Garlic Pills & Yeast Infections

Garlic is a well-known cure for yeast infections. Garlic has antifungal and antimicrobial properties and prevents growth of candida albicans. Candida is the fungus that causes yeast infections. Candida is normally present in the intestines in minor quantities and is not a problem unless there is an overgrowth of it in the body.

Features

A yeast infection or vaginitis is characterized by itching and burning along with a white or yellow discharge.

Causes

Most often, yeast infections are caused by use of antibiotics or steroids, a deficient immune system, alcohol abuse and tight clothing.

Treatment

Garlic's active ingredient, allicin, is a potent inhibitor of yeast. Odorless garlic, in the form of tablets or capsules, may be preferable to raw garlic to avoid the smell. One garlic pill is equivalent to 4 g of allicin (one clove of raw garlic).

Considerations

For prevention of yeast infections, try the following: decrease intake of sweets, wear white, cotton underwear and loose clothing, stay away from soaps with strong fragrances and always wipe from front to back after toileting.

Side Effects

Ingesting garlic can cause body and breath odor. Utilizing odorless garlic in tablet form can minimize these effects. Excessive garlic use can cause stomach upset.

References

• Connecticut Center for Health
• American Family Physicians
• Fungus Focus