Julia Chen

http://www.thorne.com/altmedrev/fulltext/gastro2-5.html  (Print)
Antifungal Fatty Acids and Essential Oils

Fatty acids have been known and used for centuries as antimicrobial agents, originally in the manufacture of soaps. In the last 50 years, however, they have found use both in vitro as yeast and mold inhibitors in food stuffs, and as topical, intestinal, and systemic antifungals. In recent years, both caprylic acid and undecylenic acid have been used to treat GIC. Undecylenic acid (10-undecenoic acid) is an eleven-carbon, mono-unsaturated fatty acid, C11H20O2. A substance found in the body (naturally occurring in sweat), undecylenic acid is produced commercially by the vacuum distillation of castor bean oil, as a result of the pyrolysis of ricinoleic acid. It has been used orally in humans as an unsuccessful treatment for psoriasis and neurodermatitis (神經性皮炎),35-37 and as an economical antifungal agent,38 as well as being commonly used as a topical antifungal in such over-the-counter products as Desenex®. Undecylenic acid has very low toxicity. In humans, as much as 20 grams per day has been taken orally with only mild gastrointestinal symptoms,36 and up to 400 mg/kg/day has been given orally to rats for 6-9 months, with no toxicity being noted.39 Caprylic acid, although present in small quantities in coconut oil, can be produced commercially from the oxidation (n.氧化) of octanol.40 Classified by some authors as an hepatic (a.肝髒的;治肝病的;肝髒色的) failure toxin when used intravenously,41 caprylic acid (C8H16O2), is a direct isomer (n.異構體) of the anticonvulsant (抗驚厥劑) valproic acid. Most organic fatty acids are fungicidal. As early as 1945, Wyss et al demonstrated that the greater the number of carbon atoms in the fatty acid chain, the greater the fungicidal activity, up to the point exceeding eleven carbons where solubility becomes the limiting factor.42 In 1954, Neuhauser evaluated both undecylenic and caprylic acids in vitro against C. albicans, and concluded caprylic acid was more effective.38 However, she used a questionable method of applying the fatty acids which may have rendered the results inaccurate. The pH of the test environment is critical to accurate in vitro testing of antifungal agents. Peck (n.啄痕;啄食;許多
vt.以喙啄;啄食;扔 vi.啄;吹毛求疵;啄食;扔石頭) and Rosenfeld had earlier demonstrated an acid environment alone (pH less than 5.8) is sufficient to inhibit fungal growth in several species, including C. albicans.43 Therefore, great care must be exercised so that pH is accurately controlled, to reflect only the antifungal effect of the substance tested, and not just its hydrogen ion (pH) effect. Neuhauser tested undecylenic and caprylic acids by adding C. albicans culture to Sabourand's agar (n.海菜;紫菜;石花菜;細菌培養基) media, adjusting the pH to either 5.6 or 7.5, and then pouring the broth (n.肉湯) into petri dishes and allowing it to cool. The plates were then dusted with the fatty acid (in a resin matrix) being tested, incubated, and evaluated.38 This method does not control pH at the interface between the fatty acid and the C. albicans organisms. Since both fatty acids have an intrinsically (ad.本質上;真正的) low pH, it can be assumed the resultant pH at the actual point of contact between the fatty acid and the C. albicans in Neuhauser's study was actually lower than reported. Peck and Rosenfeld circumvented this problem by mixing the fatty acid being tested into the Sabourand's media prior to adjusting the pH, so the test conditions could be more precisely controlled. Their study showed undecylenic acid was approximately six times more effective as an antifungal than caprylic acid,43 a finding which is consistent with the research of Wyss et al.42 Essential oils of various plants also have been shown to be antifungal, including thyme, cloves, cinnamon, and oregano.44 A recent in vitro evaluation of essential oil of oregano (Oreganum vulgare) showed the minimum inhibitory concentration against C. albicans to be <0.1µg per ml. In contrast, the minimum inhibitory concentration for a mixture of the calcium and magnesium salts of caprylic acid was <0.5 mg per ml, indicating that caprylates are significantly less potent antifungals than essential oil of oregano.45 Although no clinical studies have been published supporting their use in GIC, essential oils are recommended by some practitioners based on clinical experience.

----------------
http://coop.bio.ncue.edu.tw/js/junior_bio/ch10/10-4index.htm
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www.inasp.org.uk/ajol/journals/ajcem/vol5no1abs.html - 網頁紀錄
ANTI BACTERIAL ACTIVITY OF SOME SELECTED DISINFECTANTS REGULARLY USED IN HOSPITALS.

1Olowe, O. A., 2Olayemi, A. B., 2Eniola, K. I. T., 1Adeyeba, O. A.

1Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, College of Health Sciences, LAUTECH, Osogbo

 2Department of Biological Sciences, University of Ilorin, Ilorin

Correspondence to: A. O. Olowe

The antibacterial activities of three commercial disinfectants: Dettol, Robert and Savlon against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, Klebsiella spp. and Bacillus spp. were investigated. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were determined using the well technique of media diffusion method. The highest MIC of 1:10 against Pseudomonas aeruginosa by Roberts and the lowest MIC of 1:60 by Savlon against Staphylococcus aureus were observed. The highest minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of 1:10 against Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa was by Robert. All test organisms were susceptible to various dilution of Savlon used.

African Journal Of Clinical And Experimental Microbiology Jan 2004 Vol.5 No.1 126-130

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http://www.vitaconnect.com/Ezines/2002_05May.asp

Candidiasis:
A Common and Serious Health Threat

Chip Engelmann
Some of the most common problems people bring to me?What can I do for more energy? I've tried everything and just can't seem to loose weight; I have been having headaches, gas, insomnia, or bloating; have constipation or diarrhea, often alternating; don't feel like having sex; can't focus my attention; crave sugar, carbohydrates, alcohol; I have allergies; sensitivity to perfumes, cigarettes, chemicals ll of these can be symptoms of candida overgrowth.

Typically, Candida albicans is a symbiotic yeast living in the intestinal tract. Its job is to recognize and destroy harmful bacteria. However, if systems become imbalanced, candida can grow out of control, a state called candidiasis. Systems can become unbalanced when there is a shock to the body's intestinal immune systems, particularly when the body's friendly flora is destroyed by such means as repeated use of antibiotics; birth control pills or steroids; a diet that is high in sugars, carbohydrates, or alcohol; or a lifestyle that is short on rest. Candidiasis is a very common and serious health threat. There are estimates that up to 90% of Americans have candidiasis.

In the state of candidiasis, Candida albicans shifts from the yeast to the mycelial (a.菌絲) fungal form and starts to invade the body. It forms very long, root-like structures called rhizoids (n.假根 a.根狀的) that can penetrate the intestinal walls, allowing toxins to enter the bloodstream and creating what is known as leaky gut syndrome. The symptoms of systemic candida overgrowth are: muscle aches, sore/stiff joints, fatigue, problems with particular organs, recurrent urinary tract infections, and serious illnesses (asthma, ADHD, diabetes, MS, arthritis (n.關節炎), CFS, fibromyalgia).

