TCM Treats Candida and Bacterial Vaginosis – 1 Treatment You Have to Try for Recurrent Conditions!

A Short Note

You are likely reading this because you think you have Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) or Candida (Thrush). You probably think that Chinese Medicine might help, especially if your condition is recurring.

You are probably experiencing some abnormal vaginal discharge, as well as symptoms like irritation and itch. it is good to know that both BV and Candida can happen at the same time.

TCM treats Candida and Bacterial Vaginosis (BV). But before, we talk about TCM, let’s give you the lay of the land!

Why does this happen?
This happens when the vaginal microbiome composition is disrupted, pathological microorganisms gain dominance – this a process known as dysbiosis.

This means that instead of being dominated by the Lactobacillus species, which maintains a healthy acidic environment in the vagina, the vagina is instead dominated by the Candida species (which is a yeast infection) or the Gardnerella species (which is a bacterial infection aka Bacterial Vaginosis).

Candida lives on our skin and in the inner linings of our body, e.g. the mouth, throat, gut, and vagina. It does so without causing much problems.
However, if conditions change inside the vagina, a yeast infection aka Candida can occur. Hormonal changes, medicines like antibiotics or changes in the immune system can clear out the existing Lactobacilli (good bacteria), resulting in an increased likelihood of a yeast infection.

In a BV infection, Gardnerella Vaginalis and Prevotella Bivia begin by adhering to the vaginal wall. They then begin on a mission to clear out the existing Lactobacilli (good bacteria) in the vagina.

Gardnerella Vaginalis will begin to spit out enzymes like sialidase and prolidase which destroy protective mucus lining of the inner wall of the vagina. When this barrier protection is compromised, other bacteria can also infiltrate, which can lead to a chronic situation.

How to cure Candida and BV?
Three strategies:
1. Stop doing things that encourage their growth
2. Do things that reducing their existing colonization
3. Repopulate with good bacteria (Lactobacilli).

How do I know if I have Bacterial Vaginosis?

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common condition that can cause abnormal vaginal discharge, strong fishy odor as well as irritation and itch.

If you are experiencing any of the following, you may have BV:

1. Increased vaginal discharge: This may be thin, white, or gray in color, and may have a fishy odor.
2. Vaginal odor: BV can cause a strong, fishy odor that may be more noticeable after sexual intercourse.
3. Vaginal irritation and itch: You may experience itching or burning in the vaginal area.
4. Pain during urination or sexual intercourse: BV may cause discomfort or pain during these activities.

What exactly is happening when I have Bacterial Vaginosis?

What is Bacterial Vaginosis?

Bacterial Vaginosis happens when Gardnerella Vaginalis and other bacteria clings on strongly to the inner walls of the vagina.

Why does this happen?

This happens when the vaginal microbiome composition is disrupted, pathological microorganisms gain dominance – this a process known as dysbiosis.

This means that instead of being dominated by the Lactobacillus species, the vagina is instead dominated by the Gardnerella species.

During the early stages of colonization, Gardnerella Vaginalis and Prevotella Bivia adhere to the vaginal wall and gradually clear out existing Lactobacilli.

Gardnerella Vaginalis will begin to spit out enzymes like sialidase and prolidase which destroy protective mucus lining of the inner wall of the vagina. When this barrier protection is compromised, other bacteria can also infiltrate, which can lead to a chronic situation. 

What is the most common way to treat Bacterial Vaginosis?

The usual treatment for Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) is with antibiotics.

• Metronidazole is the most commonly used antibiotic for Bacterial Vaginosis. It can be taken orally or applied directly to the vagina as a cream or gel.
• Clindamycin is another antibiotic available as a cream that can be used topically.
• Tinidazole is like Metronidazole, but has a longer half-life and more favorable side effect profile.

Are Antibiotics the only way to treat Bacterial Vaginosis?

Antibiotics are effective at treating Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) in most cases, but they may not be the best option for everyone.

