Yeast infections are caused by a prolific fungus called candida albicans. Candida can be found in mucous membranes and the digestive tract. Overgrowth of Candida albicans causes not only yeast infections but also other conditions, such as thrush. Yeast infections may result from a weak immune system, during pregnancy or after taking prescription antibiotics. Certain foods and herbs may discourage candida growth and help alleviate infection. Talk to your health-care provider before trying herbal remedies.
Probiotics
Probiotics are defined as live organisms that promote health benefits within their host. Examples of healthy bacteria include Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Lactobacillus acidophilus. These friendly flora can be found in yogurt and other cultured dairy products. Natural health practitioners have recommended probiotics to control vaginal yeast infections for years. Now scientific evidence is emerging that supports their use in the treatment of Candida albicans. One study from "Letters of Applied Microbiology" in 2009 showed that Lactobacillus rhamnosus was effective in treating vaginal yeast infections when combined with conventional treatment. Another study found in the "Journal of the American College of Nutrition" from 2001 showed that the same bacterium appears to enhance immune responses and may be useful as a natural immunity booster. Talk to your doctor about including probiotics in your diet.
Echinacea
Echinacea, or purple coneflower, is a perennial herb native to North America. It was used by Native American healers to treat a variety of infections and help heal wounds. Herbalists recommend echinacea for the common cold, sinusitis, hay fever, athletes foot and vaginal yeast infections. While there are no scientific studies to date that show echinacea to specifically treat candidiasis, several studies have shown that it helps boost the immune system and may help the body fight infection naturally. In a 1993 study published in the "International Journal of Immunopharmacology," researchers discovered that extracts of echinacea effectively restored natural resistance to candida and other pathogens in laboratory mice. Consult a health-care practitioner for appropriate use of echinacea.
Garlic
Garlic is a versatile plant valued by chefs and herbalists alike. As a medicine, it need not be dried or taken in extract form as with most herbs but can simply be consumed fresh. It is naturally antioxidant, anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal. Herbalists use garlic to treat anything from the common cold to heart disease and cancer. Because of its anti-fungal properties, it is also sometimes recommended for vaginal yeast infections. In a 2010 study from "Medical Mycology," researchers determined that diallyl sulphide and diallyl disulphide, active chemicals in garlic, significantly inhibited the growth of Candida albicans in laboratory tests. While more testing is warranted, they concluded that garlic may be considered in the treatment of yeast infections. Talk to your doctor before using garlic for medicinal purposes.
Goldenseal
Goldenseal is a flowering herb found throughout North America, and like its wildflower cousin, echinacea, has natural antibiotic and immune-boosting properties. It is often combined with echinacea in over-the-counter cold remedies. Herbalists use goldenseal specifically for skin problems such as eczema, but it has also been investigated in the treatment of yeast infections, especially those that are resistant to conventional treatment methods. In a study published in the "Bio-organic and Medicinal Chemistry Letters" in 2010, researchers reported that isolated extracts of goldenseal, called berberines, had potent anti-fungal effects against several pathogens, including Candida albicans. These findings were demonstrated in laboratory mice, and further studies are needed. Check with your medical doctor about using goldenseal to treat stubborn yeast infections.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Yeast Infection
- "Letters in Applied Microbiology"; Improved Treatment of Vulvovaginal Candidiasis with Fluconazole Plus Probiotic Lactobacillus Rhamnosus; R. Martinez, et al; March 2009
- "Journal of the American College of Nutrition"; Systemic Immunity-enhancing Effects in Healthy Subjects Following Dietary Consumption of the Lactic Acid Bacterium Lactobacillus Rhamnosus; Y. Sheih, et al; April 2001
- "International Journal of Immunopharmacology"; Polysaccharides Isolated from Plant Cell Cultures of Echinacea Purpurea Enhance the Resistance of Immunosuppressed Mice Against Systemic Infections with Candida Albicans and Listeria Monocytogenes; C. Steinmuller, et al; July 1993
- "Medical Mycology"; Effect of Garlic-derived Allyl Sulphides on Morphogenesis and Hydrolytic Enzyme Secretion in Candida Albicans.; S Yousef, et al; December 2010
- "Bioorganic and Medicinal Chemistry Letters"; Synthesis and Antifungal Activity of a Novel Series of 13-(4-isopropylbenzyl)berberine Derivatives; K. Park, et al; November 2010
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