Yeast overgrowth occurs when the body's bad bacteria overtakes the good. Whether present as athlete's foot, oral thrush, intestinal yeast or on the genitals, yeast affects health by compromising the immune system. A feeling of general malaise accompanies intestinal yeast, as well as severe headaches and poor absorption of nutrients. External yeast can result in itchy and burning skin. Herbs for yeast overgrowth offer an inexpensive method of treatment and in some cases, prevention of further outbreaks.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera juice, available at health food stores as well as local drug stores, calms the intestinal tract and boosts white blood cells' abilities to kill off yeast cells, according to Phyllis A. Balch in her book "Prescriptions for Herbal Healing." Yeast sufferers may drink the juice daily according to label directions.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon, in the oil form, eliminates thrush and common antibiotic-resistant yeast infections, Balch says. Fifteen to 20 drops in 1/4 cup of water, three times daily, makes an effective gargle rinse, which may then be swallowed.
Garlic
Considered a "go to" herb for its antibacterial and antifungal properties, garlic, even when taken internally, can fight external yeast infections, according to Dr. Linda B. White and Steven Foster in the book, "The Herbal Pharmacy." Just one clove a day provides as much benefit as one garlic tablet.
Lavender
When used on the skin, fresh lavender treats yeast overgrowth on contact. Two ounces of the fresh herb left in about a quart of water overnight and used to bathe the affected area, can kill the infection and heal the skin. Although essential oil of lavender can be purchased, essential oil should never be used directly on the skin.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil has long been used in Europe and Australia as both an external and internal natural remedy for many illnesses, including yeast overgrowth. The FDA, however, has not approved tea tree oil in the United States for internal use. Nevertheless, tea tree oil can be used as an effective mouthwash to kill oral thrush, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Mouthwashes containing tea tree oil and sold in health food stores provide a safe treatment for excess yeast. Tea tree oil antiseptics, also available in health food stores, act as powerful external yeast killers as well.
Pau d'Arco
Native to South America, pau d'arco combats both internal and external yeast infections, according to Balch, White and the UMM. Sold in capsule and tea form, pau d'arco can be brewed and then cooled for use as a vaginal douche or as a rinse for affected body parts. Any herbal therapy should be discussed, before use, with a doctor to understand possible herb-to-drug interactions.
References
- "Prescriptions for Herbal Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch; 2002
- "The Herbal Drugstore"; Linda B. White, M.D., and Steven Foster; 2000
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Candidiasis
