Many common ailments are caused by the Candida albicans fungus. Diaper rash, thrush, a skin infection or a yeast infection in women — all are due to an overgrowth of the yeast fungus.

Though not a serious condition, it’s important to treat a Candida infection as soon as you notice symptoms. In addition to minimizing discomfort, early treatment will reduce the risk of the infection spreading and your susceptibility to more serious conditions.

Candida is normally present on your skin and in your mouth and gastrointestinal tract without causing any harm. In women, it is also present in the vagina.

• When it affects the mouth, it is called an oral thrush and is characterized by a creamy, white coating or patches in the mouth.
• On the skin, it leads to rashes and blisters, especially on skin folds.
• Vaginal yeast infections cause itching and a white, cottage cheese-like discharge.

A variety of factors can increase your risk of developing a Candida infection, such as a weakened immune system, a bacterial infection, prolonged use of antibiotics, birth control pills, and pregnancy.

People who have diabetes also tend to be more prone to this problem. Moreover, the Candida fungi thrive in warm, moist areas.

Chronic Candida infections can cause issues like fatigue, lightheadedness, irritability, and poor memory. Whether you are dealing with a single instance of the infection or chronic reoccurrence, several simple home remedies can help you treat it and relieve symptoms.

Here are the top 10 home remedies for Candida.

1. Garlic

Garlic has a number of sulfur-containing compounds that give it natural antifungal properties that help fight Candida infections.

• It’s a good idea to include garlic in your regular diet due to its many health benefits. You can have two to four raw garlic cloves a day. Crushing the cloves first helps release their beneficial properties.
• If you do not like the taste of garlic, you can take garlic supplements. The dosage usually depends on the severity of the condition, but the general recommendation is 600 to 900 mg daily.
• You can also apply raw, crushed garlic cloves on the affected area.

2. Coconut Oil

 Coconut oil works as an effective remedy for candidiasis due to its medium-chain fatty acids like lauric, caprylic and capric acid.

Studies show that these saturated fats have antimicrobial properties that help kill Candida fungi without leading to the development of strains of Candida that are more resistant to other antifungal treatments.

• Apply coconut oil topically to the affected area three or four times a day until you see improvement.
• You can also include it in your daily diet. Start with one teaspoon of organic virgin coconut oil daily, gradually increasing the dosage to up to three tablespoons per day.

3. Yogurt

The probiotics present in yogurt, especially yogurt with live cultures, are helpful in fighting off candidiasis or yeast infection. The Lactobacillus acidophilus culture, in particular, keeps Candida yeast in check by producing lactic acid.

• Make plain yogurt with live lactobacillus acidophilus part of your daily diet.
• To treat a vaginal yeast infection, you can apply it by inserting a tampon dipped in yogurt. Do this two times a day until the infection clears.

4. Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is another effective natural cure for candidiasis as it has antifungal and antibacterial properties.

• For vaginal yeast infection, put several drops of tea tree oil on a tampon and insert it. Replace it every four to six hours.
• For oral thrush, add five to seven drops of pure tea tree oil to a cup of water and gargle with it for a few minutes twice daily until the infection clears. Do not swallow the solution.

5. Oil of Oregano

Oregano oil contains a compound called carvacrol that has been found to inhibit the growth of Candida yeast. Scientific studies also found that the oil’s antifungal and antimicrobial agents can be effective in treating as well as preventing candidiasis.

• Mix three drops of oregano oil with one tablespoon of olive oil. Apply it to the affected area and leave it on for a few hours. Do this daily until you see improvement.
• Alternatively, mix three drops of oregano oil in a glass of water. Drink it twice daily for a few days to a week.
• If you are taking oregano oil capsules, take one or two capsules twice a day after meals. Continue the treatment for two to three months.

When purchasing oil of oregano, look for a product that does not contain alcohol and has a high level of carvacrol.

6. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is also considered beneficial for treating Candida infections as it helps restore your body’s natural pH balance.

It is also rich in enzymes that help regulate the presence of Candida. It creates an unfavorable environment for the fungi and encourages healthy gut bacteria to balance the flora in your intestinal tract.

• Add one tablespoon of organic raw apple cider vinegar to a glass of water. Sip it slowly before a meal. Do this daily until symptoms subside. Symptoms may worsen during the first few days due to the yeast dying off, but you will notice improvement after that.
• You can also apply apple cider vinegar on the affected area or mix one cup of it in warm bath water and soak in the bath for about 15 minutes. Do this daily for a few days.
• STEVE RAMSEY , PHD – PUBLIC HEALTH
• CALGARY – ALBERTA