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Some home remedies, such as sitz bath with chamomile or barbatimão, have antifungal and anti-inflammatory action, helping to treat candidiasis, an infection that is caused by the excessive proliferation of the Candida albican s fungus and that can affect the genital area, skin, mouth, or intestine, causing symptoms such as itching, redness, or burning.
In addition, the use of garlic, tea tree essential oil and coconut oil can also help fight candidiasis, as they have antifungal, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Another way to help treat candidiasis is to consume probiotic foods, such as yogurt or kefir; prebiotic foods, such as whole grains or green banana biomass; and anti-inflammatory foods, such as fresh vegetables and fruits and good fats, which help balance the intestinal flora and strengthen the immune system. See other foods that help strengthen the immune system.
Although they should not replace medical treatment, home remedies are interesting options and should be used as directed by a doctor or herbalist to complement the indicated treatment, helping to relieve the symptoms of candidiasis. Find out about other ways to treat candidiasis.
1. Sitz bath with barbatimão
A very effective, inexpensive and side-effect-free home remedy to help treat genital candidiasis is sitz bath with barbatimão, a plant rich in flavonoids, terpenes and tannins with antibacterial, antifungal and astringent action. For the sitz bath, only the bark of the stem of the tree is used.
Ingredients:
- 20 g of dried barbatimão peels;
- 1 liter of water.
Preparation method:
Boil the water with the barbatimão peels for 10 to 15 minutes. Cover and let rest until lukewarm. Strain and mix with more water to fill a bowl. After doing intimate hygiene, sit in the basin and take a sitz bath for 20 minutes once a day.
Cautions in use: Sitz bath with barbatimão should not be done by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, as there is no research on the risk of using the plant in these situations.
2. Yogurt and honey
Yogurt and honey can be used to complement the treatment indicated by the doctor for vaginal yeast infection, as they are able to relieve the itching and redness caused by the fungus, and can be consumed or applied externally.
3. Mouthwash with barbatimão
The bark of barbatimão, a medicinal plant that has potent antifungal and antibacterial action, can also be used in mouthwash to help fight oral candidiasis.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon (3g) of barbatimão peels;
- 150 ml of water.
Preparation method:
Boil the water with the barbatimão peels for 10 to 15 minutes. Turn off the heat and leave covered until cool. Strain and rinse 2 to 3 times a day.
Cautions when using: As there is no research on the risk of use in pregnant or breastfeeding women, barbatimão mouthwash should not be used in these situations.
4. Coconut oil and tea tree ointment
Coconut oil is a food rich in lauric and caprylic acid with potent antifungal and antimicrobial action, helping to fight genital candidiasis. Tea tree essential oil, also known as tea tree, is a plant with potent antibacterial and antifungal action, which reduces the proliferation of fungi, helping to treat candidiasis.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon of coconut oil;
- 2 drops of tea tree essential oil.
Preparation method:
Wash your hands well. In a bowl, mix coconut oil and tea tree essential oil with a spoon and apply to genitals once a day for up to 5 days.
5. Boric acid
Boric acid can be found in pharmacies in the form of vaginal eggs, being mainly indicated in the treatment of vaginal yeast infections. It is recommended that the boric acid egg be used according to the doctor's advice, and its use for 7 to 10 days may be recommended.
6. Sitz bath with chamomile tea
Chamomile tea has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antifungal action, being great to help in the treatment and reduce the symptoms of genital candidiasis, such as itching and burning.
Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons of dried chamomile flowers;
- 1 liter of water.
Preparation method:
Boil the water, turn off the heat and add the chamomile flowers. Cover and let rest for 10 minutes. Strain and mix with more water to fill a bowl. After doing intimate hygiene, sit in the basin and take a sitz bath for 20 minutes once a day. Another option is to rinse the intimate region once a day.
7. Propolis
Propolis is a resin rich in antioxidants with bactericidal and antifungal properties that helps to strengthen the immune system and fight against candidiasis. Discover all the beneficial properties of propolis.
ingredients:
- 20 drops of propolis extract;
- 1 tablespoon of honey.
Preparation method:
Dilute the propolis extract in honey and take it once a day for 20 to 30 days to strengthen the immune system and help fight candidiasis.
Cautions when using: Propolis extract is not indicated for people with allergies to bees, propolis or the components of the product formula. During pregnancy or breastfeeding, propolis should only be used with medical advice.
8. Sitz bath with apple cider vinegar
Vinegar is a food rich in gallic, lactic and citric acids, compounds with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, being an important option to help in the treatment of genital candidiasis.
ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar;
- 1 liter of warm water.
Preparation method:
Dilute the vinegar in warm water and transfer the mixture to a basin. After doing intimate hygiene, sit in the basin and take a sitz bath for 20 minutes once a day.
Cautions when using: apple cider vinegar should always be diluted before having contact with the skin, as it is an acidic substance that can cause irritation. this sitz bath cannot be used by pregnant women.
9. Sitz bath with baking soda
Sodium bicarbonate is a natural chemical with an alkaline pH, and can be used in sitz baths to help reduce the acidity of the vagina, which hinders the growth and proliferation of Candida fungus, and helps relieve the itching and irritation symptoms of candidiasis.
Ingredients:
- 6 tablespoons of baking soda;
- 3 liters of warm water.
Preparation method:
Dilute the bicarbonate of soda in warm water and transfer the mixture to a basin and after doing intimate hygiene, sit in the basin and do the sitz bath for 20 minutes 2 times a day until the symptoms are relieved.
10. Oregano essential oil
Oregano essential oil has potent antimicrobial and fungicidal action, being a great option to assist in the treatment of skin candidiasis, inhibiting the growth of Candida albicans.
Ingredients:
- 2 drops of oregano essential oil;
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (coconut, olive oil or almonds).
Preparation method:
In a bowl, mix the oregano essential oil with the vegetable oil well. With the skin already sanitized, apply the mixture, massaging the site.
Cautions when using: oregano essential oil is not recommended for people who have allergies to thyme, basil, mint or sage, as they may be sensitive to the oil of oregano, as the plant family is the same. Also, this oil should not be used by children, pregnant or breastfeeding women.
What to eat to treat candidiasis
To treat candidiasis, it is important to prioritize prebiotic foods, such as whole grains and garlic, and probiotics, such as yogurt, kombucha and kefir, which will strengthen the intestinal flora, fighting candidiasis. Find out about other food sources of probiotics.
In addition, you should also consume fresh vegetables and fruits, natural herbs and seeds that have potent anti-inflammatory action, strengthening the immune system. See more details on how to eat in candidiasis.
During candidiasis, it is also important to avoid all types of sweets, such as ice cream, cookies, cakes, and refined cereals, such as white bread or white pasta, as these foods cause an imbalance in the intestinal flora, which can worsen the condition. of candidiasis.
