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Essential Oils and Candida Albicans

Essential Oils and Candida Albicans




Candida albicans is a yeast found in various parts of the body, and it is part of the normal flora. Candida can be found in the mouth, throat, intestinal tract, and the genital tract. Candida is normally in balance with other bacteria and fungi in the body, but occasionally the balance of the bowel flora is interrupted. Interrupted balance of the bowel flora can cause the fungi to move through the blood to other areas of the body. Now different symptoms occur.


Symptoms
The mouth and the vagina are two areas where various symptoms can be found. When Candida appears in the mouth it is called thrush and can be recognized by white sores on the gums, inside the cheeks, and on the tongue. When Candida is found in the vaginal region it is called vaginitis, or it may also be called thrush. White discharge and itching are the most common symptoms. Untreated Candida may lead to fungal infections, cystitis, poor memory, and depression. It may also cause food intolerance, diarrhea, bloating and constipation. When treating Candida it is important to consider a change in diet, as well as natural remedies since yeast thrive in certain environments. 

It is important to consider the various symptoms associated with the condition since they require different methods of administration. Essential oils with  anti-fungal, antiseptic, and immune stimulants are the most suitable oils to use. It is also important to consider the digestive and psychological concerns. Candida can cause depression and digestive concerns as well. 


Essential Oil Properties
Anti-fungal oils will destruct and suppress the growth of fungi, while antiseptic oils will prevent and counteract the growth of microorganisms. The immune stimulant oils inhibit the microorganisms as well as stimulate the immune system. If digestive discomforts such as diarrhea, constipation and bloating are a problem I would consider carminative and antispasmodic oils as well. Carminative oils will stimulate the peristalsis and assist in reducing gas. Since many antispasmodics have astringent properties as well as calming the nervous system, antispasmodics will reduce spasms and contractions and therefore may be beneficial in diarrhea. Hepatic oils are also important in order to enhance liver function. They strengthen the liver and assist in increasing the flow of bile.


Lemon
is a powerful antiseptic, antimicrobial and immune stimulant oil gentle enough for oral administration such as gargle and mouthwash.

Lavender
has immune stimulant, antimicrobial and antiseptic actions at the same time as it soothes the mind. It is a non - toxic oil with powerful actions and gentle enough for oral administration such as mouthwash and gargle too.

Tea tree, 
Melaleuca alternifolia has shown remarkable activity both in vitro and as well as in vivo against Candida albicans. Tea tree is an immune stimulant and a  powerful antimicrobial oil. The oil is  safe enough to use for oral administration such as a mouthwash or gargle.

According to Battaglia, for oral thrush, 2 drops of tea tree can be added to warm water and used as a gargle and mouthwash after meal.

For vaginitis, douche and vaginal slides seems to be the most effective even though a sitz bath can be used. For a vaginal slide 15 drops of essential oils can be added to 100 grams of acidophilus yogurt and added to a tampon. For a sitz bath, fill the bath tub with enough water to cover the hips up to the waist only. Add 5 drops of essential oil per quart of water and mix well.

Valerie Ann Worwood suggests the following blend for Candida:

German Chamomile 5 drops
Lavender 5 drops
Tea tree 5 drops

Add the oils to about 100 grams of acidophilus yogurt and mix well. Use a tampon applicator to get the mixture in to the body. She also says the yogurt can be diluted with warm purified water until a thin fluid, add the essential oils and used as a douche.

Roman Chamomile 
has antifungal, antiseptic and sedative properties. Chamomile may assist in stopping the overgrowth of yeast, at the same time as it soothes the mind with its sedative properties. 

Bergamot
has antiseptic, antifungal and nervine properties. It also has an affinity with the urinary system. It is also an uplifting oil, and may assist in stabilizing the emotions and ease tension.

Bergamot and Roman Chamomile are gentle enough to be used on the delicate mucus membranes of the vagina.

Lavender, bergamot and chamomile can be used in a stomach massage. They may alleviate digestive discomfort and depression due to their sedative, carminative, antispasmodic, hepatic, immune stimulant and antimicrobial actions. An uplifting oil such as bergamot can be used in an oil burner or in a bath.


Dietary Consideration
Dietary considerations are important. Avoid food that cause allergies and this includes dairy and wheat. Grain, potatoes, eggplants, salted food, and tomatoes should be avoided. Avoid all refined carbohydrates and yeast containing food such as fermented beverages, beer, yeast bread, moldy cheeses and so on. 

One clove garlic and one teaspoon of olive oil can be taken daily. Foods that can be eaten freely include fish, vegetables, poultry and meat. Natural yogurt, raw garlic, and rye bisquits are fine to eat. Vitamin C, E, A, and B-Complex are known to be beneficial for Candida. Digestive enzymes, Probiotic supplements and zinc should also be considered. 



Before you leave:

I recommend that you always perform a skin patch test when you try a new oil.


Check out my safety page to make sure you are aware of any contrindications before you use essential oils. Some oils are not suitable when suffering from certain conditions. Also, Read this Before You Start Using Essential oils. Some oils should not be applied prior to sun exposure so make sure you check this list before spending time in the sun.

