Q: How does Tibetan medicine understand Candida? Can it cause a lot of different Problems? I myself have a lot of stomach problems. Is it caused by abuse of food and beverages? - Diane, Ohio |
A: Candida, according to Tibetan medicine, is caused by excess of serous fluid, micro organisms, toxicity in the system, and indigestion.
The symptoms are usually itching, rashes, and sometimes, liquid coming out after scratching a rash, body swelling, fever, very dry and scaly skin. It becomes worse when the affected part is wet, after consuming alcohol, and some of the symptoms may be worse at dawn.
Diet and Behavior are considered very important in treating Candida. Here are some recommendations from the Traditional Tibetan medical point of view: Consume only fresh yogurt made from cow and goats milk, fresh butter and beef. Relax in cool places, keep the body clean and dry, drink boiled warm water, eat nutritious food and do enemas. Cleanse your liver and strengthen your digestive system (refer March 30, 2001 answer for further dietary guidance). Eat small meals rather than a big meal and drink plenty of water throughout the day. Alcohol, old butter, leftovers, rotten and sour food, any kind of sweets, junk food and overeating should be avoided. Sodas and coffees, any kind of fermented food, and food to which you are sensitive or allergic should also be avoided. If Candida is not corrected, the problem could become chronic and can cause skin infections and spread candida to other parts of the body.
Treatment may be a little bit of a long process in the case of candida. There are some Tibetan herbal formulas you can take, like Poekar10, Poekhyung 15, Khyungna Neela and Ngulchu 18, for oral intake, and Zablag 8 and Sorig creme are good for external application. Traditonal Tibetan Medicinal baths are very beneficial, but due to lack of facilities we are not able to practice them here in the United States. In place of the medicinal bath, I can suggest that you mix Terminalia Chebula when you take a bath. Crush 5-6 cloves, Terminalia Chebula, and boil it in 8oz of water, boil until only 6oz of water is left, then filter the water and use full strained mixture each time you take bath. Always controlling your diet is of primary importance, as herbal medicine will not be as beneficial if your diet is not corrected.
- Dr. Namgyal