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As you may know, there are many medicinal herbs and natural substances that are antifungal. Some of these natural substances kill or inhibit Candida. Candida is the genus of yeast that causes a vast amount of yeast infections. And, oral thrush is also caused by Candida; particularly the species Candida albicans (C. albicans).
A natural mouthwash for oral thrush is one that will incorporate natural components that all have a proven ability to fight Candida; and are safe to use orally. We will discuss how to easily make a natural mouthwash for oral thrush towards the end of this article.
First, we will go over some of the items you may be considering for use in a mouthwash for oral thrush. These items include: salt, apple cider vinegar (ACV), and tea tree oil (TTO). And, we will discuss using two herbs to create a tea you may not have considered: chamomile and pot marigold (Calendula).
It is important to remember that essential oils, such as TTO, should be used with extreme caution in the mouth. TTO, for example, should never be swallowed. It is very poisonous if ingested, so make sure you do not swallow tea tree oil.
This same caution should be applied to any essential oil you may be considering to use orally. Remember, never swallow an essential oil—unless it is an amount you know to be proven safe to ingest—such as a drop or two of cinnamon essential oil.
If you would like a list of essential oils the United States government’s FDA generally regards as safe (GRAS), you can view a list here: GRAS Certification for Essential Oils.
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Visit Official Site!Salt for Oral Thrush
A study, published in Microbiology [143.4 (1997): 1125-1131], looked at how well C. tropicalis would endure exposure to salt.
The study used a 1 molar solution (moles of solute / 1 liter of solution) of salt (NaCl). Salt has a molar mass of 58.44g, so one mole of this substance is 58.44g. There are 1,000g of water in a liter, so we get a concentration of 58.44g / 1000g. This final concentration is then about 5.84%.
The study tested how this 5.84% concentration of salt affected the growth of C. tropicalis. The study found that this concentration of salt reduced the growth of C. tropicalis by 30%.
Yet, overall, it appears as though salt did not have much effect on the growth of C. tropicalis; salt just slowed the growth down.
Conclusion about Salt Oral Thrush Remedies
Although the study used the species C. tropicalis, we can infer that this species will perform similarly to other species of Candida that regularly cause thrush infection—such as C. albicans. The study shows that salt does not appear to kill C. tropicalis at about a 6% concentration.
Additionally, the study exposed the yeasts to the salt solution for several hours; and, you will certainly not be putting salt water in your mouth for that long. Therefore, we can conclude that this concentration of salt will not be a good natural solution for thrush.
The way to improve a salt water mouth rinse is to increase the concentration of salt. It may be that a 20% concentration of salt (200g of salt in 1 liter of water) could inhibit or kill Candida. Yet, the question becomes: "how long will the salt need to stay in contact with the Candida in order to elicit a result?"
It may be that a minimum of several minutes of contact would be required to see any inhibition of growth or killing of the yeast. And, even several minutes may not be enough; it could require longer.
It is not practical to keep such a salty solution in your mouth for too long. But, with repetition use of a very salty mixture—possibly at least over 6% salt—results might be seen. Yet, this is an educated hypothesis, as research may be lacking that determines minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC; the smallest concentration of a substance required to stop growth) for salt solutions against Candida.
Generally, it appears that this natural remedy for oral thrush would be a poor one if you do not use a very strong concentration of salt in the water.
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Visit Official Site!Apple Cider Vinegar for Oral Thrush
An interesting study determined the MIC of ACV for Candida species. And, the study also determined the minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC), which is the smallest amount of a substance required to kill an organism, for ACV on Candida species. The study was published in the Journal of Prosthodontics [24.4 (2015): 296-302].
Of note, is that the study used an ACV containing 4% maleic acid. Thus, it may differ from typical ACV. The following quote from this study further elucidates the importance of maleic acid:
Among the new alternatives under study for the treatment of denture stomatitis, maleic acid has been addressed as an important element contained in apple cider vinegar, with bactericidal and fungicidal activity. It has already been employed in dentistry as an antimicrobial solution used during chemomechanical preparation of root canals, alone or in combination with ethylenediamine tetra-acetic acid.
