Women may be more susceptible to vaginal yeast infections if they are pregnant or have diabetes. The use of antibiotics, use of birth control pills, or frequent douching also can promote yeast infections. Antibiotics can be used as part of a holistic program to treat yeast infections, however remember that the continuous use of antibiotics or sulfa drugs will only perpetuate the problem. Use the antibiotics to destroy the bacteria and provide fast relief, then use natural herbal remedies to rebuild the system and restore healthy vaginal flora to prevent recurrence of the condition.

Black Walnut
Black walnut
is a popular herbal remedy for infections

Candidiasis is an infection caused by species of Candida fungi, especially Candida albicans. The two strong antifungal herbs that are most often mentioned first in treating candidiasis and yeast infections are Black Walnut, and pau d'arco.In one study, fresh black walnut husks killed Candida yeast better that commonly prescribed antifungal medications. Extracts of the whole pau d'arco appear to work best to fight yeast and fungal infections. ³ A more common household herb, whole cinnamon, taken in tea or tincture form, is also an effective treatment for yeast infections that are resistant to treatment. ⁵

Using Aromatherapy

Use gentle oils like lavender, chamomile, and Bergamot for vaginal infections. These oils are antibacterial, antifungal and effective in treatment of bladder infections and vaginitis. ¹

Herbs Used for Candida/Yeast Infection

Alfalfa * Bergamot * Black Walnut * Caraway * Chamomile * Cinnamon * Echinacea * Garlic * Lavender * Licorice * Passion Flower * Pau D' Arco * Tea Tree * Turmeric *

Barberry For: Yeast Infections, Candida albicans
Profile	Yeast infection. Berberine exerts a threefold action against yeast infections, including yeast mastitis. It has a direct antibiotic effect on Candida albicans. It also inhibits bacterial infections, which, when treated with antibiotics, lead to the overgrowth of Candida albicans. Finally, it stimulates blood flow to the spleen, which releases compounds to stimulate the immune system. Berberine is particularly effective in activating macrophages, the immune cells that attack yeast infections. Phyllis A. Balch, Prescription for Herbal Healing (2002)

Bergamot For: Bladder infections and vaginitis
Profile	Bergamot is antibacterial, and effective in treatment of bladder infections and vaginitis used in a sitz bath. Marlene Ericksen, Healing with Aromatherapy (2000)

Black Walnut For: Candida yeast
Profile	In one study, fresh black walnut husks killed Candida yeast better that commonly prescribed anti-fungal medications. James Duke, The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook (2000)

Calendula For: Thrush, conjunctivitis
Profile	A compress is useful to treat varicose veins and chilblains, while a cold infusion may be used as an eyewash for conjunctivitis. Marigolds are also antifungal and so can help to cure thrush (Candida albicans) Richard Mabey, The New Age Herbalist (1988)

Caraway oil For: Candida infections/Digestive Aid
Profile	Caraway oil is strongly fungicidal and effective (particularly against bacterial and candida infections). Caraway cuts down on intestinal gas -the seeds have been considered good digestive aids since ancient Egyptian times. James Duke, The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook (2000)

Chamomile For: Vaginitis, yeast infections
Profile	Chamomile is an excellent healing agent in douche formulas and sitz baths Rosemary Gladstar, Herbal Healing for Women (1993)

Echinacea For: Yeast Infections, Candida albicans
Profile	Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and yeast infection. E. purpurea acts against Candida albicans, the microorganism that causes most yeast infections. In German studies, echinacea acted by stimulating the immune-system cells known as macrophages to engulf and consume yeast cells, but did not increase the numbers of immune cells overall. The advantage of keeping the number of macrophages constant is that it helps to avoid inflammatory reactions that can accompany infection. Echinacea is useful for people with chronic fatigue syndrome because yeast infections often cause or accompany symptoms of this disorder. Phyllis A. Balch, Prescription for Herbal Healing (2002)

Lavender tea For: Leucorrhoea
Profile	A strong infusion of lavender used as a douche is effective for leucorrhoea Richard Mabey, The New Age Herbalist (1988)

Pau d'arco For: Yeast and fungal infections
Profile	Extracts of the whole herb do appear to fight yeast and fungal infections, and early investigations displayed some promise against malignancies.. bottom line is that pau d'arco seems to be more promising for fungal infections than malignant cancers. James Duke, The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook (2000)

Candida/Yeast Infection Information

• Menopause :
  Herbs containing or acting like estrogen may provide some of the benefits of estrogen in relieving menopausal symptoms.
• Pregnancy :
  The herbs used for pregnancy are the same herbs that have been used by midwives for centuries.
• PMS :
  The effects of PMS range from mild to devastating an include edema,depression, tension, cramps, cravings, and more.
• Women's Tonics :
  A healthy, functioning liver is an important part of hormone production and hormonal balance is an important factor in PMS, menopause, regulating menses, and maintaining a healthy libido.
• Dysmenorrhea :
  A painful period can range from a dull ache to a violent cramp. When we are in a fragile emotional state, menstrual pain can be even more severe.
• Menorrhagia :
  Heavy menstrual bleeding, clotting or irregular bleeding are come under the heading of menorrhagia.
• Osteoporosis :
  Although osteoporosis can affect both men and women, it is more prevalent in women, especially women who have gone through menopause and have lower levels of bone protecting estrogen in their bodies.
• Amenorrhea :
  Herbs that bring on menstrual flow when there is delayed menstruation --for whatever reason--are known as emmenagogues.
• Childbirth :
  These herbs can be used in the last few days of pregnancy to help open the womb and ensure an easier childbirth.