4 Proven Herbal Treatments for Candida Overgrowth

• Why Herbs?|
• Best Herbal Treatments|
• Other Natural Candida Fighters|
• Probiotics|
• Diet|
• Lifestyle|

A Candida overgrowth is a common fungal infection that can affect the mouth, intestines, skin, and reproductive tract. 

Signs and symptoms of Candida may include: 

• Abdominal bloating
• Brain fog
• Oral yeast infection (thrush)
• Vaginal yeast infection
• Skin rashes
• Fatigue 

Fortunately, natural remedies, such as probiotics, herbal antifungals, and diet, can tame a Candida overgrowth effectively.

In this article, we’ll dive into herbal treatments for Candida overgrowths and how they fit into a comprehensive Candida elimination plan.

Why Choose Herbal Antimicrobials for Candida?

Candida infections are typically caused by the fungal species Candida albicans. Many people assume that herbs are less potent against Candida than antifungal medications, like nystatin or fluconazole, but this isn’t necessarily the case. 

When it comes to herbal treatments for Candida overgrowth, herbal antimicrobials can be just as effective as conventional medications.

Here are the key reasons why I frequently recommend herbal antimicrobials over pharmaceuticals for Candida:

1. Similar eradication rates: Herbal and other natural treatments are often similar to or better than pharmaceuticals at getting rid of Candida infections 1 2.
2. Fewer side effects: Natural antifungals are not completely free of side effects, but they generally cause fewer problems for users 3.

The 4 Best Herbal Treatments for Candida Overgrowth

Conventional antifungal medications are sometimes the best choice for treating fungal infections, so always consult a doctor. Combining antifungal medications with herbal treatments can also be effective against Candida.

In many cases, though, herbal and natural treatments alone are enough. Supported by research and my clinical experience, the following natural treatments can help the body’s immune system fight off Candida infections.

1. Oregano Oil

Oregano oil is an herbal antifungal we often use to treat Candida overgrowth and other types of gut imbalances in our clients. 

There isn’t yet much human data on oregano oil for treating Candida. But a study comparing the anti-Candida activities of various herbal oils found that oregano oil was the most effective against lab-grown Candida 4.

In lieu of scientific evidence on humans, our clinical experience speaks to oregano’s benefit in helping clients with intestinal Candida. 

We typically recommend our Candida clients take two phases of supplements containing oregano oil: 

• Biota-Clear 1a (oregano oil is the sole ingredient in this product): We’ll generally use oregano oil as the primary antifungal for people with gastrointestinal Candida overgrowths. 
• Biota-Clear 2b (oregano oil combined with caprylic acid—see below—and other useful herbs for a broader antimicrobial effect): If a second phase of treatment is necessary for persistent intestinal Candida, we’ll likely move on to this combination.

2. Garlic Tablets 

Garlic contains allicin, a compound with strong anti-Candida properties. A randomized controlled trial (gold-standard type of study) found that garlic extract tablets were about as effective as the antifungal drug fluconazole for treating vaginal yeast infections 1. 

In the clinic, we’ve found garlic extract tablets are a safe and effective treatment for both vaginal candidiasis and gastrointestinal Candida. We use them as a first-line alternative to oregano oil for the gut. We also use garlic alone or combined with Horopito (see below) for the vagina.

A typical start dose for Candida infections is 1,500 mg of garlic extract (3–6 caps of Garlic Select) per day for a week.

3. Herbal Essential Oils

In addition to oregano and garlic oil, cinnamon oil and lemongrass oil also have strong antifungal activity in the laboratory. In a study of how herbal oils affected Candida albicans grown in a lab, cinnamon and lemongrass oils were more than 99% effective at inhibiting the yeast 5.

Of course, antifungal properties in a petri dish are not the same as clinical effectiveness in people with Candida. However, in the clinic, we’ve found that these oils and garlic oil can successfully treat oral Candida.

4. Horopito

Horopito, also known as Pseudowintera colorata (sold under the brand name Kolorex), is a shrub from New Zealand that has strong antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-biofilm properties. It works against Candida overgrowths by punching holes in Candida cell membranes and stopping them from making energy.

Two clinical trials showed that Horopito fought Candida better than the antifungal drug itraconazole 2 6. Based on this research, 2.5 mg per day is a good place to start. If well tolerated, 5 mg is reasonable, but some people get an upset stomach at the 5-mg dose.

