Candidiasis
This chronic fungal infection, linked to the Candida albicans yeast,
can exist in many different tissues, from vaginal mucus membranes
(the ‘classic’ yeast infection) to the oral cavity and
esophagus (thrush), to the lining of the GI tract (this last case
can become severely life-threatening if acute; herbalism can address
sub-clinical conditions very well). It can sap nutrients and vitality,
as well as putting a strain on the overall immunity and physiology.
If it is already deep-seated, it can be difficult to diagnose: often,
one can suspect candidiasis if there has been a long-term history
of antibiotic use, frequent vaginal yeast infections, or ulcerations
and complications in the lower GI tract.
This protocol should be tried for 1 month, at which point it can
be slowly phased out if improvement is noticed.
Treatment Goal(s):
· Eliminate the fungal infection, enhance immunity, tonify
physiology.
Primary Treatment:
· Eliminate all sugars, refined or otherwise, from the diet
· Administer extract or whole-food, raw preparations of Allium
sativum (Garlic), up to 1 head daily or its equivalent.
· Administer extracts of Juglans nigra (Black Walnut), up
to 2 ml 3 times daily.
· Administer decoctions of Tabebuia (Pau d’Arco, Lapacho),
1 quart daily.
· Administer an effective live probiotic supplement (Lactobacillus
acidophilus, Bifidobacteria)
Supportive Treatment:
· Administer infusions or extracts of Calendula officinalis.
· Stimulate circulation.
· Tonify the physiology with medicinal mushrooms, Astragalus,
and adaptogens.
Differential diagnoses, cautions, and other considerations:
· If there is an ongoing external acute flare-up of Candida
infection as part of the general candidiasis picture, proceed with
the protocol for Vaginal Yeast Infections
