Candida Albicans is a species of naturally occurring fungi in the human body. At a regulated growth, it poses no health hazard to us. However, when the organism becomes prolific, it causes infection in the area that it inhabits and threatens our systems. Thus it is important to keep the fungi population at a benign level. At times when this is impossible, as when one is stressed, exposed to the infection or is immuno-impaired, certain measures to restore one’s health can be taken.

Fungi and yeast feed on decomposing and dead tissues. These fungi exist in our stomachs, on our skin and in our environment everywhere. When kept under control, the fungi and yeast are harmless and serve to digest what our bodies cannot use.

Candida is fed from undigested sugars (carbohydrates), which create the overgrowth of the “bad” bacteria. Too many of these sugars can cause the fungi and yeast to grow out of control, which is known as systemic candidiasis. The fungi invade the blood, gastrointestinal tract and tissues. As part of the Candida (fungal culture) life cycle, they excrete a large amount of poisons called mycotoxins. These poisons must be detoxified by the liver and immune systems. Left unchecked, this can cause serious damage to tissues and organs, and they are believed to be a factor in degenerative diseases such as cancer, arteriosclerosis and diabetes.

Candida forms biofilm, described as a sticky goo, like plaque clinging to teeth that protects yeast and supports its growth. It forms a protective habitat for Candida, parasites and other 'misbehaving' microbes that fiercely resist antifungal pharmaceuticals. A study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology demonstrated that essential oils are especially effective at penetrating the tough biofilm that Candida hides behind. Some essential oils studied are:

Lemongrass
Clove
Thyme
Patchouli
Cedarwood
(see references at the bottom of this page)

The Battle Plan
It is important to eliminate what the candida fungi feeds on to gain back balance and control over it. Eliminating or greatly reducing simple sugars from the diet is imperative. This would include, at least initially to get it under control, fruits of all kinds, carrots, potatoes, grains (except for long-grain brown rice) and dairy (except for homemade fermented dairy products such as yogurt). Avoid antibiotic and alcohol use as well. Find a good probiotic and use it consistently.

Minerals and trace minerals like magnesium, potassium and zinc help to bring and keep balance. A lack of mineral intake possibly stimulates candida and fungal overgrowth.

Candida can be transmitted between spouses. Some research indicates that the men are the carriers though they may show no symptoms. Both partners need to follow the diet and use an anti-fungal protocal in order to eradicate it.

Essential Oils for Men:
Essential oil blend of equal amounts of PATCHOULI and TEA TREE. Add 1-2 drops to a bowl of warm water and wash under foreskin twice daily. Dilute the blend in a vegetable or carrier oil and apply under the foreskin once a day.

Essential Oils for Women:
Essential oils diluted with a carrier inserted vaginally several times daily initially and reduced as the condition improves.
Essential oils to consider:
Cajeput
Cedarwood
German Chamomile
Eucalyptus
Geranium
Lavender
Lemongrass
Manuka
Marjoram
Myrrh
Patchouli
Tea Tree
Thyme ct. linalool
Rosemary
Yarrow

Hopewell Essential Oils’ Tender Tissue spray has been very beneficial to many.

Symptoms of Systemic Fungal Infection
- Fatigue/low energy
- Joint pain, chronic

Gastrointestinal Symptoms
- Thrush
- Bloating/gas
- Belly fat
- Rectal/vaginal itching
- Altered bowel function (diarrhea or constipation)
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- Blood sugar imbalance
- Indigestion
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Colitis/ulcers
- Food cravings rich in carbohydrates or yeast, sugar, alcohol, dairy, vinegar, sour foods
- Overweight

Genitourinary Symptoms
- Yeast/fungal infections
- Frequent bladder/urinary tract infections
- Interstitial cystitis (irritable bladder)

Hormonal Issues
- Acne
- Menstrual irregularities (pain, bleeding, etc.)
- PMS (moody)
- Thyroid dysfunction
- Sleep issues / Night sweats
- Libido, impotence, painful

