Herbs That Help Control Yeast Overgrowth

Yeast is a type of fungus that lives in and around your body. Normally, your immune system keeps yeast from overgrowing. However, yeast may flourish if your immune system is compromised, you take antibiotics or the conditions on your body are favorable to yeast. Common areas of yeast overgrowth include the mouth, esophagus, intestines, skin and vagina. Certain herbs may be helpful for controlling yeast overgrowth when they are combined with a personalized and well-rounded treatment plan. Before taking herbs, consult a health-care professional for proper diagnosis and advice on herbal combinations, forms, dosage and safety.

Garlic

Garlic is well-known for its culinary use in adding distinctive flavor. Garlic also has a history of medicinal use for a variety of maladies. Garlic's Latin name is Allium sativa, and it's a member of the lily family. Garlic is helpful for digestive complaints, high blood pressure and illness. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, fresh garlic contains a substance called allicin, which has antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal effects. The UMMC says that topical applications of garlic may treat skin infections, such as Tinea cruris and Tinea corporis, known as jock itch and ringworm, respectively. Garlic is also helpful for yeast overgrowth because of its ability to support the immune system. Garlic is available in many forms, including fresh, dried, freeze-dried, in oil or as an extract.

Paracress

Paracress, also known by its Latin name Spilanthes acmella, is an Aster family herb. The whole plant is used to make medicine, and its taste is pungent. According to Dr. Sharol Tilgner, a naturopathic physician and author of "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," paracress is used to enhance your immune system's resistance to infections. The plant contains alkylamides similar to those in echinacea, a popular herb for supporting the immune system. Paracress's properties are antiviral, antiseptic and antifungal. Paracress may be prepared as an infusion or liquid extract.

Oregon Grape

Oregon grape, also known as barberry and by its Latin name Mahonia, is a member of the Berberidaceae family. The root bark and stem bark are used to make medicine, and their taste is bitter and astringent. Tilgner states that Oregon grape is an effective antifungal agent. It contains the alkaloid berberine, which is also found in goldenseal, a well-studied herb frequently used for infections. Berberine treats infections from bacteria, yeast and protozoa. Also similarly to goldenseal, Oregon grape stimulates and supports the immune system, which in turn arms the body with resistance to invasions such as yeast overgrowth. Oregon grape is also helpful for gastrointestinal problems, especially those associated with sluggish digestion. It triples bile secretion, which is effective against invasive microbes, and Oregon grape may especially useful where there's excess yeast in the intestine. Oregon grape may be prepared as a decoction or dry root bark liquid extract. It also available as a capsule.