In some people, BV may recur even after treatment with antibiotics. This can be frustrating for the person experiencing it. There are several reasons why this may happen:

• Antibiotics may not completely eliminate all of the harmful bacteria in the vagina: While antibiotics are effective at killing many types of bacteria, they may not be able to completely eradicate all of the harmful bacteria. What then happens is subsequent bacterial infection that is more drug resistant.
• Antibiotics can disrupt the balance of bacteria in the vagina: Antibiotics are designed to kill bacteria, but they can also affect the balance of good bacteria in the vagina. This can make it more difficult for the vagina to maintain a healthy bacterial environment and increase the risk of BV recurring. Antibiotics also create the perfect situation for Candida overgrowth aka Thrush.

When do I consider Chinese Medicine for Bacterial Vaginosis?

If you experience recurrence of Bacterial Vaginosis, this is likely when Chinese herbs can be very helpful.

How can Chinese Medicine treat Bacterial Vaginosis?

By balancing out your hormones

An appropriate level of estrogen in the body maintains the integrity of the inner wall of the vagina.

It also causes glycogen to deposit on the vaginal wall. Abundant glycogen is useful because it is food for lactobacilli to grow and spread and produce enough lactic acid to create an acidic vaginal microenvironment.

An acidic vaginal microenvironment is healthy protects you from further BV infection.

If you experience vaginal dryness, are perimenopausal and are also prone to UTI infection, you may benefit from an herbal approach helps your body replenish its estrogen levels.

For example, Radix Rehmannia is estrogen-mimetic. It is able regulate estrogen levels in the body.

By taking a multipronged strategy to inhibiting growth of BV

Bitter-cold Chinese herbs like Gentiana and Scutellaria inhibit the growth of Gardnerella Vaginalis and the formation of biofilm. It is done by suppressing bacterial alkaline phosphatase and sialidase mRNA.

There is also increased production of thermonuclease, which is able to destroy biofilms.

How do I know if I have Candida or Thrush?

Vaginal discharge is a normal part of the menstrual cycle and can vary in amount, color, and consistency.

If you have Candida, which is a yeast infection, your vaginal discharge may be thick, white, and clumpy, like cottage cheese.

You may also experience other symptoms, e.g. itching, burning, redness, and swelling of the vulva (the area around the vaginal opening).

It is also common to experience pain or discomfort during sexual intercourse or urination.

What exactly is happening when I have Candida or Thrush?

Candida is a type of yeast that is naturally present in the vagina in small amounts. It is usually kept in balance by the beneficial bacteria that also live in the vagina.

When the fungus grows out of control, you have a fungal infection known as Candida or Thrush.

What is the most common way to treat Candida or Thrush?

The treatment for a yeast infection typically involves the use of antifungal medication. These come in the form of oral tablets, creams or pessaries which you can insert into the vagina.

Antifungal medicine often ends with -azole. The most commonly prescribed antifungals include clotrimazole, ketoconazole, miconazole and fluconazole. There is also nystatin, an antifungal which may not be as effective as the -azoles for thrush.

When do I consider Chinese Medicine for Candida or Thrush?

You would want to consider Chinese Medicine if you are suffering from Recurrent Candida.

How can Chinese Medicine treat Candida or Thrush?

Chinese herbs target different components of the Candida Fungus

#1: Compromise Permeability of Cell Membranes

Here are some examples of how Chinese herbs are able to disrupt the cell membrane:

• Sambucus Williamsii (接骨木) depolarizes the cell membrane leading to permeabilization.
• Trachelospermum Asiaticum (络石藤) depolarizes the transmembrane potential.
• Magnolia Officinalis (厚朴) reduces the content of ergosterol in Candida Albicans, enhances the effect of fluconazole.
• Origanum Dictamnus (白鲜皮) increases membrane permeability and blocks efflux pumps.

#2: Compromise Fungal Cell Walls

• Marchantia polymorpha L. (地钱) inhibits the expression of chitin synthetase gene 1 (CHS1), thereby suppressing the activity of CHS and the subsequent synthesis of chitin.
• Houttuynia cordata Thunb. (鱼腥草) exerts synergistic effect with fluconazole (antifungal) by interfering with -1,3-glucan synthesis and transportation.