In extreme cases, candidiasis can be fatal. When candida gets behind the intestinal walls, it can enter other major organs like the lungs, kidneys and brain. Once in the brain, candidiasis is very difficult to recover from. A severe form of candidiasis involving Candida septicemia (n.敗血癥) causes an extreme compromise of the immune system that can result in fatal blood poisoning. Fortunately, most people don't die directly from candidiasis. But unfortunately, if the immune system is heavily compromised by candida, the door is open to other diseases that may be fatal.

Linda Page, author of Healthy Healing, breaks Candida albicans overgrowth into clearly defined stages (quoted from 11th ed., p. C342):

1st symptoms: Bowel and bladder irritation; heartburn; chronic indigestion with gas and bloating; recurring cystitis (n.膀胱炎) or vaginitis (陰道炎); chronic fungal skin rashes and nail infections.

2nd symptoms: Allergy-immune reactions--chronic bronchitis (n.支氣管炎); hives (n.麻疹;假膜性喉頭炎), sinusitis n.竇炎; eczema; hayfever, acne; chronic headaches or migraine n.偏頭痛; muscle pain; earaches; sensitivity to odors.

3rd symptoms: Central nervous system reactionsxtreme irritability; confusion, a spacey feeling and nighttime panic attacks; memory lapses(n.過失;流逝;失效  vi.犯錯;墮落;退步;消失;流逝  vt.使失效) and inability to concentrate; chronic fatigue and lethargy (n.昏睡;瞌睡;無力氣), often followed by acute depression.

4th symptoms: Gland (n.腺;分泌腺) and organ dysfunctions (n.機能不良;機能障礙): hypothyroidism (n.甲狀腺機能不全); adrenal (a.腎上腺的
n.腎上腺) failure, hypoglycemia (低血糖), ovarian (a.子房的;卵巢的) problems, frigidity (n.寒冷;冷淡;無氣力) and male impotence (n.無力;虛弱;無效;陽萎); lack of sex drive.

Dr. Stephen Cooter, in his book, Beating Chronic Disease, states, "Candida is responsible for flooding the system with an accumulation of toxic acetaldehydes (乙醛; 醋醛). Acetaldehydes are known to poison tissues--accumulating in the brain, spinal (a.針的;尖刺的;尖刺狀突起的;脊骨的) cord (n.細繩;粗線), joints, muscles and tissues." (Have you ever woken up with a "hangover" when you had not been drinking? We know acetaldehyde from its effects as a product in the body's metabolism of alcohol.)

Candida overgrowth can be difficult to control. First you must kill the candida. This can be done with a number of different supplements or drugs. It is better if you can take five to six different anti-fungal agents in rotation, as candida is very adaptable and can adapt to most anti-fungal agents by mutation.

Second, you must stop doing the things that caused the imbalance in the first place. That means stop eating yeasted breads, sugars, beer, wine, starchy foods, over-processed and refined foods. If you kill most of the candida but continue to feed the rest, you will be out of balance again very soon. For the first 6 weeks (again quoting Linda Page), you must avoid "sugar or sweeteners of any kind, gluten bread and yeasted baked goods, dairy products (except kefir or kefir cheese, [plain] yogurt or yogurt cheese), smoke dried or candied fruits, coffee, black tea, carbonated drinks, alcohol, or foods containing vinegar." You should avoid antibiotics, steroids, birth control pills and tobacco. Note: Tap water should also be avoided. Chlorinated water kills harmful bacteria in our water, but also kills the friendly flora in our intestines. Friendly flora such as acidophilus are needed by our immune system and are partially responsible for maintaining candida balance.

Third, you must remove the dead candida. These can be eliminated by supplementing with soluble fibers or bentonite. If you do not clear space for friendly flora to populate, the candida will return to occupy that space. Fourth, you must rebuild: replenish the friendly bacteria, such as acidophilus, and strengthen the damaged organs, especially the liver. (Milk thistle is a good liver supporting herb.) Finally, you must re-strengthen the immune system.

People undergoing treatment for candida often experience what is called the Herxheimer or "die off" effect. When a large amount of candida cells are killed, more toxins are released than your body can manage. These toxins may create uncomfortable symptoms, including (but not limited to) flu symptoms (stuffiness, headache, general aches, diarrhea), skin rashes, vaginal irritation/discharge, or even something unusual such as numbness in the legs or mental confusion. This period generally lasts from one day to a week. You have the choice of toughing it out or reducing the dosages of the anti-fungal agent. The symptoms disappear as soon as sufficient candida has been removed from your digestive system.

To win the battle over candidiasis, you must continue the treatment for 3 to 6 months, or even a year in some cases. Otherwise it is likely that the candida will reestablish itself. A general rule is that it takes one month of treatment for every year that the candida has been out of control.

Page, Linda
Healthy Healing
Traditional Wisdom, Inc.

CANDIDA FAQ V. 2.0.
(A good resource.)
http://www.infosky.net/~alexmi/candida.htm


Copyright 2002 by Chip Engelmann



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Peppermint :  Primary :  Irritable bowel syndrome (combination with caraway oil)    secondary : Gingivitis (periodontal disease)   Indigestion;  Irritable bowel syndrome;  Tension headache (topical)    Others:  Chronic candidiasis; Colic;  Common cold; Gallstones; Low back pain (topical)
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hERBS FOR CANDIDIASIS 
Barberry
Echinacea purpurea
Garlic
Goldenseal
Goldthread
Oregano oil
Oregon grape
Peppermint oil
Rosemary oil
Tea tree oil
Thyme oil
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http://www.geocities.com/samual53115/rosemary.html
Rosemary has been used in connection
with the following conditions
(refer to the individual health concern
for complete information) :

Rating Health Concerns
Atherosclerosis (n.動脈硬化癥)
Chronic candidiasis
Indigestion
Infection
Rheumatoid (a.風濕癥的;患風濕癥的) arthritis  (n.關節炎) (topical)


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Rosemary
Alternative Medicine
The following information is specific for alternative and complementary medicine. For additional evidence-based information on diseases, conditions, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and wellness issues, continue searching the Healthwise Knowledgebase. 

 

 
Photo copyright Steven Foster

 

Botanical Names
Botanical name:

Rosmarinus officinalis
Rosemary is a small, fragrant evergreen shrub. The rosemary plant originated in the countries surrounding the Mediterranean Sea. However, it now grows in North America as well. The leaf is used in herbal medicine.

Health Concerns
 

Rosemary has been used in connection with the following conditions (refer to the individual health concern for complete information):

Rating Health Concerns
 Atherosclerosis   (n.動脈硬化癥)
Chronic candidiasis
Indigestion
Infection
Rheumatoid (a.風濕癥的;患風濕癥的) arthritis (n.關節炎) (topical)
 Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
 Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
 An herb is primarily supported by traditional use, or the herb or supplement has little scientific support and/or minimal health benefit. 

