Contents:
Definition | Causes | Symptoms | Nutrients
Herbs | Recommendations | Suggestions | Bibliography
Definition
Yeast is defined as any of several unicellular fungi of the genus Saccharomyces, which reproduce by budding. They are capable of fermenting carbohydrates.
When a fungus such as Candida Albicans multiplies in the body, particularly in the vagina, the result is a yeast infection.
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Causes
Yeast infections are a common cause of vaginitis.
Almost every woman will have a yeast infection sometime in her life, and it is common during pregnancy when the acidity and sugar content of a woman’s vaginal secretions are altered. Using oral contraceptives can also lead to the development of a yeast infection. Fungi such as Candida albicans thrive in the presence of sugar, women with diabetes will be more susceptible to yeast infections. Those taking antibiotics may develop a yeast infection since antibiotics generally destroy the “good” bacteria in the body, upsetting the vaginal environment.
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Symptoms
Symptoms include vaginal burning, itching, and discharge. The skin around the vagina may become sore and appear red.
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Nutrients
Garlic capsules,
Acidophilus, taken as directed on the label, restores normal vaginal bacterial balance.
Protein (free form amino acids), taken as directed on the label, is needed for repair of tissue.
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Herbs
- Ash, prickly
- Beautyberry
- Garlic capsules
- Goldenseal (douche)
- Marigold
- Mugwort
- Pau D’arco
- Tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia)
Recommendations
Include yogurt and soured products in the diet. Yogurt and soured products contain microorganisms called lactobacilli, normally present in the bowel and vagina, which actually destroy the fungus. Because the fungus multiplies in a sugary environment, reducing your intake of refined foods can help alleviate symptoms.
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Suggestions
Keep the vagina clean and dry. To alleviate itching, open a
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Bibliography
Back to Eden
, by Jethro Kloss; Back to Eden Publishing Co., Loma Linda, CA 92354, Original copyright 1939, revised edition 1994
The Nature Doctor: A Manual of Traditional and Complementary Medicine
, by Dr. H.C.A. Vogel; Keats Publishing, Inc., 27 Pine Street (Box 876) New Canaan, CT. 06840-0876. Copyright Verlag A. Vogel, Teufen (AR) Switzerland 1952, 1991
The Complete Medicinal Herbal
, by Penelope Ody, Dorling Kindersley, Inc, 232 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10016, First American Edition, copyright 1993
Earl Mindell’s Herb Bible
, by Earl Mindell, R.Ph., Ph.D., Simon & Schuster/Fireside, Rockefeller Center 1230 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10020
Planetary Herbology
, by Michael Tierra, C.A., N.D., O.M.D., Lotus Press, PO Box 325, Twin Lakes. WI 53181., Copyright 1988, published 1992
The Yoga of Herbs: An Ayurvedic Guide to Herbal Medicine
, by Dr. David Frawley & Dr. Vasant Lad, Lotus Press, Twin Lakes, Wisconsin, Second edition, 1988.
Prescription for Nutritional Healing, Fifth Edition: A Practical A-to-Z Reference to Drug-Free Remedies Using Vitamins, Minerals, Herbs & Food Supplements
, by James F. Balch, M.D. and Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C., Avery Publishing Group, Inc., Garden City Park, NY
Taber’s Cyclopedic Medical Dictionary
, 15th Edition, F. A. Davis Company, 1915 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Polygon – Herbalist’s Primer weaves science and fantasy into something more