Thrush is a fungal infection that usually occurs in the mouth. In babies, this fungal infection causes diaper rash, and in women, the same fungus is responsible for vaginal infections.
Although regardless of age and health condition a person can suffer from thrush, people who have weakened immune system or wear dentures are more vulnerable to the fungal infection.
The best treatment option for thrush depends upon the age of the patient and the severity of the infection. In most cases, antifungal medications are sufficient for cleaning the infection. The recovery process can be accelerated and recurrent thrush can be prevented by combining home remedies with pharmaceutical drugs.
6 Top Treatments For Thrush
Antifungal Medications
Antifungal medications are available in the form of tablets, lozenges or liquid. In some cases, especially in people with compromised immune system, the Candida yeast infection does not respond to standard drugs. Antifungal medications may damage the liver if used for a long time.
Pomegranate
Pomegranate is a natural antifungal agent. It can provide fast relief from the irritation and pain caused by the oral Candida yeast infection. Applying pomegranate extract on the affected areas in the mouth, helps to clear the infection rapidly.
Pomegranate is especially effective in treating denture stomatitis or thrush caused by wearing dentures. Studies suggest that pomegranate is as effective as miconazole-based anti-fungal gels in treating oral thrush.
Tea Tree Oil
People suffering from oral thrush can use tea tree oil for treating the infection. This powerful natural antifungal agent can inhibit growth of different strains of Candida yeast.
Studies suggest that tea tree oil is as effective as Amphotericin B in treating oral fungal infections that do not respond to conventional pharmaceutical antifungal drugs.
However, tea tree oil should be used with caution. Commercial mouthwash containing tea tree oil is usually safe for treating the fungal infection. Tea tree oil is meant only for external use. Emergency medical intervention is needed if it is accidentally swallowed.
Garlic
An organo-sulfur compound called diallylsulphide (DADS) present in garlic can kill Candida yeasts. Scientific studies have revealed that DADS significantly boosts oxidative stress in the fungus, thereby damaging its cells.
Applying garlic paste on the affected areas and consuming one clove of fresh garlic or supplement containing 4000 to 5000 micrograms of allicin daily can clear the infection.
People on anticoagulants should take garlic supplements under the supervision of their physician. The blood thinning property of garlic may interact with these medications, and delay blood clotting.
Probiotics
Recurrent thrush can occur owing to microbial imbalances. The live bacteria in probiotic foods and supplements can cure the fungal infection by correcting the microbe balance.
Unsweetened yogurt and supplements containing Lactobacillus acidophilus or Bifidobacterium can inhibit growth of the harmful fungi by increasing the number of beneficial bacteria that suppress fungal overgrowth.
Propolis
Propolis, a resinous substance obtained from beehives, can be used for treating thrush. Researches suggest that it can rapidly clear oral thrush owing to injury caused by dentures. However, people sensitive to bee products should avoid propolis.