Traditional Use
Throughout history, rosemary was used to preserve meats.1 It has long played a role in European herbalism (n.草藥醫術學) and popular folklore (n.民俗學;民間風俗;民間傳說). Sprigs of rosemary were considered a love charm, a sign of remembrance, and a way to ward off (擋開;架開;避開;防止…) the plague (n.瘟疫;麻煩;災禍 vt.折磨;使苦惱;使得災禍). Rosemary was used by herbalists (n.草藥醫生) as a tonic (n.補藥;(音樂)主調音或基音
a.滋補的;聲調的;使精神振作的) for the elderly and to help with indigestion.2 In ancient China, rosemary was used for headaches and topically for baldness.3

Active Constituents
A number of constituents have shown activity in the test tube. The volatile oil, including eucalyptol 桉樹腦 (cineole)  桉油醇, is considered to have potent antibacterial effects4 and to relax smooth muscles in the lungs.5 Rosmarinic acid has antioxidant activity6 and another ingredient of rosemary, known as carnosol, inhibits cancer formation in animal studies.7 No human studies have confirmed rosemary's use for these conditions.

Dosage
The German Commission E monograph  n.專題論文;專著;專刊 vt.寫專題論文 suggests 3/4 to 1-1/4 tsp (4 to 6 grams) of rosemary leaf per day.8 A tea can be prepared by adding 2 teaspoons (10 grams) of herb to 1 cup (250 ml) boiling water and allowing it to steep in a covered container for 10 to 15 minutes. This tea can be taken several times per day. Rosemary tincture, 1/2 to 1 teaspoon (2 to 5 ml) three times per day, may also be used. The concentrated volatile oil should not be taken internally.

Side Effects
There is no evidence to indicate that intermittent (a.間歇的;斷斷續續的) intake of moderate amounts of rosemary poses any threat during breast-feeding. However, internal intake of the herb and oil should be avoided during pregnancy because the oil may act as an abortifacient  a.促使流產的 (an agent that may induce an abortion).9

An extract of rosemary taken with a meal by healthy women inhibited the absorption of non-heme 亞鐵血紅素; 亞鐵原 iron (e.g., the form of iron in plant foods) by 15%.10 Frequent use of rosemary could, in theory, promote the development of iron deficiency in susceptible individuals.

At the time of writing, there were no well-known drug interactions with rosemary.


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http://www.mercydesmoines.org/adam/alternativemedicine/ConsArticles/CAMForCandidiasisca.asp

Some Complementary Cures for Candidiasis
 
 
Candidiasis is an infection that is caused by a yeast-like fungus called candida. Its growth is promoted by a warm, moist environment. Candidiasis may affect the mouth, skin, stomach, vagina (n.鞘;陰道;葉鞘???), and urinary tract and commonly shows up as conditions such as diaper rash, vaginitis, and dermatitis. While candida is normally found in the mouth, skin, intestinal tract, and vagina and does not cause infections, a buildup of candida will lead to an infection. This buildup may result from taking certain drugs (antibiotics are a known culprit), pregnancy, being overweight, or certain health conditions, like immune disorders and diabetes. Candidiasis is fairly common, especially among women: 75 percent will get vaginal candidiasis at some point in their lifetime. The good news is that there are complementary therapies that promote healing and are safe to try alongside conventional antifungal medications.

Nutrition is at the top of the list. The "candida diet" consists of a dramatic reduction or complete elimination of alcohol, simple sugars, and refined foods. Other nutritional therapies include the following:

Take vitamin C (500 to 1,000 mg per day), vitamin E (200 to 400 IU per day), and selenium (200 mcg per day) to reduce inflammation.
Incorporate essential fatty acids into your diet to reduce inflammation. Try a mix of omega-3 (found in evening primrose) and omega-6 (found in flaxseed) fatty acids-2 tablespoons of oil a day or 1,000 to 1,500 mg in capsule form twice a day. You can also increase your intake of essential fatty acids by reducing your consumption of animal fats and increasing your intake of fish and nuts.
Avoid simple carbohydrates, including fruit juice, yeast, and fermented foods; limit your fruit intake to one serving per day.
Increase your consumption of antifungal spices such as garlic, oregano (what is oregano?), cinnamon, sage, and cloves.
Take calcium (1,000 to 1,500 mg a day). Studies have shown that people with yeast infections often also have a calcium deficiency. You may want to add magnesium (750 to 1,000 mg per day) as well to balance your calcium intake.
Herbal remedies may also be effective against candidiasis. Herbs can be taken as dried extracts (capsules, powders, teas), or tinctures n.顏色;色調;染料;氣息;特徵;氣味vt.染;使有氣息;使充滿 (alcohol extracts), or applied topically. Unless otherwise indicated, teas should be made with 1 teaspoon herb per cup of hot water.  Steep covered 5 to 10 minutes for leaf or flowers, and 10 to 20 minutes for roots. Drink 2 to 4 cups per day. Tinctures are preparations made from alcohol (or water and alcohol), containing an herb strength of 1 part herb to 5 parts solvent or 1 part herb to 10 parts solvent.

Pau d'arco bark is an antifungal. Take as a tea (use 2 tablespoons herb boiled in one quart of water; drink 3 to 6 cups per day).
Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis), Oregon grape root (Mahonia nervosa), and barberry (Berberis vulgaris) aid digestion and improve immune system functioning. Chamomile (Matricaria recicuta) and licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) are anti-inflammatory. Combine all into a tea or tincture (1 cup of tea three times a day or 30 to 60 drops of tincture three times daily) and take for six weeks. Note: do not take licorice if you have high blood pressure.
Tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) or lavender essential oil (Lavendula species) can be applied topically two to three times a day.
Fireweek (Epilobium parviflorum) can be taken as a tea to treat oral, vaginal, and intestinal candidiasis.
Marigold (Calendula officinalis) can be mixed into a salve (such as petroleum jelly) and applied three to five times a day for skin rashes.
Most occurrences of candidiasis will respond to treatment within a few days. Be sure to talk with your physician or pharmacist to best determine which herbal or nutritional supplements are for you. Some supplements should not be taken if you have certain medical conditions or are taking particular prescription medications.
 
--------------------
for candidiasis
WARNING
This herb should NOT be given to pregnant women.
Culinary (eaten)
Bark, oil, and leaves are used as flavoring in many food preparations. It is also used in oral hygiene products.
Infusion (like a tea)
Pour near-boiling water over the herb and let steep 5-10 minutes. Standard quantities are 75g fresh or 30g dried herb to 500ml water. The Infusion must be taken same day. It may be sweetened, but do not add milk. This is the best method for bark.
Used for treating Diarrhoea, Nausea and Vomiting, Gastroenteritis, Colds and Influenza, Hypertension, Arthritis, Rheumatism, and Candidiasis
Tincture
Using a strong clear alcohol (gin or vodka is ideal), steep the leaves and bark for 2 weeks or more, strain and use. Standard quantities are 75g fresh or 30g dried herb to 400ml alcohol. Tinctures store very well.
Used for treating Diarrhoea, Nausea and Vomiting, Gastroenteritis, Colds and Influenza, Hypertension, Arthritis, Rheumatism, and Candidiasis
Oil
Culinary Oils are oils infused with the herb. Four methods are available to make Culinary Oils. 1) heat 250g dried or 750g fresh herb in 500ml of oil in a bowl over boiling water for 2-3 hours. 2) fill a jar with fresh herbs, top it up with oil, cover and leave for 2-3 weeks. Renew the herb for another 2-3 weeks to increase the concentration (best for flowers). 3) add 25-50 drops of the "essential oils of the herb" into 100ml of Oil for immediate use. 4) essential oils are obtained by evaporation of the herb in a stoppered glass container left in the sun for several days.
Used for culinary purposes 

 

 

The information throughout this Herb website is not intended as medical advice.
Before beginning any herbal therapy check with your physician,
especially if you have a specific physical problem, allergies, or are taking any medication.