Mental/Emotional Issues
- Concentration, poor
- Brain fog
- Memory
- Attention
- Anxiety, increased
- Irritability
- Depression
- Sleep issues

Nervous System Issues
- Depression
- Irritability
- Inability to concentrate
- Muscle weakness, cramping

Immune System
- Low resistance to illness
- Allergies
- Asthma
- Chemical sensitivities
- Cough
- Headaches / Migraines

Skin Issues
- Athlete's foot
- Eczema
- Psoriasis
- Dandruff
- Toenail fungus

Author of Essential Oil Safety for Health Care Professionals, Robert Tisserand, writes: "We do not consider that essential oils containing phytoestrogens pose any significant risk to people with estrogen-sensitive cancers."

Robert Tisserand noted in a discussion about athlete's feet in his Skin Care Series that a 25% dilution of Tea Tree was effective and there was only a marginal gain with 50% dilution. 

Foot Powders
Cornstarch may feed fungi, thus we suggest arrowroot or a clay powder instead and substitute accordingly when a recipe calls for cornstarch.

Herb Foot Powder  (about 0.4% concentration)
1 cup Arrowroot Powder
6 drops Cypress
6 drops Tea Tree
6 drops Lavender
6 drops Rosemary
Place the arrowroot powder into a non-reactive bowl.
Very slowly, stirring constantly to prevent lumping, add the essential oils.
Mix thoroughly.
Transfer to an 8 oz. resealable glass jar.
Store in a cool, dark place.
The Complete Aromatherapy & Essential Oils Handbook for Everyday Wellness, by Nerys Purchon and Lora Cantele, page 228.

Athlete's Foot (about 0.2% concentration)
Powders help to keep the area dry, and these can be made using either dry white or green clay, talc or arrowroot powder. To one cup of your chosen base, add 10 drops of Tea Tree or Manuka. This needs to be mixed really well, and an electric blender is perfect for the job because it usually has a tiny hole in the lid that enables the essential oil to be added at intervals to ensure a thorough mix. Hold the lid down so you don't have fine powder flying all over the place!
The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy, by Valerie Ann Worwood, page 166.

Athlete's Foot Powder (about 2.5% concentration)
2 TB Arrowroot powder
15 drops Lavender
5 drops Peppermint
Mix well and let set for at least 24 hours, and then mix well again.
adapted from: Bloomsbury Encyclopedia of Aromatherapy by Chrissie Wildwood, page 59.

The Largely Unknown Health Epidemic Affecting Almost ALL Americans by Donna Gates with Body Ecology Diet

Mercury Poisoning, Candida Yeast, or Is it Both?

Candida Info from Dr. McCombs PDF

McCombs Candida Diet Plan

Candida Treatment Protocol by Natural Therapy Center

Homeopathy for Thrush by Joette Calabrese

Thrush information on our Health Care Topics page

Homeopathy for Vaginal Yeast by Joette Calabrese

Iodine, Antibiotics and Candida by Dr Orian Truss

The Whole Journey: Could it be Candida? by Christa Orecchio

Natural Candida Cleansing - shared by customer

Comparison of efficacy of alternative medicine with allopathy in treatment of oral fungal infection in Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine
"This clinical study assessed and compared the efficacy of tea tree oil (TTO), an alternative form of medicine, with clotrimazole (i.e., allopathy) and a conservative form of management in the treatment of oral fungal infection. The study concluded that TTO, being a natural product, is a better nontoxic modality compared to clotrimazole, in the treatment of oral fungal infection and has a promising future for its potential application in oral health products." (0.25% TTO was given as a rinse.)

