Alternative treatments for candida

Early signs of vaginal candida can be treated with plain, live yoghurt. Before going to bed, insert a few teaspoons into the vagina. Repeat this each evening until the symptoms improve. Caught early enough, the friendly bacteria in the yoghurt will multiply and devour the candida.

From the herbal cupboard, calendula cream or tincture will help ease external irritation. For internal use, you can try immune system restoratives such as echinacea, cleavers and camomile, all of which are safe to use in pregnancy. The easiest way to take these is as a tincture, two or three times daily, in a little water.

In addition, you might try to persuade your partner to be tested for candida. You can become re-infected through sexual contact.

Finally, if you have a chronic candida problem, consider consulting a qualified nutritionist, herbalist or homeopath who may be able to work with you to support and strengthen your immune system during pregnancy and beyond.

References
Bland J, ed, Medical Application of Clinical Nutrition, New Canaan: Keats, 1983
Campion, K Holisitc Herbal for Mother & Baby, Bloomsbury, 1996
Thomas, P, Natural treatments for candida – what really gets the bugs out?, Proof!, 2000; 4(4): 10-3.
Tiran, D and Mack, S, Complementary therapies for pregnancy & childbirth, Balliere Tindall, 1995