Disease Index Homeopathy Papers

Candida – Homeopathic Treatment

Written by Mary-Jane Sharratt

Candida is the popular term used for an overgrowth of the yeast, Candida albicans. Candida prefers the warm moist conditions found in the intestines and mucous membranes of the body, and is most common in the ascending colon, mouth, oesophagus and vaginal tract. Women are thought to suffer more commonly than men.

For many years I suffered from severe bloating after meals, and the problem continued even when I stopped eating wheat, and later, dairy products. I finally acknowledged that I had a problem with yeast overgrowth and embarked on a full, restrictive anti-Candida diet, complete with numerous supplements. Although I generally felt well when following the diet, as soon as I began eating ‘normally’ again, the Candida (Homeopathy Treatment for Candidiasis) symptoms returned.

My experience prompted me to write my college project on the subject of Candida, and its homeopathic and naturopathic treatment. In the six years since completing the project I have treated a large number of people exhibiting the symptoms of Candida, and I have seen some common themes emerging. Consequently there are certain homeopathic remedies which I find myself using time and again with which I have obtained some good results. More recently I have introduced some new methods of supporting those suffering from Candida overgrowth with homeopathic remedies.

Symptoms of Candida overgrowth

Candida is the popular term used for an overgrowth of the yeast, Candida albicans.

This yeast is normally present in a healthy person in small amounts and, if kept in balance, it doesn’t cause a problem. Numerous factors can upset this balance (see below). When the balance is altered, Candida overgrowth may result which can cause symptoms of disease. Candida prefers the warm moist conditions found in the intestines and mucous membranes of the body, and is most common in the ascending colon, mouth, oesophagus and vaginal tract.

There is no accurate data on the number of Candida sufferers – many individuals may not realise their symptoms are a consequence of Candida. Women are thought to suffer more commonly than men, although I haven’t found this to be the case in practice.

The term Candida is often used inter-changeably with thrush, indicating an oral or genital fungal infection, often with soreness, itching and/or discharge. There can be Candida overgrowth but no evidence of thrush, but other symptoms will be evident. I would consider thrush to be just one symptom of Candida overgrowth.

The most common indications of the presence of Candida are:

  • Fungal infections – thrush, athlete’s foot, or fungal problems of the skin or nails
  • Digestive problems – lethargy and bloating after eating; excessive wind; food cravings, particularly sugar, carbohydrates, yeasty food and alcohol; a worsening of symptoms after eating yeasty or sugary foods
  • Environmental sensitivity – food allergies and intolerances; hay-fever and increased sensitivity to smells and chemicals
  • Mental symptoms – foggy brain, depression, lethargy, fatigue and mood-swings
  • Menstrual problems –irregular menstrual cycle; bleeding or excessive discharge between periods and pre-menstrual tension
  • Joint pain and arthritis – swollen, painful joints; muscle aching, tingling, numbness or burning
  • Ear, nose and throat symptoms – sinusitis, post-nasal drip, itching in nose or ears
  • Aggravation from damp weather, sugar, bread, drinking alcohol, exposure to chemicals, petrol fumes, perfume.

Assessing the presence of Candida

As homeopaths we treat the totality of symptoms and not the disease; so whether the symptoms are a result of an under-active thyroid or Candida, the most appropriate remedy will be prescribed for the individual. However, an awareness of the symptoms that indicate Candida can be useful when considering nutritional advice or organ support remedies. It is also common for patients to believe that their symptoms are caused by Candida overgrowth as, although GPs are often dismissive of it, there is frequent mention of it in the media and a wealth of information on the internet, resulting in self-diagnosis in many cases. My understanding is that, in the UK, Candida overgrowth is not a recognised illness by the medical profession and therefore cannot be offered as a diagnosis.

Numerous tests are available to test for Candida, but as it is naturally occurring, they are not always accurate. A clinical questionnaire is considered to be one of the best methods of establishing the presence of Candida. It can also be beneficial to refer a patient for allergy testing to ascertain if there is a maintaining cause such as toxicity or a deficiency of a particular vitamin or mineral.

Particular areas to cover if there is a suspicion of Candida:

  • Medication – history of using antibiotics, steroids, HRT, contraceptive pill, Mirena coil
  • Endocrine imbalance – history of pregnancy, menstrual problems, including bleeding between periods, PMT, hypothyroid symptoms, blood sugar imbalance (weakness, emptiness, dizziness, sweating or nausea alleviated by eating)
  • Digestive complaints – lethargy or bloating after eating, excessive wind and flatulence, food cravings, (particularly sugar, carbohydrates, alcohol), diarrhoea or constipation, worsening of symptoms after eating yeasty or sugary foods
  • Fungal infections – history of athlete’s foot, fungal infection of the nails or skin (a yellowing of the nail bed or surrounding skin); oral or genital thrush; vaginal discharge or irritation; rectal itching
  • Mental symptoms – mental symptoms of Candida should not be used as the sole guiding factor; however, they commonly include depression; poor coordination and balance; forgetfulness; fatigue and lethargy; mood swings (particularly PMT); diminished libido; sleepiness in the morning
  • Musculo-skeletal symptoms – include unexplained joint pain or swelling of joint and muscle aches, tingling, numbness or burning
  • Ear, nose and throat symptoms – may include post-nasal drip or persistent itching in nose or ears
  • Environmental sensitivity – may include allergies or intolerances to a number of foods; hayfever and other allergies (especially if they appeared in adulthood); sensitivity to perfume, chemicals, petrol fumes, tobacco smoke
  • Modalities
  • Aggravation in damp weather
  • Aggravation from eating sugar, bread and other yeasty food
  • Aggravation from drinking alcohol
  • Aggravation from exposure to chemicals.

What causes Candida?

