Thrush is a yeast infection characterized by white patches in the mouth, on the tongue, and, sometimes the lips. It is usually seen in children under six months. This skin issue is different from cradle cap: the patches don’t scrape off easily compared to milk curds, and thrush leaves a red, inflamed area under the patches. Because thrush can be painful, it can cause babies to lose their appetite and get insufficient feeding. Here are some natural remedies to heal thrush.
- What causes thrush?
- Healing nutrition for thrush
- Which supplements can be used with a proper diet?
- What herbal remedies are commonly used for thrush?
- What essential oils are used for thrush?
- What are the common homeopathic remedies for thrush?
- Other healthy skin tips and home remedies for thrush
- References
What causes thrush?
Thrush is caused by the growth of a yeast called candida albicans. This is why when a baby has thrush, the yeast can cause a diaper rash at the same time. Everyone has candida in their body, but babies’ immune systems are weaker and not yet strong enough to control the growth of candida. Thrush can also result from the intake of certain medication like antibiotics, because they kill friendly bacteria and alter the flora balance.
Healing nutrition for thrush
A change in your own diet is needed if you are nursing your baby:
Stop or reduce considerably, your intake of refined sugar (also sugar in fruit, maple syrup, or honey!).
Try to stay away from:
- Most fats, apart from cold-pressed, uncooked olive oil, that can help inhibit the growth of candida
- Alcohol, coffee, tea, chocolate
- Foods containing yeast such as bread, mushrooms, vinegar, or smoked foods
Eat natural plain yogurt without sugar to maintain the friendly bacteria.
Which supplements can be used with a proper diet?
If you are nursing your baby, you are probably the most important one to be taking supplements because everything passes through your milk. To reduce and kill the yeast in your intestinal tract, you can supplement your diet with:
- Probiotics. Your baby can also take some in a lower dosage and a lactobacillus mouthwash may also be helpful
- Good antioxidants, such as beta carotene, vitamin C, vitamin E, small amount of zinc, and selenium
- Caprylic acid from coconut
- Grapefruit seed extract
- Odorless garlic capsules
What herbal remedies are commonly used for thrush?
- Ginger tea with your meals
- Aloe vera can be applied topically to your baby thrush several times a day
- Calendula cream helps heal the skin
- A chamomile bath soothes the skin
What essential oils are used for thrush?
- Bergamot
- Eucalyptus
- Lavender
- Marjoram
- Rose
- Thyme
What are the common homeopathic remedies for thrush?
- Arsenicum album
- Sulphur
- Thuja
- Capsicum
Other healthy skin tips and home remedies for thrush
- Don’t try to scrape away the patches, you would hurt you child.
- Clean everything that comes in contact with your baby’s mouth, that is to say your nipples between feedings and any item that your baby puts in the mouth. You can use a little bit of hydrogen peroxide to clean the item and rise it with water before giving it back to him.
- If you are nursing your baby, there is a possibility that thrush spreads to your nipples. Your nipples will be red, swollen and even cracked or itching. Consult your practitioner to treat the infection.
References
- Andrew Gaeddert, healing Skin Disorders, North Atlantic Books, Berkeley, California, 2003
- Louise Tenney, M.H., Today’s Herbal health, 6th edition, USA, 2007
- Phyllis A. Balch, James F. Balch, Prescription for nutritional healing, United States of America, 2000
- Siegfried Gursche, Encyclopedia of natural healing, Canada, 1997
- Thomas Bartram, Bartram’s encyclopedia of herbal medicine, The definitive guide to the herbal treatment of diseases, Grace Publishers, UK, 1995
- Disclaimer
J. Beck
DISCLAIMER
The information provided on Optiderma.com is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for the advice of an appropriately qualified practitioner.
If you are allergic to the foods, herbs, essential oils, any remedies listed here, you must of course avoid them. For example, consuming food that you’re sensitive to will only cause more (not reduce!) inflammation.
Please consult a practitioner (such as Naturopath, Homeopath, Doctor of Chinese Medicine, Dermatologist, ...) to follow the most appropriate treatment to heal your skin. All legal mentions »
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