The information provided here is not a replacement for a doctor. You shouldn't use it for the purpose of self-diagnosing or self-medicating but rather so you can have a more informed discussion with a professional TCM practitioner.
Candida infection can be the consequence of several so-called “patterns of disharmony” in Chinese Medicine.
Chinese Medicine sees the body as a system, not a sum of isolated parts. A "pattern" is when the system's harmony is disrupted, leading to symptoms or signs that something is wrong (like candida infection here). It is similar to the concept of disease in Western Medicine but not quite: a Western disease can often be explained by several Chinese patterns and vice-versa.
A pattern often manifests itself in a combination of symptoms that, at first glance, do not seem necessarily related to each others. For instance here candida infection is often associated with vulvar itching, insomnia and dark urine in the pattern “Spleen Deficiency with Dampness”.
Once identified, patterns are treated using medicinal herbs, acupuncture, and other therapies. In the case of candida infection we’ve identified two herbal formulas that may help treat patterns behind the symptom.
We’ve also selected below the two medicinal herbs that we think are most likely to help treat candida infection.
Spleen Deficiency with Dampness, a "pattern of disharmony" that can cause candida infection
In Chinese Medicine candida infection is a symptom for the pattern "Spleen Deficiency with Dampness". Below is a small explanation for it with links for more details.
The Spleen is a so-called "Zang" Organ. Learn more about the Spleen in Chinese Medicine
Spleen Deficiency with Dampness
In addition to candida infection, other symptoms associated with Spleen Deficiency with Dampness include vulvar itching, insomnia and dark urine.
From a Western Medicine standpoint Spleen Deficiency with Dampness is associated with health issues such as Vaginal Itching.
Spleen Deficiency with Dampness is often treated with Wu Ling San, a herbal formula made of 5 herbs (including Water Plantain - Ze Xie - as a key herb). Wu Ling San belongs to the category of "formulas that promote urination and leach out dampness", which might be why it is often recommended for this pattern. Its main action as a formula is: "Promotes urination,".
Two herbal formulas that might help with candida infection
Liu Jun Zi Tang
Source date: 1107
Number of ingredients: 6 herbs
Key actions: Tonifies Qi. Strengthens the Spleen and Stomach. Clears Phlegm and mucus. Promotes appetite.
Why might Liu Jun Zi Tang help with candida infection?
Because it is a formula often recommended to treat the pattern 'Spleen Deficiency with Dampness' of which candida infection is a symptom.
According to Chinese Medicine, Spleen Deficiency with Dampness can contribute to many health issues, including Vaginal Itching.
Bi Xie Fen Qing Yin
Source date: 1732 AD
Number of ingredients: 4 herbs
Key actions: Clears Heat. Warms the Kidneys. Drains Dampness. Separates the clear from the turbid.
Why might Bi Xie Fen Qing Yin help with candida infection?
Because it is a formula often recommended to treat the pattern 'Spleen Deficiency with Dampness' of which candida infection is a symptom.
According to Chinese Medicine, Spleen Deficiency with Dampness can contribute to many health issues, including Vaginal Itching.
The two Chinese Medicinal herbs most likely to help treat candida infection
Why might Ginseng (Ren Shen) help with candida infection?
Because it is a key herb in Liu Jun Zi Tang, a herbal formula indicated to treat the pattern '' (a pattern with candida infection as a symptom)
Ginseng is a Warm herb that tastes Bitter and Sweet. It targets the Spleen, the Heart and the Lung.
Its main actions are: Very strongly tonifies the Qi. Tonifies the Lungs and Spleen. Assists the body in the secretion of Fluids and stops thirst. Strengthens the Heart and calms the Shen (mind/spirit).
Why might Fish-Poison Yam (Bi Xie) help with candida infection?
Because it is a key herb in Bi Xie Fen Qing Yin, a herbal formula indicated to treat the pattern '' (a pattern with candida infection as a symptom)
Fish-Poison Yam is a Neutral herb that tastes Bitter. It targets the Bladder, the Stomach and the Liver.
Its main actions are: Encourages urination and eliminates cloudy urine. Eliminates Wind-Damp. Relieves Damp-Heat from the skin.
Conditions associated with candida infection
Other symptoms often associated with candida infection
Vulvar itching Insomnia Dark Urine Excessive vaginal discharge Smelly Vaginal discharge Sticky vaginal discharge Yellow vaginal discharge Painful intercourse Restlessness Irritability