Stress

Stress plays a chronic role in frequent yeast infections! Chronic stress elevates cortisol levels. Cortisol levels tax the immune system and raise blood sugar levels. These blood sugar spikes allow yeast to grow (quickly). This in turn lowers immunity, leaving the body defenseless to keep fighting the infection.

Lower cortisol levels 
1. by drinking 2 cups of black tea per day. 
2. Each week, eat 3 servings of foods rich in omega 3 fats (salmon, bass…) 
3. Eat three daily servings of foods containing vitamin C (citrus fruits…)

These strategies support the adrenal glands and prevent cortisol spikes.

Herbal Remedies

Herbs including astrugalus, echinacea, hawthorn berry, peppermint, hibiscus, licorice, and ginger.have been shown effective in helping to kill Candida Albicans.

Black Walnut has been shown to destroy Candida better than a commonly prescribed anti-fungal drug.

Pau D’arco, an herbal remedy made from the bark of a South American jungle tree (species of Tabebuia, also known as palo de arco, lapacho, and taheebo) is often recommended for candidiasis. Pau D’arco contains an antibacterial and antifungal agent. This herb works well in tea or tincture form.

Clove works for those when Pau D’arco does not.

Chamomile tincture, (cold as a mouth rinse for thrush, daily) can be beneficial.

Garlic Those who worry about yeast in their system should consider eating raw Garlic every day; since it is a very effective anti-fungal agent, or use it in tincture form. This is a wonderful natural antibiotic and detoxifier which protects the body against infection by enhancing immune function.

Grapefruit Seed Extract for one week, has been shown to inhibit yeast growth.

Oregon Grape Root has been shown to inhibit Candida in various studies due to its potent ingredient, berberine. 

Herbal Combinations and Formulas

Herbal tinctures are concentrated liquid extracts of the medicinal properties of herbs. Tinctures represent one of many different ways to prepare and use herbs. The terms tincture and extract are often used interchangeably.

Shake the tincture bottle well. As a dietary supplement, place 1 to 3 droppers full ~ approximately 1 tablespoon or 40 drops, under the tongue, or in juice or water as needed, 2-3 times a day.

Shake the tincture bottle well. As a dietary supplement, place 1 to 3 droppers under the tongue, or in juice or water as needed, 2-3 times a day.

Blood Purifier: Pau D’ Arco, Red Clover, Yellow Dock, Burdock, Sarsaparilla, Dandelion, Cascara Sagrada & Buckthorn.

Immune Boost: Astragalus, Pau D’Arco, Suma, Dandelion root, Oatstraw, Kelp.

Aromatherapy Remedies

Aromatherapy can help speed recovery. Helpful, are essential oils of allspice, cloves, cinnamon, eucalyptus, geranium, lavender, patchouli, rosemary, tea tree, and thyme are all beneficial for this condition.

Eucalyptus: fights bacterial and viral infections. This oil stimulates regeneration of tissue. It increases blood oxygen supplies allowing more oxygen as well as nutrients to be delivered to the cells throughout the body.

Lavender: boosts the immunity and helps destroy candida.

Rosemary: helps fight infection, expels phlegm and assists in lymph drainage.

Tea Tree: a cousin to eucalyptus, tea tree oil contains anti-candida activity. Studies indicate that it may be useful in the topical treatment of superficial candida infections.

Thyme: improves immunity by boosting the production of white blood cells. This oil is great for candida and yeast infectious disorders.

Not a DIY (do it yourself-er) Try Andrew’s Aroma Remedy Blends:
~ 3 times a day, morning, noon and night, utilize these blends of essential oils:

Angel’s Mist Candidiasis Rub Remedy Blend

Angel’s Mist Candidiasis Massage Remedy Blend

Angel’s Mist Candidiasis Bath Remedy Blend

 Hydrotherapy

The mysterious and amazing healing power of water has been utilized for centuries. Water cleanses, refreshes and restores all life. We are always drawn to water. Be it a soothing fountain or majestic waterfall. Water is a carrier. It flows. It moves along the line of least resistance to find its way to the ocean where comes and goes in the ebb and flow of tides and waves. The appeal is inexplicable! We crave water, maybe because our bodies are made up of a large percent of it. Maybe because we instinctively know how it can heal us.  Hydrotherapy is the use of water in any form, in the treatment of dis-ease.

