Candida (Candida albicans) is a yeast-like fungus that causes candidiasis, an infection of the skin, stomach, mouth, vagina or urinary tract, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC). Most women will experience a vaginal yeast infection during their lives, because the fungus lives naturally in the body and only becomes a problem when there's an overgrowth of candida. Many different antifungal medications exist for treating candida, but several herbal remedies can help to fight the fungal infection as well.
Echinacea
The herb echinacea (echinacea purpurea) can help to prevent recurring vaginal yeast infections caused by the candida fungus, according to the UMMC. The UMMC recommends taking two to four milliliters of the juice from the echinacea herb each day. A double-blind clinical trial determined that taking this dosage of the echinacea fluid extract may also help to treat "yeast syndrome," says the University of Michigan Health System (UMHS).
Garlic
In animal and laboratory test-tube studies, garlic (allium sativum) has shown antifungal activity against the fungus candida albicans, the UMHS says. Although no clinical studies in humans have been conducted yet, medical researchers recommend taking four grams or one clove of fresh garlic each day to treat candidiasis, according to the UMHS. One clove of garlic is equivalent to approximately 4,000 to 5,000 micrograms of allicin, the active property in garlic.
Tea Tree Oil
According to the UMMC, laboratory test-tube trials have found antifungal properties in tea-tree oil (melaleuca alternifolia). In one trial, tea-tree oil used as a mouthwash was effective at treating oral thrush, a candida infection in the mouth. Other volatile oils, such as those from oregano, thyme, rosemary and peppermint, have also shown antifungal activity in test-tube studies, the UMHS says. In one study, oregano oil was more than 100 times more effective against candida than the more common remedy caprylic acid.
Barberry
Berberine, an alkaloid found in barberry (berberis vulgaris)--as well as other plants like goldenseal, Oregon grape and goldthread--has displayed antibiotic and anti-diarrhea effects in animal, test-tube and human studies, the UMHS says. Berberine may help to relieve diarrhea in patients with chronic candidiasis. Berberine has strong anti-infection properties and has proven to be effective in treating candida fungus in medical studies throughout the world, says the Herb Growing & Marketing Network.
