Many women experience highly uncomfortable yeast infections. Although some conventional medicines improve yeast infection symptoms, holistic medicine advocates use alternative remedies. Pau d'arco and Lactobacillus acidophilus are two common supplements used to treat yeast infections. However, before taking these products, discuss your symptoms with a physician to ensure the treatment is safe for you.
Yeast Infections
Yeast infections occur when candida yeast proliferate in the vagina. Although these microorganisms naturally live in the vagina and intestines, candida overgrowth causes discomfort. Symptoms of yeast infections include vaginal itching or burning, redness, swelling, vaginal pain and a thick, white discharge. Alternative medicinal remedies may restore a balance of microorganisms, alleviating your symptoms.
Pau D'Arco
Pau d'arco is an herbal supplement made from the tree Tabebuia avellanedae. In the laboratory, chemicals in Pau d'arco called naphthoquinones kill microorganisms, inhibit tumor growth and reduce inflammation, but no human studies confirm these results. Alternative medicine advocates believe these anti-microbial properties make Pau d'arco an effective treatment for yeast infections.
Pau d'arco supplements commonly come in the form of tea, liquid bark extract, capsules or tinctures. Taking 300 to 500 mg daily in capsule form or 1/8- to 1/4-tsp. of Pau d'arco tincture may be an effective dose to treat yeast infections. The University of Maryland Medical Center says that no evidence suggests that Pau d'arco is an effective yeast infection treatment, so you should talk to your doctor before taking the supplement.
L. Acidophilus
L. acidophilus bacteria produce toxins that kill infection-causing yeast. Taking an L. acidophilus supplement may improve yeast infection symptoms because it reduces the vaginal yeast population. Scientific evidence for this use of L. acidophilus is mixed, and large clinical trials are needed to determine whether it is effective. Some women insert L. acidophilus capsules or tablets into the vagina or take 1 to 2 billion colony-forming units of the bacteria in oral supplement form.
Considerations
Taking Pau d'arco or L. acidophilus to treat a yeast infection could cause health problems. Possible side effects of taking Pau d'arco include nausea, diarrhea, anemia, dizziness, vomiting and bleeding. Common side effects of L. acidophilus are abdominal pain, bloating and gas. If you experience side effects when taking herbal supplements or probiotics to treat a yeast infection, stop taking the supplement and see a doctor.
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