The Yogurt Douche: Applying (plain, sugar free) yogurt, vaginally, is one of the best ways to get the yogurt where you need it when you need it, fast. The best way to do this, as it can be a messy remedy, is to make a bathing ritual out of it. It is important to coat the labia, vulva, and the inside of the vagina with the yogurt. You can simply apply it manually with your hand or you may want to use a spatula. There is a medical devise, known as a speculum, that could do the job as well. I recommend you then relax in the bath tub for 15-20 minutes. Then be sure to wash off the yogurt after you are done, as it may also be irritating if not thoroughly washed away. You can do another application only when you need it. You will have immediate relief from the itching and burning sensation.

The ritual of this remedy, can be approached just as if you were going to take a nice soothing bath. As stress is a major trigger for yeast infection, de-stressing should be part of this ritual. You can dim the lights or have some candles lit. You can have some relaxing music or sound effects machine playing or you could just have complete silence. Sit in a DRY bath tub. Apply your yogurt, then relax. Let the yogurt work its magic while you take a time out. 

Nutritional Advise

 Andrew’s Candida Diet

Diet is the #1 way to rid the body of Candida

You must RETRAIN how you eat.

Avoid foods containing all types of yeast. This includes fermented foods such as bread made with yeast, cheese, tomato paste, mushrooms, and beer.

A common cause of yeast overgrowth is antibiotic therapy, which can kill off the “friendly” bacteria that compete with candida for food and keep it in check. If you have to take broad-spectrum antibiotics, it is a good idea to take as a supplement.

The advantage of a natural approach to fighting yeast infection, allows control over the yeast permanently and puts your immune system back on track.

Avoid foods that contain yeast or mold including all breads, muffins, cakes, baked goods, cheese, dried fruits, melons, peanuts and mushrooms. Other yeast-containing foods include: Baker’s yeast, Brewer’s yeast, Engevita, Torula, and any other types of nutritional yeast. Baked goods raised with yeast such as breads, rolls, crackers, bagels, pastries, and muffins are not permitted. Gluten-containing foods include wheat, barley, and rye. This includes products made with these ingredients such as bread and pasta.

Fruit contain natural sugar and is believed to support the growth of yeast. Fruits that are typically eliminated include fresh, frozen, canned, and dried fruit and juice.

Avoid sauces, such as mayonnaise, salad dressing, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, steak sauce, BBQ sauce, shrimp sauce, soy sauce, mustard, pickles, pickled vegetables, green olives, relishes, horseradish, mincemeat, and chili sauce.

Avoid sugars in all forms. Avoid eating a high-carbohydrate diet. No sugar, syrups, fruit drinks, soft drinks, honey, alcohol, fruit or dried fruit. Sugar promotes the growth of yeast. For the first two to three weeks, the carbohydrate intake must be restricted to less than 60 grams per day, depending on age, health, activity level, and the extent of food sensitivities.

Avoid milk and buttermilk, which are high in sugar.

Refined sugar is believed to encourage the growth of Candida yeast. Foods containing refined sugar include: white sugar, brown sugar, honey, maple syrup, corn syrup, maple sugar, molasses, date sugar, turbinado, raw sugar, demerrara, amasake, rice syrup, sorghum. Read labels carefully as there are hidden forms of sugar in many foods. When reading the label, words to watch out for include: sucrose, fructose, maltose, lactose, glycogen, glucose, mannitol, sorbitol, galactose, monosaccharides, polysaccharides.

Low-carbohydrate foods such as meat, chicken, turkey, shellfish, non-starchy vegetables, and nuts should be enjoyed instead. As symptoms subside, the carbohydrate total of the diet can be gradually increased.

Dairy products may have to be restricted. as Candida is thought to impair the body’s ability to digest fat. How much dairy one consumes may also depend on individual reactions to cow’s milk and cow’s milk products such as cheese, yogurt, buttermilk, and butter.