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http://www.medherb.com/Therapeutics/Skin_-_Case_Study_-_Eczema_.htm
      Medical Herbalism: Clinical Articles and Case Studies    

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Skin - Case study - Eczema

by Hedley, Christopher

Medical Herbalism 01-31-95 6(4): 8-9

Patient: a woman of 49, a journalist and herb student. She is thin and of slight build, dry and cold. Her eczema starts every spring and gets worse over the summer; over neck, shoulders and back, very inflamed looking and can be weeping. Easily infected. Responds best to Oak bark tincture as a wash. Had the problem from the age of 2. Used cortisone creams for 32 years

General health: prone to constipation, tension headaches, tension backaches and nasal catarrh. History of candidiasis and allergies. Cycle irregular recently, bleeding light.

Allergies and sensitivities: Sugar makes her tense and grumpy, oils give her headaches, dairy products and city air aggravate her catarrh, whole wheat upsets her digestive system. Eczema is not directly related to allergies or constipation.

On examination: general gut tension, ileo-caecal valve knotted.

Medication: B complex, C, zinc, multi-mineral supplement and evening primrose oil. Yellow dock, burdock and other herbal teas as needed.

Diet: Good, mostly fish and vegetables, no milk products or added sugar. Drinks 1 or 2 coffees, 1 or 2 teas and lots of fizzy water daily.

Exercise: walks a lot.

Comments: she is very aware of health issues and doing well in general, but needs help to get to the bottom of her skin trouble.

Strategy: cleanse and support liver, strengthen blood, deep warming, relaxing and dampening.

Herbs:

1.Dandelion root (Taraxacum off.) decoction, 2 cups a day for 6 months.

2. A tincture of equal parts of Angelica (A. archangelica), Nettles n.蕁麻 vt.以蕁麻刺;激怒 (Urtica dioica), Ephedra 麻黃 (Ephedra sinica) and Vervain n.馬鞭草屬的植物 (Verbena officinalis). Take 5ml 3x daily, with water.

3. Neutral cream (water, emulsifying wax and vegetable oil)

4. Marshmallow n.藥屬葵;藥屬葵蜜餞 (Althea n.蜀癸屬植物 off) leaf tea, 2 or 3 cups daily.
  Copyright 2001 Paul Bergner    377
 
 
    Medical Herbalism: Clinical Articles and Case Studies


The tincture was to help her get the symptoms trader control quickly, hence the Ephedra. Nettles work well for ‘nervous eczema’ and Vervain is my favorite remedy for relaxing ‘liverish’a.肝病的;壞脾氣的  people. She was worried about the alcohol, because of history of candidiasis. The neutral cream was for her to use as a base and experiment with. This empowered her to take charge of their own health.

Progress: treatment continued for four weeks, at which time the rash had gone and her bowels were more regular.

Treatment

Advised to continue the Dandelion root and Marshmallow leaf.

Gave her a tea of Nettle, Vervain n.馬鞭草屬的植物 and Rosemary (Rosmarinus off.), for use as required. To keep the tincture against future need.

She was OK for the rest of that summer.

The next summer was very hot. She sent me a letter, saying that she ‘was fully expecting to have to see me, but had not had a summer rash at all!’. The rosemary had made her feel very hot, so she had changed it for red sage (Salvia off.). She had also added ladies mantle (Alchemilla mollis) when she started to get menopausal flushes. Her irritability and all her sensitivities had diminished markedly due, I feel, to the dandelion root; her skin was much less dry due, I believe, to the marshmallow leaf.

She had to use the tincture for a couple of weeks when she had stayed in a house heavy with moth balls, which she thought had set off a dry, itchy rash.

Comments

 I sent this in because it is a nice example of the effective action of simple remedies on chronic conditions, when taken for long enough.

Editor’s comment:

We usually think of marshmallow only as a demulcent  a.緩和的;鎮痛的 n.緩和劑;鎮痛劑, and it is frequently added to formulas to treat acute dryness and/or inflammation of the respiratory, digestive, or urinary tracts. Here we have it used long-term as a nourishing constitutional remedy, for a patient who is dry and deficient. It is used here the way Chinese Yin tonic herbs are used. Michael Tierra (Planetary Herbology) recommends its use in this manner way for wasting and thirsting diseases such as tuberculosis n.肺結核 and diabetes.

We can also erroneously think of dandelion as a “mild” herb, forgetting that a mild herb, taken for a long time, may be a much more powerful healing agent than a strong herb taken for a short time.
  Copyright 2001 Paul Bergner    378
 


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http://www.askmrvitamins.com/science/concerns/candida.asp    much Underline links
Candidiasis

The Debate on Candida

The clinical significance of intestinal yeast infection with Candida albicans (Candidiasis) may very well be one of the most controversial and divisive topics in medicine. The possibility that this condition is the cause of a wide variety of symptoms is usually a consideration by virtually all naturopathic 自然醫術的 and alternative practitioners. Yet, mainstream medical doctors often scoff at the notion, and ridicule and deride those practitioners who place some credence n.信用;祭器台;供桌;憑證 in it. How can we decide who is right?

To begin with, it is clear from the scientific medical literature that Candida does cause a variety of infections in humans. In people with normal immune systems (what we call immunocompetent ) this can take the form of vaginal yeast infections, oral thrush and infectious diarrhea. In individuals with somewhat deficient immune systems (what we call immunocompromised) the infections can be in the blood, lungs and virtually anywhere. In order to try and establish whether Candidiasis could be a cause of intestinal disorders, we would then have to show that 1. Candida is harbored in the intestine 2. It can cause symptoms 3. Eradication n.連根拔除;根絕 of Candida leads to resolution of the symptoms.

Is Candida Present in the Intestines?

Do we know that Candida is harbored in the intestines? Yes, we do. Analysis of fecal a.排泄物的;渣滓的 flora (the bacteria and other microscopic organisms present in feces n.pl.糞;屎) reveals that Candida can be present in the intestine. In fact, if you ask most gynecologists where women get vaginal yeast infections from, they would acknowledge that the reservoir is the colon, and that certain conditions lead to the infection of the vagina (more on what causes Candida to grow later).

What Symptoms are caused by Candida?

Does it cause symptoms? Yes, it does. As I alluded v.暗指;間接提到 to, there are studies showing clearly that Candida can be the cause of acute and chronic diarrhea, and that treatment that results in eradication of the organism clears the symptoms. The sticking point comes when you try and ascribe vt.歸因於;歸咎於 an entire symptom complex to the presence of intestinal Candidiasis. Some practitioners who treat Candida have ascribed up to 100 symptoms to this organism, including:

Diarrhea
Constipation
Abdominal distention, bloating or pain
Gas or flatulence  n.胃氣脹;空虛;虛張
Rectal a.直腸的 itching or rash
Heartburn
Indigestion
Belching 噯氣
Intestinal gas
Muscle aches
Muscle pains
Flu-like symptoms
Hair loss
Itching ears
Acne
Hives  n.麻疹;假膜性喉頭炎
Rashes
Itching skin
Eczema
Psoriasis
Loss of sex drive
Impotence
Fatigue
Feeling drained
Memory loss
Feeling spaced out
Intolerance of perfumes, odors, fumes, fabric shop odors and tobacco smoke
Complaints that worsen in damp, muggy a.悶熱的 or moldy places


How can Candida cause all those Symptoms?

