Home Remedies for Candida


Since lifestyle factors such as dietary habits and environmental causes can result in a candida infection, medication is rarely the solution. Many people swear by home remedies for candida yeast infections that cure symptoms and reduce the chances of a recurring infection. Some tried and tested treatments for candida overgrowth include:

  • Garlic is considered a powerful agent for treating fungal infections, boosting immunity and eliminating the body of toxins. It is recommended that you eat raw garlic every day for the best results.  
  • Herbal supplements such as Barberry, Oregon grape root, and Golden Seal contain a compound called berberine that reduces the growth of the candida organisms. However, pregnant women and those with liver conditions should avoid these herbs. Before beginning any new medical treatment of herbal remedy, it should first be cleared by your health care practitioner as some of these herbs can react adversely with your other medication.
  • Licorice root can prevent candida by reducing sugar cravings.
  • Drinking chamomile tea regularly reduces acids in the stomach and improves the balance in the digestive system. You can also try fennel tea or cardamom tea for the same results.
  • Probiotic food items such as live-culture yogurt can encourage the growth of good bacteria. However, the yogurt should be unflavored and without any sugar for this to be effective. Probiotic supplements can also be included in your daily diet in case it is not possible to consume the recommended amount of 8 ounces of yogurt a day.
  • Gargle twice or thrice a day with cold water and a few drops of tea tree oil for infections in the mouth. Ensure that you do not swallow this solution. Commercial mouthwashes should be avoided until the infection is cured as they can aggravate the condition.
  • Grapefruit seed extract can fight the proliferation of candida organisms. You may feel dizzy and tired after consuming this extract as it causes the candida to die in large numbers. This releases a toxin that can cause these symptoms. Drinking lots of water is the best way to eliminate the toxins naturally.
  • Regular colon cleansing as enemas helps in getting rid of yeast overgrowth

Frequently asked questions
References
  1. Wu Jianhua, Wen Hai, Antifungal susceptibility analysis of berberine, baicalin, eugenol and curcumin on Candida albicans, Journal of Medical Colleges of PLA, Volume 24, Issue 3, March 2009, Pages 142-147, ISSN 1000-1948, 10.1016/S1000-1948(09)60030-7.(http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1000194809600307)
  2. Guo-Xian Wei, Xin Xu, Christine D. Wu, In vitro synergism between berberine and miconazole against planktonic and biofilm Candida cultures, Archives of Oral Biology, Volume 56, Issue 6, June 2011, Pages 565-572, ISSN 0003-9969, 10.1016/j.archoralbio.2010.11.021.(http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0003996910003791)