Fungi and Yeasts

Candida photos

One of our members recently wrote:

I have an issue to ponder and would like your feedback, please.

I am becoming more and more aware of fungi/yeasts and their invasion of so many of the body tissues.   As well, their ability to conceal themselves and that they have a protective 'coat' (like bugs) (it is called chitin) that bodily defenses cannot get thru.   Prescription meds given are usually for yeast infections and super toxic.   Cannot be taken for long and never kill the yeast/fungi, just back it off.

There is information out now on 'stuff' that weakens the protective layer and the body defenses can then weaken and kill it.    I know there also are oils that can do the same thing, I just don't know which ones.   Fungi/yeasts invade brain, nervous system, gastrointestinal system, mucus membranes, lungs, mouths, finger and toe nails, etc.   They may be one very basic contributor to so many of our illnesses and why almost everyone in our world is not well.   Many not sick, but just not well.

Your feedback and that of others would be very appreciated.

Thank you for this comment.

I have been highly aware of this issue for many years.  Michael and I have both struggled with parasite infestations, yeast infections, and candida at various times in our lives.  

As a result of this, and our experiences with herbal parasite cleansing, we now do a parasite and yeast cleanse every year in the fall, for 6 weeks to 2 months, depending on how we feel that year.

I have also come to the point where I include parasite cleansing for everyone who comes to me for support in healing any health issues.   I have never yet found someone who did an herbal parasite cleanse, who did not have an increase in energy and well-being after completing it. 

It is my opinion that NOTHING, including drugs and antibiotics, essential oils, herbs, etc., actually eliminates parasites and fungi completely.  Even there was a substance that did, we are constantly exposed to them in our lives, with pets, traveling, eating in restaurants, fresh produce, and working in public places.  The best we can do is to regularly  cleanse to reduce the population; and adopt a healthy diet and lifestyle that will help build immunity in our systems.  Without making these changes, parasite cleansing is going to be at best, a temporary fix. 

Here is link to a parasite cleansing chart that lists herbs which are effective against some of the most common parasite infections.  

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/31816146/ParasiteCleansingChartPDF.pdf

And here is a link to the Parasite cleanse that I recommend for all of my clients.  You can look closely at the recipe and create your own using some of the herbs listed.

http://whitesagelanding.net/our-shop/herbal-tonics-and-supplements/parathunder-herbal-parasite-cleanse

Essential oils that are effective  against candida and yeasts, include caraway, cassia, Amazon cinnamon, geranium, lime, rosewood, oregano, leleshwa, cinnamon, tea tree, lemon, bergamot, lemongrass, lavender, and eucalyptuses--especially eucalyptus globulus.  

You can treat the infection with essential oils, diluted and taken internally; at the same time, it is very important to use a pro-biotic such as RAW men's or RAW Women's, or Five-lac.  I prefer Five-Lac to the Three-Lac also available from the same company.  To really complete the healing, it is also important to make the lifestyle changes that will create a new internal environment, so the fungus does not simply come back again.   Eating fermented foods daily will help keep the right flora growing in the digestive system, which goes a long way in keeping fungus and candida under control.  It will do other good things in your body too, strengthening the immune system and creating a sense of mental and emotional well being.

It is most important to begin slowly;  try a cleanse or two and see if it helps.  Sometimes we need to build gradually rather than take the essential oils at high levels.  Though they are more effective at high levels, there is a die off associated with candida and parasite cleansing.  By going into it gradually, you can control the process so that the die off does not become intolerable.

Here are a couple more recipes that might inspire you.  I have used all of the above mentioned essential oils at this level of dilution with great success for many people.  Sometimes I have found it necessary to use much higher dilutions, up to 50 drops of essential oil into 1 ounce of water carrier.  I prefer to start light and work up to that if it is necessary.    

http://whitesagelanding.net/herbs-essential-oils/herbal-parasite-cleanses

  And finally, another couple of blog posts from the past on Parasite cleansing.

http://tonics4ayear.blogspot.com/2012/06/more-about-parasites.html

http://tonics4ayear.blogspot.com/2012/06/balance-point.html

http://tonics4ayear.blogspot.com/2012/08/the-master-formula.html

Frankincense Q&A

A Member writes:

I have a blog question for you if you wouldn't mind commenting.  A couple people have asked me about the anti-cancer properties of the herb Boswellia serrata and our Frankincense essential oil, Boswellia carteri, and whether or not these can both be used - or what the difference is.

 

There was a recent article in the Good Health magazine at Natural Pantry that says Boswellia serrata, not carteri, is the type most often associated with medicinal properties - which is what is prompting the question.  In my own research I'm not finding anything clear about the difference other than it seems the most research has been done on B serrata and very little on B carteri.   I also read on one source that if Frankincense essential oil is steam distilled it neutralizes some of the medicinal effect, so the CO2 is the preferred extract for medicinal properties.

 

Would love to hear your thoughts on this.

Thank you for this very great question!  Most of the research available has been done on Boswellia serrata.  Surprisingly little reasearch has been done on Boswellia carterii, and its relative Boswellia freanna.  Yet all of these are used--sometimes interchangeably--by local indigenous peoples and aromatherapists, to support cancer and tumor recovery, in addition to many other medicinal uses.

In my own practice, I put a lot of emphasis on the information that I get through my relationship with the oils themselves.  I do pay attention to the oils' chemistry, and the common uses that are known by herbalists.  Yet I find that this is not enough for me. 

Some very important aspects of healing with plant medicine, in my humble opinion, are direct experience through usage, and the advice that each plant spirit offers.  (I realize that many of our readers may not have a belief system that allows for direct communication--but if I did not share this huge part of my practice, my communication with you all would not be authentic!  Please know that I am not insisting that others should try to make this connection for themselves--I am just explaining how it works for me).

All of these species are similar in their chemical composition.  When I was first working as an aromatherapist, years ago, I was faced with a need for essential oils that would help support recovery from brain cancer.  Boswellia carterii (along with several other oils) was one that I chose to work with for this purpose.  

The woman that was seeking assistance for this condition was muscle tested (using kinesiology) for the oils that would help her body recover.  Boswellia carterii was one of the strongest oils tested.  

As I was making the oil blend for her to take home with her, I connected with the spirit of this oil, and "saw" the tumor shrinking; in my vision, the oil turned into a golden light and literally dissolved it.  This vision is still clear and with me today, as it was so strong of an experience that all of my doubt about her prospects for recovery dissolved and I felt a sense of peace and certainty for her recovery.  She did in fact recover and is still living happily at this time.

After having this experience of supporting the healing of cancer with Boswellia carterii, I began to test it for nearly everyone who came into my office with a form of this disease.  I can say that I grew to trust in the effectiveness of this oil, through experience.  It was so very effective.  

I do feel that the CO2 extract is closer to the natural state of the plant's resin, which seems to make a difference with Frankincense essential oil (but not with every oil).   Again, this is just my own intuitive feeling and not based on any hard science.  The frequency that I sense from the CO2 extract is much more full of life force than the steam distilled oil, which feels flat to me.

 I  welcome comments from other readers on this subject--and thank you all for your input!

Kathryn