Not sure how to apply the oils? Visit these pages to learn how to apply the oils:
If you're new to essential oils you might want to check out my Getting Started Guide. 

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Johanna is an aromatherapist and she is passionate about educating people about health, essential oils, real food, natural remedies, and nutrition so they make healthier choices in their lives. 

Follow Johanna on twitter and facebook for more health tips and information.






11:22 AM | Read more...
Cleaning with Essential Oils

Cleaning with Essential Oils



It is much safer to use essential oils when you clean than harsh chemicals. Essential oils can be used as a deodorizer to clean the air, as disinfectants for surfaces, for laundry and much more.  

 Most essential oils are antiseptic and bactericides, which will inhibit bacterial growth. Some oils are also antifungal and antiviral so they are also good for you at the same time. Not only do they assist in cleaning your house but they may also boost your immune system. I always use oils that stimulate the immune system when I clean during flu season. Luckily the best bacteria busters are also among the strongest immune stimulants. I wrote a post on oils for the immune system a while back, Essential Oils for the Respiratory and the Immune System


My favorites
My favorite single oils are cinnamon, clove, lemon, eucalyptus, lavender, thyme and pine. Tea tree is another favorite of mine which is a relatively inexpensive oil readily available at most places. However, my children prefer that I use other oils since they don't like the smell of tea tree. We have discovered that Manuka oil is much more pleasant oil to use.
 


Pick your Favorite
It is nothing more refreshing in springtime than using  refreshing essential oils. Lime, lemon, geranium, bergamot, grapefruit, rosemary and lavender are great oils for the lighter and warmer time of the year. They make a perfect room spray to disinfect the stuffy house after winter. For a more floral blend consider neroli. If your want a romantic touch to your bedroom you can add ylang ylang, jasmine, and  rose . These oils are pricy but very potent so a little goes a long way. 
In winter when I feel more cold I like to use more warming oils like nutmeg, orange, cinnamon, frankincense and cypress. I add oils like rosemary, thyme or eucalyptus if the flu goes around. There are no rules about what oils to use and it is all about personal preference. What works for one might not work for the other. 

Spring and Summer Room Spray
Lemon 10 drops
Geranium 4 drops
Sandalwood 2 drops
Add the oils  2 1/2 cups of water and put in a spray bottle. Remember to shake before spraying. Or make your own blend, lavender and geranium make a good match, you can also add citrus oils with lavender and geranium for a great spring mix. The great thing about a room spray is that it can be used to disinfect surfaces also and even used to deodorize the carpet. You want to test on a small piece in the corner first to make sure it doesn't stain.
Here is another spray you can use for kitchens and bathrooms
1 quart of water
rosemary 2 drops
lemon 4 drops
eucalyptus 3 drops
lavender 4 drops
Mix the oils with the water and add to a spray bottle.

 Essential oils can be used all over the house. You can add 25 drops of eucalyptus to the laundry to fight dust mites, research has shown that eucalyptus kills dust mites.  Add 10 drops of  essential oils like tea tree, lemon, bergamot and lavender, to a damp  wash cloth and use in the dryer instead of the softening sheets. It will not prevent static but at least add a pleasant smell.

Use one of two drops of lemon juice on stains. Let it sit for a while and rub it off with a clean cloth or throw it in the laundry. I like to add different oils to my dusting rag for a pleasant smell when I dust. I also add oils to my sponges and rags in the kitchen.

Easy Floor Cleaner
Add 1/2 cup of vinegar
A bucket of water
2-10 drops of lemon, pine, tea tree (melaleuca), spruce or Purification essential oil blend
Household Cleaner
Fill a spray bottle with water
Add a squirt of Dr.Bronner's Liquid Castile Soap, or liquid dish soap
Add 5 drops each of lemon, lavender and pine essential oils
shake well

or add

lime 5 drops
bergamot 3 drops
lavender 2 drops
orange 1 drop

Another Cleaner
1/2 cup of vinegar
1 cup of water
1/2 teaspoon liquid soap like Dr.Bronner's
Add to a spray bottle.
Add the one of the blends above. Spray on surfaces and wipe with a damp sponge.
Window Cleaners
1 quart spray bottle
1 cup white vinegar
10-15 drops of lemon
water
Mix the vinegar and water, add the lemon essential oil. Shake before using.

Dishwashing Liquid
1/2 teaspoon essential oil like lemon, orange or lavender
3/4 quarter filled 22 oz squeeze bottle with un-scented castile soap like Dr.Bronner's Soap
Shake well, and fill up to the top of the bottle with distilled water.

There are of course many other ways you can incorporate essential oils into your daily cleaning. Be creative and try new blends or ways. Read more about the oils on my aromatherapy blog.
Thanks for visiting!

 


Johanna is an aromatherapist and she is passionate about educating people about health, essential oils, real food, natural remedies, and nutrition so they make healthier choices in their lives. 

10:04 AM | Read more...