Herbal Treatments for Candida

Candida albicans---yeast---lives in your skin, digestive system and genital tract. A small amount of yeast is normal and healthy. An overgrowth of yeast, however, can cause vaginal infections, skin rashes and digestive upsets. Antifungal and immune boosting herbs may be useful in treating yeast infections.

Garlic

• Garlic is a well known anti-microbial. Take the equivalent of one clove per day. Deodorized supplements may be preferable to raw cloves.

Tea Tree Oil

• Tea tree oil, diluted and used externally or as a douche, may be helpful for vaginal yeast infections.

Black Walnut

• Black walnut tincture--thirty drops per cup--can be added to water. Juglone, the compound found in black walnut, is responsible for its antifungal properties.

Pau d'arco

• Pau d'arco bark is an antifungal. Three to six cups can be consumed as a tea or the tea can be cooled and used as a vaginal douche.

Licorice

• According to a Chinese study, glycyrrhizin, a compound found in licorice (the herb, not the candy) protected mice from yeast infections. Licorice root can be taken as a supplement or a tea.

Oregon Grape

• Oregon grape is an immune stimulant. Along with other immune boosting herbs like echinacea, ginger and German chamomile, these herbs can support the immune system.