Oral Thrush Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Oral thrush is a fungal infection which appears as raised creamy spots on the lining of the mouth, lips, and throat. The Candida albicans fungus occurs naturally in the mouth and other moist, warm areas of the body, but if excessive growth is allowed to take place infection can result. This may occur if the bacteria that usually keep it in check are themselves under attack by antibiotics, or if the immune system is compromised for any other reason. Oral thrush is most common in the young and elderly, and in people who wear dentures. Women also appear to be more susceptible than men.

Symptoms 
• pain, soreness, and irritation in the affected area
• raised creamy spots in the mouth

TREATMENT

Chinese Herbalism 
Gentian and Oriental wormwood may be prescribed to treat fungal infections of the mouth.

Traditional Home and Folk Remedies
Eat fresh live yogurt, and dab on to the affected patches, as required. Olive oil prevents yeast becoming fungus in the body, and should be drunk or used in cooking, as often as possible. Rub raw garlic on to the affected areas, and incorporate plenty of raw garlic into your diet. Lemon will help to soothe discomfort and encourage healing. Drink a cup of hot lemon and honey in water three times daily.

Herbalism 
Aloe vera mouthwash has an antifungal effect. Barberry prevents the growth of fungus, and stimulates the immune system. Take three times daily. Caprylic acid is a good antifungal agent. Take three capsules with each meal. Chew fresh juniper berries to reduce inflammation and attack the Candida fungus.

Aromatherapy 
Add a few drops of myrrh, tea tree, or lavender oil to a cup of boiled water and rinse the mouth several times daily to destroy fungal infection.

Homeopathy 
Constitutional treatment to boost immunity will be offered, but the following remedies may also be useful:
• Capsicum, when patches are hot and sore and worse after cold drinks.
• Borax, at first symptoms.
• Arsenicum, for thrush associated with mouth ulcers and which occurs when you are run down.
• Mercurius, when your tongue is hot and trembling, and you have more saliva than usual.

Vitamins and Minerals 
Take acidophilus tablets, and eat plenty of ripe bananas to encourage the growth of healthy bacteria in the body, which will reduce the severity of attacks and act to prevent them.