Yeast Infections
Vaginal yeast infections are commonly caused by a variety of the candida fungus, candida albicans. The remaining 10% are caused by a different species of candida. Two common ways of treating vaginal candidiasis are over-the-counter azole-based creams and boric acid suppositories. The first works on c. albicans, and the latter works on other varieties.
Why do yeast infections occur? Environment is key, as fungus loves to grow in warm, moist places. But it can't just be environment, because then we'd all be suffering from these infections all the time. Fungi, like other plants, are sensitive to changes in acidity, and as your body changes through its monthly cycle, the environment in the vagina changes. If the conditions are just right, and the spores are around, you will get an infection. A sexual partner can act as a host, reinfecting you even though you've gone through a treatment.
A holistic protocol involves making the environment unsuitable for the fungus to thrive, killing the fungi that exist, and removing the possibility of reinfection.
Step 1 -- Changing the environment
100% cotton panties are a must. Man-made materials do not breathe, and a circulation of air is necessary to make your body an unfriendly place for candida. Remember, we want to reduce warmth and moisture. Dusting the panel of your panties with cornstarch will help; cornstarch is excellent at absorbing moisture but is very gentle on the skin.
Shower every day. The more fungus you have, the more they will create their own environment. Just washing with a gentle soap will help remove candida (any vegetable glycerin based soap is appropriate; make sure there is no sodium lauryl sulfate or sodium laureth sulfate, as these are potential irritants).
Change your diet. The healthier your body is, the easier it is for your body to fight off an infection. Focus on seasonal leafy greens, cut your fat down to only extra virgin olive oil, keep proteins simple -- skinless chicken breast if you eat meat, brown rice and black beans if you are vegetarian. Try to go a month without alcohol (especially beer and wine), dairy, sugar or anything with yeast in it. The theory is that yeasts consume sugar, and by cutting out sugars, you are starving the yeast. There is no clinical support to this theory, but cutting out simple sugars is never a bad idea. Remember: lots of vegetables, whole grains, and drink your water.
Keep up on your supplements. A bioavailable multivitamin is essential, as is your daily dose of live active cultures. An acidophilus supplement (kept in the refrigerated section of your co-op or health food store) taken twice daily will help curb your infection and help to keep your body free from fungal invaders.
Step 2 -- Killing the fungi that exist
As stated at the beginning, while most yeast infections are caused by c. albicans, there are other species of candida that can cause infection. Any yeast infection should be diagnosed by your doctor to a) determine the species causing the infection and b) ensure the yeast infection is not a symptom of a larger problem. Please note that clients with suppressed immune systems (such as HIV) need to work with their doctors, as drug interactions and immune system issues are important concerns.
The following two-pronged approach is recommended:
Bath (or sitzbath if a full tub is not available):
Fill tub with hot water and THEN add oils (never add oils while water is running)
1 drop Ylang Ylang (Canana Odorata var. Genuina)
2 drops Rose (Rosa Damascena)
2 drops Sandalwood (Santalum Album)
5 drops Lavender (Lavandula Angustifolia)
Relax in bath for at least 10 minutes. Use bath every day for 2 weeks.
Suppository:
Blend, store in refrigerator, use as directed below.
4 tablespoons of plain yogurt (make sure yogurt contains live active cultures, especially acidophilus)*
5 drops New Zealand Tea Tree (Leptospermum Scoparium)**
5 drops Chamomile (either Chamaemelum Nobile or Matricaria Recutita)
5 drops Lavender (Lavandula Angustifolia)
Spread mixture on a tampon, insert vaginally and change the tampon every 6 hours. Do not use for longer than 2 weeks. Discontinue use if you experience a painful rash or the infection symptoms get worse or do not go away.
*Vegans can use soy yogurt with live active cultures or substitute with calendula-infused olive oil
**New Zealand Tea Tree is a safer substitute for the more common Australian Tea Tree. If you only have Australian Tea Tree available (Melaleuca Alternifolia), use 3 drops instead and increase Chamomile and Lavender by 1 drop.
SAFETY NOTE: Never use any essential oils while pregnant or breastfeeding, unless under the care and supervision of your doctor or midwife. All essential oils must be skin patch tested for 10 minutes in the crook of your elbow to ensure no skin sensitivities. Do not use any essential oil protocol for longer than 2 weeks.
Step 3 -- Removing the chance of reinfection
Whatever course you are pursuing to kill the fungus on your own body must also be used on your sexual partner(s). It does no good to deny yourself cheese and chocolate for a month, only to get a new infection every time you have sex.
The actions you took in step 1 to make your body inhospitable to candida also work in keeping it away. Yes, I understand how hard it is to give up wine and dessert, but after going through the rigors of yeast infection treatment and irritation, do your body a favor and learn to cut back on food items with high sugar and yeast contents.
As with all infections, keep an open dialog with your integrative physician, naturopath or midwife. Let them know if a certain regimen worked for you (or if it didn't), and don't think for a minute that a yeast infection is something you "just have to live with."