There is unlikely to be any single cause of Candida, however the most common ones (or a combination of them) are:

  • repeated prescriptions of antibiotics
  • exposure to chemicals and toxic metals
  • use of hormone-mimicking drugs and creams including the oral contraceptive pill, HRT and progesterone creams
  • the presence of parasites in the gut
  • excessive stress
  • excess sugar consumption
  • severe emotional trauma or separation from a parent

It is common for sufferers of chronic conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis, Diabetes and Hypothyroid to have clear symptoms indicating Candida overgrowth. What is less clear is whether the Candida overgrowth contributed to their condition. Case-taking often reveals that the symptoms of Candida were present before the symptoms of the chronic disease, so it is possible that in some cases, chronic disease is the next stage of systemic Candida.
NOTE: The symptoms of Candida can look very much like those of parasites, with bloating and itching around the anus and genital area. If in any doubt it may be beneficial to encourage patients to take a course of herbal anti-parasitics.
Sugar addiction can certainly be a maintaining cause in cases of Candida. It is worth noting that those who claim not to have a ‘sweet tooth’ may get their sugar from alcohol (see Case 1). This is often the case with men, who may eat little sugar but crave alcohol.
After finishing college I began treating a number of people presenting with clear evidence of Candida overgrowth and some themes seemed to emerge. In a short space of time I saw four new female patients, all of whom were seeking treatment for Candida. Two had been adopted in the first year of their life, one had been abandoned by her mother when she was four and the other had been in and out of care for her first few years. I started getting good results from remedies which helped patients to deal with the issues around separation, such as Nat Mur, Carcinosin, Lac humanum and Lac caninum. This prompted me to review all my Candida cases at the time, and of 28 patients there were 17 (60%) who had either suffered the death of a family-member at a young age, were adopted or abandoned or are now estranged from one or both parents after a poor relationship with them in childhood. How significant this is as a cause of Candida is impossible to say, but those patients who are no longer showing symptoms of Candida report that they have come to terms with issues from their childhood.

Treating Candida

Originally I drew up a treatment plan which included following an anti-Candida diet and using a wide range of supplements. However, I now find many of the supplements unnecessary. I often give a digestive support alongside the remedy best indicated for the presenting complaint.

Many naturopathic texts on Candida overgrowth refer to ‘die off’. This occurs when a rigorous diet and supplementation programme is followed; the excess Candida dies and then has to be excreted from the body. Commonly this results in a worsening of symptoms as the body is unable to excrete the dead yeast sufficiently quickly.

Many patients suffering from severe Candida are in a state of low vitality both physically and emotionally and in my view expecting them to suffer a worsening of symptoms is not reasonable. For this reason, at the first appointment, I ensure that the bowels are working effectively so that any die off can be efficiently removed, but I do not impose a rigorous diet.

In cases of deep-seated Candida, it is common for vaginal discharge to increase as the condition is treated, although if things are going well, this won’t be sore, itchy or uncomfortable. It is important to explain to the patient that this is the body’s way of getting rid of the Candida overgrowth and should be seen as a positive sign.

Alkalising the body

One thing I do encourage patients to do is increase the alkalinity of their body, which makes for a much less agreeable environment for the Candida to live in. I have become a big fan of homemade smoothies and in the year since I started making one every day my own health has improved considerably. Here is a recipe sheet which I hand out regularly:

Making a green smoothie every day provides the body with micro nutrients, which are building blocks for every cell. It also helps to shift the PH balance towards a more alkaline state, in which it is more difficult for yeast overgrowth and infection to thrive. After 2 weeks you will notice the difference. Into a blender put:

250ml of filtered water

Juice of half a lemon or lime

3 inches of chopped cucumber

A stick of celery

Quarter of avocado

Sprig of parsley

6 – 8 basil leaves

Rock salt and black pepper to taste

Blend all ingredients together and drink half first thing in the morning before eating or drinking anything else. Have the rest at lunchtime.

You can add other green ingredients as you wish, plus garlic, turmeric and ginger which are useful immune boosters.

Other veggies you might want to add include courgettes, spinach leaves, rocket, watercress or kale.

For a change, try adding some berries and a bit less green veg.

Homeopathic Treatment

At the first appointment I will usually prescribe as follows:

  • a remedy based on the presenting symptoms (thrush is often the main complaint)
  • a digestive support
  • if the patient is constipated or stools are inadequate, a remedy specifically to improve bowel action (it may be the same remedy required for the treatment of thrush)
  • advice to take a good quality probiotic
  • advice to eat regular meals 3 to 5 times daily with a high protein content, which will help to stabilise blood sugar levels and reduce cravings
  • nutritionally if there is one food that appears to be aggravating the symptoms I recommend that they remove it from their diet (try asking what food they couldn’t live without – this is often the one that aggravates the most). Patients often expect to be given a stringent diet to follow, however if their energy is low it can be difficult to make significant nutritional changes. Removing one aggravating food can result in a significant improvement in symptoms

I have found that giving a deep emotional remedy early in the case can cause aggravations. For example if a patient who was adopted presented with severe thrush symptoms, Lac Humanum may aggravate if given before the thrush has subsided.

The following remedies have proved useful in treating patients with thrush:

Remedies for thrush

Keynotes

Modalities

Arsenicum album Acrid, thick yellow leukorrhoea. Restlessness. Thirsty <standing; after midnight
Borax Oral thrush. Ulcers. Dry, cracked tongue with a bitter taste.Craves sour food < fruit, tobacco
Caladium Most commonly used to help smokers to give up, this remedy also has the symptom of itching of vulva and va-gina with burning > masturbation, rubbing the affected area
China officinalis When Candida symptoms have been present since food poisoning or after a severe bout of diarrhoea, even if this occurred months or years ago. Recommend 6c daily for 2 to 4 weeks < diarrhoea
Morgan gaertner The bowel nosodes are all useful but Morgan gaertner in particular is excellent for treating symptoms of Candida which appeared since antibiotics.It is similar to Lycopodium but seems to have a deeper action on the digestive tract.  Recommend 30c daily for 5 days > passing wind; hot food
Helonias Foul, curdled, lumpy leukorrhoea. Vaginitis with backache and consciousness of womb. Urinations with burning and frequent desire < pregnancy; pressure of clothes> keeping busy; holding abdomen
Kreosotum Foul, acrid leukorrhoea which stains. Craves smoked food. Pressure in region of spleen < cold; rest; menses; 6pm to 6am
> warmth; hot food
Lac caninum Feels dirty, self-loathing. Useful for cleansing toxicity, particularly of pesticides. Vulva is sore and itchy with dischargeTender breasts, particular before mensesLacks confidence and may be confused with Lycopodium < night, cold air
Medorrhinum Thin discharge with fish-brine smell. Itchy vagina. ThirstyCraves sweets and orangesParticularly useful for cases of thrush after a new sexual partner or after multiple partners Itching > rubbing and bathing
< Damp conditions; daytime
Nitricum acidum Acrid, offensive discharges and redness. Splinter-like pains. Itching, burning foreskinVaginal itching after sexOffensive smell of urine < milk
Platina Painfully sensitive genitals, which cannot bear touch. The avoidance of sex is likely to be a big issue for the patient suiting this remedy – they will tell you about it! < touch; sex
Pulsatilla Thick, bland or yellowish-green discharge. Thirstless < rich foods
> fresh air; company
Sepia Leukorrhoea with large lumps. Bearing down feeling in abdomen+ vinegar, sweetsOften useful for women who feel irritated by their husband and/or children. < before menses, sex, touch
> crossing legs; vigorous exercise
Staphisagria Thrush after sex, particularly if relationship is problematic, or after emotional upset or indignation < grief, anger, indignation; after sex
Thuja Profuse, thick, green discharge. Very sensitive vagina. Male: sweetish smell of genitals, and offensive smell of semen < cold; damp heat; sweets
> warmth

Frequency and potency depend on the severity of symptoms, but I usually start with 6c or 30c and may increase the potency weekly.

In cases of chronic Candida, the liver and digestive tract is unlikely to be working to its optimum level. My favoured organ supports are:

Organ support remedies Action
A combination of:
Berberis vulgaris + Ceanothus + Chelidonium 3x
This has a beneficial action on kidneys, spleen and liver
Carduus marianus 6x Particularly effective if the patient is a regular or heavy consumer of alcohol or has a history of liver disease such as jaundice or hepatitis
Hydrastis 6x If there has been a history of severe diarrhoea or food poisoning (also China, see above)

Dosage is usually twice daily of any of the above, and Candida Albicans 6c can be combined with any of the others

I prefer to use a bottle of tablets rather than herbal tinctures, finding it easier and more portable. The efficacy of the remedies seems to be unaffected.

It is vital that the bowels are working effectively. For constipation or insufficient bowel movements, try one of the following:

  • A dessertspoon of linseeds soaked in water for 2 hours and drunk before bed
  • Nux vomica 6c daily for unproductive straining until symptoms improve
  • Poly bowel nosode 30c daily until symptoms improve (this is a combination of all the bowel nosodes)
  • For inadequate stools, psyllium husks twice daily (plus at least 3 litres of water a day)
  • Other homeopathic remedies such as Opium, Lycopodium, or Calcarea carbonica may be indicated in cases of chronic constipation.

I usually see people at two or three week intervals for the first few appointments, until a clear improvement is evident.

As treatment progresses

  • Continue use of organ support
  • Continue use of probiotics
  • Treatment of sugar addiction, if this is a problem (I have not seen a case of Candida yet where the patient did not crave sugar either now or in the past).

The following remedies may be beneficial for sugar addiction. In addition, a supplement of Chromium 200 mcgs daily will stabilise blood sugar.

Remedy for sugar addiction Keynotes Modalities
Saccharum officinale Secretive addiction. Suppressed anger. Ailments from grief/disappointment. Insatiable appetite (especially sweets). Indigestion and hard, swollen abdomen.Can be taken every time a craving becomes over-whelming < morning, warm weather, eating sugar/chocolate> evening, eating, after breakfast
Antimonium crudum Huge appetite, with over-consumption of food. Thickly coated white tongue. Bloated after eating with frequent belching. Diarrhoea alternating with constipation < heat & cold bathing
Lycopodium Craves sweets. Chilly. Bloated, distended abdomen. Appetite increases/reduces while eating. Eats quickly < 4 – 8 pm; missing a meal; eating; re-heated foods; cold food and drinks> rubbing abdomen; hot food and drinks
Syphilinum History of addiction to sugar and other stimulants. Sabotages own efforts to eat healthily < night, damp> daytime
Nux vomica Reliance on stimulants. Sugar is obtained primarily from alcohol. Over-indulgence in rich food. Food has significant impact on mood (although the patient my not acknowledge this) < coffee, alcohol, stimulants> sleep, rest, loose clothing
Winchelsea sea salt Similar to Natrum muriaticum but with a cleansing and detoxifying action. Patients may experience skin eruptions, mouth ulcers or loose bowels after taking this remedy.
Lac humanum Separation from mother at an early age (either permanent or temporary). Patients who were not breast-fed. The remedy can bring up emotional memories. Food/alcohol addiction and issues around food such as history of anorexia or bulimia. If an early separation was experienced, keep appointments frequent to sustain a link with the patient < alcohol, before menses, eating> from sex, eating

As mentioned previously, remedies such as Carcinosin and Nat mur can be useful in cases of chronic Candida where there is a history of grief over separation.

Mercury toxicity

More recently I have seen a couple of cases of chronic Candida which appear to have resulted from removal of mercury amalgam fillings. Both patients had decided to have their fillings replaced for health reasons and had felt markedly worse since the removal. In each case I prescribed the supplement Chlorella (I recommend Sun Chlorella as being a particularly good quality brand), with the dose starting at 3 to 5 tablets daily, increasing to 15 over three or four weeks. The results were remarkable, with both patients noticing a very substantial improvement in their symptoms in a short space of time.

For those not familiar with Chorella, it is a single-celled algae that has many beneficial properties, one of which is that it attaches to heavy metal deposits in the body and excretes them (a process known as chelation).