Avoid most cheeses. Cheeses lower in lactose may be tolerated, such as Monterey Jack, sharp white cheddar, swiss, mozzarella, Colby, provolone, and dry curd cottage cheese.

Helpful Foods for You

Consider eating foods such as lean beef, chicken, eggs, fish, yogurt, vegetables, nuts, seeds, oils. Organic skim yogurt made with live bacteria may be beneficial for some people because of the beneficial bacteria it contains.

Preventative medicine: Eating yogurt is a good way to prevent a yeast infection. Eating yogurt can help by building up and maintaining healthy levels of the acidophilus. Although it won’t necessarily help with the problem locally (that’s is why I recommend the vaginal application), eating sugar free, plain yogurt is a way it can help to prevent yeast infections from occurring in the first place.

Substitute with gluten-free grains such as millet and quinoa.

Acidophilus to reduce the possibility of yeast infections. Rebuild the colon by repopulating it with “good/friendly” bacteria.

Cleansing Smoothie with Green Powder contains Soy Protein Powder, Bee Pollen Powder, Psyllium Husks, Lecithin Powder, Chlorella, Spirulina, Klamath Blue Green Algae, Barley Grass, Wheat Grass, Alfalfa, Kelp, Acidophilus, and American Ginseng. Just add 1 tablespoon powder to your favorite juice for a delicious and nutritious high energy start to your day.

Commonly reported benefits of using our Smoothies include: 
* All day energy 
* Greater focus under stress 
* Sense of well-being 
* Strengthened immune system 
* Fewer food cravings 
* Optimum synergistic balance of essential nutrients for total health.

Increase soluble fiber One teaspoon to one tablespoon of soluble fiber containing guar gum, psyllium husks, flaxseeds or pectin and can be mixed in an 8 oz glass of water two times per day on an empty stomach.

Stevia is a natural sweetener, with no side effects that should be used instead of sugar, which adds a perfect breeding ground for yeast growth.

Detoxification is a very important element to cleansing your body to help fight off opportunistic yeast and infection.

Water should be a very important part of any nutritional program. Distilled water is best. 6-8 8 ounces per day. Water allows for the cleansing and free flow in the system.

The length of time on a Candida diet depends on the length of time one has had symptoms and the severity of the symptoms. 

Traditional Chinese Medicine

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is the oldest, continually practiced, and professionally administered health care system in the world. It is a documented medical system spanning over 2,500 years based on comprehensive philosophies, rational theories, clinically tested and empirically verified by over 100 generations of highly educated practitioners.

Chinese Medicine is a total system of internal medicine, which is comprised of a diagnostic procedure based on signs, symptoms and treatment styles including acupuncture, herbal medicine, exercise, diet and meditation. It’s foundation is based on the principles of balance; the interdependent relationship of Yin and Yang. Through this balance, health is achieved and maintained.

Acupuncture treatment for candida is an essential part of therapy. Stimulation of acupuncture points increases the production of endorphins and simultaneously activates the immune and endocrine systems.

Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine use the “Three Yellows” (San Huang San formula) plus Sophora root to treat a large variety of infections The formula, which has been in use for centuries, consists of four cleansing herbs which clear internal heat, stops itching and prevents secretions. Three of the four herbs in this formula have a yellow color, therefore, its name.

These three herbs, Rhubarb (Da Huang), Phellodendron (Huang Bai) and Skullcap (Huang Qin) -the “Three Yellows” plus Sophora root (Ku Shen), were clinical researched and found to have anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-viral qualities.  The alkaloids in Ku Shen are effective for treating yeast and vaginal infections.

Our granule formula, DermaBlend contains Rhubarb (Da Huang), Phellodendron (Huang Bai) and Skullcap (Huang Qin) -the “Three Yellows” plus Sophora root (Ku Shen), and can be made as a tea, cooled and then applied topically with a cotton ball for several applications until the skin has healed.

Traditional Chinese Medicine also recommends changes in you diet.  People who suffer from a variety of candida symptoms should avoid alcohol, spicy foods, carbohydrates and whole dairy.  Consider adding leafy green vegetables and foods that dry dampness.

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, the approach to candidiasis is to bring yeast cells under control by decreasing the source that is encouraging them to grow, and strengthen the immune system to prevent their recurrence. 

