Herbal Treatments For Candida

Candida is a type of fungus that occurs naturally on the skin and mucous membranes of the body. However, when there is an overgrowth of this fungus, it can cause yeast infections called candidiasis. This overgrowth can be triggered by medications such as antibiotics, health conditions like diabetes or a weakened immune system. You can use a number of herbal treatments to treat candida.

Garlic

In the book "Herbal Remedies: A Quick and Easy Guide to Common Disorders and Their Herbal Treatments," authors Asa Hershoff and Andrea Rotelli write that garlic contains a number of anti-fungal compounds that rapidly kill off yeast. They note that it also stimulates immune function and is beneficial for long-term treatment of chronic candida syndromes. James A. Duke, Ph.D., an American botanist and author of "The Green Pharmacy," recommends eating up to a dozen raw cloves of garlic a day. Mixing the garlic with carrots may make it more palatable.

Oregano Oil

Asa Hershoff and Andrea Rotelli also recommend using oregano oil as an anti-fungal herbal treatment for candida. They write that the fungal-fighting properties of this essential oil are even more effective than caprylic acid in inhibiting candida. The Life Extension Foundation (LEF) suggests taking 460 mg of oil of oregano a day to treat and prevent candida infections.

Goldenseal

The LEF lists goldenseal as another herb that you can use to treat and prevent candida infections. The foundation reports that it contains high levels of an alkaloid called berberine, which has a direct anti-fungal activity against candida. The LEF recommends taking 250 to 750 mg of goldenseal daily.

Coconut Oil

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), coconut oil is an effective antifungal treatment for candida. Citing a 2004 study conducted in Nigeria by the University College Hospital, the NIH reports that virgin coconut oil was found to be as effective as fluconazole (Diflucan), a pharmaceutical drug that is widely used to treat candida. Gently massage a few drops of coconut oil into the affected area once a day.