Sunday, April 5, 2009

Yeast Infection and Herbal Remedies


Two of the most common of these single celled fungus is oral thrush and in the vagina (vaginitis or yeast infection). Sometimes though, this fungus is difficult to pin point. It can manifest itself as other ailments such as acne, asthma, arthritis, chronic fatigue, rashes, dizziness, headaches, muscle soreness and pain. 

Antibiotics are a major factor in Candidiasis. They not only kill the bacteria that cause infection but, the bodies' natural defenses as well. 

Birth control pills, anti-inflammatory drugs, cortisone, yeast laden foods, diet high in sugar are all major culprits in upsetting the bodies' natural balance. When candida infects the vagina, it results in vaginitis characterized by large amounts of white cheesy discharge and intense itching and burning. When the infection is in the mouth, it appears as white soars on the tongue, gums and inside of the cheeks. Candida can appear in the form of athlete's foot, jock itch and diaper rash in babies. 

Poor co-ordination, muscle weakness, swollen or painful joints, mood swings, loss of libido, infertility, depression, and unexplained tiredness can all be signs of candida. It can cause digestive and hormonal disturbances. 

Systemic Candidiasis and Albicans is an overgrowth of candida throughout the body. In the most severe cases, it can found traveling through the bloodstream and invading every organ in the system. 

Candidiasis may affect both men and women, but is rarely transmitted sexually. Very often allergies to food are present in people with candida infection. The symptoms of food allergies and environmental sensitivities can also mimic those of candidiasis. 

Doctors often take a culture or examine vaginal discharge under a microscope because not all discharges are caused by relatively harmless yeast. Anything from a forgotten tampon to life-threatening pelvic inflammatory disease can cause similar symptoms: itching and an odd-smelling discharge. 

Other causes include gardnerella vaginalis, a bacterial infection; trichomonas, a parasitic infection; and chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis. Get a professional diagnosis, if you have any doubts about your condition. 

Herbal Remedies for Treating Yeast

Black Walnut: has been shown to destroy Candida better than a commonly prescribed antifungal drug. 

Pau D'arco, an herbal remedy made from the bark of a South American jungle tree (species of Tabebuia, also known as palo de arco, lapacho, and taheebo) is often recommended for candidiasis. Pau D'arco contains an antibacterial and antifungal agent. This herb works well in tea or tincture form. 

Clove works for those when Pau D'arco does not. 

Chamomile tincture, (cold as a mouth rinse for thrush, daily) can be beneficial. 

Garlic: Those who worry about yeast in their system should consider eating raw Garlic every day; since it is a very effective antifungal agent, or use it in tincture form. This is a wonderful natural antibiotic and detoxifier which protects the body against infection by enhancing immune function. 

Grapefruit Seed Extract: for one week, has been shown to inhibit yeast growth. 

Oregon Grape Root: has been shown to inhibit Candida in various studies due to its potent ingredient, berberine. 

Aromatherapy Remedies

Aromatherapy can help speed recovery. Helpful, are essential oils of allspice, cloves, cinnamon, eucalyptus, geranium, lavender, patchouli, rosemary, tea tree, and thyme are all beneficial for this condition. 

Eucalyptus: fights bacterial and viral infections. This oil stimulates regeneration of tissue. It increases blood oxygen supplies allowing more oxygen as well as nutrients to be delivered to the cells throughout the body.

Lavender: boosts the immunity and helps destroy candida. 

Rosemary: helps fight infection, expels phlegm and assists in lymph drainage. 

Tea Tree: a cousin to eucalyptus, tea tree oil contains anti-candidal activity. Studies indicate that it may be useful in the topical treatment of superficial candida infections. 
 
Thyme: improves immunity by boosting the production of white blood cells. This oil is great for candida and yeast infectious disorders. 

Andrew Pacholyk, MS, L.Ac
Therapies for healing mind, body, spirit

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