Testimonies
1. I had been dealing with yeast overgrowth for a very long time and heard about using essential oils, so I decided I’d give it a try since none of the prescription meds did any good long-term. This simple protocol turned my situation around: I took 3 drops of Oregano in a capsule twice a day for the first week and had such an improvement that I reduced that to one a day thereafter for 3 months. I took this a long time after the symptoms disappeared just to be sure that I’d eradicated the yeast. To avoid the Oregano burning in my stomach, I added a drop of Lemon or Orange essential oil and filled the rest of the capsule with carrier oil. The other thing I’d strongly recommend is taking a good pro-biotic and avoiding all sugars that feed the yeast. Once you are clear of the overgrowth, your balanced system can handle sugars in moderation.
[HEO's Safety Comment: Oral use should only be considered with respect for how concentrated the oils are. HEO does not advocate the internal use of essential oils without appropriate knowledge and understanding of how to administer them, for what purpose, how much, which essential oils, safety concerns and so on. Kurt Schnaubelt, Ph.D., notes that "French aromatherapy literature contains many references to using oils orally." He goes on to note that "generally 1 drop is always enough when ingesting essential oils." A potential toxicity hazard could occur when untrained people use essential oils orally and ingest too much. Keep in mind that while medical doctors or health care practitioners may prescribe essential oils for internal use, they are trained and experienced in the safe application of essential oils.]

2. I had a very bad case of vaginal yeast infection. A friend told me to contact Linda at Hopewell Essential Oils for a blend to help me. I used Tender Tissue Spray with fantastic results. The discharge stopped after two days! I’d had this for a loooooonnnnngggg time. The raw, irritated feeling and itchiness improved dramatically that first week. This blend is incredible. It’s also a nice lubricant that I can feel really good about. Wow – I can’t tell you how thankful I am! - R. B.

3. I struggled with yeast infections after every birth until Linda made up this Tender Tissue Spray. It works, and it works fast. It’s very soothing, too. After using this, I have never had another problem. I highly recommend this to my friends with similar needs. – A.L.

4. I had a rash on the back of my neck for over two years that sometimes became so severe that it oozed and itched for weeks. After doing some research, I became convinced that it was Candida. After reading some testimonies and talking to Linda, I decided to take Cleansing and avoid all sugars for a month. I also applied the Cleansing topically. The rash disappeared within weeks, and now I can tolerate sugars in moderation. I am very impressed with these oils!! - Courtney

5. I suffered with a rash along my hairline for a long time before I tried essential oils. Linda suggested that, for starters, I drink ½ my body weight in ounces of filtered water daily. I applied Lymphatic Cleanse to my lymph glands and under my arms, took capsules of Cleansing 3 times daily, as well as a good probiotic. I also apply HEO's Liver/Gallbladder over my liver morning and evening. I began to feel better right away and had a noticeable improvement in only a few weeks. Thanks!

6. I have battled Candida for 20 years, and it always wins. I have better success when I stick to a "reasonable" protocol instead of some of the very restrictive, all but impossible ones out there. I am currently trying Syntol AMD from Arthur Andrew Medical - enzymes to eat the yeast (avoids die-off) and potent probiotics to replace the yeast, all in one capsule. The probiotic can still cause die-off (that is always my biggest problem: surviving the die-off), but so far, this is working much better than anything else I have tried. I am watching my diet, too, but not to the absurd restrictions most candida "experts" insist upon. IMO, they are totally unrealistic, unhealthy and unworkable. Everyone must sort out what will work best for them. I know a woman who drank only raw milk (no food) for 3 years. Every time she took a bite of food, she had terrible yeast reactions until the 3rd year. Now, she eats a clean diet (raw meat, too, I think) and is doing great. Yeast Infection Advisor is the site I found that convinced me to try the Syntol AMD. It has some excellent advice and information, though I have not read it all. - Susan

7. I think yeast is a big issue for almost every American because of our diets and chemical environments. Just one course of antibiotics is enough to mess up a gut for years, and who hasn't had at least one? Fungus/yeast certainly has played a big part in my life and that of my family's health. Personally, I would not use antifungal drugs. Many of them are very hard on the liver, and just like antibiotics, when you stop them, the fungus comes back with a vengeance. Also, many strains of fungus become resistant to the drug. I would not waste my money testing for fungus. Once you know what to look for with your child/yourself, you can tell by symptoms, or absence of symptoms, whether or not you have fungus. Eat garlic! No reaction, and you're doing great. If you have a runny nose, stuffy head, rashes, bowel changes, tummy aches, tears, and so on, then you've still got fungus.

