Garlic has been used as a culinary spice and medicinally for thousands of years. Today, garlic continues to be used for a wide variety of conditions, including heart disease, cancer, and fungal infections such as yeast, or Candida. To date, no studies have been conducted specifically to determine the effectiveness of garlic against yeast infections in humans. So consult with your doctor before using garlic for a yeast infection.
About Yeast Infections
Candida, commonly called yeast, is a fungus that lives all over, including inside your body. If you are sick or taking antibiotics, your immune system is weakened and Candida can cause an infection. Yeast infections can occur in various parts of your body including your mouth, esophagus, vagina, skin and bloodstream. Avoiding foods containing yeast and mold, including bread and cheese, and taking anti-fungal supplements are some self-care activities that may help to prevent yeast infections.
Function
Garlic contains an odorless substance called alliin, which is converted to allicin when you chew or crush the garlic. Allicin is the main active substance that gives garlic its aroma and medicinal effects. According to a report published in the journal "Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy" in 2005, the effects of garlic against Candida have been demonstrated in test tube studies and attributed to the action of allicin.
Preparations and Dosing
Allicin is not absorbed well when taken by mouth, so garlic is fermented, or aged, to enhance the absorption of allicin. Aging garlic also makes it odorless. However, aging decreases the amount of allicin, so these supplements contain varying amounts. Garlic supplements should contain 0.6 percent allicin for maximum effectiveness, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. You can take 600 to 1,200 mg of aged garlic extract daily in divided doses.
Effectiveness
Laboratory studies have supported the anti-fungal activity of garlic against yeast. One study, published in the "International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents" in 1999, showed that yeasts were completely killed within one hour of exposure to garlic. This study also showed that garlic had greater effects against Candida than the anti-fungal medicine nystatin.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Garlic
- National Institutes of Health: Yeast Infections
- Palo Alto Medical Foundation: Chronic Candidiasis
- "Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy": Effects of fresh garlic extract on Candida albicans biofilms; JA Shuford, et al; January 2005
- National Institutes of Health: Garlic
- "International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents": Anti-microbial activity of spices; DS Arora, et al; August 1999
