By Tracey Stewart


Using lavender oil for thrush and other fungal infections has become increasingly common as knowledge regrading alternative therapies grows. Lavender is a component in many cosmetic and perfume products, but also has medicinal qualities. Dealing with fungal infections is one part of its usefulness, but it also acts as an antiseptic and even a mild sedative.

Thrush is a fungal infection caused by a yeast known as candida. This lives in moist areas of the body like the mouth, genitals and armpits, and is usually carried by most people with no ill effects. An imbalance in the body's immune system though can mean that an infection occurs as the body's immune system fails to cope with existence of the yeast in its normal way.

Lifestyle factors such as stress or a lack of proper sleep can also unbalance the immune system and allow thrush to thrive. Other lifestyle factors like tobacco and alcohol use, as well as diet, can also lead to conditions where infection occurs. Antibiotics also damage the immune system if taken for a long period of time, and many people experience the condition in this kind of situation.

The condition will often occur in areas such as the mouth or the genitals, but can occur elsewhere on the body. New mothers and babies are vulnerable to the infection, and breastfeeding can result in thrush affecting the nipples of the mother. Soreness can cracking can occur in this area after a fungal infection, which may have been caused by the kind of minor injury a baby's feeding mouth can cause a mother's breasts.

New mothers are often particularly keen to avoid any products which may have side effects, especially those which could affect their child as well. Other kinds of people who are affected by thrush may not been keen on chemically based products for their own reasons. Lavender oil can function as an effective substitute for more conventional medications.

The substance contains agents which have been proved lethal to many dermatophytes, which cause infections and feed on the keratin in hair and nails. Its effectiveness has also been shown with regard to various strains of candida. Applying it in a diluted topical solution to the effected area on a regular basis can see a considerable alleviation of the condition in many sufferers.

One other way of using lavender oil for thrush treatment is to put ten to fifteen drops of a preparation containing it into a warm bath. While the anti-fungal properties of the oil have been proved, different individuals respond differently to substances. That is why professional advice should always be sought before any kind of treatment is undergone.




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