Ayurvedic Remedies To Treat Candidiasis

Candidiasis

Candidiasis is a yeast infection. Candida albicans is the most common Candida species that can cause infection in humans. Candida normally lives on the skin and inside the body, in places such as the mouth, throat, gut, and vagina, without causing any problems. Candida can cause infections if it grows out of control or if it enters the bloodstream or internal organs such as the kidney, heart, or brain. Candida is a naturally occurring microorganism in the vaginal area. Lactobacillus bacterium regulates its growth. However, if there is an imbalance in your system, these bacteria will not function properly. This causes an overgrowth of yeast, which causes the symptoms of vaginal yeast infections.

Candida albicans is known as Krimi (parasite) in Ayurveda and is treated as a parasitic infection. It is also known as Agnimandya or poor digestion. As a result, the body accumulates toxins or Ama, which is also known as the byproduct of undigested food. These become entangled in the alimentary canal and eventually affect the entire body. The body does not receive proper nourishment as a result of ama accumulation, and this ama is also absorbed into subtle channels of the body, resulting in toxicity. This ama accumulates in the small and large intestines, causing the normal flora to ferment and change its normal composition, resulting in Candidiasis. As a result, Ayurveda seeks to restore balance through Ayurvedic treatments, diet, lifestyle changes, and herbal medication.

Symptoms Of Candidiasis

The symptoms of Candidiasis are the following:

• Itching.
• Swelling.
• Redness.
• Rashes.
• Burning Sensations.
• Depression and Anger.
• Allergies.
• Fungal Growth on Nails.
• Joint Pain.
• Sleep Disorders.
• Over Skin Folds.

Causes Of Candida Infection

Some species of Candida can cause infection in people; the most common is Candida albicans.

The other causes are:

• Improper diet. .
• such as high in refined sugar and flour products.
• Tight clothing.
• Unhygienic Conditions. .
• Use of chemical medicines and antibiotics.
• Environmental toxins.
• Sedentary lifestyle and lack of exercise.
• Weak immunity.
• Hormonal changes associated with perimenopause.

Types Of Candidiasis

Based on the part of the body affected, it is classified into 4 types. They are as follow:

• Oral Candidiasis

  It happens when a yeast infection develops inside your mouth. It commonly occurs in children.

• Diaper Rash

  Diaper rash is a common form of inflamed skin that appears in the form of bright red skin on your baby's bottom.

• Genital Candidiasis

  Infection on the genital area is called genital candidiasis. It is also called vaginal yeast infection. It is a condition characterized by burning, itching, redness, and a white discharge from the vagina.

• Invasive Candidiasis

  Invasive candidiasis is a serious infection caused by Candida that can affect the blood, heart, brain, eyes, bones, and other parts of the body.

There are several types of candidiasis based on the part of the body affected. They are Oral Candidiasis, Diaper Rash, Genital Candidiasis and Invasive Candidiasis.

Types Of Yeast Infection In Ayurveda

There are 3 types of yeast infection in Ayurveda such as:

• Vata type

  It is caused by Vata dosha in which the patient has affected symptoms that appear in the large intestine, producing gas, bloating, constipation, dry skin, insomnia, itchy ears, and intense fatigue.

• Pitta type

  In pitta type infection the symptoms appear in the liver and blood, and that leads to acne, skin irritations, rashes, irritability, and diarrhea.

• Kapha type

  The symptoms appear in the stomach and may include excess mucus, eczema, weight gain, chronic fatigue, psoriasis, and urinary tract infections.

According to Ayurveda, three types of Yeast infection affected in the human body are Vata, Pitta, and Kapha type candidiasis.

Ayurvedic Detox (panchakarma) For Candida Infection

If you are infected with candida it releases a large number of toxic substances in the body which can cause candidiasis. So it is important to eliminate these toxins from the body. Ayurveda recommends panchakarma detoxification therapies to detoxify to eliminate those chemical substances. The main Panchakarma treatment for candidiasis are :

• Virechana

  Virechana therapy is a medicated purgation therapy that cleanses the Pitta and purifies the blood by removing toxins from the body. Medicated purgation reduces the concentration of metabolic toxins in the body, depending on age, mind-body constitution, and strength.

