion of garlic is helpful for thrush and has been used to treat yeast infections.
• Apple Cider Vinegar - This is another universal natural home remedy for candidiasis. Apple cider vinegar can be used as an oral rinse for thrush and a vaginal wash for VVC.
• Oregano Oil - Oregano oil is a therapeutic extract from the leaves of the oregano plant. It’s been used for thousands of years as a topical and internal treatment for many ailments. Oregano oil is a proven treatment for candidiasis.
• Peroxide 3 - Peroxide 3 is a colorless liquid commonly used as a household cleaning product. It’s also proven to be a treatment for candidiasis in a topical application. It is not meant to be taken internally.
• Turmeric - Turmeric is plant associated with the ginger family. Its medicinal qualities as a natural home treatment are well known. Turmeric is usually orally ingested as a tea or other drink.

References

1. http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/condition/candidiasis
2. http://www.cdc.gov/fungal/diseases/candidiasis/index.html
3. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/oral-thrush/basics/definition/con-20022381