Candida albicans is an opportunistic yeast that affects 70 percent of the population, according to research from Rice University, and can have serious consequences on one’s health and day-to-day activities. The reasons for the spread of this particular fungus are quite varied, but most people affected are so due to an unhealthy lifestyle, including Standard American Diet (SAD) choices.
Like many fungi, Candida albicans develops in your gut and it has a number of symptoms such as extreme fatigue, intestinal discomfort, bloating, foggy brain, insomnia, joint pain, bad breath, and possibly even irritable bowel syndrome, IBS if left untreated for too long. There are certain things that you can do to keep Candida in the gut under control or to prevent it if you feel like you might be at risk. There is something known as the ‘Candida Diet,’ which is often recommended to sufferers. However, another remedy that can help is the Candida essential oils.
Here are 4 essential oils for candida in the gut:
These 4 essential oils are effective in the treatment of Candida and their effectiveness against it.
Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil for Candida is an effective remedy. It has long been known for its antifungal properties and it has been used successfully in attempts to battle Candida. Peppermint essential oil for candida overgrowth is effective in this regard because it can either reduce or completely eliminate, the nine enzymes that are essential for untreated yeast to grow.
Peppermint has a cytotoxic effect on these yeasts and will cause the fluidity of their membranes to collapse, essentially killing them. Peppermint is especially effective against oral thrush, which is also a common symptom of Candida albicans.
Peppermint tastes great in a variety of foods and drinks, so it shouldn’t be difficult to incorporate this into your diet.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is another very popular essential oil for candida overgrowth and there is a wide variety of beneficial ways that you can use it on your body. However, please note that Tea Tree oil is poisonous if swallowed and should be avoided near the mouth or by ingestion.
Tea tree essential oil, also known as Melaleuca, is beneficial for your skin and hair and can be a good essential oil to treat Candida certain skin conditions; it’s a very effective antifungal. There is a wide variety of bacteria that this essential oil can slow down the growth of which; essential since bacteria can cause numerous diseases, ranging from pneumonia to strep throat.
In addition to being helpful for keeping Candida in the gut at bay, Tea Tree oil is a good thing to have on hand due to its many benefits and can also be used in household cleaning and a deodorizer and insecticide.
Clove Oil
Clove oil is extremely powerful in the fight against Candida. It’s a very potent oil in general, so it should always be diluted before use. The reason clove is so effective at killing Candida is because it’s rich in a particular compound called eugenol. Eugenol is a strong antiseptic which means that it is very effective in tackling microorganisms. This allows it to reduce the Candida in your system to virtually nothing.
Even the most powerful of Candida strains such as those that are resistant to fluconazole, a noted antifungal medication, is no match for clove oil.
Lemon Oil
What makes lemon so popular as a flavoring, besides tasting great, is its many health benefits. Lemons are antiviral, astringent, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory, and the most important one for this topic is antifungal. This antifungal property is most effective in your gut. There are several different acids inherent in lemons that are effective in breaking down food.
If your digestive system is more efficient, it’s less likely that fungus will be able to grow and thrive there. Hence, it’s important that your body can break down food as easily as possible. Lemon can be taken in a variety of different ways and can be used in a number of recipes so it’s one of the easiest essential oils to include in your diet.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of Candida – or have been diagnosed – speak with your physician about implementing these essential oils as a natural remedy into your diet. Notorious for their antifungal properties, they could prove beneficial in your fight against Candida when used as directed.
What brand of essential oils do you suggest?
Zane Hellas, CandidFree. Works great!
I want to underline Ron and Lisa’s caution to, “speak with your physician about implementing these essential oils as a natural remedy into your diet,” and “use as directed,” and I will illustrate why.
I was advised by a friend who is a Certified Aromatherapist that internal use of essential oils should only be done under the supervision and guidance of an appropriate professional i.e. a Certified Aromatherapist or Naturopath trained in their use. Some oils can be used in foods, but they are extremely diluted in said food (culinary plants such as lemon or orange). Also, some brands have contaminants in them, so your Aromatherapist will have knowledge of brands that are from organic sources, and have been tested by independent labs and shown to be free of contaminants including toxins.
I don’t discount the benefit of essential oils, but many are very potent and have potential for detrimental effects (if not immediate – in the long run). I used to buy reputable brands of tea tree oil for first aid and household disinfection. I was fine for many years, but suddenly developed a very serious allergy to it. Now, if my skin comes in contact with something containing tea tree oil, I have a very serious reaction to it. So serious, in fact, that a dermatologist was compelled to take photos of the site where I did a patch test (allergy test) 3 weeks later. When I did that test, I was unable to leave the oil on my skin for more than a minute because it burned so badly (normally a substance is left in place several hours for such a test). I then ended up with huge water blisters and a burning red angry reaction that took over a month to go away. I had to keep it covered because any part of me that touched this initial site, or even a secondary site would also react.
With my last therapeutic use of tea tree oil (for athlete’s foot), my feet were swollen with weeping blisters for over a week, I could not wear shoes, and I also ended up with hives slightly larger than the size of my palms in very embarrassing places.
Needless to say, I still use and love essential oils, but I am very careful.
Please be safe!
thank you
Do you use a carrier oil when applying to skin?
Some oils I do use with a carrier, but I can never use Tea Tree oil at any dilution ever again.
Thank you for sharing Elaine! Something similar happened to a relative of ours. We can’t stress the importance of using the oils carefully and as directed. Even with that, many people have allergies and/or sensitivities and need to take extra caution.
put a dot of any EO you plan to uses on your wrist and watch it for 45 minutes for a reaction, before going any further with it.
Can you put cloves and oregano (diluted) on the bottom of your feet to treat Candida instead of the wound it is in?
That’s a great question, Tamra! We are not certified in essential oils, so cannot give advice, but will see if someone in our community can answer your question.
The place behind your earlobe is the most sensitive skin on your body. If you place something for a skin test there, you will know within a few minutes if you are gonna have a reaction to it. I have worked in the cosmetic industry for over 25 years and even developed my own skincare line. I use essential oils daily for various reasons. As with anything do your homework for each EO you are planning on using. The wrist isn’t really a great place to test any oils. Especially if you’re using on your face. 2 different types of skin. Our bodies contain various skintypes and thicknesses throughout. Skin on most people’s wrist is a Lil more “hardy” Than other places. Inside the elbow bend or behind the knee are also great places to check for EOs that are gonna be used just on the body
Great tips, Jamey!! Appreciate your input (and congrats on creating your own skincare line).