Candidiasis

Candidiasis is a condition of overgrowth of a common organism, Candida albicans, usually due to the overuse of antibiotics, steroids, or oral contraceptives. Symptoms range from vaginal yeast infections in women to thrush in children. To alleviate these symptoms, avoid sugar, alcohol, and refined grain products. A good quality acidophilus product, taken three or four times a day can help to rebuild the body's normal environment. Herbal tea made with Pau d'arco or clove can be soothing to symptoms. Always take acidophilus along with any antibiotic therapy you have.

Herbs are often used to kill harmful yeasts and shore up immune function. They are used in teas, dried in capsules or tablets, or taken in suppository form. Herbs that contain berberain (an alkaloid found in the berbercia family) have proven particularly useful anticandida agents. These include goldenseal, Oregon grape, and barberry.

Berberain fights candida overgrowth, normalizes intestinal flora, helps digestive problems, has antidiarrheal properties, and stimulates the immune system by increasing blood supply to the spleen. Soothing to inflamed mucous membranes, it can be taken as a tea, or in other fluid and dry forms.

Other antifungal and antibacterial herbs include German chamomile, aloe vera, ginger, cinnamon, rosemary, licorice, and tea tree oil.
Fennel, anise, ginseng, alfalfa, and red clover are also effective.

Garlic, a well-known folk remedy, is a particularly effective antifungal agent. It has been shown to be effective against some antibiotic resistant organisms and can be taken in capsule and deodorized form. In cases of vaginal candidiasis, it can used as a suppository or douche.