• Vasti

  In Vasti treatment, medicated liquids and oils pass through the anus or vaginal canal, and this method is effective for expelling body toxins. They are very effective at restoring healthy intestinal bacteria and flora. Ayurvedic experts choose medicines for treatment based on the type of candida infection.

Along with these treatments, some of the Ayurvedic formulations like Pippali Rasayana and Triphala Rasayana are very powerful to cure Candidiasis. Pippali Rasayana enables regulation of digestive fire and Triphala Rasayana has powerful antioxidant properties. So it purifies srothas or subtle channels and energizes all tissue components of the body.

Preventive Measures

Some of the preventive measures to control candida infection are:

• Practice good hygiene.
• Wear the right clothes.
• Avoid scented sprays and bath products.
• Keep the vagina clean and dry. .
• Avoid certain medications when possible.
• Maintain a proper diet, sleep, and exercise.

Pathya And Apathya (Dos And Don’ts)

Ayurveda suggests following these pathya like eating cooked, warm, seasonal, and fresh food with spices like turmeric, ginger, cumin, garlic, cardamom, and cinnamon to reduce the chronic effect of candidiasis.

Apathya, as prescribed by Ayurveda for the treatment of Candidiasis, is the avoidance of cold food or drinks, left-over foods, sweet, heavy foods, caffeine and carbonated beverages, fermented foods, and yeast products.

LifeStyle Modifications

Lifestyle changes recommended by Ayurveda for Candida infection are:

• Avoid physical and mental stress that leads to the production of aggravated Candida.
• Take good sleep and rest because these two things help to eliminate Candida. .
• Regularize some Practice regular exercise and yoga. They are essential for relaxation and stress relief. It also helps in building a healthy immune system.
• Avoid allergens and immune weakening products, these can lead to fungal infection.

Through Ayurvedic treatments like panchakarma therapy, consuming Pippali Rasayana, and Triphala Rasayana, we can heal the infection caused by candida fungi. Along these treatments follow Ayurvedic diet and Lifestyle medications, these provide good relief from candidiasis.

Herbal Remedies To Cure Candidiasis

Useful herbs to cure candidiasis are:

• Garlic (Allium cepa)

  Garlic can also be consumed raw or within your food to promote good bacteria and prevent the growth of Candida albicans yeast.

• Asafoetida

  Asafoetida is used as a flavoring agent in food and acts as a natural component showing significant antifungal activity. So it effectively treats candidiasis.

• Triphala

  Triphala is an excellent immune-boosting Ayurvedic formulation. It contains anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties. The antioxidant activities in Triphala reduce free radicals and also help to reduce and prevent toxic accumulation. So it is a powerful herb against candida infections of the mouth, gum, and teeth.

• Ginger

  Dried ginger powder is an effective ayurvedic herb for candida. It contains anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and digestive stimulant properties. So it effectively treats Kapha dosha caused by a candida infection.

• Turmeric

  Turmeric is well-known for its antifungal activity. So it fights against infections like candidiasis. Turmeric has a strong anti-inflammatory effect on the immune system.

• Neem

  Due to its antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral properties Neem can fight vaginal infections. Neem leaves can kill fungal pathogens including Aspergillus, Candida albicans, etc. For getting good relief from vaginal infections take a handful of neem leaves and boil them in a cup of water, strain, and cool.

• Asparagus

  Asparagus has antifungal activity. So it effectively treats candida infections.

• Ashwagandha

  It possesses antimicrobial activities and acts as an immune-boosting herb. Thus it treats fungal infections like candidiasis.

• Guduchi

  It is an effective herb for stimulating the immune system. It is considered a good remedy to treat candidiasis because it has the power to detoxify the body.

• Olive Leaf Extract

  It contains antimicrobial and antibacterial properties. So it is used as an effective herb for candida infections.

The Ayurvedic herbs used for the treatment of Candidiasis are garlic, ginger, turmeric, neem, ashwagandha, Guduchi, asparagus, Asafoetida, Triphala, and olive leaf extract. These herbs provide strength and immunity to the patient who has affected candidiasis.

Conclusion

All the information related to Candidiasis is based on various Ayurvedic resources. Always prefer the advice of an Ayurvedic doctor before self-medication.