Journal of Prosthodontics [24.4 (2015): 296-302]
The research found that a MIC for 100% of the strains tested were inhibited at 2500µg / mL, which can also be stated as a 0.25% concentration of vinegar.
Concerning the ability of the vinegar to kill, the study found that, of the 8 strains tested, 5 had MFC values equal to the MIC. Two strains (C. albicans, and C. tropicalis) showed an MFC of 0.5%, and one strain (C. tropicalis) had an MFC of 1.0% (which is 10,000µg / mL).
The following chart, taken from the study, shows how well C. albicans will be killed by ACV over time in the presence of various concentrations of ACV. The concentrations of ACV were the MIC, the MIC multiplied by 2 (MICx2), and the MIC multiplied by 4 (MICx4). The chart below shows the action of ACV against a strain of C. albicans graphically.
Apple Cider Vinegar Use: A Case Report
An interesting case report on using ACV for oral thrush was published in the International Journal of Dentistry and Oral Health [4.5 (2018): 54-57]. The case report states that a 69 year old man was referred to a private dental practice with the primary complaint of burning sensations of the tongue, nausea related to eating, and loss of taste sensations.
The occurrence of the man’s situation was quite sudden, and happened a day before visiting the dental office. The symptoms he was experiencing were a burning and itching sensations of the tongue. These unusual sensations were not relieved by any factor and the man had attempted to use chlorhexidine as an antiseptic oral treatment; yet, this had no affect on his condition.
The man had controlled, type II diabetes. The man was only taking an antidiabetic medication of Sulfonylureas (Amaryl)® 4mg / once daily during breakfast. The man did not report using any antibiotics recently. He also did not report any other medical condition.
The examination of the man’s tongue revealed there was a slightly raised, soft, white creamy plaque that was oral thrush. When the white plaque was wiped of, it left abnormally red, ulcerated skin beneath. A sample was taken of the infection, and it was determined to be C. albicans causing the oral thrush.
The man was given ACV containing 5% acetic acid. The vinegar was placed in a dropper. The man was advised to put a few drops on the tongue twice daily after breakfast and before bedtime. This protocol was administered for 7 days.
As a result of using the ACV for his oral thrush, a significant drop in the amount of Candida was observed—the drop was by 94%. The study reports that this drop was surprisingly satisfying for the man and the investigator.
The study reports that the antifungal ability of ACV was attributed to the organic acids that compose the primary ingredient in the ACV. The organic acids in the ACV destroy the outer membranes of the Candida organism’s cell wall, and hurt the function of the Candida cells. ACV can also stop the attaching of the Candida cells to smooth surfaces; thus preventing colonization and the formation of biofilm.
Further verification that ACV makes a powerful fighter of Candida is beyond the scope of this article. If you would like to learn more about using ACV as a yeast infection treatment, Candida Hub has a comprehensive article on this topic. It is linked directly below.
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Visit Official Site!Tea Tree Oil for Oral Thrush (Somewhat Dangerous)
A study, focused on the toxicity of tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) oil (TTO), was published in Food and Chemical Toxicology [44.5 (2006): 616-625]. This research article states that TTO can be toxic if it is taken internally. The median lethal dose (abbreviated as LD50) of TTO in the rat is 1.9mL to 2.6mL / kg body weight.
The study reports that rats given a smaller amount, less than or equal to 1.5g TTO / kg body weight, demonstrated lethargy, showed depressed activity, and appeared ataxic (impaired balance or coordination, can be due to damage to the brain, nerves, or muscles) 72 hours after administering TTO.
The LD50 for rats indicates that this dose of TTO will kill half a population of rats. The LD50 is a common measure of how toxic a substance is. And, many substances have had their LD50 evaluated. Caffeine, for instance, has a lethal dose of 367mg / kg (Adamson, Richard H.; 2016).
