Herbal Treatments for Thrush

Thrush is a candida fungal infection in the mouth, also known as candidosis. Thrush causes white lesions on the membranes of the mouth and throat. According to the Mayo Clinic, thrush lesions appear most commonly on the tongue and inner cheeks, but can spread to the roof of the mouth, the gums, the tonsils and the back of the throat. According to "1000 Cures for 200 Ailments," candida exists naturally in the body and is controlled by friendly bacteria until something breaks that balance, which can be upset by such things as immune deficiencies, poor diet, antibiotics and dentures. The Mayo Clinic advises you to see your doctor when the white patches of thrush appear; while you're with him, ask about herbal treatments available for thrush.

Goldenseal

Dr. David Kiefer, herbalism expert for "1000 Cures for 200 Ailments," suggests rinsing and then swallowing goldenseal. Goldenseal contains berberine and hydrastine, two alkaloids that have potent antimicrobial ability. Berberine especially has strong antibiotic and anti-fungal properties. Dr. Kiefer suggests boiling one tsp of goldenseal in one cup of water or mixing 30 drops of tincture into water. The "PDR for Herbal Medicines" warns that if used over an extended period, goldenseal can cause digestive disorders and irritation of mucous membranes.

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is used to cure several fungal infections of the skin, from dandruff to athlete's foot. In "1000 Cures for 200 Ailments," naturopathy expert Dr. Geovanni Espinosa suggests mixing 15 drops of tea tree oil into a cup of water and rinsing the mouth with it two to three times a day. According to the "PDR for Herbal Medicines," tea tree essential oil shouldn't be used internally except as an oral rinse that isn't swallowed. Children should not rinse with tea tree oil.

Oregano Oil

Oregano oil is a popular herbal treatment for thrush. Doctors Balch and Stengler note that oregano oil is 100 times more potent against candida than caprylic acid, another popular candida treatment. They suggest a 300 to 500 mg of oregano oil capsule three times a day with meals; oregano oil can upset an empty stomach. In "1000 Cures for 200 Ailments," Dr. David Kiefer suggests mixing a few drops of oregano oil with 1 tsp of olive oil and swishing for 10 seconds before spitting the mixture out to topically treat a thrush infection. Do this three times a day for up to a week.

Garlic

Garlic provides numerous health benefits and potent antifungal effects. According to the "PDR for Herbal Medicines," garlic contains an antifungal compound called ajeone which, when used topically, is as effective as clotrimazole at fighting fungi, and is especially effective against candida. Because you don't want to use an ajeone cream orally, eating raw garlic is the best topical solution.
Garlic's effectiveness is agreed upon by doctors Balch, Stengler, Espinosa and Kiefer. Doctors Balch, Stengler and Espinosa all suggest you take 500 mg of garlic extract a day. This is particularly good news if you don't enjoy the taste of garlic, since garlic extract is available in pill form. Dr. Kiefer advises fresh garlic, and suggests you crush a clove and rub it on the patches of candida in the mouth, then swallow it. This approach gives you both the internal and topical benefits of garlic.

References

• The Mayo Clinic: Oral Thrush
• "1000 Cures for 200 Ailments"; Dr. Victor Sierpina, editor; 2007
• "Bottom Line's Prescription for Natural Cures"; James F. Balch, M.D. and Mark Stengler, N.D.; 2004
• "Solve It With Supplements"; Robert A. Schulman, M.D.; 2007
• "PDR for Herbal Medicines, 4th Ed."; Thomson Healthcare Inc.; 2007