Candidiasis, commonly known as a yeast infection, is an inflammatory condition caused by the overgrowth of Candida, a type of fungus. This condition can affect various parts of the body, including the mouth, throat, gut, and genitals. While conventional medicine offers treatments, Ayurvedic remedies provide a holistic approach to managing and treating candidiasis by balancing the body's natural energies and boosting immunity. 

In this 2-minute read, let us know more about candidiasis, its causes, symptoms, and the best Ayurvedic remedies for complete management of the condition.

Also Read: Vaginal Yeast Infection: 5 Incredible Home Remedies To Soothe This Inflamed Condition

Treat The Different Types Of Inflammatory Candidiasis With Our Wide-Range Of Herbal Remedies!

What Is Candidiasis In Ayurveda?

Candidiasis is an infection caused by Candida fungi, primarily Candida albicans. In Ayurveda, candidiasis is seen as an imbalance in the body's Kapha and Pitta doshas, leading to an excess of ama (toxins). This imbalance results in conditions like excessive mucus (Kapha) and inflammation (Pitta), which create an environment conducive to Candida overgrowth. Poor digestion, hormonal changes, a high-sugar diet, and stress further exacerbate the condition. Ayurvedic treatment focuses on balancing the doshas, detoxifying the body, and restoring digestive health.

Also Read: Vaginal Yeast Infection: Causes, Symptoms And Treatment

What Are The Different Types Of Candidiasis?

  • Oral Candidiasis (Thrush): This type usually affects the mouth and throat.
  • Genital Candidiasis: Commonly affects the vagina in women and the glans in men.
  • Cutaneous Candidiasis: Affects the skin and nails.
  • Invasive Candidiasis: A chronic infection that ensues when Candida enters the bloodstream.

Causes of Candidiasis According to Ayurveda

  • Kapha Dosha Imbalance: Excessive mucus and water retention leading to a damp environment that promotes Candida growth.
  • Pitta Dosha Imbalance: Increased heat and inflammation causing irritation and disruption of microbial balance.
  • Ama (Toxic Accumulation): Build-up of undigested food and toxins due to weak digestion.
  • Weak Agni (Digestive Fire): Poor digestion leading to incomplete breakdown of food and formation of toxins.
  • High-Sugar Diet: Excessive consumption of sugary and refined foods that feed Candida.
  • Hormonal Changes: Fluctuations in hormones that affect dosha balance and immune function.

Ayurvedic Perspective on Candidiasis

In Ayurveda, candidiasis is viewed as a result of an imbalance in the doshas, particularly an excess of Kapha and Pitta doshas, leading to the accumulation of ama (toxins) in the body. Hence, ayurvedic treatment primarily aims to balance the dosha irregularities, detoxify the body, and fortify the immune system.

Here are five amazing ayurvedic options to treat this painful, inflammatory condition at home.

5 Best Ayurvedic Remedies To Treat Candidiasis

Turmeric (Curcuma longa)

Turmeric is known for its potent anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and immune-boosting properties. Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, helps inhibit the growth of Candida and reduces inflammation.

How to Use?

Turmeric Milk: Add 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder to a cup of warm milk. Drink this mixture twice daily.

Turmeric Paste: Make a paste of turmeric and water and apply it to the affected skin area.

Neem (Azadirachta indica)

Neem is a powerful antifungal and antibacterial herb that helps cleanse the body of toxins and pathogens. It strengthens the immune system and supports overall health.

How to Use?

Neem Leaves: Chew a few fresh neem leaves daily on an empty stomach.

Neem Oil: Apply neem oil to the affected skin area to reduce itching and inflammation.

Neem Tea: Boil neem leaves in water, strain, and drink the tea once daily.

Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis)

Aloe vera has soothing, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal properties. It helps alleviate the symptoms of candidiasis and promotes healing of the affected tissues.

How to Use:?

Aloe Vera Gel: Apply a layer of freshly scraped aloe vera gel to the affected area. Let it stay on the skin for 30 minutes before rinsing off.

Aloe Vera Juice: Drink 1/4 cup of aloe vera juice daily to detoxify the body.

Garlic (Allium sativum)

Garlic has strong antifungal and antimicrobial properties. It helps combat Candida overgrowth and supports the immune system.

How to Use?

Raw Garlic: Consume 2-3 raw garlic cloves daily. You can also crush and mix them with honey to make them more palatable.

Garlic Oil: Apply garlic oil to the affected skin area.

Triphala

Triphala is a powerful Ayurvedic formulation consisting of three fruits: Amla (Emblica officinalis), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), and Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica). It helps detoxify the body, improve digestion, and balance the doshas.

How to Use?

Triphala Powder: Mix 1 teaspoon of Triphala powder with warm water and drink it before bedtime.

Triphala Tablets: Take Triphala tablets as directed by an Ayurvedic practitioner.

Additional Tips for Managing Candidiasis According To Ayurveda

  • Balancing Doshas: Ayurvedic treatment aims to balance Kapha and Pitta doshas through dietary and lifestyle modifications, herbal remedies, and detoxification processes.
  • Detoxification: Practices like Panchakarma help eliminate ama from the body, improving overall health and resistance to infections.
  • Strengthening Agni: Enhancing digestive fire with appropriate herbs and dietary changes ensures proper digestion and assimilation of nutrients, reducing toxin formation.
  • Dietary Adjustments: Adopting a balanced diet that supports dosha balance, avoiding foods that aggravate Kapha and Pitta, and including detoxifying and immune-boosting foods.
  • Probiotics: Consume probiotic-rich foods like yogurt and fermented vegetables to restore healthy gut flora.
  • Stay Hydrated: Drink copious amounts of water to rid the body of toxins.
  • Avoid Irritants: Stay away from irritants like harsh soaps and scented products.
  • Lifestyle Changes: Maintaining good hygiene, managing stress through yoga and meditation, and ensuring adequate sleep to support immune function and overall well-being.

Conclusion

Candidiasis, or yeast infection, can be uncomfortable and persistent, but Ayurvedic remedies offer natural and effective solutions for treatment and management. By incorporating these Ayurvedic practices and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, you can achieve relief and support overall well-being. However, remember to consult with a healthcare provider or an Ayurvedic practitioner before starting any new treatment, especially if you have underlying health conditions.

(This article is reviewed by Kalyani Krishna Chief Content Editor)

Author Profile

Soumita Basu:

Soumita Basu holds a Bachelor's Degree in Pharmacy and is keenly interested in Ayurveda, home remedies, yoga, fitness, diagnostics, and beauty. With nearly 6 years of experience, she produces evidence-based health content, including articles, videos, and infographics, to provide valuable insights to her audience.

References:

1. The Effects of Nutraceuticals and Herbal Medicine on Candida albicans in Oral Candidiasis: A Comprehensive Review

Authors: Fateme Gharibpour 1, Farinaz Shirban 2, Mohammad Bagherniya 3, Mohsen Nosouhian 1, Thozhukat Sathyapalan 4, Amirhossein Sahebkar 5 6 7 8

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33861447/

2. Plants’ Natural Products as Alternative Promising Anti-Candida Drugs

Authors: Sameh Soliman,1,2 Dina Alnajdy,1 Ali A. El-Keblawy,3 Kareem A. Mosa,3,4 Ghalia Khoder,5 and Ayman M. Noreddin6,7

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5628516/