Vaginal candidiasis, also known as thrush, is a common vaginal yeast infection affecting many women during the course of their lives. It can be treated with antifungal medications, however essential oils combined with dietary changes can offer an effective method for the treatment and prevention of vaginal candidiasis.
Vaginal candidiasis (thrush) is an overgrowth of the yeast-like fungus called Candida albicans that thrives in warm, moist places. It is more common for women to suffer from thrush; however, men can also become infected.
What causes vaginal candidiasis?
Candida overgrowth is more common in people who are in a debilitated state where the immune system is impaired or has been overwhelmed by the use of long-term medications such as antibiotics, oral contraceptives or steroids. Other predisposing factors can be can be decreased digestive secretions, dietary factors, nutrient deficiency, impaired liver function, underlying liver function, underlying disease states and altered bowel flora. You can also contract it through intercourse from an infected partner.
What are the symptoms of vaginal candidiasis?
Symptoms include intense itching or tingling, soreness, a burning sensation, a slight yeasty smell and a white curd-like discharge. It can also cause discomfort during urination as well as pain during intercourse.
How can essential oils help in the treatment of vaginal candidiasis?
Essential oils can be effectively used in conjunction with prescribed anti-fungal medications. The use of anti-fungal and antiseptic essential oils that help boost immune system as well as calm and soothe can be very effective in the treatment of thrush. The most effective essential oils for thrush that have these properties are bergamot, german chamomile, lavender, myrrh, petitgrain and tea tree.
Essential oils make an easy and effective treatment for yeast infection.
How do I use essential oils in the treatment vaginal candidiasis?
Essential oils can be applied easily as a local wash or in the bath. For a local wash, boil and cool one liter of water, adding a maximum of six drops of essential oils before applying as a local wash to the area. Alternatively add six drops of essential oils to a tepid bath and soak for as long as possible. Essential oil treatments should be administered two to three times per day.
A sitz bath is also very effective. You can buy a specially designed sitz bath from most pharmacies or simply use a bowl or bucket big enough for you to sit in. Up to six drops of essential oils can be added to every liter of warm water. This treatment can be undertaken two to three times a day while symptoms persist.
Essential oils, when used in this way, make an effective natural treatment for vaginal yeast infection.
What else can I do?
Other approaches to preventing and treating vaginal candidiasis include:
- avoiding foods that contain yeast including mushrooms, bread, vegemite, marmite, cheese, soya products, miso, beer, wine and preserved pickles and meats
- avoiding refined carbohydrates including sugar, cakes, tinned fruit, chocolate, honey and dried fruit
- eliminating citrus and acid fruits while symptoms persist including tomatoes and kiwis
- eating garlic every day
- taking B12, B6, biotin and folic acid; they help to maintain candida in a non-invasive form
- eating yoghurt containing acidophilus; it helps to restore the natural balance of the bowel and the vagina
Essential oils are an effective treatment for vaginal candidiasis
The anti-fungal and antiseptic nature of essential oils make an effective treatment for vaginal candidiasis when combined with some dietary changes.
If you're interested in other areas of women's health, you can also read treating cystitis with essential oils and diet and treating endometriosis with essential oils
Sources:
- Battaglia, Salvatore, 2007, The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy, The Healing Arts Press
- Clarke, Sue, 2008, Essential Chemistry for Aromatherapy, Elsevier Ltd
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his or her health should contact a doctor for advice.
Stephanie Holland - Stephanie graduated with a BCom in Business from Edinburgh University, Scotland in 1999. She has held variety of roles in the media ...
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