CANDIDIASIS
BENEFICIAL HERBS
Alternate among several of the following herbs to get all of their medicinal benefits.
- Echinacea has immune-enhancing properties that have shown good results in general infectious conditions such as candidiasis.
- Pau d’arco tea (also known as lapacho or taheebo) has antimicrobial properties and has been popular in the treatment of intestinal candidiasis and vaginal candidiasis (topically and internally).
- Tea tree oil may aid in the treatment of vaginal candidiasis due to its anti-fungal and antiseptic properties. Daily vaginal douches containing 1 quart water with a 0.4 % concentration of tree tea oil can be used. Caution: Tea tree oil should be used topically only, oral ingestion is not recommended.
- Mathake’ (tropical almond) has powerful anti-fungal properties and has been reported to have shown strong activity against candidiasis.
- Other herbs that may aid in the treatment of candidiasis include Clove tea, turmeric, and cinnamon. Caution: Do not use cinnamon in large quantities during pregnancy.
DIETARY RECOMMENDATIONS
- Eat yogurt that contains the active cultures of lactobacillus acidophilus. Eat 8 ounces of yogurt at least three times a week to maintain an effective level of lactobacillus. Lactobacillus acidophilus is also available in capsule form available in health food stores. Take one capsule daily. Frozen yogurt does not have the same effect.
In some cases, herbal products can interact negatively with other medications. Such interactions can be dangerous. Herbal remedies are not regulated and their quality is not controlled. Moreover, while there is an abundant supply of information circulating about herbs, not much of it has been scientifically proven. Consult your physician. Informing your doctor and pharmacist of what herbal products you are using is just as important as letting them know what drugs you are taking. Your physician and the pharmacist on duty at your pharmacy can assist you in deciding which herbs
are safe.