Candida is a yeast-like type of fungus that occurs naturally on your body, primarily in the skin and the mucous membranes of the mouth, vagina and intestines. When there is an overgrowth of this fungus, it causes an infection called candidiasis. An overgrowth of candida can result from hormonal changes, medications like antibiotics, pregnancy, obesity, a weakened immune system or a health condition like diabetes. There are a number of herbs with anti-fungal properties that you can use to treat candida. Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) According to Jacqueline L. Longe, author of "The Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine," tea tree oil can cure candida infections of the mouth. The Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center attributes the herb's anti-fungal action to terpinen-4-ol, the primary active ingredient of tea tree oil. Tea tree oil can be used topically in the form of a mouthwash, douche, soap or dental floss. Garlic (Allium sativum) In an article titled "The Wonders of Garlic," nutrition writer Jack Challem reports on research affirming garlic's natural anti-fungal properties as a remedy for candida. He cites a study conducted by Benjamin Lau, a researcher at the Loma Linda University School of Medicine, in which mice with candida infections were free of the fungus after two days of treatment with garlic extract. Garlic is most potent medicinally when it is ingested raw. Barberry (Berberis vulgaris) In their book "Candida Albicans: A Nutritional Approach;" Rita Elkins and Louise Tenney note that barberry is rich in berberine, an anti-microbial compound that prevents and treats yeast infections by helping to maintain healthy intestinal flora. It also boosts the body's defenses by stimulating the immune system. Barberry has the added benefit of stopping the diarrhea that may accompany candida overgrowth. Pau d'Arco (Tabebuia Avellanedae) According to Rita Elkins, Pau d'Arco has a powerful anti-fungal action against candida that kills off its excessive growth. It also helps the body create better resistance to candida infection by supporting the immune system. Black Cumin (Nigella Sativa) Citing a 2003 clinical study on black cumin, HealthLine reports that black cumin seed extract has a significant anti-fungal action against candida. Researchers found that this herbal extract inhibited the growth of candida in infected lab mice within 24 hours of being administered. Continued treatment significantly reduced the amount of the fungus in the liver, kidneys and spleen. Source: livestrong.com