Clearing the Candida overgrowth

Another more recent approach I am taking in many of my more difficult Candida cases, is a process to remove toxicity from the body using homeopathic remedies. For this I loosely adapted the CEASE protocol developed by Tinus Smits, which has been so successful in treating people with autism.

Most commonly I use this protocol using Candida Albicans in potency, but have also used it where I believe vaccination may be the underlying cause of the symptoms. Although I haven’t done so yet, it may be beneficial to use Dental Amalgam in the same way where this would seem to be the trigger for the symptoms.

The way I use it is as follows:

Week One Candida Albicans 30c – morning and evening on one day (e.g. Monday)

Week Two Candida Albicans 200c – morning and evening on Monday

Week Three Candida Albicans 1M – morning and evening on Monday

Week Four Candida Albicans 10M – morning and evening on Monday

The patient will generally notice some changes in symptoms and possibly an aggravation as they go through this process. Most common symptoms seem to be an increase in bowel activity with mucus in the stools, which is definitely a positive sign. The four weekly process should be repeated until no change is observed. Repetition may have to occur several times.

Case 1

RB, female, 43 years old. Presenting complaint: chronic recurring thrush.

14/7/07: History of depression and past use of anti-depressants. Married with two sons in late teens, both living at home. Teaches math and English to adults. History of labyrinthitis with some residual symptoms. Relationship with husband is poor – they live separate lives. Brother died in 2005 with cancer, prior to which she nursed him for two years. Frequent user of cannabis and occasionally cocaine. Heavy consumer of red wine, routinely drinking a bottle a night, but can be up to three bottles. Mother is an alcoholic, and the relationship is strained. She has had no contact with her father since parents divorced 30 years ago. She has had thrush on and off since her brother died, although currently it is not severe.

Natrum muriaticum 30c sd week 1; 200c sd week 2; 1Msd week3; 10M sd week 4

The thrush was not the presenting complaint at the time of the appointment, although its frequent occurrence was noted. Her brother’s death was very current for her and she related everything in her life back to the time he died, hence the choice of Nat Mur.

28/8/07: No thrush since the previous appointment. After Natrum mur 1M she developed terrible stomach pains which she had experienced previously when her parents divorced. She complains that she is everybody’s carer and her family is invading her space. Still drinking and using cannabis and cocaine.

Carcinosin 30 sd with Rosequartz 30 weekly

I find that rose quartz can be a good support for Carcinosin, continuing its action for longer.

26/9/08: R felt considerably better after Carcinosin and has had no thrush symptoms. Occasional binges of drinking but generally drinking less and trying to stop smoking.

Carcinosin 200 sd

2/11/07: After the remedy she had a terrible cold and cough which lasted four weeks, similar to a cough in her teens after parents divorced. Last period was unusually heavy. Some thrush symptoms but they didn’t last long. She almost cancelled this appointment due to her extreme fear of fireworks – she was afraid to leave the house.

Phosphorus 1M sd plus AAA 30 to use as needed

2/12/07: Had impetigo on her face after the remedy, but it cleared in a week without treatment. Hasn’t smoked for four weeks and is drinking less alcohol. She has pain in L side of chest < after drinking. Some thrush symptoms, mainly itchy but no discharge. She is constipated and windy and is having problems getting to sleep. Dreams are busy, so feels unrefreshed in the morning.

Syphilinum 30c sd week 1; 200c sd week 2; 1M sd week 3

The reliance on alcohol and drugs indicates the syphilitic miasm and this seemed to be an appropriate time to give the nosode.

7/1/08: Terrible thrush before period. Drank and smoked too much over Christmas plus took cocaine but has decided not to drink or smoke for a month. Some return of the labyrinthitis symptoms which had disappeared. Struggling to control use of stimulants; very sensitive to coffee and cigarettes but craves them. Has been constipated, “as if not completely finished”.

Nuxvom 30c sd week 1; 200c sd week 2; 1M sd week3

27/2/08: Very irritable and grumpy with everyone. No thrush but libido is zero. No cigarettes for a month and drinking less. Relationship with husband has been based on drinking and smoking cannabis together, and now feels they have nothing in common. Energy levels are low, feels exhausted all the time.

Sepia 30 – 200 – 1M over three weeks

This is a remedy which R has had in the past and feels is ‘her’ remedy, although this is the first time it presented as the dominant remedy since her treatment with me.

15/4/08: Still feels irritable and is drinking again and smoking some cannabis (secretly without telling husband). Libido 5% better.

Saccarinum off 30c sd week 1; 200c sd week 2; 1M sd week 3

I chose this remedy in particular due to the secret nature of her smoking – secretive addiction is a big part of the remedy picture.

24/6/08 After remedy didn’t want alcohol and felt ill when drinking. Pain in chest only comes after drinking. Thrush is terrible, really itchy and sore. Her neighbour is driving her mad (talking about her neighbour took up most of the appointment)

Nit ac 30, 3 x weekly

R’s reaction to alcohol after the Saccarinum Off was notable, and it was interesting that the thrush came back severely after many months with no symptoms. It appears to be a return of old symptoms in accordance with Hering’s Law of Cure.

Since this appointment there has been no recurrence of thrush symptoms, and the pain in her chest has gone. Subsequent appointments have focused around a change of job and a back injury. R is smoking very little and drinking much less. She has a bottle of Saccarinum Off 30 and takes one dose when she craves a drink.

Case 2

A 14 month old baby had a habit of ‘grinding’ her genital area against anything available. Her mother commented that the child’s vulva was often red and sore, but was embarrassed by her behaviour, believing her to be indulging in a form of masturbation. It seemed likely that the girl may have thrush, and after five daily doses of Caladium 30 the redness disappeared and the ‘grinding’ ceased, to the relief of the mother and no doubt of the child too!

Case 3

SG, female, 38 years old. Presenting complaints: thrush and insomnia.

3/3/07: SG is an aerobics teacher, married with two children (one from a previous marriage) and three step-children (who stay for 2 – 3 days a week). Her husband is jealous and cannot bear mention of S’s first husband. They do not socialise in case someone mentions it and he is very dominant in their relationship.

