Candida albicans is a common type of fungus, which causes yeast infections in people. It is a fungus that is found in the mouth, gastrointestinal tract, and vagina. A thrush, a diaper rash, a skin infection, or a yeast infection in women, are all caused by this particular fungus. In essence, it attacks skin and other mucous membranes.
When found in proper levels in the body, candida helps in nutrient absorption and digestion, but problems arise when their levels increase. Left untreated, it could break down the wall of the intestinal lining, and enter the bloodstream. It releases toxins into your system, causing leaky gut syndrome.
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But why does the candida levels spike in the first place? This happens when the body’s natural pH balance is out of whack, causing a systemic problem. Symptoms of an overgrowth of candida include intense itching and redness. It could affect your skin, stomach, mouth, urinary tract, or vagina. When your mouth is affected, it’s called oral thrush, and manifests as a creamy, white coating or patches in the mouth. Vaginal yeast infections cause severe itching and white discharge. If your skin is affected, it causes blisters and rashes in between folds of your skin.
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What causes candida?
A host of factors could increase your risk of a potential candida infection. Common among them include:
- Bacterial infection
- Weakened immune system
- Pregnancy
- Cancer treatments
- Diabetes
- Unchecked use of antibiotics
- Oral corticosteroids
- Birth control pills
Symptoms of candida
The most common symptoms of candida include:
- Chronic fatigue or exhaustion that you cannot explain despite getting enough rest and sleep
- Mood disorders including mood swings, irritability, anxiety, depression, and even panic attacks
- Sinus infections with congestion, seasonal allergies, persistent cough, and flu-like symptoms
- Intestinal distress with flatulence, bloating, constipation or diarrhea, stomach cramps, burping
- Recurring vaginal and urinary tract infections characterized by severe itching and redness
- Skin and nail fungal infections
- Poor memory characterized by a lack of focus, difficulty focusing on tasks, and even poor physical coordination.
Home remedies for candida
When you read through the symptoms and causes, it might seem like a serious medical condition. But it can be effectively treated using home remedies for candida. Let’s take a look:
1. Aloe vera
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Aloe vera is a rich source of several vial nutrients and antioxidants, that help combat candida infections successfully. Additionally, aloe vera contains anti-fungal, anti-viral, and anti-inflammatory properties, that make it ideal to treat candida.
Remedies
- Slice open an aloe vera leaf and scoop out the fresh gel into a clean bowl. Apply this topically on the affected areas.
- You can even make fresh aloe vera juice at home and ingest it to treat candida. Remember to NOT consume more than 2 tablespoons a day.
2. Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is an excellent ingredient which helps restore your body’s natural pH balance, which is affected when you’ve contracted a candida infection. Plus, it contains several enzymes that help regulate candida levels in your body.
Remedies
- Dip a cotton ball in raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar and apply it on the affected areas. Leave it on for 20 minutes, before rinsing it clean.
- Mix 1 cup of apple cider vinegar in your warm bath water and soak in it for about 15 minutes. Repeat this every day for a few days to see visible improvement.
- To a glass of water, add 1 tablespoon of raw apple cider vinegar and stir well. Sip it slowly before a meal. Follow this remedy every day till you see your symptoms subside.
3. Cinnamon
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Cinnamon contains anti-bacterial, anti-parasitic, and anti-fungal properties, which help combat candida infections effectively.
Remedies
- Include cinnamon in your daily dietary intake by sprinkling it on your French toast, porridge, or even on your yogurt.
- Cinnamon supplements are also known to be helpful, but consult a doctor about the proper dosage.
4. Clove oil
Clove oil contains anti-fungal properties, which help treat candida successfully.
Remedies
- Dilute 15-20 drops of clove oil in a glass of water, and stir well. Drink this twice or thrice a day for positive improvements.
- Add 10-15 drops of clove oil to 2 tablespoons of carrier oil like coconut oil or olive oil, and mix well. Apply this topically on the affected areas to find relief from candida infections.
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5. Coconut oil
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Coconut oil is another effective home remedy to treat candida infection.
Remedies
- Apply coconut oil topically on the affected areas 3-4 times a day till you notice visible improvement.
- Include virgin coconut oil in your daily dietary intake, starting with 1 teaspoon, and increasing it gradually to about 3 tablespoons a day.
6. Cranberries
Cranberries contain a certain compound that is highly effective in treating candida infections.
Remedies
- Extract juice from cranberries, and drink a glass of it 2-3 times a day to clear out the candida infection. Remember NOT to sweeten the juice.
- Ingesting cranberry supplements is also known to be helpful. But consult a doctor for the proper dosage.
7. Garlic
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Garlic contains several compounds that contain sulfur, which give it natural anti-fungal properties, thus helping combat candida infections.
Remedies
- Include garlic in your dietary intake. If you’re unable to do that, you could ingest 2-4 raw garlic cloves a day. Remember to crush them before ingesting.
- If raw garlic doesn’t appeal to you, then try ingesting garlic supplements, but only after consulting a doctor about the dosage.
- Crush a couple of raw garlic cloves and apply the resulting juice on the affected areas.
8. Lemongrass oil
Lemongrass oil contains certain compounds that are highly effective in treating candida infections.
Remedies
- Add 3-4 drops of lemongrass oil in 1 teaspoon of olive oil or coconut oil, and consume it 3-4 times a day.
- For topical application on the affected areas, add 15-30 drops of lemongrass oil to 2 tablespoons of coconut oil or olive oil, and mix well. Apply this on the infected areas.
- For vaginal yeast infection, dilute the lemongrass oil in a carrier oil as mentioned above, and put a few drops of this on a tampon, and insert it. Replace it every 6-8 hours. You can also use a sanitary napkin if you’re looking to treat external genital symptoms as well.
9. Olive leaf
Olive leaf contains anti-fungal properties, which make it ideal to treat candida infections. Also, it contains certain compounds which help stimulate the immune system.
Remedies
- To 1 cup of boiling water, add 2 teaspoons of olive leaves. Let it steep for 15 minutes, before drinking the strained liquid. Repeat this twice or thrice a day for positive improvements.
- Ingest olive leaf supplements, but only after consulting a doctor about the dosage.
10. Oregano
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Oregano possesses anti-microbial properties, that help combat candida infections.
Remedies
- Add 1 cup of boiling water over 2 teaspoon of oregano leaves. Let it steep for 10-15 minutes, before straining the liquid. Drink this oregano tea, 1-2 cups a day.
- Prepare oregano tea as mentioned above, and pour 3 cup of it into your bath water. Soak in the water for 15 minutes to find relief from candida infections.
- Add 3 drops of oregano oil to 1 tablespoon of olive oil or coconut oil and mix well. Apply this on the affected areas, leaving it to be absorbed by the skin.
11. Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil is another effective natural remedy for treating candida infections, all thanks to its anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties.
Remedies
- For oral thrush – add 5-6 drops of tea tree oil to 1 cup of water and stir well. Gargle using this for a few minutes, twice every day till the infection clears. Do NOT swallow the solution.
- For vaginal yeast infection – add several drops of tea tree oil to a tampon and insert it. Remember to replace it every 4-6 hours till the infection clears.
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12. Yogurt
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Yogurt is rich in essential probiotics, which contains live cultures, that are helpful in treating yeast infections.
Remedies
- Include plain yogurt into your daily dietary intake.
- Dip a tampon in plain yogurt and insert it into your vagina to treat a genital yeast infection.
These are all the effective home remedies for candida, that actually work. Try these natural remedies and see the symptoms of the infection subside. However, if your symptoms start to worsen, then it’s time you visited a trained medical professional.
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