Thrush is a yeast infection. The yeast, candida albicans is found in the human body and is considered‘good’ yeast because it helps maintain the balance of other bacteria present in the body. However, if the balance of these bacteria is disturbed it can result in multiplication of the ‘good’ yeast that leads to the infection of thrush.
The yeast is mainly found in warm and moist parts of the body like the inside of the mouth, the groins, nappy area of babies and even on nipples of breast-feeding mothers. Thrush is common among both men and women.
However, thrush is most commonly seen in mouths of infants and babies and on the nipples of their mothers. During the infection, a white patchy coat forms on the tongue. This patch cannot be wiped away and bleeds easily.
Natural Home Remedies For Thrush
Medically, thrush is treated using antibiotics. But medicines should be avoided at all costs for infants and their nursing mothers. Natural remedies for treating thrush are as effective as prescription medicines and should be used for curing thrush in small babies and their mothers.
Treatment Of Thrush Using Coconut Oil
Application of pure and virgin coconut oil on the yeast infected area is one of the most effective remedy for getting rid of the infection. The oil is safe for application on nipples and on the tongue of new borns. It has been clinically proven that pure form of coconut oil is easily digested by infants.
Raw coconut oil is also a good immunity booster and makes the body strong and healthy. Mothers affected with thrush can even use raw and virgin coconut oil for cooking dishes. The oil is not very expensive and can be stored for a period of two years.
Treatment Of Thrush With Grapefruit Seed Extract
Grapefruits seed extract is available in most health food stores. To treat the infection effectively you will have to combine 10 drops of the extract with 30ml of water. Dab this solution after every couple of hours on the mother’s nipples. The solution should also be applied inside the baby’s mouth including the tongue and the inside of the cheeks. The extract is bitter and the nipples should be cleaned before feeding the baby.
Treatment Of Thrush Using Caprylic Acid
Caprylic acid is a derivative of coconut oil and is equally beneficial in the treatment of thrush. It has very string anti-fungal properties which makes it effective in getting rid of the infection.
Mix caprylic acid with a little virgin coconut oil and massage gently over the nipples and inside the baby’s mouth. This mixture is an even better remedy for treating thrush than coconut oil alone. It should be applied to the nipples 15 minutes before and 15 minutes after every feeding session.
Treatment Of Thrush Using Tea Tree Essential Oil
Tea tree essential oil is a potent anti-fungal and anti-bacterial treatment. It is widely used in curing various skin infections. However, since it is an essential oil, it should never be used undiluted. Always mix essential oils with carrier oils like almonds, coconut or olive oil before application on the skin.
Add four drops of tea tree essential oil to half teaspoon olive oil. Massage the nipples gently with this mixture of oils after feeding the baby. Before feeding the baby it is important to remove the application from the nipples. Use a clean towel dipped in warm water to clean the nipples. The amount of tea tree oil used in this treatment is not dangerous but the smell and taste of the essential oil can be very strong and may discourage the baby from feeding.
The mixture of tea tree oil and olive oil can also be used for treating thrush in the nappy area of the babies. Apply the oil mixture over the affected skin areas and leave on for 30-40 minutes. Repeat application thrice a day to get rid of the nappy infection completely.
Treatment Of Thrush With Oregano Oil
Oregano oil should not be used for treating thrush in babies and nursing mothers. Studies have revealed that the oil is best used in adults for curing thrush. The oil can be applied inside the mouth of both male and female adults in case of infection. The oil is also safe for application on genital areas.
Treatment Of Thrush With Clove Oil
Clove oil has very strong anti-fungal properties and is very useful in the treatment of thrush in new mothers and their babies. The oil can be directly applied on the nipples or even used diluted. Mix a little coconut oil with clove oil for treating the infection inside the baby’s mouth. Mothers should remember to wipe the nipples clean of the clove oil before breastfeeding their babies. Clove oil has too strong a taste which might put off the babies from feeding.
Treatment Of Thrush With Apple Cider Vinegar
To treat thrush with apple cider vinegar one must use it in its raw form. Dab undiluted apple cider vinegar on and around the nipples. The acetic acid present in the vinegar effectively removes the infection causing yeast from the skin. You can even use white vinegar for treating the thrush but apple cider vinegar is the best form of vinegar for killing the yeast.
Treatment Of Thrush With Natural Light
Yeasts have the peculiar habit of thriving in moist and dark places. They cannot put up with the sun’s natural light. If possible, expose your nipples to direct sunlight for 10 minutes every day.
Washing your undergarments in hot water will also kill the yeasts that get trapped in the fabric of the underwear. If the underwear is not washed properly the yeasts survive and the infection is hard to get rid of. Dry the garments under direct sunlight whenever possible.
Treatment Of Thrush By Washing
Wash everything that comes in contact with the baby’s mouth including soft toys, bottle nipples, towels used for wiping the baby’s mouth, mother’s bras and anything else. All these things should be washed in hot, boiling water to kill the yeasts. Remember to disinfect these things frequently to avoid recurrence of the infection. Expose these things to the sun whenever possible
No comments: