Cause: May result from taking antibiotics or other medications that upset the natural balance of the vaginal area.

Useful Supplements: Acidophilus, Boric Acid.

Useful Herbs: Cinnamon, Echinacea, Garlic, Pau d’Arco, Tea Tree Oil.

Further information: Yeast infections occur quite frequently in female patients. While rarer, they also can occur in men. The most obvious symptom of a yeast infection is itching and thick white discharge.
Many factors seem to trigger yeast infections. Candida albicans thrives on sugars, and in moist, closed environments. A low-fat, low-sugar diet appears to decrease the likelihood of yeast infections.¹ In addition, women who wear nylon or other synthetic material tights and underwear are three times as likely to develop yeast infections as those who wear cotton.²
Medications which alter the body’s natural chemistry are also likely to increase the occurrence of yeast infections. These include antibiotics, oral contraceptives, and steroids. Similarly, medical conditions which alter body chemistry increase the likelihood of yeast infection: pregnancy and diabetes are the most common of these.

The following supplements and herbs have been shown useful in the treatment and prevention of yeast infections:

The most effective nutritional supplement for the prevention and treatment of yeast infection is Acidophilus. Lactobacillus acidophilus are bacteria that are normally found within the vagina, and act to prevent the growth of other bacteria and fungi, including candida. Acidophilus can be found in yogurt,³ or taken as a supplement. Acidophilus can be taken with antibiotics to reduce occurrence of yeast infections.⁴

Boric acid capsules can be used as suppositories to treat yeast infection. They appear to be effective even in women who do not respond well to over-the-counter yeast infection treatments.⁵ It should not, however, be used during pregnancy.

Cinnamon oil has potent antifungal properties.⁶ It has been shown highly effective in the treatment of recurrent yeast infections.⁷

Echinacea is effective in prevention of recurrent yeast infections.⁸

Due to its antifungal activity, Garlic is an excellent treatment.⁹ Chewing whole cloves of Garlic is effective as a preventative measure, as is taking regular Garlic capsules.

Another herb recommended for yeast infections is Pau d’Arco, which has powerful anti-yeast properties.¹⁰ However, it must be taken in large quantities, and may cause unwanted side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and bleeding.¹¹ It should be used with caution and only after consultation with a health care provider.

Diluted Tea Tree Oil, applied topically, also is a useful treatment for some women. Concentrations as strong as 40% of normal strength may be used as a vaginal douche.¹²

References:

¹Horowitz BJ, Edelstein SW, Lippman L. Sugar chromatography studies in recurrent candida vulvovaginitis. J Reproduc Med 1984;29(7):441.
²Heidrich F, Berg A, Gergman R, et al. Clothing factors and vaginitis. J Fam Pract 1984;19:491–494.
³Hilton E, Isenberg HD, et al. Ingestion of yogurt containing Lactobacillus acidophilus as prophylaxis for candidal vaginitis. Ann Intern Med 1992;116:353–357.
⁴Eschenback H. Vaginal infection. Clin Ob Gyn 1983;26:186–202.
⁵Jovanovic R et al. Antifungal agents vs. boric acid for treating chornic mycotic vulvovaginitis. J Reprod Med 1977;36(8):593–597.
⁶Singh HB, Srivastava M, Singh AB, Srivastava AK. Cinnamon bark oil, a potent fungitoxicant against fungi causing respiratory tract mycoses. Allergy 1995;50:995–99.
⁷Quale JM, Landman D, Zaman MM, et al. In vitro activity of Cinnamomum zeylanicum against azole resistant and sensitive Candida species and a pilot study of cinnamon for oral candidiasis. Am J Chin Med 1996;24:103–9.
⁸Coeugniet E, Kuhnast R. Recurrent candidiasis: Adjuvant immunotherapy with different formulations of Echinacin®. Therapiewoche 1986;36:3352–8.
⁹Hughes BG, Lawson LD. Antimicrobial effects of Allium sativum L. (garlic), Allium ampeloprasum L. (elephant garlic) and Allium cepa L. (onion), garlic compounds and commercial garlic supplement products. Phytother Res 1991;5:154–8.
¹⁰Guiraud P, Steiman R, et al. Comparison of the antibacterial and antifungal activities of lapachol and beta-lapachone. Planta Med 1994;60:373–4.
¹¹Duke JA. CRC Handbook of Medicinal Herbs. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, 1985, 470–71.
¹²Pena EO. Melaleuca alternifolia oil. Uses for trichomonal vaginitis and other vaginal infections. Obstet Gynecol 1962;19:793–5.