Using Herbal Baths as a Candida Cure

Candida is a diploid fungus (a type of yeast) that has been known to cause many different infections in and on the human body. There are various treatments to heal the different manifestations of the fungus. It may be more helpful to restore balance in the body than to completely eradicate the fungus. One way to do this is by taking herbal baths.

What is Candida?

• Candida albicans (C. albicans) is a yeast that can be found in the stomach flora of most people. The yeast lives in a balance with the bacteria in the stomach which keeps one another from growing out of control. After taking a course of antibiotics, there is sometimes a risk that Candida will begin to grow unchecked. This is why treating a vaginal bacteria infection with antibiotics will sometimes lead to a yeast infection (which is caused by the C. albicans yeast).

Manifestations

• When C. albicans overgrows it can infect several different parts of the body. One of the most well known forms of Candida is the yeast infection. As with other fungi, Candida prefers warm and moist environments and the vaginal area is a perfect breeding ground. When bacteria and pH are balanced a yeast infection will not occur. Thrush (Candida on the skin) has been found to manifest in children and patients who are immunosuppressed like those who are infected with HIV. Candidiasis is another condition that can occur during immunosuppression, as it is an internal infection of the Candida fungus.

Treatments

• The medical means to treat Candida often consist of a course of antimycotics, antifungal drugs that include topical clotrimazole and oral Diflucan. Some integrated medical practitioners believe that a diet rich in sugar will help to feed the Candida, and as such both artificial and natural sugar should be avoided during an infection. Taking care of the vaginal region during an infection by wearing more breathable clothing and avoiding fragrant chemical douches can help to clear up the problem. There are also herbal remedies that involve fungicides like Tea Tree Oil that may be less disruptive to the natural balance between bacteria and fungus in the body.

Herbal Baths

• There are two main herbs that are helpful for a vaginal or thrush related candida infection with an herbal bath. Tea tree oil is a well-known fungicide that may be one of the most complex and potent medical herbs available. Add 20-25 drops to a tub of hot bath water and soak for about 15 minutes. This bath can be interchanged with a bath in garlic. Garlic is another potent herb that has antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral properties. It is also one of the few antimicrobial herbs that is able to uphold the natural balance of fungus and bacteria in the body. Mash 10 garlic cloves in two or three tablespoons of vegetable oil and a small bit of vitamin E and put it in a bottle for three to four days, shake it twice a day, strain it, and add it to bathwater.

Warnings

• When taking any fungus remedy, make sure to keep in mind the balance between the bacteria and fungus in your body. Consult your doctor before taking any herbal remedies as there is some chance of an allergic reaction. Tea tree oil can be an irritant so feel free to decrease the number of oil drops in the bathwater if your first bath has left your skin feeling irritated.