The following quote from this study appears to summarzie the safety of using TTO:
Anecdotal evidence from almost 80 years of use suggests that the topical use of the oil is relatively safe, and that adverse events are minor, self-limiting and occasional. Published data indicate that TTO is toxic if ingested in higher doses and can also cause skin irritation at higher concentrations. Allergic reactions to TTO occur in predisposed individuals and may be due to the various oxidation products that are formed by exposure of the oil to light and/or air. Adverse reactions may be minimised by avoiding ingestion, applying only diluted oil topically and using oil that has been stored correctly.
Food and Chemical Toxicology [44.5 (2006): 616-625]
The renowned, and late, Dr. James Duke also discusses TTO in his books. According to Dr. Duke, in his book The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook, TTO is given a safety rating of 2, which means that Dr. Duke considers this herb to be as safe as coffee if used correctly.
And, a quintessential factor to understand, is Dr. Duke states that TTO should NEVER be ingested. Dr. Duke states that TTO is best reserved for topical treatment. Following this guideline, TTO should then be fairly safe to use externally.
Use of Tea Tree Oil in the Mouth
As we see, TTO is very toxic if taken internally. Dr. Duke, in his other book The Green Pharmacy, states "Don’t ingest [tea tree oil]. Like so many other essential plant oils, small amounts of tea tree oil, on the order of a few teaspoons, can be fatal." Thus, you may want to use a great degree of caution if you plan on using tea tree oil in your mouth.
If you do use a small amount of TTO in your mouth, never swallow it. A few drops in a mouthwash may not cause any adverse reactions, and could be a good idea. Many oral products use tea tree oil; and the amounts of TTO in these products are probably very small. I would even speculate that the amount of TTO in these products is possibly not even enough to produce much, if any, medicinal effect.
I have personally used a drop of tea tree oil in my mouth. It appeared to numb the area it was in contact with, and I did not notice any adverse reactions.
Tea tree oil is particularly appealing to use as an essential oil in a mouthwash for oral thrush as it is such a strong Candida fighter. If you have never used TTO on yourself, make sure you do a patch test first. This will help you see if you develop an allergic reaction to this oil; and, if you do, you can avoid using it.
Additionally, it is always good to go with safety first; and, just use a few drops of tea tree oil in any natural mouthwash that you make.
To perform a patch test, put a small drop of TTO on an insensitive area of the body, such as the upper arm, and cover the drop with a band aid. Let the band aid stay in place for 12 to 24 hours. When you take the band aid off, observe the area of skin.
If it has developed contact dermatitis, then you know that you will react adversely to this oil; and it would be prudent to stop using it. Storage protocols of the oil can cause it to become more irritating, and fresh TTO may provide more accurate results.
The research and evidence backing TTO’s effectiveness as a Candida fighter is beyond the scope of this article. Candida Hub does have an extensive amount of information on this essential oil. If you would like more information on how well tea tree oil cures Candida, you can learn more at Candida Hub’s article (linked below):
The Power of Flowers: Pot Marigold & Chamomile
Chamomile (Matricaria recutita / Matricaria chamomilla) and Pot marigold (Calendula officinalis) are both able to inhibit Candida. This means they will be able to interfere with the growth of this yeast and help to stop it. This can give the immune system the help it needs to effectively clear out a case of oral thrush.
The research proving that Chamomile and Calendula fight Candida is beyond the scope of this article. But if you would like to get a more detailed explanation of these medicinal herbs, you can always check out the articles about these herbs (linked below):
Chamomile and pot marigold can both be used to create a Candida fighting tea. This tea can be used as a natural mouthwash for oral thrush. You can add both of these herbs to hot water and create a tea from the comfort of your home. This tea can be used as a mouthwash several times a day, and this should help naturally cure a case of oral thrush!
You probably want to avoid using these flowers if you have an allergy to them or a similar type of plant. Conducting a patch test would be a prudent course of action for each of these flowers if you are unsure of how you will react to them. If you are allergic to them, make sure you do not use them—especially in the mouth!