I've read that mercury and candida (yeast) have a symbiotic relationship in the body. We live in VA, the mold capital of the world (or it seems that way!), a great environment for growing fungus. Our kids don't detox well on top of all their other problems, and with lower temps (hypothyroid tendencies), lots of "yuck" can grow that wouldn't if they held 98.6 F temps. Lowered immunity also allows fungus and other critters to take over. "Know the Cause" is a website/newsletter by Doug Kauffman. He believes almost every ailment known to man, even cancer, is caused or at least aggravated by fungus. He's been studying the link for over 30 years. I'm tending to think he is right. If I don't know what the cause of something is anymore, I just treat it like fungus, and 9 1/2 times out of 10, I get a positive response! Doug has a "phase one" diet to help you get the fungus under control. Diet is crucial, in my opinion, and so hard to NEVER cheat. And, in my experience, if you do cheat, you pay. - Susan

8. When you start irradicating yeast overgrowth, you will feel terrible and have cold/flu-like symptoms. I took antifungals prescribed by my doctor without any thought and spent two months on them with NO relief! When I turned to essential oils, I found immediate relief, and I have since been much more careful about my diet. A friend in the medical community has also been stressing the link between yeast overgrowth and cancer. I took lots of coconut oil and now use a product by Solar Ray called Yeast Cleanse for maintenance now. The oils are what really kicked it for me (along with dietary changes). I'd put a few drops of essential oils in a capsule daily. I used Oregano, Tea Tree, Roman Chamomile, Fennel and Lemon. Oregano is the big gun here. - Sarah

9. For quite a while, I was burdened with nausea, belly aches and bloating after eating. Sometimes, I suffered most of the day through it and thought I must have gotten oversensitive to milk, sugar or anything unhealthy. I had some strong reactions and felt very uncomfortable, and then it occurred to me that I probably had Candida!! I immediately checked on the Hopewell site to look for something and saw that the Fung-All Spray (that I had bought initially for something else) might help me fight Candida! I was happy to try it out. I sprayed it on my belly, rubbed it in, and felt better. I did it twice more, so like 3 days in a row, and after the second or third time, it felt a bit hot in the area, but in a good way, as if something was happening. I stopped using it because I no longer have nausea, bloating and stomachache anymore! Wow!!! - Bernice

10. I've done lots of study on candida. Been battling it off and on for a long time. There is something about the relationship between candida and amalgam fillings. You'll have to Google it for more info. The point is - to get amalgams removed (safely; not just any dentist can do it) because there is a relationship between mercury and candida. If she has several fillings, trying to eliminate the candida may be futile and even harmful without first addressing the mercury. Also, I found this article helpful on needing to break down the cell wall of the candida:
Dr. McCombs Candida Plan
Purchase Lufenuron here - (I have no affiliation)

11. I have struggled with decades of yeast. I had a vaginal surgery when I was 20-21 to remove scar tissue that had developed from years of yeast in that area. I saw about 11 doctors who all told me it was either in my head or gave me loads of antifungals. Five years ago, my daughter almost died at birth, and although she is totally fine now, I was not. They gave me a general while they removed her in a mere 55-second crash c-section, but they forgot to freeze me. She lost a lot of blood and was chilled on a cooling bed for 72 hours to reduce possible swelling to her brain, lungs and heart. It was the hardest thing that I have ever gone through, and I never thought I would mentally or physically recover. While in the hospital, my catheter got dislodged, and I had 2 liters of urine lodged and thus suffered major bladder distention. I was told I had developed Crohn's, IBS, endometriosis, IC, depression, anxiety and so on. I tried numerous diets and supplements and had to sell my dream farm because of debt and not being able to work. As a last resort, I researched the GAPS diet, got the book and dived in. I stayed on the GAPS diet for 2 years with HUGE success! Today, five years later, I feel amazing! I have fully recovered from many "diagnoses," and I feel amazing! I never ever thought I would see the day. - Testimony shared from a GAPS list

