Thrush is a yeast infection caused by the fungus Candida albicans. When you have taken oral antibiotics, it changes the chemical environment in the mouth, thus allowing for an overgrowth of yeast. A nursing mother can pass thrush on to her baby by breastfeeding if the mother has an oral or vaginal yeast infection. In babies, the mouth and diaper area can become infected with thrush. The good news about thrush, though, is that it can be easily treated naturally.
Cider Vinegar:
Stir 1 tablespoon of cider vinegar into 1/2 cup of warm water. Swish orally 4 times a day. Fungi cannot exist in an environment where vinegar is present.
Garlic:
Take garlic pills or eat garlic to kill the thrush fungus.
Sweets, Carbs and Other Foods:
Decrease the amount of sugar-filled snacks and carbohydrates. These food ingredients cause thrush fungi to reproduce. Dairy foods, any food that has yeast as one of its ingredients, smoked meat and fish, pickles, mushrooms and the food enhancement, monosodium glutamate, can also create a chemical environment conducive to the development of thrush.
One Old Remedy — Gentian Violet:
Gentian violet is a tried-and-true remedy to yeast problems, including thrush. You can get it without a prescription from the doctor. Place a small amount if gentian violet onto a cotton swab and gently rub on baby’s thrush in mouth or on the diaper area. Ask the pharmacist to give you the appropriate dosage for a baby. Some gentian violet is in a suspension of water and glycerin or in 10% alcohol. The pharmacist will advise you on the gentian violet suspension that is best for your baby. Mothers have been using gentian violet for centuries. Note: Gentian violet will stain clothing. So use care when applying it.
Acidophilus, Yogurt or Buttermilk:
A good acidophilus pill will contain at least 5 billion bacteria in four distinct bacteria strains. These are the “good” bacteria that inhibit fungi growth. You can get essentially the same thing in yogurt that contains live acidophilus culture and in buttermilk.
Acidophilus and Orange Juice:
Open 2 acidophilus capsules and mix in 1 tablespoon of orange juice. This is faster than taking acidophilus in pill form.
Lemon Juice or Lemon Grass:
Lemon juice kills the thrush fungus. You can also eat lemon grass, which is an essential ingredient in Thai cooking. Another way to take lemon grass is by drinking lemon grass tea. This tea is tangy and flavorful. Lemon, lemon grass and lemon grass tea will eliminate thrush in under two weeks.
Tea Tree Oil:
This home remedy is effective in killing fungi and bacteria. Simply put 1 teaspoon tea tree oil in one-half cup of water and rinse your mouth four times a day. You should not swallow this solution. Tea tree oil contains “terpenoids” which are ingredients that have antifungal and antiseptic qualities.
Tea tree oil is a good natural remedy to keep on hand because, in addition to killing thrush, it helps to eliminate athlete’s foot, acne, fungal infection of the toenail and dandruff. Use it sparingly though because it can alter hormone levels if overused. It should not be used when pregnant or breastfeeding and should be kept out of reach of children and pets.
Aloe Vera Juice, Cream and Gel:
Use aloe vera gel or cream on external thrush infections. Health food stores sell aloe vera juice. This can inhibit yeast growth internally. Before using aloe vera gel or cream on a baby’s diaper rash or feeding aloe vera juice to a baby or toddler, check with your pediatrician for toxicity.
Baby Wipes with Alcohol:
When changing baby’s diaper, use a warm washcloth for cleaning instead of baby wipes. Most baby wipes contain a high concentration of alcohol, which can sting baby’s sensitive skin when thrush is present. Be sure to launder washcloths in soap and hot water to eliminate thrush fungi from terrycloth fabric.