Oral Thrush: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

Oral thrush, also known as oral candidiasis, is a fungal infection caused by an overgrowth of the yeast Candida in the mouth.

It is characterized by white patches on the tongue, cheeks, and gums, which can bleed when scraped off. Oral thrush can be caused by factors such as weakened immune system, use of antibiotics, poor oral hygiene, and dry mouth.

If left untreated, oral thrush can lead to digestive issues, bad breath, and difficulty swallowing. To treat oral thrush, herbal remedies such as tea tree oil, aloe vera, and probiotics can be used. These herbs have antifungal and soothing properties that can help alleviate symptoms.

However, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional before using medicinal herbs, especially if you have underlying health conditions or allergies, and to follow proper preparation and dosing instructions to avoid any adverse reactions.

This article explains in detail what are the causes of oral thrush, what medicinal herbs to use to relieve this problem and how to prepare these herbs to get the best results.

What are the main causes of oral thrush?

The main causes of oral thrush are the overgrowth of Candida albicans, a fungus naturally found in the mouth and gut, which thrives in moist environments and feeds on sugars, particularly glucose and fructose.

Oral thrush can also be caused by the suppression of the immune system due to conditions such as diabetes, HIV/AIDS, and cancer, which impairs the body's ability to regulate Candida growth. Additionally, the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics can disrupt the balance of gut bacteria, allowing Candida to overgrow. Other factors contributing to oral thrush include poor oral hygiene, dentures that don't fit properly, and the use of inhaled steroids for respiratory conditions such as asthma.

Furthermore, pregnant women and newborns are also at increased risk due to hormonal changes and the transfer of Candida from mother to child during birth.

• Antibiotics: Antibiotics can disrupt the normal balance of oral flora, leading to an overgrowth of Candida albicans, which can cause oral thrush.
• Poor Oral Hygiene: Poor oral hygiene can contribute to the development of oral thrush by allowing bacteria and fungi to accumulate and thrive in the mouth.
• Hormonal Changes: Hormonal changes during pregnancy, menstruation, and menopause can increase the risk of developing oral thrush by altering the pH and bacterial balance in the mouth.
• Weakened Immune System: A weakened immune system, often due to illnesses such as diabetes, HIV/AIDS, or cancer, can impair the body's ability to fight off fungal infections like oral thrush.
• Dry Mouth: Dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, can create an environment that is conducive to the growth of Candida albicans, increasing the risk of oral thrush.
• Steroid Use: Using steroids, either in the form of inhaled corticosteroids or oral steroids, can suppress the immune system and increase the risk of developing oral thrush.
• Antifungals: Using antifungals, such as fluconazole, can disrupt the normal balance of oral flora and lead to an overgrowth of Candida albicans, causing oral thrush.
• Nursing: Nursing mothers are at a higher risk of developing oral thrush due to the transfer of Candida albicans from the mother's mouth to the baby's mouth during breastfeeding.
• Viral Infections: Viral infections, such as measles and influenza, can weaken the immune system and increase the risk of developing oral thrush.
• Imbalanced Diet: An imbalanced diet that is high in sugar and processed foods can contribute to the development of oral thrush by providing a nutrient-rich environment for Candida albicans to grow.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for oral thrush?

The main medicinal herbs used for oral thrush are Echinacea purpurea, Zingiber officinale, Aloe barbadensis, Melaleuca alternifolia, Alpinia galanga, Curcuma longa, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Silybum marianum, Trifolium pratense, Cinchona officinalis.

Echinacea purpurea is known for its anti-inflammatory properties which can help reduce the severity of oral thrush symptoms. Zingiber officinale or Ginger has antifungal properties that can inhibit the growth of Candida albicans, the fungus responsible for oral thrush. Aloe barbadensis, Melaleuca alternifolia, and Alpinia galanga have antimicrobial properties that can help prevent the spread of the infection.

Meanwhile, Curcuma longa or Turmeric, Glycyrrhiza glabra or Licorice root, Silybum marianum or Milk thistle, Trifolium pratense or Red clover, and Cinchona officinalis or Peruvian bark can help alleviate symptoms such as pain, inflammation, and digestive issues associated with oral thrush.