#3: Compromise Fungal Mitochondria

• Berberine (黄连、黄柏) induces mitochondrial dysfunction. Berberine’s effects are in synergy with fluconazole, even in fluconazole-resistant clinical isolates.
• Baicalin (黄芩) inhibits activities of enzymes in mitochondria and induces cell cycle blockage and apoptosis in Candida Albicans.
• Curcumin (姜黄) increases cell death in Candida Albicans cells, either alone or in synergy with antifungal drugs such as azoles and polyenes.
• Silybum marianum (水飞蓟) induces apoptosis related to mitochondrial Ca2+ influx in Candia Albicans cells.

#4: Compromise Biofilm Formation

• Cinnamomum zeylanicum (肉桂) inhibits biofilm formation of Candida Albicans, Candida Parapsilosis and Candida Orthopsilosis.
• Berberine (黄连、黄柏) inhibits biofilms formation of Candida Albicans, both alone and in synergy with miconazole (antifungal).
• Magnolia officinalis (厚朴) inhibits biofilm formation via suppressing adhesion and growth of Candida Albicans.
• Curcumin (姜黄) inhibits biofilm formation of Candida Albicans.
• Thymus vulgaris L. (百里香) inhibits biofilm formation and development, and shows synergy with fluconazole (antifungal) against biofilms. It also exhibits antifungal activity against fluconazole-resistant isolates of Candida Albicans while enhancing host antimicrobial responses against Candida Albicans.
• Plantago major (车前子) inhibits biofilm formation and decreases cell surface hydrophobicity of Candida Albicans (Candia Albicans cells with higher cell surface hydrophobicity present higher adhesion success).
• Syzygium aromaticum (丁香) inhibits biofilm formation and preformed biofilms more effectively than fluconazole. This herb also exhibits anti-fungal activity against fluconazole-resistant isolates of Candida, and produces synergistic effects with fluconazole (antifungal)
• Pelargonium graveolens (香叶) facilitates anti-biofilm activity, either alone or in combination with fluconazole (antifungal)
• Rheum palmatum (大黄) inhibits biofilm formation of Candida Albicans.

#5: Interrupts ICL1

ICL1 is a key enzyme in the glyoxylate cycle, a metabolic pathway that occurs in Candida for the synthesis of carbohydrates.

Thymus vulgaris L. (百里香), Perilla Frutescens and Rosmarinic Acid (in Basil, Oregano, Lemon Balm, and Salvia Miltiorrhiza 丹参) inhibits enzymatic activity of ICL1 in Candida Albicans.

Dietary Intervention

Before even seeking herbal intervention, it is important that you have already consider dietary intervention, especially if your condition is recurrent.

Because Candida Albicans affects both the gut and the genitals, reducing the food triggers that cause fungal overgrowth is crucial.

You must remember first TO AVOID:

1. No Refined sugar: this feeds the Candida and weakens the immunes system. Here’s the list:
   1. No Chocolate
   2. No Dried Fruits
   3. No Wheat or Bread or Biscuits
   4. No Pastries and Cakes
   5. No Processed Food as snacks
   6. Limit intake of Root Vegetables (e.g. Potato, Sweet Potato, Beans, Corn, Yam) due to high sugar content
2. Fermented Foods and Alcohol: This just aggravates your existing yeast overload. Here’s the list:
   1. No Aged Cheeses or Cheeses for that matter.
   2. No Baked Goods
   3. No Alcohol
   4. No Ham, Salami, Sausages, bacon, corned beef, or any meat that has been smoked, cured or dried.
   5. No Pickled Foods
   6. No orange juice or soft drinks.
   7. Limit use of sauces, including soy sauce, vinegar, mayonnaise.
   8. No Fermented Foods like Sourdough, Kim Chi
   9. No Raw Mushrooms

Next, TO DO:

1. Eat a Balanced Diet of Leafy Vegetables, Good Proteins, and Non-Gluten Grains (Rice is a good one).
2. Eat real yoghurt, not Vitagen or Yakult or similar “yoghurt” drinks.
3. Supplement with a good quality probiotic with live cultures (better yet from a Naturopath, and not just an over-the-counter product from GNC).
4. Eat fibrous foods daily – these are prebiotic food for the probiotic bacteria.
5. Drink 2L of water daily.
6. Replace your toothbrush once a month.
7. Include good quality coconut oil in your daily diet