BOTANICAL MEDICINE IN THE RELIEF OF CANDIDIASIS

An intestinal overgrowth of common yeast known as Candida albicans is caused by antibiotics and/or a diet high in sugar. Normally billions of friendly bacteria in the intestinal tract help keep this yeast under control. When disruption in teh normal bacterial flora of the gut caused by antibiotics or diet occurs., it can create an environment hospitable for yeast growth. When antibiotic use became widespread it was immediately noted that candida infections increased.

HERBAL ANTI-CANDIDA FORMULA

This formula is composed of herbs with proven anti-yeast activity. Several of these herbs are common spices used in cooking. This suggests that consuming these herbs freely in the diet would also be a great benefit.

Barberry (Berberis vulgaris): The common barberry plant is a valuable antidiarrheal and anti-infective agent in folk medicine. Its therapeutic action is related to its high content of the alkaloid berberine. The antibiotic activity of berberine is well documented in the literature. It is an effective antibiotic agianst a wide range of organisms, including Staph. sp., Strep sp. , Chlamydia sp., Corynebacterium diphtheria, E.coli, Salmonella typihi, Vibrio cholerae, Diplococcus pneumonia, Giardia, and Candida albicans.

Its action on Candida albicans as well as pathogenic bacteria prevents the overgrowth of yeast that commonly follows antibiotic use. It appears to be effective in normalizing the bacterial content of the gut by acting against both disease causing bacteria and the yeast. Its activity against the yeast is quite potent.

Diarrhea is a common symptom in patients with chronic candidiasis. Berberine has shown remarkable antidiarrheal activity in even the most severe cases. It demonstrates positive clinical results in relieving diarrhea in cases of cholera amebiasis, giardiasis, and other causes of acute gastrointestinal infection (e.g. E. coli, shingella, salmonella, and klebsiella). It may also relieve the diarrhea seen in patients with chronic candidiasis.

Pao D'arco (Tabebuia): This south American tree has a long folk history in the treatment of infections and cancer. Much of its pharmacologic action is thought to result from its high content of the compound lapachol. This compound is considered among the most important anti-tumor agents from plants. Lapachol and another compound from pao d'arco, xyloidone, have demonstrated anti-candida effects.

German chamomile (matricaria chamomilla): German chamomile contains several compounds that kill candida. its folk use is in the treatment of colic, diarrhea and indigestion, all common symptoms of candida sufferers.