Ayurveda

Relief from Chronic Yeast Infections

Relief from Chronic Yeast Infections
Question: I suffer from recurring yeast infections. I have tried over-the-counter medications, but the problem is worse than ever. I love sweets and I have cut back. Is the yeast an internal problem as well as vaginal?

Answer: It’s important to keep in mind that all infectious agents live perpetually in our environment. Illness is due as much to the quality of our immune system as to the potential disease-causing agent. Although anyone can succumb to a transient viral or fungal infection, if you are having recurring problems, it probably reflects some imbalance in your immune system and your body’s biochemistry.

We suggest that you start to adapt a completely health-promoting lifestyle, including a significant simplification of your diet. For the next couple of weeks, eat only freshly prepared organic vegetables, whole grains, fruits, and legumes. Drink some ginger tea, prepared by mixing one teaspoon of grated ginger root into a pint of hot water. Have several servings each day. Perform a daily oil massage in order to stimulate your immune cells. Make certain you are getting enough sleep.

This is a good time to eliminate alcohol, caffeine, sodas, and anything else that is not truly adding nourishment to your system. Begin a trial of two Ayurvedic herbs. The first herb is neem (azadirachta indica), which has been shown to have potent anti-fungal properties. The second herb is shatavari (asparagus racemosus), which has been used as a traditional female reproductive system rejuvenative and has been shown to have potent immune-enhancing effects.

If these simple measures do not correct the problem, we would recommend that you undergo a course of panchakarma (detoxification treatments) at the Chopra Center to reset the biochemical balance of your body. Panchakarma is offered as part of our 10-day Perfect Health program.