Her mother died when S was 18. She had multiple sclerosis and had been ill for 16 years before her death, staying in a nursing home or hospital since S was eight years old. S has an older and a younger sister. Her father has remarried and lives abroad.

After her mother’s death, S became anorexic and was in hospital for four months. She is still slim but eats sensibly. Had a very sweet tooth in the past, but this is now under control and she just has occasional chocolate.

Her sleep is terrible; she worries that she has offended someone during the day and frets about it. She is taking prescribed medication for sleep. She also suffers from severe thrush, which is < during and after intercourse.

Lycopodium 30c ssd week 1; 200c ssd week2; 1M ssd week 3

Berberis + Ceanothus + Chelidonium 3x bd

Lycopodium and Sepia are both strongly indicated, however the impression from S is that she has spent her life being controlled, firstly by her mother’s illness, then by both her husbands.

23/3/07: Slept really well for two weeks but energy very low now and had a sore throat (same symptoms as she had as a child). Thrush symptoms have disappeared but she has the feeling of a heavy period all the time, with a dragging feeling.

Sepia 30c ssd week 1; 200c ssd week2; 1M ssd week 3

Continue with BCC

11/5/07: Three periods in six weeks, with bleeding every two weeks. Sleep been better but husband wakes with screaming nightmares. The dragging feeling has subsided. Thrush symptoms are worse after sex but generally she feels much calmer. Her husband has commented on how much better she seems.

She comments that she has been everyone’s carer all her life and that when her mum was in hospital, she would cook for her father and look after her younger sister.

Carcinosin 30c ssd week 1; 200c ssd week2; 1M ssd week 3

12/8/07: Sleep is good and last menstrual cycle was 27 days. No thrush symptoms, even after sex.

Lac humanum 30, twice weekly

With her mother absent so much during her childhood, and her subsequent eating disorder, I felt that Lac Humanum would begin to resolve some of these issues.

17/10/07: S was very angry and depressed with terrible PMT. Her periods are more frequent again, coming every two weeks. They are very heavy and painful, for three to four days. She usually takes maximum dose of paracetamol [this has been the case for over 20 years but was the first time she had mentioned it to me].

Fraxinus americanus 30, daily for four days

[Over the next few months there were no thrush symptoms, and sleep was reasonable. S’s husband came for three appointments, after which his relationship with S’s son improved and the jealousy and nightmares abated.]

20/2/08: S phoned with a terrible case of thrush. She had visited her father and step-mother in Spain and has argued with them. It reminded S of her mother’s death and how her step-mother had moved in just a few months later. She felt as though the thrush was eating her alive.

Staphisagria 200 sd

1/4/08: After the Staph she cried a lot and felt real grief about the loss of her mother and her absence during S’s childhood. She still felt very upset at the time of the appointment.

Ignatia 30c ssd week 1; 200c ssd week2; 1M ssd week 3

8/6/08: Thrush has gone but there is a yellow discharge and she feels acidic. Sleep is deep and S is not worrying about the row with her father and step-mother. Went to a party with her husband and both had a great time (this was their first social outing for several years). A bit of PMT but not severe, and feels able to express irritation with husband.

Natrum carbonica 30c ssd week 1; 200c ssd week2; 1M ssd week 3

No thrush symptoms have been evident, the discharge has cleared up and S is generally sleeping well. Candida 6c has been added to the BCC combination and she takes a couple of tablets if she feels any indication of thrush. She continues to teach her aerobics classes, which are fully booked, and has begun to practise Reiki.

When I began researching Candida overgrowth, there was no mention of physical or emotional separation from parents, either permanently or for a short period as a possible cause. As I have seen more cases it has become apparent that for a significant number of patients, an early separation is a contributory factor and resolution of the emotions around this can result in permanent resolution of the Candida symptoms. Other therapists are often surprised that homeopathy alone can treat Candida, without adhering to a strict dietary regime, but I rely very little on nutritional supplements, and still achieve very positive results with remedies.

The addition of using the ascending potencies of Candida Albicans to eliminate the problem permanently is still in early stages of use, but results so far are encouraging and I am confident that this will be a good additional angle of treatment.

This article has been amended and updated from an article originally published in Homeopathy in Practice in Spring 2009.

Editor’s note: 1M and 10M potencies should only be used by professional homeopaths and are not meant for self treatment.

References

Appleton N (1996) Lick the sugar habit USA: Avery

Ball J (2001) Understanding disease Essex: CW Daniel Company Ltd

Chaitow L (2003) Candida albicans Wales: Creative Print and Design (Wales)

Francis T (2005) Sacchurum Officialrum Project for South Downs School of Homeopathy

Gibson D (1987) Studies of homoeopathic remedies Beaconsfield: Beaconsfield Publishers Ltd

Holford P (2002) The optimum nutrition bible London: Judy Piatkus (Publishers) Ltd

Murphy R (2000) Homeopathic remedy guide Virginia USA: HANA Press

Murphy R (1998) Homeopathic medical repertory Colorado USA: HANA

Murray MT (1997) Chronic candidiasis New York: Three Rivers Press

Phatak SR (1999) Materia medica of homoeopathic medicines New Delhi: B Jain Publishers (P) Ltd

Smith S (2005) Medical homoeopathy Brighton: The South Downs Publishing Company

Winderlin C (1996) Candida-related complex USA: Taylor Trade Publishing

Tomlinson C (2000) Candida and the endocrine system Candida Digest Volume 4 Issue 2 pages 1 to 3

 

About the author

Mary-Jane Sharratt

Mary-Jane Sharratt (BA Hons, SDS Hom, MARH) worked for fifteen years in the world of commercial finance, taking the decision to train as a homeopath after her own amazing experience of remedies. She qualified in 2006 when she left her career in finance and set up Sussex Homeopathy in mid Sussex. She runs a busy clinic in Haywards Heath, offering homeopathy and also NAET, Allergy Elimination Technique, a therapy in which she trained in 2008. Her website is www.sussexhomeopathy.co.uk
Homeopathy is her passion and she shares this with anyone who wants to attend her one day workshops. She is also passionate about helping therapists to establish successful practices and runs courses and workshops on marketing for therapists on how to attract more clients. She can be contacted by email at [email protected] or by phone on 01273 841800.

