In our society, we are more apt to medicate an individual when there is a health condition than to use natural treatment methods. Medication is not something that should be avoided. In fact, for many serious health conditions, medication is significant in providing the individual a positive life experience. In those situations when the condition is not serious and there are options, natural treatment can offer significant benefits. Candida is a health condition that can benefit from a natural treatment regimen.

Candida is a health condition that is characterized by an overgrowth of yeast. The treatment for the condition varies depending on the location of the yeast overgrowth. Symptoms of an overgrowth of Candida can exist both internally and externally. The following natural treatments are known to provide significant benefit in treating Candida overgrowth.

Garlic

Garlic is a super food that has gotten a bad rap because of its naturally pungent aroma. If you suffer with a yeast infection, garlic should become a close friend because it contains two sulfur compounds (allicin and alliin) that have been found to be a powerful destroyer of yeast overgrowths. Consuming fresh garlic (about 1000 mg) on a daily basis is recommended to kill the infectious organisms. If you prefer to forego adding fresh garlic to your diet, there are numerous garlic extracts available at your local grocery or health food store.

Probiotics

When you have a yeast infection, restoring balance to your system is just as important as killing the organism. Restoring balance essentially means introducing healthy bacteria into your system. The best way to accomplish this goal is to consume "live" bacteria, such as Acidophilus. This supplement contains lactobaccilus acidophilus, which are healthy bacteria. Lactobaccilus rhamnosus and lactobaccilus plantarum are other beneficial probiotics. The amount of probiotics that you should consume depends on the depth of your infection. You can also obtain the benefits of probiotics by consuming at least of eight ounces of yogurt that contains every day. Just make sure the label on the yogurt states that it contains a probiotic, such as those previously mentioned.

Caprylic Acid

Yeast infections are very responsive to anti-fungal medications. However, many of these compounds typically kill of healthy bacteria. Caprylic Acid is a fatty acid extract that is discriminate in its attack of fungus. When you take a Caprylic Acid tablet on a daily basis, you can rest assure that the healthy bacteria in your system will remain intact.

Natural Treatments for External Symptoms

The most common external symptom of Candida overgrowth is a rash that is red and itchy. You may also experience blisters. These external symptoms of yeast overgrowth may develop anywhere on your body, including under the armpits and on the stomach and breasts. The most common homeopathic treatments of these external symptoms include Calendula cream, Tea Tree Oil, and Lavender Essential Oil. These compounds relieve itching, heal the skin, and sooth any inflammation. The recommended usage for each treatment is listed below:

Calendula Cream: Apply directly to affected area (external only) 2-5 times daily

Tea Tree Oil: Apply directly to the skin several times each day. If irritation occurs, apply less often.

Lavender Essential Oil: In a tub of warm water, add several drops (no more than 10) of the oil and relax in the water for at least 15 minutes.

Hopefully these tips will help you on your way to feeling better and beating down the candida and yeast.