12. My husband has had a severe case of candida. We felt the Lord leading us to address this with some force. We blended Lemon, Tea Tree, Oregano, Lemongrass, Peppermint and Thyme. We put a few drops in a capsule with olive oil. He took it orally twice a day for 2 weeks. Rested from taking it internally for 2 weeks, then took it orally again for 2 weeks. It made a huge difference. We are so thankful! - Susan

13. My husband had some severe dandruff with the candida problem. We put Tea Tree oil on his head and neck each night and morning and then rubbed coconut oil on that to help his hair and scalp. We also put Tea Tree oil in his shampoo as well. We are happy to report it cleared it up! - Susan

14. Your Fung-All Spray is working fantastically on my atrophied toes, which are very stuck together, and I get athlete's feet quite often. I am glad to have found a natural alternative to the chemical med. - Joselyn

15. I applied diluted Turpentine to my knees, toes, naval and under my arms. I had a very strong response. I expelled two noticeable clumps of what I suspect is Candida. - Corey

16. I was tickled to see that Hopewell carried Turpentine! Many people don't realize that Turpentine (pure gum spirits - not the stuff you get at Home Depot and the like) is a natural, plant-based remedy that's been used successfully for many health issues long before big pharma got involved and tried to squelch our testimonies about it. My ancestors used it very successfully, and so did I! I combined 2-3 drops with sugar to attract candida yeast, microbes and parasites. I've also combined it with castor oil - the jury is still out, which I think is best. Turpentine is effective for a wide variety of health issues, including parasites, Lyme disease, digestion issues, skin problems and so on. I use it topically for joint pain and take it internally as a general tonic. - Jared

17. I never had regular cycles until I did a Candida diet when I turned 40. Been like clockwork for the first time in my life, not to mention that I feel great. I followed the recommendations in Ann Boroch's book called The Candida Cure. She came out with a companion cookbook, too. I basically eliminated sugar, gluten, yeast and dairy. 80% on and 20% off, but honestly, I felt so good after just two weeks I didn't want to sabotage it at all. Reversed 3 autoimmune diseases when the doctors couldn't. I got my life back! - Karen

18. My teenage son had a chronic case of athlete’s foot that wouldn’t heal for almost a year. He tried OTC products and prescription creams and sprays. Nothing worked and it was an issue to just keep under some control. I saw Fung-All Spray on your site and thought he should try it. In less than 3 weeks, it had been completely cleared up! We were shocked at how fast it worked. It’s now been about 6 months, and it has not returned either. He didn't even need to re-apply the Fung-All Spray, although neither of us would’ve minded since the smell was really pleasant. I love so many Hopewell oils, but this one is a game-changer!! - Cherith

References
Tisserand, Robert; Young, Rodney, Essential Oil Safety: A Guide for Health Care Professionals, Elsevier Health Sciences UK 2nd Edition 2014, page 185.
Worwood, Valerie, The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy, 1991

Abe S, et al. [Anti-Candida albicans activity of essential oils including Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) oil and its component, citral].Japanese Journal of Medical Mycology. 2003; 44 (4): 285-291.PMID:14615795. L. Julia Douglas. Candida biofilms and their role in infection.

Trends in Microbiology. Jan 2003; 11 (1): 30-36. DOI: 10.1016/S0966-842X(02)00002-1.