The yeast-like fungus Candida albicans can cause infections in almost any moist portion of the body. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, Candida albicans most commonly infects the vagina, skin, mouth, urinary tract and digestive system. In healthy individuals, a Candida albicans infection is only rarely serious. Although conventional treatments are the most reliable methods for treating Candida albicans, several medicinal herbs may also be helpful. Consult a qualified health care provider who is familiar with botanical medicine before using any complementary treatment.
Treatment Options
Several medicinal herbs may be used as complementary or alternative treatments for Candida albicans, although they vary in their safety and efficacy. The University of Maryland Medical Center acknowledges the potential use of pau d'arco, garlic, echinacea and tea tree for fighting Candida infections. Depending on your health and the severity of your yeast infection, your health care provider may recommend one or more of these products instead of, or in addition to, conventional treatments. However, there is insufficient evidence to conclusively support the use of any of these products.
Beneficial Effects
Each yeast-fighting herb acts independently to boost the body's defenses against Candida. According to the National Institutes of Health, garlic has antifungal and immune-supporting properties and may fight Candida when it applied directly to infected skin. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that lapachol and beta-lapachone, two compounds found in the South American herb pau d'arco, exhibit antifungal activity in test tube environments. Tea tree oil, another antifungal herb, has been shown to kill infectious yeast in laboratory tests. Immunostimulant herbs such as echinacea may work by strengthening the body's own defenses against Candida albicans.
Dosing Guidelines
No studies have established any specific dosing guidelines for using antifungal medicinal herbs. The University of Maryland Medical Center advises people with candidiasis to take one clove of garlic by mouth, while the NIH recommends cautiously applying it to the site of the infection. The UMMC also reports that 3 to 6 cups of pau d'arco tea may be taken by mouth, or the cooled tea may be used as a douche for vaginal Candida albicans infections. Diluted tea tree oil may be used as a mouthwash or vaginal douche, but it is not safe to ingest by mouth.
Dangers
Although most medicinal herbs are safe when used under a health care provider's guidance, they can cause serious side effects if they are used inappropriately. According to the NIH, garlic can cause burns and rashes when it is applied directly to inflamed skin. Tea tree oil may soothe itching from vaginal yeast infections, but it can also cause severe burning sensations if the user has an allergy to the product. Aldditionally, the antifungal herb pau d'arco can trigger lie-threatening bleeding episodes in people who use large doses or take it alongside blood thinners such as warfarin.
Considerations
Medicinal herbs are not always an appropriate treatment for Candida albicans. The UMMC notes that thrush, a form of candidiasis, frequently affects people who are immunocomprimised due to age, HIV/AIDS or pre-existing medical conditions. Because these infections can become life-threatening for susceptible individuals, it is not advisable to use alternative treatments alone unless your health care provider specifies otherwise. Your health care provider will likely recommend against the use of medicinal herbs if you take a high-risk medication such as Coumadin or Plavix. Always abide by your practitioner's recommendations and refrain from self-diagnosing or self-treating any medical condition.
