Herbs for a Candida Cleanse
or How to Successfully Say, “Cheerio Candida!”
Candida is one of those ailments mostly caused by our modern lifestyle and diet. It is a fungal infection that has the ability to turn septic before you even know it’s becoming a problem. It’s also very difficult for modern medicine to cope with as so many of the strains are becoming resistant to the commercial anti fungal medicines available, both over the counter and prescription.
The most serious of these infections, and a very rapidly spreading one, is Candida Auris. This is mostly picked up in hospitals! The biggest problem with it is that because it is mostly spread in a hospital setting, it is constantly exposed to antibiotics, anti fungals, disinfectants, etc., and has become very, very resistant to any and all commercial treatments. Another problem is that it has morphed so that it is incredibly difficult to diagnose early on via lab tests, and because the early symptoms are usually so vague that diagnosing simply through the symptoms is, well, challenging to say the least.
There is some good news though! Plants have been fighting fungi for a very, very long time, and have become very adept at not only identifying them, but finding ways of fighting them that are extremely effective. Basically they’ve been fighting for their lives against fungi for as long as we know of their existence, and they’ve been, most of those times, winning that war! Fungi adapt to overcome the plants, plants overcome those adaptations to fight fungi, fungi adapt, plants adapt, fungi adapt, plants adapt, over and over for thousands of years. There are plants growing near you, or easy to find in your market that are very effective at helping us overcome even the most stubborn of our fungal infections. If we are willing to help these plants along in their fight to overcome these invaders by adapting our lifestyle to provide a less hospitable environment for them, then we, along with the plants God planted to help us in the battle, then we can almost always ensure a victory in this arena!
Ways for us to set the stage for a successful outcome:
1. Improving our diet!
I know, this is one of those things we get tired of hearing, just like “hydrate, hydrate, hydrate”, BUT, it really is one of the best defensive, as well as offensive, things we can do to set the stage for a successful outcome.
First, during a candida cleanse you need to avoid ALL: alcohol, sugar, processed foods, fermented foods (yes, this includes most pickles, although non fermented pickles are fine as long as they don’t include sugar and a lot of other preservatives), grains, yeasts, cereals, breads, dairy, mushrooms, potatoes (except for yams or sweet potatoes, but, consume these in moderation only!), and fruit juices!
Consume in smaller, LIMITED amounts: fruits, sweet potatoes, yams and carrots.
There are a lot of people who say that eating the fermented foods are good to eat during this kind of cleanse, however they tend to trigger a worsening of symptoms in many, many people, so it is best to just avoid them all together while you are battling any yeast overgrowth, especially one of the Candidas.
2. Herbs to help in this battle include:
Dandelion leaf and root. These will not really help with killing off the Candida, but, they are full of insoluble fiber that will help feed the good bacteria in your gut if you EAT them, A tea won’t do you much good as when you strain your tea, you strain out the fiber! By feeding the good bacteria, you are helping them to multiply and as their numbers grow, they can help squeeze out the bad bacteria as they will populate most of the gut walls, leaving nowhere safe for the bad bacteria to hide and thrive,
We already know that around these parts there are two species of dandelion: the True Dandelion Taraxacum officinale and Texas False Dandelion Pyrrhopappus pauciflorus. Usually there are many differences in the properties of and uses for plants of different genus, but, in this case (as in the case of certain others such as the Mallow/Althea/Malva bunch) they can be used interchangeably. Some argue that while the False one works like the True one, the true one is stronger medicinally, while others claim they can tell no difference in the strength of their actions. There is a difference in their flavor though. The true dandelion seems to be a little bit more bitter than the false dandelion, but, they’re still pretty close in the taste category too. So, in conclusion? Use whichever you can find around you and feel free to mix them if you want to. (Remember, if the center is all yellow it’s the true variety, while the false variety will have some darker areas in their centers.)
Bee Balm(s) Monarda spp In this case the Monarda fistulosa is preferred internally to the rest of our Monarda species as it has the strongest action against candida specifically, however, any of the local bee balms will work in a pinch, and all seem to be equally effective when used externally as well. ( This is a Red Flowered native AKA Bergamot --- not the same as what they call bergamot essential oil – they are two entirely different plants! The one they make the oil from is a small fruit tree known as Bergamot Orange {Citrus Bergamia}, this one we are talking about here is a plant belonging to the mint family). Honestly, I don’t know why it works so well, but, I’m sure if you look it up there will be some sort of chemical analysis that will explain how and why it works so well. Personally, knowing from a lot of first hand feedback from people I have recommended it to about how well it works and how much relief they get, quite rapidly I might add, from using a poultice of these plants on external outbreaks of candida is enough for me. It’s like putting Baking Powder in your cornbread just because it turns out light and fluffy if you do, and thick and dense when you don’t. You don’t have to understand the chemistry, all you have to do is see and taste the results!
NOTE: These are not known to be safe during pregnancy or lactation.