Internal Dampness

This condition is considered Internal Dampness, often with Damp Heat in the lower portion of the body (lower burner). This condition requires eliminating or reducing internal dampness. The common causes of excessive dampness include:

~ poor digestion, which allows excess moisture to remain internally.

~ Poor diet, which includes excessive consumption of cold foods, raw foods, and dairy products as these foods produce a damp internal environment.

~ Insufficient fire (Internal cold). Digestive Fire dissipates water. Without enough metabolic fire to steam off water, damp can accumulate.

Ayurveda

The principle medical system of India is known as Ayurveda and is over 5,000 years old. This “Science of Life” is considered the art of living in harmony with nature. Developed from the ancient text of The Vedas, Ayurveda views the human body as a “homunculus” of our cosmic Universe, regulated by the balance between three primordial humours, call Dosha.

Your dosha are your Ayurveda mind and body type. There are three doshas in Ayurveda: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. We each have all three of the doshas in our physiology, just in different proportions, so your dosha is unique and personal; it is like your fingerprint.

In Ayurvedic theory, yeast infections are basically due to weak immunity, caused from an imbalance in digestive fire.

Weak digestion allows impurities to accumulate. The digestive impurities aggravate lubrication creating a toxic reaction. When enzymatic changes and circulation slows, it weakens the immune system. Weak immunity allows the yeast infection to take root.

Symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, and colds can become more frequent. The Ayurvedic approach is to strengthen the immune system. Digestive impurities serve as food or fertilizer for the yeast virus. Reduce the impurities and the virus will starve.

With Ayurveda, the virus is secondary and your immunity or personal balance is primary. In India, candida infections are rare. The spicy diet helps keep the digestive fire high and digestive balance regulated.

* Avoid heavy, sweet cold foods.
* Increase warm, light, nutritious foods.
* Increase Turmeric, Pepper, Neem, Triphala, and Ginger.

Digestive Health
Geared toward the health and well-being of each individual dosha. Maintains healthy digestive acid levels and a healthy stomach lining while supporting a comfortable post-meal experience.  Consider Vata Digestion,  Pitta Digestion or Kapha Digestion formulas.

Neem
Neem has traditionally been used to purify the blood, cleanse the liver and support the immune system. It is also commonly used to support healthy skin and to maintain healthy blood glucose levels. This very famous and popular herb is found whole, in powder, pills and oil.

Color, Light and Chromotherapy

Phototherapy is the supervised use of ultraviolet (UV) light to treat skin conditions, including candida. Ultraviolet B (UVB), ultraviolet A (UVA), or a combination of UVB and UVA may be used during therapy.

Treatments are usually given 2 times a week. UVB treatment requires little time (from seconds to minutes). UVA treatment is more time-consuming (typically 20 minutes for a treatment). it seems to help about 60-70% of patients with candida that have not responded adequately to topical treatments, though it does not work for everyone. When it does work, it is not a rapid improvement like some treatments: generally 1-2 months of steady treatment is necessary to start to see improvement. Fortunately for many patients, when it does work it seems to put the candida in a quiet (remittive) state for a longer period of time, sometimes even long after the phototherapy has ended.

It is also important to avoid the UVA aspect of sunlight for EXTENDED periods of time, which is very damaging to skin, and can accelerate aging and progression towards skin cancers.  Whenever it is necessary to be out of doors, (especially in the heat of the summer) it is important to shield the body from unnecessary sun exposure. Wear cotton clothing that covers as much skin as possible. In the summertime, you can protect against overheating by wearing clothes that are loose and lightweight.

DO dress in, and expose yourself to, an abundance of cooling colors such as greens, blues, purples and whites.

Blue – is peaceful and soothing. Calming tired nerves, alleviating agony and pain we suffer from physical stress. It has a pacifying effect over our nervous system and brings us great relaxation. Cool, soothing and sedative, blue alleviates pain, reducing bleeding and heals burns. It is beneficial in the treatment of dysentery, colic, asthma, respiratory disorders, high blood pressure and skin aberrations.

