Herbs To Use To Cleanse Candida

Candida is a yeast -- broadly classified as a fungi -- that is normally found in the body. It is a regular part of the environment in the mouth, gastrointestinal (GI) tract and vagina. Although candida is part of the natural flora in the body, problems can occur when there is an overgrowth of candida. Overgrowth can lead to chronic fatigue, anxiety, depression, foggy-headedness and GI upset. Specific herbs can help eliminate the replication and manifestation of candida overgrowth, restoring the system to balance and alleviating symptoms.

Pau d'arco

Pau d'arco is an herb native to South America. The bark is medicinally used, and has been shown to exhibit antifungal properties. Quinone is the active constituent in Pau d'arco that can be considered to cleanse the body of candida by killing off the organism. You can take Pau d'arco orally in capsule, tea or tincture form. It should not be used long-term or with certain blood-thinning medications such as Coumadin, Plavix or aspirin.

Goldenseal

Goldenseal contains berberine alkaloids, which are considered broad-spectrum antibiotics against bacteria, protozoa and fungi, including candida. Goldenseal is also a powerful immune stimulant; it can help repair your body from the ramifications of candida overgrowth and facilitate the cleanse. You can take goldenseal as a tincture or in capsule form, but it should not be used long-term.

Garlic

Garlic is an effective natural antimicrobial that can specifically act on the gastrointestinal tract. Allicin is the potent constituent in garlic that acts as an antifungal and can help rid the body of candida overgrowth. You can eat raw garlic on a daily basis, or take it in capsule form if you are sensitive to it. A clove a day keeps the doctor away.