Candida Natural Remedies and Cure

Candida is an infectious disease caused by fungus belonging to the candida species. It is also known as yeast infection and candidiasis. The fungal infection usually strike the moist areas like, skin and the mucous membrane of the body. The infection can affect different parts of the body like mouth (oral candidiasis), throat, vagina (vaginal candidiasis), esophagus and even the gastrointestinal tract. Generally, the infection results in white and slightly swollen patches of skin or the mucous membrane. It can also produce itching and irritation. Sometimes, it can also lead to serious complications in people having weak immune system, especially cancer and AIDS patients.

Causes
Candida yeasts are generally found in the intestine, and their population is controlled by the body's immune system and the other beneficial microorganisms. Sometimes certain conditions like long term use of antibiotics can reduce the number of these beneficial bacterias, which are essential for checking the growth of candida. This can lead to excessive growth of candida, and occurrence of candidiaisis. Other contributory factors include excessive consumption of diet rich in sugar, change of the pH of the digestive system, fragile immune system and intake of some medicines like steroids, oral contraceptives, anti-ulcer medicines, etc.

Natural or Herbal Remedies
Though candida infection can be usually treated with antimycotics, some natural remedies, combining both diet and supplements are also effective for curing the disease.

Some volatile or ethereal oils, like oregano oil, peppermint oil are capable of preventing the growth of fungus of the candida species. Capsules coated with enteric are available that contain these oils. Besides, some beneficial bacterias like acidophillus can also check the growth of candida fungus by acidifying the intestine. Acidophillus can also produce hydrogen peroxide that can kill the candida fungus. So, supplements of this beneficial bacteria can be effective in the treatment of candidiasis.

Caprylic acid which can be derived from coconut oil and oleic acid derived from olive oil can also show efficacy in controlling the growth of candida. Besides, soluble fibers that contain guar gum, pectin and psyllium husks can also be taken along with water by the patients of candidiasis.

You can also gargle a mixture of tea tree oil and water for curing oral candidiasis. Tea tree oil is also effective for the treatment of vaginal candidiasis. Another beneficial medicine for oral candidiasis is apple cider vinegar. It can be used for gargling by mixing with water. Yogurt, especially the one that contains lactobacillus bacteria can control the growth of candida. Garlic can also be effective for the disease as it has anti-fungal property.

Aloe Vera and echinacea are also effective in treating candidiasis as they are found to have immune stimulating effect. Cinnamon is also found to be beneficial for the patients of oral candidiasis. Lavender is effective for treating any kind of infection associated with the skin. People suffering from candidiasis can also apply it on the affected areas of the skin. Rosemary and barberries have also found to possess anti-fungal property. Rosemary leaves or the oil distilled from the leaves can be used on the affected areas of the body. Capsules containing rosemary oil are also available. Thyme oil also has anti-fungal property and hence is suitable for topical use.

In addition to medicines, a number of precautions are also required for reducing occurrence as well as severity of candidiasis. Patients with candidiasis should refrain from eating sugar rich diet, as the fungus can easily flourish on sugar. They should also avoid wearing tight clothes as this prevents the skin from drying, and thereby creates a moist environment favorable for the growth of fungus. Besides, drinking lots of water, eating bananas, yogurt, garlic and including food rich in vitamin A, B, C, zinc and iron in your diet would be of great help for controlling the outbreak as well as the severity of the disease. However, if the infection persists, it is always advisable to consult an experienced physician.