49 Comments

  • Hi!

    I found the article fascinating and I want to read it over again in depth to make sure I understand all the aspect of candida that you mentioned.

    However, I do have one question for clarification . In the recipe for the “green smoothie” you mention using “Rock salt and black pepper to taste”. I live in the United States and here, we use rock salt as a road de- icer. Rock salt usually refers to Halite (pronounced /ˈhælaɪt/), commonly known as rock salt, is the mineral form of sodium chloride (NaCl). Halite forms isometric crystals. (Definition from Wikipedia) It can be used in cooking, or so I am told, but it’s not something that is generally done.

    We also have something called Kosher Salt, which is is a variety of edible salt with a much larger grain size than some common table salt. Like common table salt, kosher salt consists of the chemical compound sodium chloride. Unlike some common table salt, kosher salt typically contains no additives such as iodine, although some brands will include anticlumping agents in small amounts. (Definition from Wikipedia).

    And we also have Sea salt, obtained by the evaporation of seawater, is used in cooking and cosmetics. It is historically called bay salt[1] or solar salt. Generally more expensive than table salt, it is commonly used in gourmet cooking and specialty potato chips, particularly the kettle cooked variety (known as hand-cooked in the UK/Europe) (Definition from Wikipedia)

    Would you be so kind as to clarify what kind of salt you might be using? Sorry to sound so picky, but I want to get it right.

    Thanks!

    • Thanks for your question. In the UK we can buy rock salt for adding to food in any supermarket – it has a higher mineral content than table salt, however sea salt or Himalayan salt would be good alternatives. It is just for the taste so you can leave it out if you prefer.

  • Dear Mary-Jane,
    this is a very deep and interesting piece of work ! Some remarks/suggestions I will give to you.
    First you suggest that homeopathy is all about curing the symptoms and not the disease. Hahnemann’s Organon is full of aphorisms that suggest the opposite, culminating in aphorisms 72-82 in which Hahnemann gives us his disease classification. Here we see that in principle a miasmatic predisposition causes the development of a chronic disease. So, not the bacterias or viruses or yeasts cause candidas, but the underlying miasm(s). This implies that this miasm indicates the way the symptoms show themselves and the way this has to be treated.

    • These are interesting points which I will consider when I next update the article. Many thanks for your input.

    • I JUST READ YOUR reticle, which will be a life saver, I believe. I am from the US and I a plethora of health issues that I believe all stem from candida overgrowth.
      With that being said, would it be ok to use celtic salt, as it is high in minerals but no iodine, which has played a part in my illnesses.
      Thank you.

  • Hello Doctor,

    You have a very informative article here. It is very well written and is easily understandable.

    I am not a homeopath or a doctor of any kind. I am a freelance medical transcriptionist and a fan of homeopathy. I would like to apply the following section of your treatment to my wife who, I think, is suffering from Candida.

    “Week One Candida Albicans 30c – morning and evening on one day (e.g. Monday)

    Week Two Candida Albicans 200c – morning and evening on Monday

    Week Three Candida Albicans 1M – morning and evening on Monday

    Week Four Candida Albicans 10M – morning and evening on Monday”

    She is a 28-year-old married women with vaginal twins delivery. She occasionally suffers from fungus on her finger nails due to constant working with water. She is having diminished memory and decreased libido. She occasionally have whitish discharge from her vagina and also occasionally have burning and pain while intercourse. The whitish discharge comes more or comes when she is having a fight with me or her in-laws.

    What do you suggest me to do? I want to start the above mentioned treatment with Candida Albicans.

    But again there is a warning by the editor as “Editor’s note: 1M and 10M potencies should only be used by professional homeopaths and are not meant for self treatment.”.

    So what is the anti-dote of Candida Albicans medicine.

    With Regards
    S. Debnath

  • DEAR DR
    YOUR ARTICLE IS VERY EXHAUSTIVE. IT IS INTENSIVE AS WELL. I WOULD LIKE TO ADD A FEW THINGS FROM MY EXPERIENCE. CANDIDA IS AN HEREDITARY DISEASE. IT PRECIPITATES WITH SUGAR/SWEETS. DIARY PRODUCTS. INDIGESTIBLE, STALE, GASTRIC FOOD AGGRAVATE THE PROBLEM. THEY SHOULD BE AVOIDED OR TAKEN IN MODERATION. TO ACHIEVE CURE AND IMMUNITY A NOSODE BE PREPARED FROM THE STOOL OF THE PATIENT IT SELF IN 30C AND GIVEN AS AND ONE REQUIRED, EVERY TIME INCREASING ITS POTENCY. GRADUALLY CANDIDA WILL BE CURED.
    THANKS
    DR SHEKHAR

    • This is an interesting point, making a remedy from the patient’s stool, and not one I had considered. Thank you for suggesting it.

    • Dear dr
      I would like to know how long do you take 30c of own stool and many times a day? Also when do start to increase its potency?
      Thank you

    • Dear Dr. Chander Shekar Gupta,

      I have been trying to find your clinic info but could not, Can you help me reach you? I live in Canada.

      Thank you so much.

  • Dear Mr Debnath,
    I would recommend you start with Candida 30 for your wife. She can take one a day for 2 days. Then stop and see what happens. It is likely that she may have a change in discharge or stools. When this stops repeat the Candida 30 for 2 more days. Continue like this until she has no new symptoms when she takes the remedy – she may have to repeat it 3 or 4 times.

    This may be sufficient to help her symptoms, but if not you could do the same with Candida 200. The important thing is to notice any changes and to repeat the remedy until you notice no change at all.

    Best wishes,

    Mary-Jane

    • Dear Doctor:

      I have not found Candida medicine in three homeopathic medicine shops in Kolkata. They have never heard of such medicine. Is “Candida” a nosode ? If yes, then I have to find it in a different shop where they keep nosodes.