Dosage: A standard cup of tea 2 or 3 times a day. As a tincture, add a dropperful to a little water of juice and drink 2 or 3 times a day. As an external application, the most effective method I’ve found is to toss a couple of handfuls of Bee Balm into a pot of boiling water. Remove from heat and cover. Allow to cool at least to the point that it won’t burn you. Dip a dishtowel or some other cloth into the resulting tea mixture, wring it out to damp, but not dripping too much. Apply to affected area and kick back and wait for the relief to set in! This mixture may be refrigerated and used cold on a particularly hot day too. It won’t be long before the itching and pain disappear and the redness, swelling and any ooziness will begin to clear. You can do this as often as you want as long as you give the skin a little time in the open air occasionally at least long enough to dry out a bit.
Garlic Allium sativum Garlic is good for any and everything it seems. In this case you would be relying on it’s anti inflammatory properties to relieve symptoms, as well as it’s powerful anti fungal properties. Besides all that it is also a good general antibiotic to help with any secondary infections that often accompany a bad yeast infection.
Goldenrod Solidago spp Among it’s many other properties, Goldenrod has anti-fungal properties that are pretty effective against Candida especially. You can take it internally or use it in a lotion topically as well.
Black Walnut Hulls Juglans Nigra One of the best all around anti-fungal there is in my opinion, the green hulls of the black walnut tree can be used internally or externally, however, you need to keep in mind that it WILL stain the skin. The leaves and / or bark may also be used, but, the hulls are much stronger.
NOTE: Do not take during pregnancy nor lactation. If you have a nut allergy, start slow and build up.
I have never see it cause a problem in someone with a nut allergy, however, nut allergies
have become much more prominent and serious over the past few years, so, it’s probably just a
good idea to approach cautiously. Black Walnut Hulls should never be used internally
over the long term. Studies show it MAY increase the risk of developing lip and tongue cancers, so
just use it for short terms only (2-3 weeks at a time.). External use does not seem to pose any such
risk. Avoid use if you are taking many pharmaceuticals, especially other antifungal, immunosuppressant , anticoagulant, antibiotic or sedative meds.
Dosage: Tincture: 1/4-1 tsp two to three times daily. Powdered dried hulls: 1-2 tsp twice daily
Coconut Oil Known to contain somewhat high amounts of Caprylic Acid which has been proven effective in fighting at least most of the candida infections out there. Take it internally any way you can get it down. Preferably consume with food.
Oregano Origanum vulgare Usually taken in the form of an extract, Some advise oregano oil, but, it can often be much tougher on the gut causing more discomfort than it can solve, so I always use the extract myself. Take it with food to avoid stomach upset. Oregano, and to a lesser extent Thyme, attacks Candida on at least 3 levels causing disruptions and breaking down it’s defenses against the body’s own natural defense systems.
Note: Not safe in medicinal doses during pregnancy. Safety during lactation unknown.
Don’t combine with any pharmaceuticals without checking with your Pharmacist or Doctor first.
Dosage: 1/4-1 tsp of tincture 2 times daily. Or 2-3 cups of standard tea daily.
Any of the Berberine Plants: ie. Oregon Grape, Goldenseal, Barberry, etc. mainly Mahonia spp
Berberine, first and foremost supports gut health, but, it also makes it harder for candida to attach to the gut lining and it disrupts energy production within the fungal cells. This one, while it is definitely NOT one of the better tasting herbs, should be taken in powder form for maximum benefit. Capsules work, but a powder dissolved in juice or water and swallowed works even better. Tincture may help some, but, will not even come anywhere close to the effectiveness of the powdered herb.
Note: Not recommended during pregnancy nor lactation because there’s not enough research to let us
know just how safe or unsafe it might be in those situations, It has been shown to pass through
Mama’s milk, but, the concentration and effect on the baby is not well documented.
Also, Berberine has been shown to lower blood sugar temporarily, so it’s not recommended that
you take it if you are taking drugs for diabetes.
Dosage: About 1 rounded tsp. Twice daily.
These are in no way the only herbal antifungals that will work against Candida and other strains of yeast infections. It is recommended that you always combine at least two or three herbs together to increase the ‘kill power’ of the individual herbs. You may even combine 5 or 6 if you wish. The main thing is, no matter which herbs you choose, nor how many you mix, you will never be completely successful in completely bringing these fungi under complete control if you do not control the conditions that make their overgrowth easy. Change that diet! Never take antibiotics unless they are necessary! Should antibiotics be necessary, be sure to add PLENTY of probiotic, and prebiotic, foods to your plate, and stay away from those carbs, simple carbs especially, but limit the complex carbs as well!
C. Shaw
Liability Disclaimer
The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider or licensed physician before using any herbal remedies, supplements, or alternative treatments, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, have a pre-existing medical condition, or are taking any medications.
Herbal remedies can interact with prescription drugs, cause allergic reactions, or have side effects that vary from person to person. The author and this blog do not claim that any herbs, recipes, or practices discussed will prevent, treat, or cure any disease or health condition.
All content is based on traditional use, general knowledge, and/or personal experience. Results are not guaranteed. The author and this website assume no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions, or for any damage or injury (including but not limited to direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, or punitive damages) that may result from the use or misuse of any information presented here.
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