Overview
Yeast infections are common, uncomfortable illnesses caused by an overgrowth of candida fungus. Yeast infections are most common in the vagina, but also occur on the nipples or feet. Yeast infections cause redness and itching and can cause skin to become swollen and painful if left untreated. Grapefruit seed extract is made from compounded grapefruit seeds and pulp and has natural antimicrobial properties. Grapefruit seed extract is effective in fighting yeast infections as well as bacterial and viral outbreaks, according to Santa Monica, California, pediatrician Dr. Jay Gordon’s website.
Function
Grapefruit seed extract has powerful anti-fungal properties, according to Cheryl Taylor, a certified breast feeding educator who works for Dr. Gordon. Taylor recommends treating yeast infections of the nipples with topical applications of diluted grapefruit seed extract. Woodland Natural Remedies, a company that makes and sells grapefruit seed extract, suggests treating vaginal yeast infections by douching with a solution made from 5 to 10 drops of grapefruit seed extract dissolved in 6 to 8 oz. of water.
Effects
According to Dr. Taylor, grapefruit seed extract is more effective in battling fungus than other traditional remedies such as colloidal silver, iodine and tea tree oil. Taylor cites studies performed by Dr. John Mainarich of the Bio-Research Laboratories in Washington, which found grapefruit seed extract to be a beneficial treatment for fighting infections caused by candida albicans, a common fungus that causes many yeast infections.
Benefits
Dr. Leo Galland, a physician at the Foundation for Integrated Medicine in New York, recommends grapefruit seed extract to his patients who are suffering yeast infections because he claims the treatment is completely safe. According to Galland, grapefruit seed extract does not cause side effects and is not known to trigger allergic reactions. Galland tested 20 of his patients with yeast infections and found that 15 of them experienced relief from symptoms within three days of douching with diluted grapefruit seed extract every 12 hours.
Considerations
Galland warns that anyone taking medication that can’t be taken with grapefruit should not use grapefruit seed extract as a treatment for yeast infections. If you are unsure whether this includes medications you are on, it’s best to talk to your doctor or pharmacist before starting a grapefruit seed extract regimen.
Expert Insight
The University of Maryland Medical Center website suggests taking either a 100mg capsule of grapefruit seed extract or 5 to 10 drops of liquid grapefruit seed extract three times per day if you are suffering from a vaginal yeast infection. The website claims that doing so can treat any viral, bacterial or fungal activity in the body and help benefit your immune system.