      Please help.

      With Regards
      S. Debnath

  • The article is clearly the result of the author’s study, research and experience. Dr Simoncini,an Italian oncologist , claims that cancer and candida are related and connected to each other. He treats cancer patients with Sodium bi carbonate, and claims good results. Dr SharrAtt also has mentioned that maintenance of alkalinity of the blood is very effective in the treatment of candida infection. She has highlighted the importance of bowel nosodes . I have a personal idea, not verified up to the mark of satisfaction, that when a disease involves considerable imbalance in the bowel flora, the bowel nosodes should be used, especially if the alimentary canal is the location
    of the disease. I do convey my gratitude to the author. BADAL MAJUMDAR

  • My wife who is 60 years old is suffering from Urticaria(a skin problem) for the past several months. She has taken lot of homeopathy drugs under the supervision of qualified Homeopathy doctors. Earlier, she was in Allopathic treatment and on the advice of a skin spealist, the steroid tablets were stopped. But she was taking antihistamine tablets for a long time. As she was not finding relief in homepathy drugs, Some six months back, she started taking Ayurvedic medicines, and she was free from her problem for about 3 months. Now this skin problem(rashes) started again and she is now taking Ayurvedic medicines. The results of the lab tests is as follows.
    CANDIDA ALBICANS; ALLERGEN SPECIFIC IgE H 5.52 biological ref range >0.1 positive
    <0.1 negative
    DERMATOPHAGOIDES PTERNYSSINSINUS; ALLERGEN SPECIFIC IgE H0.12.
    After seeing this article, I suspect that her skin problem may be due to the Candida Albicans.
    I have more faith in Homeopathy and I have found many illnesses have been cured by this wonderful homeo drugs. I am now 68 years old and having served in Indian Railways as an Engineer, I will be thankful if the author of this efficient articles suggests some treatment in homeopathy for the complete cure of urticaria of my wife who is now 60 years old. she was healthy all along and now she is is troules at her old age.

    • This is first time I have come across someone reporting and IgE reaction to Candida which makes me think it is almost certainly the cause or a significant factor in your wife’s condition.

      Unfortunately I am not in a position to recommend a course of treatment for your wife from the UK without the benefit of a full consultation, however there may be suggestions in my article which you could employ, such as a very low potency of Candida to see if that helps.

      Thank you for taking the time to get in touch.

      • Hi doctor Mary Jane
        I have been suffering for a year now and all the doctors and test prove nothing wrong with me yet I had very bad pain and irratation in my lady part I had ver bad cravings only for sweets and things I never normally eat I have since gone thourgh cleanses and anti fungals it all seem to be ok the cravings stopped the discharge in both areas minimize if not stooped all that left is the food and chemical intolerances and the swelling and burning of my fingers and under my armpits. I have been seeing a very good homeopath but recently I notice some of my symtoms returning the brain fog the discharge the irratability is that nomal with a homeopathic rememdy? I driving myself crazy I cannot do that diet again I might as well die. My doc says to lay of the dairy and simple carbs increase my digestive enzymes and keep taking my probiotics along with my remedy. I’m so confused I feel like I’m not ever going to get better

  • Hello Sir, this article is very informative . What could be the substitute of the avocado, celery and parsley in the green drink as I live in a small town in India and these are not available???

    • I think any green vegetable will be beneficial, especially spinach, although if you can get avocado it is a wonderful food being full of good fats as well.

      • Dear Mary,

        You were recommending Chlorella supplement to get rid of the toxic mercury. Does spirulina has the equal ability of Chlorella too? I have read in a health blog saying combination of the both above will be best solution to get rid of many types of metals from our body. Whats your opinion on this? Thanking you in advance for your kind hearted info about the candida problem.

        Regards
        Kumar

  • Respected Doctor,
    Your Article on Candida is worth reading.CEASE protocol is totally ahomeopathic and need further research.

  • Dear Mary,

    Having read your candida treatment, I just wanted to get your opinion as I have been suffering with depression, asthma and nose allergy. I have been taking antidepressants for over 10 years! I had tried to come off them and every time I stopped them my depression came back. I also have very large marks all over my chest and upper back, and when I consulted my doctor he said they fungal. They had always appeared as brown marks and when my skin is exposed to sun light they get red and remain very light tan, whereas the rest of my skin becomes very dark tan colour.

    I would be grateful to hear your opinion.

    Kind regards
    Parviz

  • Hi there,

    I am an ordinary person with no knowledge of homeopathy, but my question is, I know that Candida Albicans is the main cause of infection in human body. Then how come in Homeopathy we treat this infection with Candida Albicans as well???? I am confused

    “Week One Candida Albicans 30c – morning and evening on one day (e.g. Monday)
    Week Two Candida Albicans 200c – morning and evening on Monday
    Week Three Candida Albicans 1M – morning and evening on Monday
    Week Four Candida Albicans 10M – morning and evening on Monday””

  • Hi,

    What do you mean about the following ? I don’t understand where to buy this and what to ask for in the shop

    Week One Candida Albicans 30c – morning and evening on one day (e.g. Monday)
    Week Two Candida Albicans 200c – morning and evening on Monday
    Week Three Candida Albicans 1M – morning and evening on Monday
    Week Four Candida Albicans 10M – morning and evening on Monday

    Thanks

    jennifer

  • Hello,
    Was wondering what your suggestions for a remedy would be for a mother who is breast feeding and seems to have thrush on the nipples- no where else that is known anyways. Have started on a good probiotic and have started to eliminate as much sugar from diet as possible. The baby is 3 weeks old and may have it in the mouth but only on the tongue.