How can an organism in the intestine lead to such a variety of symptoms? It would have to elaborate a variety of mediators with systemic effects. These chemical mediators, commonly referred to as toxins, could in part cause some of these effects. A recent study in the journal Infectious Immunology has shown that Candida has the ability to stimulate the product of inflammatory chemical mediators such as Interleukin(白細胞間介素)-10 and Tumor Necrosis (n.壞疽;脫疽;骨疽) Factor (TNF) in human T cells (white blood cells). A separate study in the same journal corroborated the increase in TNF and also described the elaboration of 2 other inflammatory chemicals, Interleukin-8 and vascular a.脈管的;有脈管的;血管的 cell adhesion molecule-1(VCAM-1). The latter plays a role in the response of the lining of the blood vessels to Candida. Finally, a 1999 study from the Journal of Urology n.泌尿器學;泌尿科學 showed that in patients with persistent Candida infections in the urine, 41% had Candida detected in the bloodstream that could only be detected by the use of a specialized test that picks up the presence of gene that produces a specific Candida protein. Additionally, a significant number of these patients had alteration of the normal immune response.

From this evidence, I think we have to conclude that Candida does stimulate the body to elaborate chemicals that can cause systemic reactions, that it can adversely affect the immune system response, that it can invade the bloodstream, and that it can be exceedingly difficult to detect. It would therefore seem reasonable to assume that Candida does possess the means to cause systemic symptoms.

Does Candida Treatment work?

Does treatment of Candidiasis cause resolution of symptoms? Clearly for the obvious infections, it does. For example, in people with Candida-induced a.感應的
vbl.感應 diarrhea, treating this causes the diarrhea to go away. Our difficulty in convincing the general medical community about the pervasiveness 普遍的;蔓延的;滲透的 of Candidiasis is manifested by the lack of clinical studies of treating patients with the above symptom complex and comparing their response to placebo  n.為死者所誦的晚禱歌;寬心劑;安慰 (inactive pill). Many doctors base their treatment only on the results of placebo-controlled trials, and there is value in this. However, if people have symptoms of Candida and you treat them and they get better, are you not adding to the evidence that this condition exists? Anecdotal a.逸話的;多逸事趣聞的;軼事一樣的 evidence may not be definitive, but it should be considered. I would also challenge the medical community to consider this: If a simple and safe treatment regimen n.攝生;養生法;食物療法 for a particular condition alleviates vt.減輕;使緩和 symptoms and the person becomes well, isn't that what medicine is all about?

One woman's story

Let me preface the story with some comments. I am convinced that this is a real problem. I have treated many people in my practice with a combination of conventional and complementary therapy, and have seen dramatic results. I have also seen people who have been treated by others, and their stories are equally dramatic. So when Jane (not her real name) came to me, I had an open mind. She had symptoms of severe intestinal bloating, cramping, alternating diarrhea and constipation, and gastroesophageal reflux n.逆流;退潮. She carried a diagnosis of hypoglycemia 低血糖, and craved carbohydrates. She felt fatigued, weak, had gained a lot of weight, and could barely keep up with her responsibilities as a wife and mother, let alone with her job. In fact, she could barely drag herself out of bed in the morning, and was out of work on disability. She came to me on some medication to control her symptoms, and we did a thorough evaluation. At our first visit, I adjusted her medications a bit, getting her on maximal therapy for what most doctors would diagnose as Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Gastroesophageal Reflux (GERD). When I saw her back in two weeks, she was worse, and she was distraught a.煩惱的;心痛的;發狂的. Then I asked Jane if she had an open mind to try an intensive treatment program for intestinal Candidiasis, which I suspected that she had. She was desperate, basically saying that she would try anything, and was willing to try treating the presumed Candida. Now you may ask why I didn't test her for the presence of Candida in the stool. The answer is twofold: 1. Most labs don't know how to detect Candida and 2. The labs that can test for it charge $400 and it is not covered by insurance. I explained to her the rationale, instructed her to be religious with a low carbohydrate diet, and started her on combination conventional and complimentary therapy.

After about one month, she began to feel better. She had lost about 10 pounds, had fewer bowel symptoms, and a bit more energy. With each passing month, she noted a slow and gradual improvement. She started to slowly taper her conventional medicine. She continued to lose weight. She got her energy back. After 6 months, her bowel symptoms had virtually disappeared, her reflux was dramatically better, her fatigue had vanished, her mood had improved and she went back to work. When she walked into her workplace, they couldn't believe the new woman that stood before them. Smiling, energetic, and 70 pounds lighter! She looked fantastic, and they told her so. And when she rechecked her cholesterol, her total cholesterol had dropped approximately 60 points, her HDL (good) cholesterol had increased substantially and her LDL (bad) had dropped. This decreased her risk ratio for cardiac  n.強心劑;強胃劑 a.心髒的;(胃的)賁門的disease. Now certainly the low carb diet probably had a lot to do with the weight loss and cholesterol, but Jane and I remain firmly convinced that most of her symptoms were alleviated because we both kept an open mind and treated her for Candidiasis.

What are the risk factors for Candidiasis?

Candida is present in the intestinal tract of virtually all people, but not everyone has infection with Candida. The development of an infection and the symptoms of Candidiasis is caused by the alteration of the normal relationship of the bowel flora such that the healthy bacteria in your colon are overgrown by the unhealthy, symptom-causing Candida organisms. Some contributing factors to this alteration of bowel flora include:
Antiobiotics. Although life saving, they do have side effects. Repeated courses or long-term use of antibiotics can kill off the good bacteria, allowing Candida to flourish.
Diabetes. Candida loves glucose (a basic sugar molecule which is the end product of most carbohydrate digestion). People with diabetes have elevated serum glucose levels, and this can predispose to Candidiasis.
Elevated levels of glucocorticoids 糖皮質激素. Cortisol, a natural glucocorticoid is elaborated when the body is under stress. Any condition that causes an elevation, or the administration of exogenous a.外生的 glucocorticoids such as Prednisone 強的松; 脫氫可的松; 潑尼松, can allow Candida to flourish. The effect is twofold: depression of the immune system and elevation of blood sugar.
Oral contraceptives a.避孕的 n.避孕劑;避孕用具 and replacement estrogen n.雌激素. Studies in the past have shown that hormones can affect intestinal bacteria.
Alcohol. This may be a direct effect of alcohol on the friendly bacteria in the gut. Additionally, the sugars contained in alcoholic beverage may help feed the Candida, causing excess growth.
Immune deficiency. Immune deficient states such as cancer and AIDS are very clearly associated with Candidiasis.
Other less clear causes include hypothryoidism, intestinal parasites n.寄生蟲;食客, tap water consumption and excessive bowel cleansing.


Do you have Candidiasis?

