Killing excess fungus, soothing itchiness and avoiding the side effects of prescription yeast medication are among the benefits of taking propolis for Candida, which is an infection resulting from an overabundance of yeast. Another benefit of using propolis to treat Candida is that this natural substance promotes improved health overall since the presence of phenolic acids and flavonoids in propolis can help strengthen the body’s immune system and protect the body against pathogenic bacteria, inflammation and cell oxidation. Propolis, an organic composite product made by bees from sap taken from conifer, pine and poplar trees, can reportedly treat both oral and vaginal Candida infections.
Researchers believe two specific flavonoids are responsible for the benefits of taking propolis for Candida. Caused by the fungus known scientifically as Candida albicans (C. albicans) , yeast infections can thrive when the body is low on probiotics. The yeast loses potency in the sustained presence of pinocembrin and acacetin, two flavonoids abundant in bee propolis. Studies show pinocembrin acts as a fungicide and bactericide. It also has the power to soothe swelling and anesthetize the body so that itching from the yeast infection is minimal. Acacetin has also been show to mitigate inflammation caused by Candida.
The flavonoids present in the application of propolis for treating Candida are so effective because they hinder the yeast’s ability to produce phospholipase, which is an enzyme linked to enduring yeast infection. Scientists believe the strength of a yeast infection depends on the extent of phospholipase activity. The phytochemicals in propolis typically can cure a yeast infection caused by Candida in roughly one week. This is nearly equivalent to the duration of prescription drug treatments, which often take one to two weeks to prove effective.
Many users of propolis for Candida prefer the natural treatment to prescription drugs. Drugs typically used to treat yeast infections contain fluconazole, miconazole, clotrimazole or tioconazole. These ingredients have been linked to side effects ranging from burning sensations to bad odors and increased itchiness. Propolis for Candida often has no negative side effects, but may trigger allergic reaction in people allergic to bees or certain types of pollen.
To procure the benefits of taking of propolis for Candida, patients are typically advised to use an extract form of propolis topically rather than orally. Ingestion of propolis can often work, but studies mainly support targeted topical application. People infected with Candida typically use 2g of propolis suspended in 25 ml of a grain alcohol and water solution. This extract is applied to the area infected by Candida between three and six times a day over a period of about a week. Leftover extract can be used to treat arthritis, genital herpes, or parasite infections.
