Description
Effective Herbal Remedies for Oral Thrush
S. No. | Products | Quantity |
1 | Arjun Saar | 1 Bottle (500ml) |
2 | Gum Care Powder | 2 Bottles (100gm each) |
3 | Gandhak Rasayan | 1 Bottle (120 Tablets) |
4 | Acido Plan Syrup | 3 Bottles (200ml each) |
5 | Manjishta Capsules | 1 Bottle (60 capsules) |
What is Oral Thrush?
Fungi are a free living eukaryotic organisms that exist as yeasts, moulds or combination of both. Oral candidiasis is one of the common fungal infections which affects the oral mucosa. This infection is caused by the yeast Candida albicans. It is one of the components of normal oral microflora. There are many types of Candida species that are seen in the oral cavity.
Oral thrush is a condition in which the fungus Candida albicans accumulates on the lining of the mouth. Candida normally grows on the mouth but sometimes its overgrowth can cause symptoms of the disease.
This disorder can affect anyone but it is more likely occurs in babies and older adults because of the reduced immunity and suppressed the immune a system or other certain health conditions. It is a minor health problem for those who have strong immune system but for people who have a weak immune system, symptoms may be severe and difficult to control.
In severe cases of a weakened immune system, the lesions may spread downwards to the esophagus and referred to as Candida esophagitis. In this condition, there is difficulty in swallowing and feels as if food is stuck in the throat.
In oral thrush, there are creamy white lesions, usually on the tongue and inner cheeks.
What are the Causes of Oral Thrush?
Our immune system repels harmful invading organisms such as viruses, bacteria, fungi and also maintains the balance between harmful and healthy bacteria but in weak immunity, all protective mechanisms fail and there is an overgrowth of Candida fungus which results in oral thrush.
What are the Symptoms of Oral Thrush?
Initially, there are no signs and symptoms of oral thrush. Common signs and symptoms include:
- Presence of lesions which are creamy white in colour on the tongue, inner cheeks, the roof of the mouth, tonsils and gums.
- There is redness, burning or soreness that may be severe and causes difficulty in swallowing or eating.
- Cottage-cheese like the appearance of lesions
- A cottony feeling in the mouth
- Loss of taste
- Slight bleeding when the lesions are scrapped or rubbed
Diagnosis of Oral Thrush
The diagnosis of thrush depends on the location and identifying the underlying cause.
- If the thrush is located in the mouth, then doctor will examine the mouth to look at the lesions.
- If the thrush is located in esophagus, then the doctor may recommend a biopsy, endoscopic examination or physical examination to diagnose it.
What is the Ayurvedic Perspective on Oral Thrush?
From an Ayurvedic perspective, this is caused due to the agnimandya (low digestive fire) and improper functioning of Samanvayu (a subtype of Vata dosha). Both these factors cause the systemic malfunctioning of the digestive process which results in the production of Ama or endotoxins that becomes lodged in the alimentary canal and migrates throughout the body. As Ama accumulates in the small and large intestines, it will putrefy and ferment there and inhibits the normal flora to proliferate and finally results in the change of proportionate populations of normal intestinal flora.
(Reference: Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthanam, Chapter No. 8, Shlok No. 13 & 14)
Meaning: According to this shloka, the person who indulges in taking incompatible foods, excess food, eats over the indigested food develops amadosha which is similar to poison. Hence it is also called Amavisha.
According to Ayurveda, oral thrush or candidiasis is caused by a combination of factors including a diet rich in refined sugar, refined flour products, environmental stress and excessive intake of antibiotics that weakens the person’s immune system, use of immunosuppressants therapies for endocrine disorders such as diabetes, adrenal insufficiency, hypothyroidism.
Ayurvedic treatment for oral thrush focuses on reducing the toxic load, to ensure the integrity of the digestive fire and to build immunity which enables the body to get rid of this pathological condition permanently.
Herbal Remedies for Oral Thrush by Planet Ayurveda
Planet Ayurveda offers Oral Thrush Care Pack, which is very effective for natural treatment of Oral Thrush.
1. Arjun Saar
Arjun Saar by Planet Ayurveda is a mixture of Arjun and amla. Arjuna is rich in enzymes, anti-oxidants, vitamins, micro-nutrients etc. and amla berries are the richest source of Vitamin C. The unique combination of these herbs help in the treatment of infections effectively as well as helps in cleansing the mouth.
How to use: Rinse mouth with arjun saar and gum care powder once a day.
2. Gum Care Powder
Improper oral hygiene may lead to the overgrowth of fungus Candida albicans. Planet Ayurveda’s Gum Care Powder is an excellent remedy for maintaining oral hygiene. It contains natural ingredients such as Sonth (Zingiber officinale), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Mustak (Cyperus rotundus), Khadir (Acacia catechu), Karpur (Cinnamomum camphora), Poog (Areca catechu), Marich (Piper nigrum), Lavang (Syzigium aromaticum), Twak (Cinnamomum zeylanica) and Alum.
How to use: Rinse mouth with arjun saar and gum care powder once a day.
3. Gandhak Rasayan
Gandhak Rasayan is an Ayurvedic medicine prepared from sulphur. It has a broad spectrum anti-biotic activity that is useful in the treatment of various bacterial and fungal infections. This medicine also improves digestion strength, immunity and skin complexion. These tablets provide great relief in the treatment of oral thrush without causing any side effects.
Dose: 2 tablets twice daily with warm water after taking meals.
4. Acido Plan Syrup
This syrup of Planet Ayurveda is a unique blend of various herbs that are useful in the removal of toxins within the system by stimulating the digestive fire. This syrup get absorbs quickly in the body resulting in instant relief. It contains the ingredients such as patola (Trichosanthes dioca), soda-bi-carb, ghrit kumari (aloe barbadensis), saunf (Foeniculum vulgare), Triphala, kokum (Garcinia indica), pittapapada (Fumaria indica), shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) and sugar syrup.
Dose: 2 teaspoonful twice a day with warm water.
5. Manjishta Capsules
Manjishta Capsules by Planet Ayurveda are prepared using the standardized extract of the herb Rubia cordifolia. It has anti-inflammatory properties and helps in skin problems of all types. It mitigates Pitta dosha and therefore useful in diseases of the tissues where Pitta is involved, toxic conditions etc.
Dose: 1 capsule twice daily with warm water after taking meals.
General Guidelines
In addition to these remedies, precautions should be taken in diet.
- Turmeric, ginger, cardamom, cumin, neem should be included in the diet.
- Avoid cold foods and drinks, caffeine, nicotine, alcohol, breads, mushrooms.
- Fermented foods should be strictly avoided.