Candida, or yeast, is a
fungus found as part of the normal flora of the body. It can, however,
cause mild to severe infections in immunocompromised individuals. The
symptoms and severity of yeast infections also depend on the site of
infection. While thrush is an infection causing white patches in the
mouth, infections of the vagina can lead to itching, pain and discharge.
A systemic candida infection
can be life threatening. Over-the-counter anti-fungals can help treat
mild infections but severe infections may require hospitalization.
Garlic may also help manage some yeast infections.
Garlic
The
compound bulb of the garlic, or Allium sativum, plant, with four to 20
cloves each, possesses immense medicinal value, according to the
University of Maryland Medical
Center. In fact, raw, fresh garlic cloves, available in the grocery
stores, have been used as a food supplement and to treat a variety of
conditions, including the common cold. Other garlic supplements, made
from fresh, dried or aged cloves or from garlic oil, are also available
in most natural food stores as tablets and fluid extracts. A
sulfur-containing compound called allicin is responsible for the
biological activity of garlic, says UMMC.
Garlic and Yeast Infections
Fresh
garlic extracts can inhibit the growth of Candida albicans in the
laboratory and provide an important alternative for treating yeast
infections, says a study in a 2002 issue of the "Journal of Applied
Microbiology." Another study in the October 2005 edition of the journal
"Microbiology" has revealed that garlic extracts suppress the growth of
candida species by inducing oxidative stress within the yeast cell,
which leads to cell damage and cell death. A research paper in the June
2006 issue of the journal "Fitoterapia" also states that garlic extracts
might play a promising role in the treatment of yeast infections.
Although there are many studies that show the anti-candida properties of
garlic in the laboratory, no clinical trials
have been conducted to determine the dose, route of administration and
impact of garlic in actual cases. Many individuals with candida
infections feel better by simply including more garlic in their diet.
Others use garlic supplements. Some women also wrap a clove of garlic in
small piece of gauze, insert it into the vagina and leave it overnight
to treat vaginal yeast infections, says Amanda McQuade Crawford, author
of the book "Herbal Remedies for Women."
Side Effects
According
to UMMC, garlic is generally safe to use, although side effects such as
bloating, upset stomach, bad breath, body odor and skin lesions may
sometimes occur. Allergic reactions such as asthma may rarely occur.
Garlic may also interact with certain anti-platelet and blood-thinning
medications.
Precautions
Due
to the lack of clinical trials, consult a doctor before using garlic to
treat yeast infections to determine if it is right for you. Also, the
production and distribution of garlic supplements is not regulated by
the Food and Drug Administration, so do your best to ensure the purity
and quality of the product.
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