When it comes to candida overgrowth in the gut and body, there are various herbs which can do wonders in order to help improve the condition.  The herbs listed in this post have been used for centuries both safely and effectively in order treat various bacterial and fungal overgrowth’s in the body.

However, with that said, these herbs work best when combined with a healthy anti-candida diet.  For those looking for a well laid out and easy to follow diet, be sure to check out our candida diet protocol page.  Our candida diet protocol was designed to rid the body of candida and restore balance to the gut microbiome.  The protocol can be great for those suffering from digestive disorders and intestinal inflammation due to candida overgrowth in the body.

Also, we highly recommend you take a look at our Crush Candida Diet Recipe Cook Book.  We designed this cook book in order to make the transition to an anti-candida diet as simple as possible.  The meals included in our recipe cook book are both delicious and can be great for inhibiting the growth of candida.

With that said, let’s get into the best natural herbs for fighting against candida!

The Top 8 Herbs for Candida

1. Olive Leaf

Olive leaf is a powerful anti-bacterial and anti-fungal herb.  In fact, olive oil also contains powerful anti-fungal properties which can be great for inhibiting the growth of candida.  However, these anti-fungal properties are much more concentrated in the leaf of the olive tree.

This biblical herb has been used for centuries in order to treat various infections in the body.  Hippocrates frequently used this herb in order to combat digestive distress in suffering patients.  Interestingly, research has shows that olive leaf is extremely effective at preventing and treating candida infections such as oral thrush (1).

2. Pau D’Arco

Pau D’Arco is one of the most potent anti-fungal herbs in the world.  However, Pau D’Arco is not actually an herb but is the inner bark of the Pau D’Arco tree.  These trees are native to the Amazon jungle and has been used for centuries by natives in order to prevent sickness and disease.

Due to its extremely potent effects on the body, it’s highly recommended that you take it slow with Pau D’Arco.  Taking too much can cause serious symptoms due to high amounts of candida die off.  Scientists have found that Pau D’Arco contains a powerful plant chemical called Lapachol which has been shown to destroy various pathogenic yeasts and fungus such as candida (2).

3. Cat’s Claw

Cat’s Claw is another herb native to the Amazon jungle.  This woody vine has been used extensively throughout history in order to treat both bacterial and fungal infections in the body.  Many Native American tribes living in the jungle frequently consumed this herb in order to fight off various illnesses local to their environment.

A recent study confirmed that cat’s claw contains powerful anti-fungal properties which showed promising results in fighting against candida (3).

4. Black Walnut

This eastern Northern American herb was used extensively by early Native Americans in order to rid the body of various parasitic infections.  In fact, research has shown that black walnut can successful treat various parasitic infections in the body such as ringworm, tapeworm, and pin worms (4).

This herb is considered by most to be one of the most efficient anti-microbial and anti-fungal herbs in the world. Those suffering from chronic candida overgrowth in the gut may find relief by supplementing with black walnut.  As well as being a powerful anti-parasitic, black walnut also contains powerful anti-fungal properties which can inhibit the growth of candida in the body.

5. Turmeric

Turmeric is a bright orange Indian spice that is used extensively in all Indian cooking.  It’s also one of the main medicinal remedies featured in Ayurveda, a natural Indian healing system.  Typically, this herb is given to individuals suffering from digestive disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and Crohn’s.

However, turmeric has been shown to have extremely powerful anti-fungal properties and can be great for treating candida naturally.  In fact, recent research shows that the active component of turmeric, curcumin, can help fight against candida and naturally inhibit its growth (5)

6. Reishi Mushroom

Reishi mushroom is by far our favorite herb when it comes to treating candida and supporting the detoxification pathways of the body.  Reishi is a potent immune modulating mushroom which can help bring balance to an overworked immune system caused by candida.  It’s immune enhancing effects also helps educate the immune system so that it can more effectively fight against candida in the body.

Research has proven that despite being a fungus, Reishi mushroom contains anti-fungal properties and can help fight against candida (6).  Also, it naturally supports the lymphatic system by assisting in both kidney and liver detoxification.

7. Chaga Mushroom

Like Reishi, Chaga is powerful medicinal mushroom that can help equalize and balance the immune system.  Chaga contains extremely high amounts of beta-glucans and polysaccharides which act as fuel for the immune system and can help improve its functioning.

Ancient Russian Serbians consumed Chaga daily and credited it for helping them adapt to the harsh climate of Russia and for giving them strength into old age.  Interestingly, it’s been shown that Chaga contains both anti-microbial and anti-fungal properties.  It’s believed that its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties are due to its high amounts of betulin and betulinic acid (7).

8. Cinnamon

Many are unaware that cinnamon is actually a bark of the cinnamomum tree.  It’s been used extensively by Native American tribes all around the world in order to prevent and treat sickness and disease in the body. 

Interestingly, recent research has shown that a combination of both cinnamon and olive oil creates a powerful anti-fungal effect in the body and can help eliminate problematic candida overgrowth’s (8).  Mixing 2 tablespoons of EVOO and a dash of cinnamon together can create a powerful anti-fungal solution which can be taken daily.

Other Strategies For Combating Candida

As well as following our candida diet protocol and incorporating some of the herbs listed above, there are other strategies that can be incorporated in order to inhibit the growth of candida.

Raw Apple Cider Vinegar

Raw ACV is an amazing tonic that can be taken daily in order to improve digestive health.  Due to its natural acidity, raw ACV is great for naturally boosting stomach acid levels in the body.  This increase in stomach acid not only helps in the digestive process, but it also helps neutralize pathogenic bacteria, yeast, and fungus in the gut.

It also contains malic acid which has been shown to help improve energy levels in the body and induce faster recovery.  For best result, dilute two tablespoons of organic raw ACV in a liter of spring or filtered water.  Drinking this solution throughout the day can help cleanse the digestive tract and naturally supports detoxification pathways in the body.

Quality Sea Salts

Sea salts such as Celtic and Pink Himalayan can be great for reducing candida levels in the body.  This is because sea salts naturally contain anti-fungal properties which can help sterilize the gut.  Sea salts also contain an important mineral called chloride.

Chloride is needed for the formation of stomach acid in the body.  As mentioned before, raising stomach acid levels is crucial for inhibiting the growth and neutralizing pathogenic fungus, bacteria, and yeast.

Sip Your Water

Many are under the misconception that they need to drink copious amounts of water in order to be healthy.  This could not be further from the truth.  Consuming too much water can actually cause minerals to be washed out of the body.  Peeing clear every hour is not a sign of health.  In fact, those who spend lots of time in nature can see that all animals drink only when thirsty.

Forcing your body to consume water despite not being thirsty can actually cause dehydration. However, over-hydration can also cause digestive juices to become diluted.  When this occurs, digestive power is often weakened, and stomach acid levels can become significantly lowered.

It’s for this reason that Traditional Chinese Medicine always recommends that individuals sip their water and avoid drinking cold water.  Sipping water helps keep digestive juices strong and will not lead to over dilution.  It also takes a load off the kidneys from having to constantly filter large amounts of water.