To assess the presence and/or severity of a possible yeast infection, take this quiz. Answer the questions below and total up the points you receive if you answer "yes" to the Question. Then compare your score to the chart below.*

YES SCORE
Have you taken repeated or prolonged courses of antibacterial drugs? 40
Have you been bothered by recurrent vaginal, prostate or urinary infections? 30
Do you feel "sick all over," yet the cause hasn't been found? 20
Have you taken prolonged courses of prednisone or other steroids; or have you taken "the pill" for more than 3 years? 20
Are you bothered by hormone disturbances, including PMS, menstrual irregularities, sexual dysfunction n.機能不良;機能障礙, 20
Do you have any of the following: sugar craving, low body temperature or fatigue? 20
Are you bothered by memory or concentration problems? Do you sometimes feel "spaced out"? 20
Do you suffer with constipation, diarrhea, bloating or abdominal pain? 20
Do some foods disagree with you or trigger your symptoms? 10
Are you unusually sensitive to tobacco smoke, perfumes, colognes and other chemical odors? 10
Does your skin itch, tingle or burn; or is it unusually dry; or are you bothered by rashes? 10


Scoring for women:

< 40 doubtful
50-80 possible mild
90-130 likely moderate Candida infection
>140 likely severe Candida infection

Scoring for men:

< 30 doubtful
40-70 possible mild
80-120 likely moderate Candida infection
>130 likely severe Candida infection

*These data have not been evaluated in a prospective fashion, but represent likelihood derived from clinical experience

Treatment:

There are two key components to a successful Candida treatment program, and they BOTH must be followed; neither will work completely alone.


Diet: You must deprive the Candida of it's favorite food: sugar. So as you will see, this is a very low carbohydrate diet. By doing so, you allow the supplements (see below) to work to destroy the Candida organisms. It is best to strictly adhere to the diet for at least 30 days, and then continue to moderate your carbohydrate intake by using low glycemic carbohydrates. A side benefit for many people is weight loss , as noted with my patient above. Many others will also reduce their cholesterol levels.

Foods that are allowed (with gratitude to Karen Tripp for compiling this list) :

Vegetables: asparagus n.蘆筍, broccoli n.椰菜, cauliflower n.花椰菜, eggplant n.茄子, parsley, squash, avocado n.鱷梨;其樹, brussel sprouts, celery, green pepper, peas, tomatoes, green beans, yellow beans, cabbage n.甘藍;卷心菜;洋白菜 , okra  n.秋葵;秋葵莢, beets n.甜菜根, cucumber n.黃瓜;胡瓜, onion, radishes n.小蘿卜, greens: beet, collard 羽衣甘藍, kale n.無頭甘藍類;甘藍類蔬菜;甘藍湯, lettuce n.萵苣;生菜;苦菜類;紙幣, mustard n.芥末;芥菜;強烈的興趣, spinach n.菠菜 & turnip n.蘿卜 (note: some lists include potatoes, corn, peas n.豌豆  and carrots, but these can be high glycemic and I feel should be avoided)

Meats: beef, duck, eggs, quail (n.鵪鶉 vi.膽怯;畏縮), chicken, fish, oyster, rabbit, clam (n.蛤;沉默寡言的人;蟶子
vi.撈蛤) , tuna, turkey, crab, shrimp, goose, pheasant n.雉;野雞, lobster, cornish hen, lamb, pork, veal

Dairy: milk, butter, cream, plain yogurt; cheeses must be well heated and eaten hot (i.e. lasagne) (n.扁形面條)

Beverages: milk, water, herb teas, tomato juice, decaf coffee, V8, diet pop with no fruit juice or caffeine

Nuts, seeds, oils: almonds, pecans (n.一種大胡桃), walnuts (n.胡桃), butter, brazil nuts, pumpkin (n.南瓜) seeds, oils (almond, avocado (n.鱷梨;其樹), corn, linseed (n.亞麻子), olive, sesame, safflower (n.紅花;紅花染料), sunflower, canola, soy), cashews, sesame seeds., filberts (n.榛樹;榛子), sunflower seeds.

Whole grains; must be eaten hot: brown rice, barley(n.大麥), buckwheat (n.喬麥;喬麥之種;喬麥粉), wheat, rye (n.稞麥;麥田;稞麥威士忌酒), oats, millet (n.稷;栗;玉蜀黍之類)

Misc: NutriSweet*, Equal*, NutriSweet Jello (n.凝膠物), rice cakes, sesame rice crackers, triscuits, Shredded Wheat, raw unpasteurized (未滅菌的) apple cider vinegar (available at health food stores), Stevia **

* Artificial sweeteners are allowed on the program but you may object to using them if you read about the dangers.

If cooked and eaten hot: leftovers (下腳料), mushrooms, vinegar-containing foods, cheese well melted, bread well toasted

** About Stevia - there is a product called Sweetvia... it is the pure extract so there are no undesirable additives such as maltodextrin (麥芽糊精; 麥芽糖糊精) that dilute the taste, quality, and health characteristics of the product. You can read about it and order it at www.sweetvia.com. I have not tried this product. I can buy pure concentrated powder and that's what my recipes are based on.

Forbidden Foods

Anything sweet (sugar, honey, molasses (n.糖蜜), maple syrup, corn syrup, dextrose (n.葡萄糖;右旋糖), sorbitol (山梨糖醇), Splenda), alcoholic beverages, buttermilk, cheeses, coffee & tea, cold cereal (read label), cottage cheese, crackers, dried & candied fruits, flour enriched with vitamins from yeast, fruit & fruit juices (except lemon or lime juice; only 1 gm per tablespoon), leftovers, malt products, mushrooms, packaged & processed foods, peanuts, pistachios (n.阿月渾子樹;阿月渾子實;淡黃綠色), pretzels (n.一種脆餅干), processed & smoked meats, sorbitol (山梨糖醇), sprouts, sweet potatoes & yams (n.山藥;洋芋), vinegar-containing foods (catsup (n.醬;(如蕃茄醬之類)) , mustard (n.芥末;芥菜;強烈的興趣), mayonnaise (n.蛋黃醬), salad dressings, pickles n.泡菜 ), vitamins/minerals from yeast source (read label), yeast, yeast breads & pastries (n.面粉糕餅;餡餅皮)

You can view a typical daily diet and check out some recipes at Karen Tripp's website at: http://www.geocities.com/HotSprings/4966/recipes.htm

After you complete the above diet, I recommend you continue to follow a low glycemic diet for at least 3 months. Two good resources on low glycemic diets are the books The Glycemic Revolution and Sugar Busters. I would recommend that you follow the sensible eating plans outlined in one of these books after you are on the 30 day plan we have outlined above.


Supplements:Candida can be treated naturally, or conventional antifungal agents can be employed. However, it seems that single agent treatment is often ineffective, and multi-agent therapy (several different supplements) has the best results. This appears to be true for both conventional and natural treatments. I have reviewed many different regimens (n.攝生;養生法;食物療法) that have been purported (n.意義;要旨;大要 vt.意味著;做為…要旨;聲稱;打算) to be successful. There are some theories about "rotational" therapy, that 3 or 4 different supplements should be used in an alternating fashion. I have seen some 30 day cures, and some longer. There may be some value in each of these, but I believe that the major cause of failure is lack of adherence to the diet and a supplement regimen that uses only one agent to try and clear the Candida. Since each person is different, treatment should be tailored to suit individual needs; some people with severe symptoms may need to be treated longer, while for others, a short course is adequate. From reviewing available evidence, it also seems best to use several active agents simultaneously, to maximize effect.

