According to the University of South Carolina Medical School, candida albicans, a species of yeast, is found within the mouth, intestine and vagina in 40 to 80 percent of the population. When the immune system is compromised, yeast infections or candidiasis can occur, causing symptoms such as tissue inflammation, pain, swelling and a white, cheese-like discharge. Candida is treated with antifungal medications; however, some natural herbal remedies are available as well. Consult your physician before taking any herbal medication.
Pau D'Arco
Pau d'arco is an evergreen tree, native to South and Central America. The inner bark of the tree is medicinal, useful to treat conditions such as fever, inflammation, arthritis, pain, ulcers and candida, or yeast infections. Pau d'arco bark contains lapachol and beta-lapachone, two chemicals that kill some parasites, viruses, bacteria and fungi like candida. Pau d'arco is available as a tea, pill or extract and can cause side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, anemia and dizziness. It is not recommended for children. Consult your physician before taking pau d'arco, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC).
Garlic
According to Huntington College of Health Sciences, garlic is the second most popular herbal product in America. Garlic is effective to protect cardiovascular health by acting as an antioxidant. Garlic also contains antifungal properties; therefore, it can treat yeast infections. Garlic contains ajoene, a sulfur-based chemical that kills fungi like candida. Ajoene destroys the structure of yeast cells by compromising yeast protein activity, thus inhibiting yeast cell growth. Garlic is available in pill form, or you can purchase creams that contain ajoene, which can be applied topically to treat athlete's foot or vaginal yeast infections. Consult your physician before starting any herbal medication.
Echinacea
Echinacea is one of the most popular medicinal herbs in America. It is a flowering plant native to North America, and it provides relief from colds, flu and insect bites. Echinacea is also useful for the treatment of yeast infections; it enhances the effectiveness of antifungal medications prescribed for vaginal yeast infections. Echinacea promotes immune system function; therefore, it enhances the activity of white blood cells that help to combat the growth of yeast cells. Powdered echinacea root or leaves are prepared as capsules or teas and the herb is not associated with any adverse side effects; however, a physician should be consulted before taking echinacea, according to Campbell University of Pharmacy.
Cat's Claw
According to UMMC, cat's claw is a woody vine, native to South and Central America. Cat's claw can treat arthritis, inflammation, fevers and ulcers, in addition to candida. It stimulates the immune system to produce white blood cells that help the body to defend against fungal infections like candidiasis. It may interact with some medications, therefore, consult a physician before taking cat's claw.
