Remedies for Candidiasis

Lifestyle changes

candida occurs naturally in healthy human beings, therefore when candidiasis occurs it is only because there has been a shift in the body’s biological balance. Factors contributing to a disruption of the balance are: an unhealthy lifestyle, stress, excessive consumption of food loaded with sugar and refined carbohydrates.
The constant use of antibiotic medication, cortisone and contraceptive medication are also contributors.
To prevent the occurrence of candidiasis, and keep candida under control, incorporate a balanced diet into your lifestyle and exclude certain foods that are loaded with simple sugars and refined carbohydrates, from it. This will create an environment within your body that will not promote the overgrowth of the candida fungus.
A diet aimed at controlling candida and preventing candidiasis would include the following food:

• Chicken
• Fish
• Meat
• Rye bread (no yeast or wheat)
• Rice cakes
• Sunflower/ olive oil
• Rice, potato or rye flour
• Corn or soy flour
• All vegetables fresh or frozen–no canned vegetables.
• Oats
• Cornmeal
• Dairy and cheese
• Potatoes
• Brown rice
• Onions and garlic
• Home made popcorn
• Herbal teas etc.

Foods to avoid include

• Anything with yeast
• Pickled, smoked or processed meat or fish including cold meats, and vacuum packed foods
• Breads
• White flour or pastry flour
• Gluten flour
• Flake cereals
• Semolina
• Cream of wheat
• White pasta
• All types of vinegar and vinegar products
• Fermented or processed cheese
• All forms of alcohol
• Honey and other natural sweeteners
• Mushrooms
• Peanuts, peanut butter and pistachio
• All teas and coffee except herbal teas
• All fruit juices etc.

Herbal Remedies for Candidiasis

• Aloe; use fresh aloe juice to boost white blood cells; white blood cells kill yeast cells.
• Cinnamon; use a cinnamon decoction to treat thrush; hold it in the mouth for a few moments then spit it out.
• Garlic; if used liberally in meals, garlic will provide anti fungal properties.
• Lavender; use for skin infections–add to bath water or apply topically.
• Olive leaf; take capsules or tinctures–provides powerful antimicrobial properties.
• Peppermint Oil; anti fungal when used as an infusion. Oil is available in capsules.
• Pau D’ Arco; antibiotic with anti fungal properties used internally to boost immune system.
• Echinacea; used to stimulate macrophages which kill yeast cells.

Yeast Infection Cure

A vaginal yeast infection is usually caused by a fungus called Candida albicans which is normally found in small amounts in the vagina. The acidic environment in the vagina helps the growth of this fungus. It is when the acidic level drops down due a variety of factors ranging from menstruation, intake of antibiotics, steroids, and diabetes, that the fungus start multiplying and cause a vaginal infection. Improper personal hygiene too is a primary cause of vaginal yeast infection. It is rarely a serious condition but can be very uncomfortable.

Home Remedies for Treating Yeast Infection

Vaginal yeast infection can either be cured orally or by vaginal insertion. Most of these home remedies have been tried and tested for their efficacy. You can usually cure yourself in the privacy of your home without the need to visit your gynecologist.

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is a known natural antifungal. Pour a few drops of undiluted tea tree oil on a tampon and insert into vagina. Do this morning and night. A couple of days should be sufficient.

Garlic

Make a paste of garlic pods and apply to skin around the vagina. It may burn a bit, but is very effective. This paste can be used for yeast infection in other parts of the body too. Another way to use garlic for the cure of vaginal yeast infection is to cut a few garlic pods fine and wrap it in cheesecloth. Insert into vagina for about 20 minutes leaving part of cheesecloth hanging out for easy removal.

Yogurt

Dip a tampon in yogurt and insert in vagina. Do this twice a day, once in the morning and at night till symptoms go away. Another way is to take a tablespoon of yogurt and inset into vagina. This is best done at night just before going to bed. Regular douching with yogurt has proved effective

Honey

This is probably the stickiest and uncomfortable way of curing vaginal yeast infection, but it is said to work wonders. Take half a cup of honey into the bathroom. Pour a liberal amount of honey on all affected portions, while sitting on the toilet seat. Be seated this way for about 20 minutes. After this you can have a bath with warm water. Dry the vaginal area thoroughly using super absorbent paper. You will feel much better. Do this twice a day, morning and just before going to bed at night.

Vinegar

Vinegar is renowned for its antibacterial and antifungal properties. Fill a bathtub with warm water mixed with 1 cup of vinegar. Soak in this bath solution for about 20 minutes. Dry the vaginal area thoroughly using super absorbent paper. Any vinegar will do, but the best results have been found using apple cider vinegar.

Yeast Infection Cure

Herbal Remedies for Menopause

The following list includes some herbal remedies to combat menopause.

1. Effective herbal remedies involve the use of plants that cool the system; plants that nourish or increase oxygen utilization in the liver; and plants rich in phytosterols.
2. Chaste berry (Vitex) is known to increase progesterone levels and lower estrogen levels which helps to keep the bones and walls of the vagina strong. Chaste berry can regulate hot flashes and dizziness. Take chaste berry daily to help with menopausal symptoms.
3. Black cohosh is used for the relief of menstrual cramps and menopause. Black cohosh has been confirmed as a treatment for dysmenorrhea and menopause, hot flashes, depression and vaginal atrophy. The plant is known to have a significant estrogenic effect. Eighty milligrams per day of black cohosh extract should be taken in divided doses.
4. Essential oils such as basil or thyme may ease hot flashes when inhaled or used in a bath or foot rub or mixed with massage oil.
5. Licorice has estrogenic effects and is successfully used to treat menopausal symptoms. Alfalfa and red clover also contain phytoestrogens. Hot flashes can be controlled with the regular use of one or more of these herbs.
6. Lingams, which are a component of fiber, also act as phytoestrogens. Lingams are found in flax, whole grains, legumes and some vegetables.
7. Dong quai is said to improve the use of oxygen in the liver and can help to balance hormones in menopausal women as well as reduce hot flashes. It can be taken as a tea extract or as capsules.
8. Vitamins A and E, as well as aloe vera and calendula can help in reducing dryness in the vagina.
9. St. John’s Wort is one of the menopause natural remedies that can counter act moodiness and irritability.

It is recommended that you consult your personal doctor before using any herbal remedies for menopause, especially if you are taking prescribed medications.