A word about conventional treatment. Of the conventional medications, fluconazole (Diflucan) appears to be more effective than Nystatin (利霉菌素; 製霉菌素; 製真菌素). Fluconazole is relatively safe, but liver toxicity may rarely occur, and the Candida may develop resistance to either agent. Therefore, I recommend that if you want to use a conventional medication, that you combine this with simultaneous complementary, natural therapy. If you really stick to the diet and supplement regimen, conventional therapy is not necessary.

There are many supplements that have activity against Candida. The ideal regimen incorporates several different agents that work together in combination to kill the Candida. Fiber is very useful to help cleanse the colon. It is said that the Candida has a tendency to attach to the wall of the colon, and the mechanical action of the fiber may help clean the wall of the colon, clearing the Candida. Herbs that contain berberine 小檗堿; 黃連素 (which kills yeast and activates immune system) have been effective, including goldenseal root, barberry n.伏牛花;伏牛花子 root, and Oregon grape root. Grapefruit is seed extract, garlic, echinacea, pau d'arco bark, celandine (n.白屈菜), astragalus (n.距骨;紫雲英屬) root, ginseng, Siberian ginseng, and holy basil have also been used. Caprylic acid and undecenoic acid also have considerable antifungal effect. Of these herbs , the most important and effective appears to be garlic, caprylic acid, and undecenoic acid.

Homeopathic (a.同種療法的) remedies have also been used to treat Candida with considerable success. The principle of homeopathy is that "like treats like"; that is, you introduce a very dilute amount of the substance to the body, which allows the body to formulate its own defense against the offending organism.

Another interesting agent is Lactoferrin (乳鐵蛋白). This protein has significant antifungal effect, and is often deficient in people with intestinal Candida. Although not specifically studied in humans, lab data indicate that lactoferrin has significant activity against Candida. It is often combined with colostrum (n.初乳), which helps boost the immune system.

Possibly the most important part of the treatment is to replenish the good bacteria of the intestinal tract that have been crowded out and destroyed by the Candida. Probiotics, or beneficial bacteria, are key to this process. The repopulation of the good bacteria can be started at the same time as the treatment, and should continue indefinitely. Lifelong (a.畢生的;終身的) therapy with a probiotic can help keep Candida in check, and has beneficial effect on bowel function. The best-studied strain of probiotic is Lactobacillus GG. This specially developed strain has numerous scientific papers supporting its ability to get past stomach acid and repopulate the colon. Additionally, it has been shown to adhere to the wall of the colon, which is where the Candida tend to live.

Treatment Protocols:

Treatment protocols are divided into 3 levels, based on our Candida score above. We have chosen products based on the best combination of efficacy and cost. The principles outlined above were used to guide the determination of treatment protocols, and these represent a synthesis of the most common and effective treatment protocols that are in common use.

The products in the protocols and the reasons they were chosen are as follows:
Twinlab Yeast Fighters: by having a base of good, soluble fiber, this product helps mechanically cleanse the colon wall. Additionally, it combines not only garlic, but caprylic acid and a special herbal blend that includes goldenseal root, pau d' arco, onion and black walnut. It also contains some acidophilus. This is a good blend of anti-candida herbs.
AquaFlora Candida High Potency: This remarkably effective homeopathic remedy is completely safe and easy to take. We have seen dramatic results using this agent, and there is a great deal of supportive anecdotal (a.逸話的;多逸事趣聞的;軼事一樣的) evidence for its use.
CAG Functional Foods Culturelle (or Nutrition Now PB-8): As we mentioned, Lactobacillus GG is the most well-studied acidophilus, and is the type found in Culturelle. It is a bit more expensive than other brands, but has the best science behind it. A good alternative is PB-8 from Nutrition Now. This has a blend of 8 different beneficial strains of probiotic flora.
Rainbow Light Allzyme + Lactase (n.乳糖分解酵素) : To assist the digestive process and minimize symptoms of gas, bloating 爐襯膨脹 and indigestion, we have added this excellent vegetable-based enzyme n.黴  product to our protocols. It is recommended, but not required.
Allergy Research Group Lactoferrin乳鐵蛋白  + Colostrum n.初乳 : For severe infections, we recommend you support the immune system with this product, which also has direct anti-fungal effects against Candida.


The Protocols

Level 1 Treatment (mild infection) Duration of treatment: 3 months
Anti-Candida diet for 30 days minimum, followed by low glycemic diet
Culturelle (or PB-8), one capsule each morning and evening (continuously)
Aqua Flora High Potency, 2 tablespoons each morning for three months
Twinlab Yeast Fighters, 5 capsules 30 to 60 minutes before the evening meal for 3 months
Rainbow Light Allzyme + Lactase, 1 or 2 capsules with each meal until symptoms resolve, then as needed.


Level 2 Treatment (moderate infection) Duration of treatment: 6 months
Anti-Candida diet for 30 days minimum, followed by low glycemic diet
Culturelle (or PB-8), one capsule each morning and evening (continuously)
Aqua Flora High Potency, 2 tablespoons each morning for three months followed by Aqua Flora Phase 1 for another 3 months
Twinlab Yeast Fighters, 5 capsules 30 to 60 minutes before the evening meal for 3 months
Rainbow Light Allzyme + Lactase, 1 or 2 capsules with each meal meal until symptoms resolve, then as needed.


Level 3 Treatment (severe infection) Duration of treatment: 12 months
Anti-Candida diet for 30 days minimum, followed by low glycemic diet
Culturelle (or PB-8), one capsule each morning and evening (continuously)
Aqua Flora High Potency, 2 tablespoons each morning for three months followed by Aqua Flora Phase 1 for another 9 months
Twinlab Yeast Fighters, 5 capsules 30 to 60 minutes before the evening meal for 3 to 6 months
Rainbow Light Allzyme + Lactase, 1 or 2 capsules with each meal meal until symptoms resolve, then as needed.
Allergy Research Group Lactoferrin + Colostrum, one capsule twice daily for 3 months.


While these protocols have not been studied in a clinical trial, I believe that they represent a sound and cost-effective approach to treating this difficult problem. If symptoms resolve very rapidly and you decide to shorten the course of treatment, bear in mind that it is very difficult to control Candida, and symptoms may recur later on. It is best to treat for a longer period of time to avoid this. Additionally, if for some reason you must go on antibiotics after you have cleared up the Candida, it may recur. Therefore, you should use a one month course of the Level 1 treatment protocol to try and prevent reinfection.

I sincerely hope that this provides you with useful information, and a resource to start your treatment of this significant medical problem.

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http://jusbcommunity.com/NHP/kathy/herbs.htm#A

Alfalfa herb (medigo sativa)
Properties: bitter, stomachic, general tonic, antipyretic, alterative, diuretic

Systems affected: digestive, circulatory, structural

Folk Use: Used for inflammations including arthritis and rheumatism. Thought to lower cholesterol and blood sugar. Used as a blood purifier and bitter tonic. Aids digestion.

Traditional formulas: Alfalfa and Dandelion combination, Alfalfa and Yucca combination, Marshmallow and Plantain combination

Aloe leaf (aloe spp.)