At the clinic, an oral Horopito product called Kolorex is one of our top choices for treating vaginal Candida. 

Other Candida Fighters

Though they’re not herbs, the following 4 natural supplements can also be highly effective Candida treatments.

Caprylic Acid

Caprylic acid is part of the medium-chain triglyceride family of healthy fats. It can help to break down the cell walls of Candida, making it a great supplement for helping with Candida overgrowth 7. 

For example, a clinical trial found that MCT oil, which is high in caprylic acid, reduced gut Candida in preterm infants 8.

At higher doses, caprylic acid can cause diarrhea, so 1,600–2,400 mg per day is the usual recommended amount. 

In the clinic, we may introduce caprylic acid when an intestinal overgrowth is harder to treat and hasn’t been fully wiped out with oregano or garlic.

Enzymes

Certain enzymes may help break down Candida and their biofilms (the shields they build around themselves) to make other treatments more effective. 

In the clinic, we often use Biota Dissolve for stubborn intestinal Candida. This product contains anti-biofilm enzymes, including chitinase and cellulase. 

Chitinase can break down a part of fungal cell walls called chitin 9. Cellulase can break down the cellulose that gives shape to bacterial biofilms and might have similar effects on Candida biofilms 10. 

Bovine Lactoferrin

Lactoferrin is a type of whey protein found in cow’s milk. It’s also in human milk, but in higher amounts.

A review of petri dish studies concluded that bovine (cow) lactoferrin can stop the growth of Candida and may work well alongside antifungal medications 11. 

We’re experimenting with this in the clinic, at a dose of 300–1,000 mg per day.

Undecylenic Acid 

Undecylenic (uhn-des-uh-LEN-ik) acid is a naturally antifungal fatty acid that comes from castor oil. A 2016 study in lab settings showed that it can stop fungal cells from growing and building biofilms 12. 

Undecylenic acid is on our list of things to try in the clinic, at the recommended dosage of 900–1,500 mg per day.

Teaming Up Anti-Candida Treatments With Probiotics

Natural antifungals are effective at targeting Candida, but pairing them with probiotics can supercharge their benefits. 

Probiotics can help restore balance to the gut microbiome. Well-balanced gut microbes work to prevent or slow Candida overgrowth while strengthening the body’s immune defenses against it.

How Probiotics Combat Candida

Probiotics can help treat Candida by:

• Preventing the formation of hyphae (long threads that branch off Candida, helping them colonize and cause infections)
• Crowding out Candida 
• Keeping Candida from building biofilms
• Preventing Candida from sticking to the gut lining

A meta-analysis (highest-quality study of studies) found that a combination of probiotics (a Lactobacillus/Bifidobacterium blend and various Saccharomyces species) reduced oral Candida counts in people with oral thrush 13.

And a later randomized controlled trial found that probiotics were as effective as antifungal medication (fluconazole) in treating most symptoms of vaginal candidiasis 14.

Triple Therapy

I can’t overstate the importance of probiotics in helping to get rid of Candida, and any respectable probiotic product should be beneficial. 

However, many of our clients see even better results by combining different categories of probiotics together. Specifically, we’ve found these three categories work very well together:

• A Lactobacillus/Bifidobacterium blend
• Saccharomyces boulardii (a beneficial yeast)
• A soil-based probiotic (a Bacillus species)

This “triple therapy” approach provides a solid foundation to support the natural antifungals we’ve already discussed. Together, the probiotics and antimicrobials work more quickly and effectively to eliminate Candida and restore microbiome balance than either used alone.

Is There an Anti-Candida Diet?

No matter how dialed in a supplement regimen is, it may be impossible to effectively get rid of a Candida overgrowth if the diet isn’t also supporting gut health. 

A clinical trial found that combining an anti-Candida diet with antifungal medication (nystatin) resulted in better outcomes than using medication alone 15. 

After 10 days of medication: 

• Most (85%) of the intestinal Candida patients who had also followed the diet for 3 months were symptom-free. 
• In contrast, fewer than half (43%) of those who took the medication without following the diet had their symptoms resolved.

There’s no fixed “anti-Candida” diet, but Candida thrives on processed foods, sugar, and refined carbohydrates. Reducing these can help starve the yeast and prevent its growth. 