  • Hi
    I have been suffering from a severe vaginal yeast infection after the birth of my baby girl for the past 3 months. Was prescribed many anti-fungal drugs but no effect. Now came to know that I have thrush in the nipples too and that the baby had yeast infection too.
    Are the medicines that you suggested safe to give for a baby – 3 months old? I know homeo is safer than allopathy, but not sure which medicine would be best for her. The yeast is causing her to have constipation too.
    Any advice would be very helpful. Thanking you
    Ani

  • i was wondering if you can help,i have histpory with loss,stress, anxiety, sopcial phobia and deppre
    depression i started to feel really physically ill two yr ago i got so worked up about the fact that no one could find any physical evidence that anything was wrong that i ended upd in phychiatric were they decided on a course of ECT it seemed to work in the end until reacently when i discoverd i had a uti then symptoms of gallbladder infection i had antibiotics several times in the space of 5 mnth and reaccuring thrush my family, doc and care worker all think its in my head and ive already been offered a plae back in phyc care i feel very alone and stuck for what to do next i bekieve i am suffering whth thrush that ir effecting mwhole body but i cant get thru to anyone. my health care worker is ex mmexpecting me to gm pscim oo her ap is my doc so i am having to be careful what i say if im admitted i dont think my boyf will visit

  • sorry my phone is not working properly *my health worker is expecting of to go phsycho but i know i won’t i feel totally upset and foot know where to turn and antideppressants just keep getting thrown at me . mental health is not an exact science and people get diagnosed wrongly a lot. are they wrong to assume its just my mental state. they say they won’t do anymore tests at doctors as nothing will show up. i have upper abdominal p but they are refusing to send of back to specialist to have a look at my rightain in my right side. gastritis acid reflex hiatus hernia discovered by a gastro

  • they won’t send of back to gastro even though i feel someone offer to have a look at this more closely as in sick of looking a heyperchondriac and being in pain all the time especially when i eat hue started to notice intolerance too and craving for sugar. they can’t expect to leave of like this but hue exhausted all my options. hue told them that i have been bringing up undigested food and also passing it too but they foot seen to want to believe me its a nightmare. could you please give of coz advise the doctors have said it can’t be life threatening as my full alone count came back normal., but none have kept notes of my symptoms properly either which just beer to my upset. thanks for listening. x

  • *full blood count normal. amylase and also lipase normal. liver function normal as kidney heart and bladder function. although key tones were elevated apart from sugar which wasn’t present at all in urine. test all done by different doctors and no one is keeping notes. in in constant pain bloated can’t eat huet much and keep getting constipated. i would love some advice and your opinion on this.

  • this article was very informative.
    Have tried using homeopathy several times in the last 14 years for my hormonal imbalances, candida infections , malabsorption, food allergies and sensitivities,but never could commit to one medicine or therapist.
    Now I realize I had a unconscious belief that I can’t be healed , anything available to me is not good. All the good is out there some where and I never deeply belied that world is good enough to help me. I guess I have addresses all those issues now and I am ready to be healed.
    Here is India doctors generally never reveal the remedy name but couple of doctors had revealed …one doctor prescribed lycopodium and the other suggested Sepia . I feel I resonate more with Sepia personality.
    Can I take Sepia 6C or 30 C for 2-3 weeks daily and then shift to a weekly dose of 200C …Can you please guide me.

  • I had felt before as if I could die! Multiple symptoms including brain fog, foul smelling urine, abdominal pain, bowel problems, insomnia, bad breath, fatigue, joint pain, hunger pain followed by pain after eating, ETC! After reading that untreated Candida is life-threatening, I am especially pleased to be on the road to recovery. Very thankful my gyno recommended the Lady Soma Candida Cleanse! And a nice by-product of taking the Lady Soma Candida Cleanse capsules is losing 6 pounds of stubborn belly fat and getting back to my high school weight at age 53!!

  • A homeopath prescribed homeopathic dental amalgam amalgam to me. What happened was terrible. My kidney area became inflamed, I could fill my lungs with only a small amount of air every breath because the lungs pushing at the kidneys caused terrible pain. I collected all urine in a white plastic bucket during this time. What I noticed was that in the bottom a one millimeter thick layer of grey claylike goey was stuck. I had to stop eating all hot spices because after this homeopathic course, spices causes terrible burning pain in the kidneys and liver. Worst of all, I became sensitive to mobile masts so that I feel like I have the flu around them, very tired with headache, memory problems and actually feel like dying.
    Because of all this I now have to live outside society, in a small hut located on the country, and cannot work. Sucks to go from sports athlete to get my life ruined.

    Only now, more than 10 years later, I learnt that Samuel Hahneman, the creator of homeopathy, warned that mercury (dental amalgam) most never be used to treat mercury toxic people. He recommended sulphur. Don’t dabble with mercury detox if you have not been trained by a successful therapeut. (basically: dmsa, acethyl glutathion, methionin, lipoic acid + antioxidants every 3rd hour round the clock)

    If only I also knew how to reverse the sensitivity that the homeopathy caused. Maybe someone knows?

  • Chronic thrush in the mouth is resolved in a day or two with a few doses of SYPHILINUM 1M. This is what our homeopath prescribes for my wife who gets it often enough. Check with your homeopath. He does give other remedies but without this (which he forgot to give once) they don’t work.

  • she admitted hospital with dengue fever. liver,kidneys are infected with this fever. after treatment 4 days in icu infection decreased. but fever continued. so Meany antibiotics are used. after 13 day’s she got cardiacarrest. after treatment of 10 day’s in icu till she had continues fever. doctor’s find she got fungal infection by doing blood test. after using antibiotics from 3 day’s fever is in controlling stage. still she’s in mild unconscious stage continuing ventilation in icu. what happen next, please suggest better treatment .

  • Hi
    I am lately diagnosed of squamous cell carcinoma due to traumatic injury on left side of my tongue.oncologist insist on surgery.can I try candida

  • Dear Sir,
    This is a very deep and helpful piece of work ! I would expect you to write same kinds of blogs in future. Best of luck

  • Thank you for the informative and comprehensive article. Any suggestions for males with digestive issues due to candida?
    thank you

  • Dear Aman
    In homeopathy, you learn the body to know its enemy. By introducing the enemy . By homeopathy the enemy is maybe 30000 times get weaker.

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