Creating a Natural Mouthwash for Oral Thrush
It is important, when dealing with fungal infections such as oral thrush, to understand the power concomitant use of herbs—and possibly all natural remedies—may be able to produce. Concerning antifungal essential oils; Dr. James Duke, in his book The Green Pharmacy; also discusses the synergistic power created when using multiple antifungal oils.
These oils appear to work better in conjunction than they work in isolation. The following quote from this book states this in Dr. Duke’s own words:
The synergy—the harmonious working together—of antifungal herbs has been demonstrated in several studies. In one test of ten plant species whose oils were antifungal, researchers noted that "combinations of the antifungal essential oils increased their activity remarkably." In a similar study, researchers noted that "in all the oil combinations, the antifungal potency was found to increase over individual oils."
"The Green Pharmacy." Emmaus, Pa: Rodale Press [1997]
This truth about essential oils may be able to be applied to all natural remedies. It may be wise to use an assortment of natural remedies together to create a good oral thrush mouthwash. You can use your own personal taste and creativity; but here is one example of an anti-Candida mouthwash you can make:
Vinegar & Herb Oral Thrush Mouthwash
- 1 liter of pot marigold / calendula tea
- 100 mL of apple cider vinegar (5% acidity)
- 5 drops cinnamon essential oil
- 5 drops clove essential oil
- 5 drops lemongrass essential oil
- 44 mL of whiskey
- Directions: Mix the whiskey, apple cider vinegar, and essential oils together thoroughly. Next add the pot marigold and calendula tea to the vinegar / whiskey / essential oils mixture. Mix the resulting fluid thoroughly. Use the mouthwash for 1 minute after breakfast and before you go to bed. Make sure you brush your teeth before you use the mouthwash!
You can always increase the strength of the mouthwash by increasing the amount of essential oils that you use; and, the strength of the tea. Yet, be sure to do a patch test of each essential oil before you use them in the mouth.
For more information on the essential oils used in this natural oral thrush mouth rinse, you can get a more detailed overview at the following articles:
- Essential Oils for Yeast Infection
- Cinnamon Oil for Candida
- Clove Essential Oil for Candida
- Lemongrass Essential Oil for Yeast Infection
A Natural, 12 Hour Cure for Oral Thrush
A study, published in Clinical Microbiology Reviews [12.1 (1999): 80-96], stated that Candida yeasts are widely present organisms. The study states that Candida are most often found in the mouth, and live in approximately 31% to 55% of healthy individuals. The most pathogenic species, C. albicans, accounts for about 70% to 80% of all Candida infections.
Oral thrush is a common experience, and Candida related health problems are a real concern. As you may know, Candida causes yeast infections of all kinds; and, can even affect the body systemically.
A study, published in Obstetrics & Gynecology [120.6 (2012): 1407-1414], stated that vaginal yeast infections will happen to 75% of women at least once. Concerning recurrent vaginal yeast infections, the study states this condition happens to about 5% to 8% of women in their reproductive years. The study also says recurrent yeast infections are associated with suffering, costs, and complications with sexual function.
Systemic Candida infections can cause a wide array of health problems, in addition to causing oral thrush or gential yeast infections. One woman who spent about 12 years suffering from Candida related health issues was Linda Allen.
Linda’s health problems began in her late teen years. And her health issues seemed to have an unknown cause. It was difficult for Linda to understand what was wrong with her, she wasn’t really sick, but not totally healthy either. She had fatigue, brain fog, stomach problems, listlessness, skin infections, and unexplained rashes.
Linda also struggled with recurrent yeast infections. And Linda Allen states that recurrent yeast infections can become very distressing when they reoccur as frequently as a woman’s menstrual period.
Linda’s doctor did not seem to know what the cause of her health problems was. They simply prescribed her antibiotics and even tried putting her on allergy medication. Nothing seemed to work to solve Linda’s unusual health issues. Those that knew her also wondered if she was sicker than she was admitting, or perhaps a hypochondriac.
