Herbs to Use to Cleanse Candida

An overgrowth of the fungus candida albicans can cause thrush, diaper rash, digestive problems, nail infections and vaginitis. Though naturally present in digestive and rectal tracts, poor nutrition, hormone imbalances and weakened immune systems provide an environment that allow candida to thrive. As an alternative to over-the-counter medications, there are herbs you can take to cleanse your system of candida.

Black Walnut

• Black walnut is derived from the unripe fruit, leaves and bark of a black walnut tree. The alternative health field use this herb for its anti-fungal and antiseptic properties. Supplements, capsules or extracts are taken to cleanse the body of yeasts and lower the amount of sugar in the bloodstream. According to alternative health practitioner Dr. William Lee Cowden at www.diagnose-me.com, patients should start by taking one black walnut capsule twice the first day, and up the dosage the next day to two capsules twice a day. Check out the the link in references for more information regarding his black walnut therapy.

  If you are taking the extract, take one drop four times a day on the first day. Increase to two drops the second day and to three drops the third day. Take three drops a day four times a day for 11 days. Take the extract 15 minutes before eating a meal. According to the American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org, there are no known side effects of black walnut, but people with nut allergies should use a different treatment method.

Barberry

• Barberry contains the antiseptic photochemical berberine. Berberine has anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties, which make it useful for cleansing the body of candida. According to "The Prescription for Healing" by Phillis A. Balch (2002), barberry stimulates the macrophages or immune cells which fight off yeast infections. According Steven D. Ehrlich, NMD. of University of Maryland at www.umm.edu, you should take 250 to 500 milligrams three times a day. To make barberry tea, boil 2/3 cup of water and add 1 or 2 teaspoons of whole or crushed berries. Drink the tea three times a day. Pregnant women and children should not take this herb. Side effects like vomiting and nose bleeds usually only occur after taking high doses.

Echinacea

• Echinacea consists of glycoproteins, polysaccharides, alkamides, flavonoids and volatile oils. These natural properties have medicinal benefits that may help improve the immune system and used in the fight against yeast. The polysaccharides found in the roots of the plant help stimulate the immune system. According to Ernest B. Hawkins, MS, BSPharm, RPh of the University of Maryland at www.umm.edu, try taking 300 mg of the powdered herb. Add1 - 2 grams of the herb to a flavored tea to mask the taste. People with diabetes, HIV or liver disorders should not take this herb. Ask your doctor before taking the herb. Side effects may include reducing the effectiveness of some drugs.