Ayurvedic treatment of candida growth (Candidiasis)
Candidiasis is a relatively common yeast infection these days. It occurs when growth of the naturally occurring intestinal yeast, Candida albicans, overtakes the intestinal flora’s good bacteria.
The growth of the yeast can enter the blood stream via the intestinal cycle, leading to symptoms such as weak immunity, low energy, and disturbed sleep.
In Ayurveda, Candida albicans is called krimi (parasite) and is treated as a parasitic infection.
3 types of yeast infection in Ayurveda
Vata type: The symptoms appear in the large intestine, producing gas, bloating, constipation, dry skin, insomnia, itchy ears and intense fatigue.
Pitta type: The symptoms appear in the liver and blood, and may include acne, skin irritations, rashes, irritability and diarrhoea.
Kapha type: The symptoms appear in the stomach and may include excess mucus, eczema, weight gain, chronic fatigue, psoriasis, and urinary tract infections.
Causes of Candida infection
- Improper diet – high in refined sugar and flour products
- Use of chemical medicines and antibiotics
- Environmental toxins
- Sedentary lifestyle and lack of exercise
- Weak immunity
- Use of immunosuppressant drugs
- Hormonal changes associated with perimenopause
- Endocrine disorders and obesity
Candidiasis thrives in a body with deficient digestion (agni mandhya). When weak digestive fire leaves undigested food in the small and large intestine, it putrefies and ferments creating fertile conditions for the yeast to grow and spread. When the yeast moves into the blood stream and passes to the other tissues, more symptoms appear.
Ayurvedic management of candidiasis
The allopathic approach to treating candidiasis is to kill the yeast with medications. While the symptoms may disappear for a while, they can soon come back worse than ever.
Ayurvedic medicine treats the underlying cause of candidiasis with diet and lifestyle management, cellular detox (panchakarma), herbs and spices.
Ayurvedic detox (panchakarma) for candida infection
Medicated purgation (Virechana)
Depending on the age, mind-body constitution, and strength of the person, medicated purgation (purging the intestines until completely empty) reduces the concentration of metabolic toxins in the body.
Medicated Enemas (Vasti)
Different types of medicated enemas, with either oil or herbal decoction, flush the toxins in the lower intestine. They are very effective for restoring good intestinal bacteria and flora. Medicines are chosen according to the type of candida infection.
Prevention of candidiasis
Do’s and Don’ts
- Enjoy cooked, warm, seasonal and fresh food with spices like turmeric, ginger, cumin, garlic, cardamom and cinnamon.
- Avoid cold food or drinks, left-overs, sweet, heavy foods, caffeine and carbonated beverages, fermented foods and yeast products.
See an ayurvedic doctor if you have symptoms of candidiasis
Early diagnosis and management of candidiasis is easy to cure, but left untreated, it can be stubborn and difficult to eradicate.
Ayurvedic treatment is very personal. Your physician will tailor your treatment according to your mind-body constitution and type of imbalance.
This article is written for the educational purposes. We recommend you consult one of our physicians at our Brisbane or Gold Coast clinics to treat your symptoms and prevent recurrence.
