Pruritus vulvae (thrush)

What you need to know

Thrush is a common cause of this condition. This common infection is severely irritating and can play havoc with your sex life and it’s more common in women who are on the Pill. But there are several natural remedies, complementary therapies, dietary and lifestyle changes that can help.

If thrush is a common problem see a GP or Naturopath. Also see the section on Systemic Candidiasis.

The most useful Supplements:

Taking a good hi-potency multivitamin and mineral to help correct deficiencies in the diet will ensure the body is able to fight the candida yeast, which causes thrush. See also the section on immune support:

Acidophilus and FOS	1 capsule after each meal or 250gm of Bio or BA yoghurt
Caprylic acid	1gm to 6gm per day
Grapefruit seed extract	As directed on the label

The most useful Herbs:

There are many herbs that are useful in the treatment of thrush:

Chamomile	500mg 3 times per day
Garlic	500mg 3 times per day
Goldenseal	500mg 3 times per day
Lemon Balm	500mg 3 times per day
Marigold	500mg 3 times per day
Thyme	500mg 3 times per day
Pau d'arco	500mg 3 times per day

Other herbs, which may help the immune system include:

Astragalus
Cats claw
Echinacea
Reishi

Homoeopathy

The following homoeopathic remedies can also help and are the most effective treatments, but it’s best to see a homeopath or a GP who practices homoeopathy as most over-the-counter products are based on lactose (milk sugar).

Borax
Candida albicans
Helonias
Nat mur
Pulsatilla
Sepia
Sulphur

Aromatherapy

The following could also be used for massage or as essential oils put into the bath:

Lavender,
Myrrh
Palmarosa
Tea Tree

Tea Tree pessaries can also help, but they’re not widely available - if you can’t find them, put a few drops of Tea Tree oil on a moistened tampon, insert into the vagina and leave for up to four hours.

Dietary changes that may be beneficial:

Nutritional changes based around supporting the immune system can help to prevent thrush.

Other changes that could help include:

Reduce sugar consumption to a bear minimum. This is very important as candida feeds on sugars and will spread faster and be harder to overcome, if there is a high sugar intake.
Eat plenty of live natural yoghurt or take probiotics to top up the beneficial bacteria needed to keep candida under control. Live yoghurt can also be used inside the vagina by inserting a small amount of a natural bio brand with a tampon tube.
Garlic is a powerful antifungal and should be used in very generous amounts - at least two whole cloves a day, either added to cooking, chopped into salads or just eaten in a sandwich.
Drink at least two litres of water per day to keep the mucous membranes of the mouth healthy.
Some complementary practitioners advise very extreme yeast-excluding diets, but there is no scientific basis for this.
Lots of complex carbohydrates - wholemeal bread, pasta, brown rice - for the B complex vitamins. Muesli, sunflower seeds, lentils and white fish - all rich in Vitamin B6
Eggs, sardines, pumpkin seeds, oysters and other shellfish - for good supplies of Zinc, which is needed for the health of the mucous membranes.

Other useful advice:

Obviously, good hygiene is essential, but don’t be tempted to have very hot baths or showers, use antiseptic soaps or perfumed gels and other bath additives. It’s important to keep the vaginal area as cool as possible, so wear knickers made of natural fabrics, tights with a cotton gusset - or better still - stockings. And don’t wear any clothes that are tight around the crutch.

Vaginal thrush is exacerbated by sweating, so it’s best to avoid any excessive exercise.

This condition is sexually transmitted. Although men may not have any symptoms, they can unwittingly reinfect their partners, so it’s essential that both of you are treated either by conventional or natural medicine.

Take these steps to avoid any further irritation:

Don’t use highly perfumed bath or shower products
Add two or three chamomile tea bags to your bath - this herb is very soothing
Wash the genital area regularly and very gently with warm water only
If the itch is driving you crazy in the night, don’t scratch. This triggers the vicious circle of the itch-scratch-itch syndrome as the trauma of the scratching release of histamine into the tissues, which makes them itch even more. If you’re in real pain, rub the area gently with an ice cube for instant, but temporary relief.
Reflexology can be useful for symptomatic relief of vaginal thrush.
Some prescribed medication for many different conditions can cause pruritis and or thrush. If it starts soon after you begin taking prescription drugs, speak to your doctor.
If you are using oral contraceptives it is advisable to top up your B-vitamins, particularly B6 and folic acid, as they are often depleted. Ideally you should take a high strength B-complex supplement.

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The information provided by WIS is for guidance only. Whilst it is based upon the expert advice of leading professionals, and extensive research, it is not a substitute for diagnosis by a qualified professional. Always consult your doctor, pharmacist or qualified practitioner before making any changes or additions to prescribed medication.