Yeast infections, also called candidiasis or moniliasis, can occur in the mouth, esophagus, vagina, skin or bloodstream, and can be mild or life-threatening. The body’s immune system normally checks the growth of yeast like Candida albicans, the primary fungus responsible for these infections, but a yeast imbalance may occur when the immune system is compromised. Conventional drugs, like fluconazole and clotrimazole, can have unpleasant side effects, and Candida resistance to antifungal drugs is a serious problem. Herbs are an alternative medicine that may treat yeast infections effectively and safely. It is important to consult a health care professional before starting herbal treatment.
Rosemary
Rosemary, or Rosmarinus officinalis, is an aromatic herb used in cooking and medicine. It was an herb used for memory in ancient Rome and Greece and, applied topically, was used for wounds and sprains. The essential oil contains 1,8-cineole, alpha-pinene and camphor, and Western herbalists use it to treat baldness; stimulate blood circulation; relieve muscle pain and fight bacterial, fungal and parasitic infections. Many home remedies for yeast infection use rosemary tea either topically or as a douche. A study published in the September-October 2007 issue of “Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine” tested rosemary oil for its action on different strains of C. albicans, and found that was effective against drug-resistant mutants of C. albicans. Research is needed to study the mechanism of action and the active ingredients that make rosemary effective against yeast infections.
Syrian Bean-caper
Syrian bean-caper, or Zygophyllum fabago, is a perennial shrub with waxy leaves native to South Asia and the Middle East. The flowers have a caper-like scent, which is how the plant got its name. Traditionally, it is used internally to treat rheumatism and gout, and externally for skin diseases and wounds. The plant contains saponins, which have potent antifungal action. A study published in the January 2005 issue of the “Journal of Ethnopharmacology” tested whole plant extracts of four plants against conventional drugs for anti-Candida action. The study found that Syrian bean-caper showed the strongest action against yeast and was comparable to miconazole, an antifungal drug prescribed for vaginal and skin yeast infections. Studies are needed to determine the active ingredients in the plant and to see if it will have a similar effect in clinical trials.
Lemon Grass
Lemon grass, or Cymbopogon citratus, is a perennial grass found throughout Asia, Africa and Latin America. Folk healers use it to treat gastrointestinal problems, depression and convulsions. The volatile oil contains citral, myrcene, citronella, citronellol and geraniol, which have potent antifungal and anti-Candida actions. Lemon grass mixed with lemon juice is a standard herbal medicine treatment for an oral yeast infection, known as thrush, among AIDS patients in one hospice in South Africa. A study reported in the March 2009 issue of “Phytomedicine” tested lemon grass in a clinical trial with patients at the hospice. The patients were divided into three groups and researchers compared the efficacy of lemon juice, lemon grass and gentian violet, the conventional treatment. The study found that, alone, both lemon grass and lemon juice were more effective than gentian violet. This study supports the use of lemon grass and lemon juice to treat thrush, but larger studies are needed to confirm these results.
References
- “Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine”; Potential of rosemary oil to be used in drug-resistant infections; Luqman S, Dwivedi GR, Darokar MP, Kalra A, Khanuja SP; September-October 2007
- “Journal of Ethnopharmacology”; Biologically active traditional medicinal herbs from Balochistan, Pakistan; Zaidi MA, Crow SA Jr; January 2005
- “Phytomedicine”; Treatment of oral thrush in HIV/AIDS patients with lemon juice and lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus) and gentian violet; Wright SC, Maree JE, Sibanyoni M; March 2009
