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| - Last Updated on July 5, 2023 by Neelam Singh
Quick take
A video promoting the use of garlic water as a remedy for yeast infections has gained significant traction on Facebook in June 2023. The video suggests that garlic water can be an effective treatment for yeast infections. We fact checked and found the claim to be Mostly False.
The claim
A video titled “How to naturally treat yeast infection” featuring a narrator who claims to be Dr. Joe M. Mangaji, a surgeon based in Kenya, has gained attention on social media. The video, which has been shared on multiple platforms, including posts and articles on “home remedies” websites, provides instructions for making a garlic water infusion. The instructions involve boiling four chopped garlic cloves in two cups of water for five minutes, allowing the mixture to cool, and then adding a teaspoon of honey.
The video has accumulated more than 1.6k likes till we last checked.
Fact check
What is a yeast infection ?
Yeast, a type of fungus, is naturally present on the skin and in the digestive system. In women, yeast is also found in the vaginal area. However, when there is an overgrowth of yeast in these areas, it can lead to an infection. One common type of yeast infection is known as candidiasis.
Candida albicans is a type of fungus that naturally resides in various parts of our body, such as the mouth, gastrointestinal tract, vagina, and skin. In about half of the population, it is part of the normal microbial community. However, under certain conditions, this fungus can cause a range of infections, from superficial skin and mucous membrane issues to severe and life-threatening diseases that affect multiple organs.
What are the factors that affect yeast infection?
According to a book Pathogenic yeast and yeast infection by Segal and Baum, the factors affecting yeast infections are as follows:
Mechanical factors:
- Trauma (bruises, abrasions, etc.)
- Local occlusion, moisture, and/or maceration (dentures, occlusive dressings or garments, obesity)
Nutritional factors:
- Avitaminosis (deficiency of vitamins)
- Iron deficiency (chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis)
- Generalised malnutrition
Physiological alterations:
- Extremes of age
- Pregnancy
- Menses (menstrual cycle)
Systemic illnesses:
- Down’s syndrome
- Acrodermatitis enteropathica
- Diabetes mellitus and certain endocrinopathies (Cushing’s syndrome, hypoadrenalism, hypothyroidism, hypoparathyroidism)
- Uremia (high levels of urea in the blood)
- Malignancy (especially hematologic and thymoma)
- Intrinsic immunodeficiency states (including all limbs of the immune system)
Medical intervention:
- Barrier-weakening factors (indwelling catheters, i.v. drug users, etc.)
- Exposure to radiation
- Corticosteroids and other immunosuppressive agents
- Antibiotics, especially broad-spectrum types
- Tranquillizers
- Oral contraceptives
- Colchicine
- Phenylbutazone
Is garlic beneficial in treating yeast infections?
Not really. Garlic has a long history of being used to address infections due to its antiviral, antifungal, and antibacterial properties. Some studies have explored the potential of garlic as an alternative treatment for candidiasis, particularly in the form of oral garlic tablets and vaginal creams containing garlic and other ingredients. A 2015 study compared the effects of garlic tablets to fluconazole tablets and indicated that garlic tablets could be a viable option for treating and alleviating yeast infection symptoms. Similarly, a 2010 study compared a garlic-thyme vaginal cream to a clotrimazole cream and found comparable reductions in most symptoms. However, it’s important to note that there is still limited information available on the effectiveness of garlic tablets and creams as substitutes for conventional treatments. The effectiveness of treatments for yeast infections can vary from person to person. Just because one individual experiences positive results from a specific treatment doesn’t guarantee the same outcome for everyone. Each person’s response to treatment can differ, and it’s important to recognize that individual experiences may vary. We have previously discussed in detail whether garlic and coconut oil treats candida overgrowth.
Nutritionist Nidhi Sarin informs, “A study conducted by the University of Melbourne examined the effectiveness of garlic as a treatment for candidiasis. The findings of this research indicated that the use of garlic in short-term oral doses did not yield conclusive results. To summarize, while garlic can be a part of a comprehensive approach to address Candida or any yeast overgrowth, it is recommended to combine it with other interventions. These may include antifungal medications, dietary adjustments, and lifestyle modifications. Seeking advice from a healthcare professional is advisable to receive personalized guidance on integrating garlic or other natural remedies into your treatment plan.”
What are the side effects of consuming garlic?
Consuming garlic can have several side effects, which may vary from person to person. Here are some common side effects associated with garlic consumption:
- Breath and body odour, heartburn, and upset stomach.
- Raw garlic may cause more noticeable side effects.
- Allergic reactions to garlic can occur in some individuals.
- Garlic supplements may increase the risk of bleeding, especially if taken with anticoagulant medications like warfarin.
- Inform your healthcare provider if you are taking or planning to take garlic supplements before undergoing surgery or if you are on anticoagulant medication.
- Garlic supplements can potentially interfere with the effectiveness of certain drugs, such as saquinavir used for HIV treatment.
- Garlic supplements may interact with other dietary herbs and supplements.
Nutritionist Sarin further affirms that consuming garlic can potentially lead to gastrointestinal issues, flatulence, and alterations in the intestinal environment.
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