Properties: mucilaginous, bitter, vulnerary, laxative, demulcent, emollient, emmenagogue, astringent

Systems affected: structural, digestive

Folk Use: Used for burns, skin and stomach ulcers, dysentary, intestinal disorders, longevity, kidney disorders, prostatitis, sexual prowess. Acts as a cell proliferant, healer, demucent and allergy reducer. Topically it is used for skin ulcers, burns, irritations, and bites.

Traditional formulas: Comfrey combination

Althea root (althea officinalis) commonly called "Marshmallow"

Properties: muciliagenous, demulcent, vulnery, emollient, general tonic, alterative, diuretic, lithotriptic

Systems affected: digestive, urinary, respiratory

Folk Use: Binds and eliminates toxins. Useful for arthritis, as a laxative, for infection, as a female tonic, vermifuge, cleansing. Used in poltices. Helps kidney and bladder infection. Soothes urinary tract. Acts as an expectorant. Soothes the throat.

Traditional formulas: Gymnema combination, Pumpkin and Cascara combination, Plantain combination, Slippery Elm combination, Black Cohosh and Goldenseal combination, Raspberry and Dong Quai combination, Ginger and Dong Quai combination, Goldenseal and Juniper combination, Goldenseal and Bugleweed combination, Chamomile and Passion Flower combination, Marshmallow and Fenugreek combination, Ephedra and Passion Flower combination, Marshmallow and Plantain combination, Ginseng and Parsley combination

Asparagus root (asparagus officinale)

Properties: bitter, diuretic, laxative, blood purifier, antirheumatic

Systems affected: urinary, digestive, structural

Folk Use: As a blood purifier with diuretic and laxative properties. Used for rheumatism, neuritis, dysuria, parasites

Traditional formulas: Yellow Dock and Pau D'arco combination

Astragalus root (astragalus membranaceus)

Properties: bitter, immune stimulant, antiseptic, diuretic, antispasmodic, carminative

Systems affected: immune, urinary, respiratory

Folk Use: Infections. Some say it is used to prevent cancers. Said to rejuvenate digestive organs. Regulates blood sugar. Used to treat infections, diabetes, edema, nephritis, ulcers. Acts as diuretic, antiseptic, antispasmodic. Stimulates immune system.

Traditional formulas: Biota and Zizyphus combination, Ginseng and Licorice combination, Dong Quai and Peony combination, Astragalus and Ganoderma combination, Ginseng and Phaffia combination, Anemarrhena and Astragalus combination, Eucommia and Achyranthes combination, Alisma and Hoelen combination

Barberry (berberis vulgaris)                                                                                                     top    

Properties: bitter, antidiarrheal, antipyretic, astringent, bitter tonic, antihemorrhagic, antifungal, antibiotic

Systems affected: digestive, circulatory

Folk Use: Gastrointestinal ailments, lymphatics, urinary tract and respiratory infections. Bitter tonic. Antipyretic, antibiotic, astringent, antifungal. Used to treat diarrhea, respiratory infections, poor appetite, fever, candidiasis, hemorrhages. Reduce fever, calm the nerves, constrict capillary blood flow, reduce muscle spasms, lower blood pressure

Traditional formulas: Cascara combination, Cascara and Dong Quai combination, Gentian and Cascara combination, Ginger and Barberry combination, Dandelion and Barberry combination

Bayberry (myrica cerifera)

Properties: astringent, stimulant

Systems affected: digestive, circulatory, structural

Folk Use: Diaphoretic, diuretic, laxative. Eliminate toxins. Combat dysentery, diarrhea, fevers, uterine hemorrages. Polyps.

Traditional formulas: Ginseng combination, Eyebright combination, Bayberry and Ginger combination

Bilberry (vaccinium myrtillus)

Properties: bitter, anti-inflammatory, antithrombotic, antispasmodic, decreases capillary permeability

Systems affected: structural, circulatory

Folk Use: Poor night vision, bruising, capillary fragility, varicose veins, poor circulation, raynaud's disease, circulation complications due to diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, periodontal disease

Traditional formulas: Eyebright combination

Black Cohosh (cimifuga racemosa)

Properties; bitter, astringent, antispasmodic, alterative, emmenagogue, diuretic, estrogenic

Systems affected: reproductive, nervous, respiratory, circulatory

Folk Use: Coughs, chest difficulties, diarrhea, irregular menstruation. Historically used for scarlet fever, measles, smallpox, asthma, scrofula, St. Vitus's dance, bronchitis, intercostal myalgia, sciatica, whooping cough, tinnitus, pericarditis, angina pectoris, gonorrhea, spermatorrhea, seminal emission, sexual weakness, dyspepsia, hysteria, menopause, general difficulties involving the female reproductive system. Used to heal sores, wounds. Dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea, difficult pregnancy and childbirth

Traditional formulas: Black Cohosh combination, Black Cohosh and Blessed Thistle combination, Black Cohosh and Raspberry combination, Black Cohosh and Goldenseal combination, Alfalfa and Yucca combination, Dandelion and Parsley combination, Valerian and Black Cohosh combination, White Willow and Valerian combination

Black Walnut fruit rind (juglans nigra)

Properties: astringent, vermifuge, iodine source

Systems affected: digestive, glandular

Folk Use: Hemorrhoids, intestinal worms, wounds, bruises, thyroid deficiency conditions

Traditional formulas: Chickweed and Cascara combination, Gentian and Cascara combination, Ginseng combination, Irish Moss and Kelp combination, Goldenseal and Bugleweed combination

Blessed Thistle herb (cnicus benedictus)

Properties: bitter, galactagogue, emmenagogue, stimulant, diaphoretic, emetic

Systems affected: digestive, glandular, circulatory, urinary

Folk Use: Increase mother's milk, painful menstruation, emetic and expectorant, stimulate appetite, tonic to the digestive tract, diaphoretic

Traditional formulas: Black Cohosh and Blessed Thistle combination, Black Cohosh and Goldenseal combination, False Unicorn and Goldenseal combination, Raspberry and Dong Quai combination, Dandelion and Parlsey combination, Yerba Santa combination

Blue Cohosh (caulophyllum thalictroides)

Properties: bitter, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antiseptic, estrogenic, laxative, vermifuge

Systems affected: glandular, digestive

Folk Use: Regulating menstrual cycle, combatting painful menstruation, induce labor, spasmodic dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea, premenstrual syndrome, candidiasis, vaginitis, fiberous cystic disease, constipation, vermifuge

Traditional formulas: False Unicorn and Goldenseal combination

Boneset herb (eupatorium perfolium)

Properties: bitter, diaphoretic, antipyretic, laxative, stimulant, expectorant

Systems affected: cirulatory, structural, respiratory, urinary

Folk Use: Healing of broken bones, fever, influenza, respiratory allergies, chills, rheumatism, bruises, urinary tract infection, jaundice

Traditional formulas: Fenugreek combination

Bupleurum root (bupleurum chinense)

Properties: bitter, antipyretic, diaphoretic, sedative, anti-inflammatory, antidepressant

Folk Use: Chinese herb to "reduce wood." Spasmodic dysmenorrhea, PMS, fevers, depression, inflammatory skin conditions, tumors.

Traditional formulas: Dong Quai and Peony combination, Bupleurum and Peony co