Candidiasis or yeast infection is a microbial infection that mainly affects the mouth, the vagina, the urinary tract and the skin. The infection is a result of the overgrowth of the candida albicans fungi. Yeast infection is commonly seen in women and in the mouth of new born babies who get it from their vaginally infected mothers.
Yeast infection results in appearance of white patches in the mouth, in between the fingers of hands and feet and in the vagina. The infection causes inflammation and rashes on the affected areas. Herbs can help with effective treatment of yeast infection.
Useful Herbal Remedies For Yeast Infection
Grapefruit Seed
The extract of grapefruit has revealed very powerful anti-fungal activities that can be used for eliminating infection causing yeast as well. Herbal creams are manufactured using the grapefruit seed extract and these creams are used for treating yeast infection of the nipples. There is a company that also sells grapefruit seed douches for treating yeast infection of the vagina. The douche should be prepared as per the instructions on the bottle.
Barberry
Studies have shown that barberry has anti-candida effects that can be very helpful in the treatment of yeast infection. Consumption of the herb is known to keep the intestinal tract clean by preventing overgrowth of infectious bacteria and by supporting the presence of healthy bacteria.Herbal treatment using barberry is considered at par with the strongest of antibiotics though minus the side effects of the latter. However, it is best to use raw form of barberry extract for treating yeast infection.
Ferula Hermonis
Ferula hermonis is a Mediterranean herb that is also popularly known as giant fennel. The herb has many antifungal properties that helps treat various forms of fungal and yeast infections.Studies have revealed that the oil of ferula contains many compounds that can treat yeast infection successfully. The oil extract is available in online stores and needs to be applied directly on the infected areas thrice a day.
Garlic
Garlic has very strong antimicrobial properties that have been used in the treatment of various types of infection since ages. The herb has been used in the successful treatment of yeast infections as well.To treat vaginal yeast infection consume raw garlic in large quantities. To treat the infection topically crush garlic pods and apply them directly to the infected areas. You can insert garlic suppository in the vagina every three hours to eliminate the infection causing microbes.
Tea Tree Essential Oil
Tea tree essential oil is used in many skin care and hair care products because of its medicinal properties that eliminate the fungal and bacterial growth on the body. The powerful anti-microbial effects of tea tree oil are used in the successful treatment of yeast infections as well.Herbal creams containing extracts of tea tree are used for treating yeast infection of the skin, the genitals and the mouth. Do not use undiluted form of tea tree oil directly on the skin since it can cause serious skin rashes. Mix the essential oil with few drops of any carrier oil before application.