• Echinacea purpurea: Echinacea purpurea helps with oral thrush due to its anti-inflammatory properties, which reduce the inflammation and swelling associated with oral thrush, allowing the mucous membranes to heal and recover more efficiently.
• Zingiber officinale: Zingiber officinale, also known as ginger, helps with oral thrush due to its antimicrobial properties, which inhibit the growth of Candida albicans, the fungus responsible for causing oral thrush, thereby preventing the infection from spreading.
• Aloe barbadensis: Aloe barbadensis helps with oral thrush due to its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, which reduce the pain, redness, and swelling associated with oral thrush, while also promoting wound healing and tissue repair.
• Melaleuca alternifolia: Melaleuca alternifolia, also known as tea tree oil, helps with oral thrush due to its antimicrobial and antifungal properties, which inhibit the growth of Candida albicans and other pathogens, reducing the severity and duration of the infection.
• Alpinia galanga: Alpinia galanga, also known as galangal, helps with oral thrush due to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which reduce the inflammation and swelling associated with oral thrush, while also inhibiting the growth of Candida albicans and other pathogens.
• Curcuma longa: Curcuma longa, also known as turmeric, helps with oral thrush due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which reduce the inflammation and swelling associated with oral thrush, while also inhibiting the growth of Candida albicans and other pathogens.
• Glycyrrhiza glabra: Glycyrrhiza glabra, also known as licorice root, helps with oral thrush due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which reduce the inflammation and swelling associated with oral thrush, while also inhibiting the growth of Candida albicans and other pathogens.
• Silybum marianum: Silybum marianum, also known as milk thistle, helps with oral thrush due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which reduce the oxidative stress and inflammation associated with oral thrush, while also promoting wound healing and tissue repair.
• Trifolium pratense: Trifolium pratense, also known as red clover, helps with oral thrush due to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which reduce the inflammation and swelling associated with oral thrush, while also inhibiting the growth of Candida albicans and other pathogens.
• Cinchona officinalis: Cinchona officinalis, also known as cinchona bark, helps with oral thrush due to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which reduce the inflammation and swelling associated with oral thrush, while also inhibiting the growth of Candida albicans and other pathogens.

What are the main herbal preparations used for oral thrush?

The main herbal preparations used for oral thrush are Decoction, Tincture, Cream, Capsules, Salve, Lozenges, Gel, Tea, Ointment, Suppository.

Decoction of myrrh and goldenseal is used to reduce inflammation and fight fungal infections by releasing antifungal compounds. Tincture of berberine-rich plants like goldenseal and Oregon grape root is used to inhibit the growth of Candida albicans. Topical preparations like Cream, Salve, Lozenges, Gel, Ointment, and Suppository containing antifungal herbs such as tea tree oil, neem, and calendula are applied directly to the affected area to soothe and heal the mucosa.

Capsules and Tea containing herbs like reishi mushroom and licorice root are used to boost the immune system and reduce inflammation.

• Decoction: A decoction of the herb Calendula officinalis can help with oral thrush by reducing inflammation and promoting healing of the oral mucosa, while a decoction of the herb Althaea officinalis can help by soothing and protecting the mucous membranes.
• Tincture: A tincture of the herb Berberis vulgaris, which contains berberine, can help with oral thrush by exhibiting antifungal properties that inhibit the growth of Candida albicans, the fungus responsible for the condition.
• Cream: A cream of the herb Aloe barbadensis, which contains aloe vera, can help with oral thrush by soothing and calming the oral mucosa, reducing inflammation and promoting healing of the affected area.
• Capsules: Capsules of the herb Capsicum annuum, which contains capsaicin, can help with oral thrush by exhibiting antifungal properties that inhibit the growth of Candida albicans, and by reducing inflammation and pain in the affected area.
• Salve: A salve of the herb Calendula officinalis can help with oral thrush by reducing inflammation and promoting healing of the oral mucosa, while a salve of the herb Plantago major can help by soothing and protecting the mucous membranes.
• Lozenges: Lozenges of the herb Echinacea purpurea, which contains echinacin, can help with oral thrush by exhibiting antifungal properties that inhibit the growth of Candida albicans, and by stimulating the immune system to fight off the infection.
• Gel: A gel of the herb Aloe barbadensis, which contains aloe vera, can help with oral thrush by soothing and calming the oral mucosa, reducing inflammation and promoting healing of the affected area.
• Tea: A tea of the herb Echinacea purpurea, which contains echinacin, can help with oral thrush by exhibiting antifungal properties that inhibit the growth of Candida albicans, and by stimulating the immune system to fight off the infection.
• Ointment: An ointment of the herb Calendula officinalis can help with oral thrush by reducing inflammation and promoting healing of the oral mucosa, while an ointment of the herb Thymus vulgaris can help by exhibiting antifungal properties that inhibit the growth of Candida albicans.
• Suppository: A suppository of the herb Berberis vulgaris, which contains berberine, can help with oral thrush by exhibiting antifungal properties that inhibit the growth of Candida albicans, and by promoting healing of the affected area.