As always, I welcome questions and comments. Just click on my name in the upper right corner and email away. Wishing you good health.
Why do yeast infections occur? Environment is key, as fungus loves to grow in warm, moist places. But it can't just be environment, because then we'd all be suffering from these infections all the time. Fungi, like other plants, are sensitive to changes in acidity, and as your body changes through its monthly cycle, the environment in the vagina changes. If the conditions are just right, and the spores are around, you will get an infection. A sexual partner can act as a host, reinfecting you even though you've gone through a treatment.
A holistic protocol involves making the environment unsuitable for the fungus to thrive, killing the fungi that exist, and removing the possibility of reinfection.
Step 1 -- Changing the environment
100% cotton panties are a must. Man-made materials do not breathe, and a circulation of air is necessary to make your body an unfriendly place for candida. Remember, we want to reduce warmth and moisture. Dusting the panel of your panties with cornstarch will help; cornstarch is excellent at absorbing moisture but is very gentle on the skin.
Shower every day. The more fungus you have, the more they will create their own environment. Just washing with a gentle soap will help remove candida (any vegetable glycerin based soap is appropriate; make sure there is no sodium lauryl sulfate or sodium laureth sulfate, as these are potential irritants).
Change your diet. The healthier your body is, the easier it is for your body to fight off an infection. Focus on seasonal leafy greens, cut your fat down to only extra virgin olive oil, keep proteins simple -- skinless chicken breast if you eat meat, brown rice and black beans if you are vegetarian. Try to go a month without alcohol (especially beer and wine), dairy, sugar or anything with yeast in it. The theory is that yeasts consume sugar, and by cutting out sugars, you are starving the yeast. There is no clinical support to this theory, but cutting out simple sugars is never a bad idea. Remember: lots of vegetables, whole grains, and drink your water.
Keep up on your supplements. A bioavailable multivitamin is essential, as is your daily dose of live active cultures. An acidophilus supplement (kept in the refrigerated section of your co-op or health food store) taken twice daily will help curb your infection and help to keep your body free from fungal invaders.
Step 2 -- Killing the fungi that exist
As stated at the beginning, while most yeast infections are caused by c. albicans, there are other species of candida that can cause infection. Any yeast infection should be diagnosed by your doctor to a) determine the species causing the infection and b) ensure the yeast infection is not a symptom of a larger problem. Please note that clients with suppressed immune systems (such as HIV) need to work with their doctors, as drug interactions and immune system issues are important concerns.
The following two-pronged approach is recommended:
Bath (or sitzbath if a full tub is not available):
Fill tub with hot water and THEN add oils (never add oils while water is running)
1 drop Ylang Ylang (Canana Odorata var. Genuina)
2 drops Rose (Rosa Damascena)
2 drops Sandalwood (Santalum Album)
5 drops Lavender (Lavandula Angustifolia)
Relax in bath for at least 10 minutes. Use bath every day for 2 weeks.
Suppository:
Blend, store in refrigerator, use as directed below.
4 tablespoons of plain yogurt (make sure yogurt contains live active cultures, especially acidophilus)*
5 drops New Zealand Tea Tree (Leptospermum Scoparium)**
5 drops Chamomile (either Chamaemelum Nobile or Matricaria Recutita)
5 drops Lavender (Lavandula Angustifolia)
Spread mixture on a tampon, insert vaginally and change the tampon every 6 hours. Do not use for longer than 2 weeks. Discontinue use if you experience a painful rash or the infection symptoms get worse or do not go away.
*Vegans can use soy yogurt with live active cultures or substitute with calendula-infused olive oil
**New Zealand Tea Tree is a safer substitute for the more common Australian Tea Tree. If you only have Australian Tea Tree available (Melaleuca Alternifolia), use 3 drops instead and increase Chamomile and Lavender by 1 drop.
SAFETY NOTE: Never use any essential oils while pregnant or breastfeeding, unless under the care and supervision of your doctor or midwife. All essential oils must be skin patch tested for 10 minutes in the crook of your elbow to ensure no skin sensitivities. Do not use any essential oil protocol for longer than 2 weeks.
Step 3 -- Removing the chance of reinfection
Whatever course you are pursuing to kill the fungus on your own body must also be used on your sexual partner(s). It does no good to deny yourself cheese and chocolate for a month, only to get a new infection every time you have sex.
The actions you took in step 1 to make your body inhospitable to candida also work in keeping it away. Yes, I understand how hard it is to give up wine and dessert, but after going through the rigors of yeast infection treatment and irritation, do your body a favor and learn to cut back on food items with high sugar and yeast contents.
As with all infections, keep an open dialog with your integrative physician, naturopath or midwife. Let them know if a certain regimen worked for you (or if it didn't), and don't think for a minute that a yeast infection is something you "just have to live with."
As always, I welcome questions and comments. Just click on my name in the upper right corner and email away. Wishing you good health.
Labels: clinical discussion
posted by Liisa at
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