Candida infections are caused mainly by just a few species of fungus. Candida albicans is the most common species and often manifests in people who have compromised immune systems, unbalanced intestinal flora and fauna or poor hygiene. Candida prefers warm, moist areas of the body, such as under toenails and within the vagina, where it can transform into cheese-like yeast. Candida can spread through the bloodstream and become systemic if left unchecked, which is life-threatening. Candida can be treated with antifungal drugs, although herbal remedies, such as burdock root, can be effective without serious side effects.
Causes of Candida
Candida is an opportunistic infection that primarily preys on people with weak immune systems, according to "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine." The immune system becomes weakened by diseases, such as AIDS and cancer; medical treatments, such as radiation and chemotherapy; excessive dietary sugars and acidity; or chronic stress and lack of sleep. Long-term use of antibiotics and birth control pills can unbalance internal microorganisms and biochemistry, providing an inviting environment for Candida to flourish. Candida can also proliferate externally, such as under the armpits, the nail beds and the folds of skin, due to poor hygiene.
Symptoms of Candida
Candida presents as different forms, depending on the environment. Externally, Candida often appears as a classic fungus, which burrows into nail beds, causing destruction, or as a mold under the arms or breasts, causing discoloration, odor and irritation. Internally, Candida is more yeast-like, although it can still burrow into tissues and release toxic substances, which leads to inflammation, pain and discharge. Candida of the mouth, also called oral thrush, involves yeasty white patches inside the cheeks, on the tongue and sometimes down the throat. The raised patches are musty smelling and painful, making it difficult to chew and swallow. Candida yeast infections are much more common in women and often affect the vagina, leading to intense itching, inflammation, painful sex, burning with urination and a foul-smelling discharge, as cited in "Fungal Infection: Diagnosis and Management."
Traditional Uses of Burdock Root
Burdock is an herb found primarily in Europe and Asia, but it is also grown in the United States. The roots and seeds of about 10 varieties of burdock plants are used medicinally. Burdock root can be dried or made into fresh extracts and oils, which are more potent. Traditionally, burdock has been used to purify the bloodstream and internal organs of toxins, reduce inflammation associated with arthritis, and limit bacterial, viral and fungal infections. As an antifungal that can reduce toxins in the blood, burdock has been used as an effective herbal remedy for Candida for many years, according to "Medical Herbalism." It can be taken orally as a tea and an extract, or used vaginally as part of an antiseptic douche.
Medicinal Ingredients of Burdock Root
Burdock root is fairly nutritious as a plant and is eaten in some cultures for its iron, potassium, calcium and fiber content. The main antimicrobial agents in burdock root are called polyacetylenes, which have both antibacterial and antifungal properties, according to "Biochemistry of Human Nutrition." Other helpful substances that reduce inflammation and clean toxins from the blood include inulin, chlorogenic acid, essential oils, flavonoids, tannins and taraxosterol. Burdock root is not recommended during pregnancy because of risks of uterine contractions. It can also affect blood sugar levels by interacting with insulin, and it can intensify the effects of other diuretics. Always consult with a medical professional before embarking on any herbal remedy.
References
- "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine"; A. Fauci et al.; 2008
- "Fungal Infection: Diagnosis and Management, 3rd Edition"; Richardson and Warnock; 2003
- "Medical Herbalism: The Science Principles and Practices of Herbal Medicine"; David Hoffmann; 2003
- "Biochemistry of Human Nutrition"; George Gropper; 2000
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