Yeast is a fungus. Actually, there are many kinds of yeasts. One type is used to make bread, brew beer, and in winemaking. However, yeasts from the genus Candida are pathogenic, meaning they cause diseases.
Candida lives inside your body and once it grows out of control, you can get an infection. Candida yeast infections, also known as candidiasis, can affect numerous areas of the body, including the skin, genitals, throat, mouth, and blood.
Below are a few factors that can lead to Candida overgrowth:
- High stress levels
- High alcohol intake
- Taking antibiotics
- Taking oral contraceptives
- Diabetes
- Eating a diet high in sugar and refined carbs
- A weakened immune system
If yeast begins to mushroom out of control, it can cause weight gain, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), gas, irritability, joint pain, sugar cravings, skin and nail infection, urinary tract infection, and more.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, if Candida yeast gets into the bloodstream, it can spread throughout the body and cause fever, chills and even death.
Listed below are the herbs that can help you guard your body against this type of yeast infection. Check them out and add them into your diet.
Garlic
Garlic is a potent antifungal agent and possesses antibacterial properties which can help combat yeast overgrowth. You can sprinkle raw chopped garlic on salads or pasta. But if you can handle its taste, you can munch some raw cloves.
Oregano
Oregano oil, extracted from the leaves of oregano, has been found to contain phenols, a type of compound that can stop bacterial infections and fight fungus and Candida overgrowths. Moreover, due to oregano’s great deal of antioxidants, it can also help boost the immune system. If you have issues with yeast overgrowth, consider taking oregano oil every day.
Pau D’Arco
If you’re dealing with a weakened immune system, a potent herb known as pau d’arco is perfect for you. This is commonly consumed in the form of tea. You can prevent an overgrowth of yeast and fungal infections by simply drinking one or two cups of pau d’arco tea each day.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil has antifungal and antibacterial properties. Some women have success by making a mixture of diluted tea tree oil and warm water and rubbing their vaginal area or soaking it, using a tampon.
Black Walnut
This herb is rich in tannins and juglone which are both known to kill yeast and parasites. Due to this, it can protect your body from the weakening of blood vessel walls and increased toxicity in your bloodstream.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil has antimicrobial and antifungal properties due to its several ingredients which include capric, lauric, and caprylic acid. All of these can help the body target bad bacteria while leaving friendly bacteria alone.
Echinacea
Echinacea supports the immune system and is also great for fighting yeast infections. This tasty herb can be enjoyed as a tea or taken as a supplement.