Linda’s life changed for the better, however, when she made an appointment with a naturopathic medical practicioner. When the naturopath investigated Linda’s health, they knew exactly what the cause of her poor health and yeast infections: a systemic Candida infection.
Although the naturopath did not provide Linda with a permanent solution, they did put her on the right path. Armed with the knowledge that her health issues were the cause of too much Candida in her body, Linda began to ardently study Candida and ways to treat it.
It required a lot of effort, but Linda finally arrived at a treatment protocol she hoped would get rid of her Candida problems. Linda spent about a year refining her new approach before she tried it on herself.
Linda found, after she tried her new approach, that her yeast infections eventually stopped. And, her whole health also returned. Linda had, after about 12 years of suffering, developed a natural solution to her systemic Candida problem.
Linda has since written a book detailing exactly how to repeat her success. Her book even includes a 12 hour treatment that can cure a superficial yeast infection, such as a case of oral thrush, in just 12 hours of time.
And, if you have been struggling with systemic Candida problems, Linda’s book will also show you how to effectively eliminate this health malady as well.
Since Linda’s book was first published, over 140,000 people from many countries in the world have used her natural treatment protocol successfully.
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Linda’s publisher is a large digital retailer, that is a subsidiary of the United States based firm Keynetics Incorporated, with a lot of experience doing business online. You should find getting Linda’s book safe, fast, and easy.
If you would like to find out more about Linda’s personal journey to better health, see testimonials of others who gave her book a try, or want to find out more about her book; you can learn more at Linda Allen’s website.
Author: Mr. Geoff Kent
Geoff Kent is a natural medicine enthusiast who has been researching and writing about natural medicine since 2008. Geoff is primarily a web developer but also researches and authors written and video content about natural health. Geoff has a bachelor’s degree in Management Information Systems from the University of Northern Iowa.
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SOURCES:
- https://doi.org/10.1099/00221287-143-4-1125 — Garcia, Maria J., et al. "Comparative physiology of salt tolerance in Candida tropicalis and Saccharomyces cerevisiae." Microbiology [143.4 (1997): 1125-1131].
- https://doi.org/10.1111/jopr.12207 — Mota, Ana Carolina Loureiro Gama, et al. "Antifungal activity of apple cider vinegar on Candida species involved in denture stomatitis." Journal of Prosthodontics [24.4 (2015): 296-302].
- Semantic Scholar — Shaymaa, M. H. "The Effect of Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) as an Antifungal in a Diabetic Patient (Type II Diabetes) with Intraoral Candidosis." International Journal of Dentistry and Oral Health [4.5 (2018): 54-57].
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fct.2005.09.001 — Hammer, Kate A., et al. "A review of the toxicity of Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) oil." Food and Chemical Toxicology [44.5 (2006): 616-625].
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.yrtph.2016.07.011 — Adamson, Richard H. "The acute lethal dose 50 (LD50) of caffeine in albino rats." Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology [80 (2016): 274-276].
- Google Books — Duke, James A.. “The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook: Your Everyday Reference to the Best Herbs for Healing.” Macmillan [2002]. ISBN: 9780312981518
- Google Books — Duke, James A.. "The Green Pharmacy: New discoveries in herbal remedies for common diseases and conditions from the world's foremost authority on healing herbs." Emmaus, Pa: Rodale Press [1997]. ISBN: 9780875963167
- https://doi.org/10.1128/CMR.12.1.80 — Fidel, Paul L., Jose A. Vazquez, and Jack D. Sobel. "Candida glabrata: review of epidemiology, pathogenesis, and clinical disease with comparison toC. albicans." Clinical Microbiology Reviews [12.1 (1999): 80-96].
- http://10.1097/AOG.0b013e31827307b2 — Marchaim, Dror, et al. "Fluconazole-resistant Candida albicans vulvovaginitis." Obstetrics & Gynecology [120.6 (2012): 1407-1414].