Green – gives a feeling of renewal, new life, freshness, and clarity. The heart is the center of the soul and it is the heart that makes us one with our fellow man. Most importantly, it harbors love energy, the leading principle of life. Being with loved ones, family, and friends, strengthens the heart energy.

Purple or Indigo – combines the blood-warming red and the cooling antiseptic blue. It is an excellent stimulant without being an irritant. It is beneficial in the treatment of advanced stages of constipation, hydrocle, leucorrhoea, many disorders of the stomach and womb, cataract, migraine and skin disorders. It exerts a soothing effect on the eyes ears and the nervous system.

White light – is the combination of many different frequencies of visible light from all parts of the visible spectrum. The only way we can see these frequencies as separate colors is to separate them into a rainbow. Sunlight emits the full spectrum of visible light in the form of white light. Sunlight reflects off of white light.

Emotional Aspect:

There is an emotional aspect to every illness. Often times, it is the emotional thoughts or “excess emotions” that will lead to illness. The following therapies are utilized for calming the mind, help with stress relief and focuses on our mental powers over any situation. The ability to balance your emotional, mental, physical and spiritual self are exceptional tools on your healing journey.  Here are some suggestions:

Stress and Candida

It is important to remember that the skin is deeply influenced by patterns in the emotional and energetic body. Researchers at the Kent & Canterbury Hospital in England, in a five year study, discovered that more than two-thirds of the people with chronic skin problems had experienced a “major life event“, such as a serious trauma, rape, illness or death in the family, just before or occurring at the same time as their skin problems.

The fiery emotions of stress, anger, anxiety and fear are all noted triggers of both dermatological disorders and allergies (not to mention 1,000 other disorders). These more subtle influences should certainly be considered when trying to heal your skin. Unchecked emotions such as rage, envy, and judgment can manifest inflammatory skin conditions, but the general stress level should be taken into account as well.

Candida has multiple roots. Emotional Stress can trigger reactions in the body already under attack, and make issues worse. Relaxation techniques can moderate them. A person who is already suffering from the affects of a poor diet, lack of exercise, and abusive stress, will no doubt, suffer even more so, unless the get their, diet, lack of physical movement, and emotions in check.

Let it Go, Let it Go, Let it Go

By giving this fear up to the Universe to handle, you are essentially allowing yourself to release this fear, and in turn strip away any kind of meaning or significance it may have upon you. By letting go, this allows us to move to the next level in our lives. The next natural process. Often times, this is a fear in itself. The fear of “what will happen when I DO move to my next stage in life?” Let your guard down. Let it go. This is not a fear. This is a great journey. Allow yourself to follow it.

Crystal Reference

Borax: Borax, also known as sodium borate, sodium tetraborate, or disodium tetraborate, is an important boron compound, a mineral, and a salt of boric acid. Powdered borax is white, consisting of soft colorless crystals that dissolve in water.

Calcarea Carbonica: is a mineral remedy that is a form of Calcium and so works a nutritional supplement but is also useful for chronic fatigue.

Sulphur: Sulfur is a chemical element with the symbol S and atomic number 16. It is abundant, multivalent, and nonmetallic. Under normal conditions, sulfur atoms form cyclic octatomic molecules with a chemical formula S8. Elemental sulfur is a bright yellow, crystalline solid at room temperature.

These (3) three stones above can be taken as a homeopathic remedy. See, Homeopathy (this page)

The Complete Chakra Kit  stimulates the seven main energy sources which govern all the major organs and psychologically alters and clears the body’s energy in order to allow healing to take place. A great stress relieving meditation tool!

The Aura Crystal Cleanse Kit focuses on the eternal assaults that affect our first line of defense…. our aura. This fantastic set of crystals are used for healing meditation, soothing stress relief and creating a calming environment and atmosphere around you.

Peacefulmind Remedy Bags are our fantastic prescription remedies for a multi-layered approach to treating specific disorders. These very special bags are a plan of care for treating problems such as arthritis, anxiety, stress or pain – just to name a few.  These bags features 3 of the crystals for treating a disorder, a sample herbal remedy, a meditation, an essential oil blend and acu-point self-massage techniques. Also with great tips and remedies for recovery. Choose from over 80 disorders.