I remind my clients that there’s no need to strive for perfection. But at a bare minimum it’s important to minimize sweets, highly processed treats, prepackaged meals, and deep-fried and fast foods.

For even better results, including plenty of nutrient-dense whole foods will support the immune system, promote gut health, and help balance the body’s microbiome.

With these guidelines in mind, we use the following anti-Candida dietary plan in the clinic.

Eat More of These Foods

The following foods generally discourage the overgrowth of Candida and should form the bulk of the diet if well tolerated:

• Low-glycemic fruits (like avocados and berries)
• Lower-carb vegetables (such as leafy greens, cucumbers, and carrots)
• Legumes (peas, beans, and lentils) in moderation
• Whole grains (like oats, quinoa, brown rice) in modest quantities
• High-quality proteins (such as lean meats, fish, eggs, and plain whey, pea, or hemp protein powders)
• Unsweetened dairy (like plain yogurt, ghee, and butter)
• Low-mold nuts and seeds (almonds, chia seeds, flaxseeds, pecans, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, and sesame seeds)
• Beverages including caffeinated (or decaf) coffee and tea, herbal tea, and broth with safe ingredients
• Healthy fats (olive oil, safflower oil, sesame oil, MCT oil, and coconut oil may have anti-Candida activity) 16 17 18
• Herbs and spices (those with stronger anti-Candida activity include oregano, ginger, black pepper, cinnamon, turmeric, cumin, and bay leaf) 19 20 21
• Safe condiments (such as vinegar, mayonnaise, and coconut aminos) in moderation
• Sweeteners including stevia, monk fruit, and erythritol

Be Cautious With These Foods

Some foods aren’t necessarily harmful but need to be treated with some caution. These include: 

Nuts and Seeds 

Some healthcare providers suggest completely avoiding nuts and seeds due to the possible presence of mold, but there’s no research indicating that eating nuts increases Candida. To err on the side of caution, we recommend:

• Focusing on the nuts and seeds listed above, which are less prone to traces of mold
• Being moderate with cashews, peanuts, pistachios, and walnuts, which may be more likely to have small amounts of mold

Fermented Foods

Many anti-Candida diets say to avoid foods with live cultures, such as beer, fermented foods, and vinegars, because they might trigger an immune response. 

Although no studies directly support this, some people report worsened symptoms when they include foods and beverages with live yeasts or bacteria. 

We tell clients it’s okay to experiment with yeast-containing and fermented foods—without added sugar—and monitor their symptoms.

For more details on how to eat when fighting Candida, check out our Candida Diet guide.

3 Lifestyle Improvements to Make

In addition to the diet, other lifestyle factors can significantly affect the immune system’s ability to kill a Candida infection. In fact, one study identified psychological stress as a likely main cause of vaginal Candida 22. 

Managing stress, exercising, and maintaining good oral hygiene can improve Candida treatment outcomes. 

1. Manage Stress

Implementing stress-reduction techniques, like yoga, meditation, and time in nature, can help the body better manage a Candida overgrowth 22.

2. Get Active

Exercise supports both the immune system and a healthy microbiome. Studies suggest that regular physical activity can increase beneficial gut bacteria 23. Healthier gut bacteria can help suppress harmful pathogens like Candida. 

Even moderate-effort exercise can bring great benefits—choose activities you enjoy to make it easier to stay consistent.

3. Brush and Floss

Regular brushing and flossing can promote a healthy oral microbiome and limit Candida buildup in the mouth. 

A consistent daily mouth-cleaning routine also minimizes the chances of Candida moving down the digestive system and overpopulating the intestines 24.

Build Your Own Anti-Candida Toolkit

For a Candida overgrowth, combining herbal treatments like oregano oil and garlic with multispecies probiotics can help restore balance to the gut microbiome and immune system.

When paired with an anti-Candida diet and lifestyle supports, herbal and other antimicrobials can get rid of a Candida infection and support long-term wellness.

It’s essential to consult a healthcare provider to ensure your treatment plan for Candida symptoms is safe and effective for your specific needs.

If you’d like to work with one of our experienced gut health practitioners, you can reach out to us at the Ruscio Institute for Functional Health. Alternatively, you can follow my eight-step plan for restoring gut health laid out in Healthy Gut, Healthy You.

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