What is Thrush?
Thrush, (also known as Candidiasis), is an uncomfortable and most frustrating yeast or fungal infection that usually affects the warm, moist areas of the body. It commonly occurs in the vagina, mouth, nail beds and skin folds and is common in breastfeeding mothers and infants. While there are a few different types of yeast infections, the most common is Candidiasis which is caused by the Candida albicans fungus.
Many women are affected by vaginal thrush at some stage in their lives, and for some woman it is a recurring problem. This uncomfortable condition may cause itching, irritation, redness, pain and swelling as well as a thick, white vaginal discharge.
What Causes Thrush?
While small numbers of the Candida fungus usually live on the skin and around the vaginal area – they are generally harmless. The immune system and the ‘good’ bacteria that naturally exist on the skin and in the vagina usually stop the Candida from thriving and so a healthy balance is maintained.
However, when the conditions for Candida are just right, or when the immune system is weak, it multiplies and can cause a yeast infection. This overgrowth of yeast often occurs when the good bacteria are killed through the use of anti-bacterial soap, or antibiotics.
Other conditions that commonly trigger Candida growth are use of steroids, birth control pills, hormonal changes in pregnancy, menstruation or menopause as well as allergies, poor hygiene, stress, a poor diet or chemical poisoning.
Oral thrush, also caused by Candida albicans, is a common fungal infection in babies. The infection generally occurs within the first 6 months of life because babies’ immune systems are generally not very strong yet. Oral thrush usually presents as cracked skin in the corners of the mouth, and whitish or yellowish patches on the lips, tongue, or inside the cheeks. Other types of thrush include vaginal thrush, genital thrush and penile thrush.
Help for Thrush
Natural Remedies
Natural homeopathic and herbal remedies have been used successfully to treat and soothe the symptoms of thrush for centuries.
Herbal ingredients such as Lemon grass, Calendula officinalis and Tabebuia impetiginosa are well known for their anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties, and effectively detox and remove toxins and help to support the overall natural maintenance systems of the body. These remedies are 100% safe, non addictive and un-invasive and have become the perfect solution to the discomfort and frustration of thrush!
