If you’ve ever struggled with a persistent fungal infection, and this would include Candida fungal fungal skin conditions, you know how frustrating it can be.
For many people, these infections keep coming back, no matter how many treatments they try. But what if there was a natural, safe alternative that could help?
At Soma Clinic, the Chinese physicians use Cao Huang Gui Xiang (CHGX), a TCM decoction that helps with fungal overgrowth in the body. This potent herbal formula has been trusted for generations to combat infections, and now modern research is confirming its powerful antifungal properties.
So, What is Cao Huang Gui Xiang?
Cao Huang Gui Xiang is a classic formula in Chinese medicine, known for treating Candida-related infections. It’s made up of a blend of herbs that work together to fight fungal pathogens. Recent studies have shown that this combination has impressive antifungal properties.
Cao Huang Gui Xiang (CHGX) is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine formula, and it is best prepared as a decoction for oral consumption. Typically, CHGX includes herbs like Pogostemon Cablin, Glycyrrhiza Uralensis, Rheum Palmatum and Neolitsea Cassia. The people at Soma Clinic prepare this in industrial pressure cookers, which ensure a good concentration of active ingredients.
How Does Cao Huang Gui Xiang Fight Fungal Infections?
Cao Huang Gui Xiang works in several ways to tackle fungal infections, and here are the key mechanisms behind its antifungal powers:
- Stops biofilms from forming: Fungi, like Candida, create biofilms, which are tough communities of microorganisms that stick to surfaces and are really hard to treat. CHGX has been shown to prevent these biofilms from forming, making the fungi easier to deal with.
- Breaks down fungal cell membranes: The active ingredients in CHGX attack the fungal cell membranes, breaking them down and causing the fungal cells to die.
- Increases oxidative stress in fungal cells: CHGX ramps up the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) inside the fungal cells, which, combined with high energy consumption (ATP), leads to the death of these harmful cells.
- Disrupts fungal growth pathways: There’s a specific pathway in fungi called the Ras1-cAMP pathway that helps with growth and survival. CHGX interferes with this pathway, further preventing the fungi from thriving.
What Does the Research Say?
There’s been a lot of research, both in lab settings (in vitro) and in living organisms (in vivo), showing that Cao Huang Gui Xiang has powerful antifungal effects. In lab studies, Cao Huang Gui Xiang has been effective against several Candida species, including Candida albicans and the drug-resistant Candida auris. The fact that the amount of CHGX needed to stop these pathogens falls within therapeutic ranges is a good sign that it can be used safely and effectively.
In animal studies, CHGX has also shown promise. One study used a Galleria mellonella (a type of insect) infection model and found that CHGX significantly boosted survival rates while reducing the fungal load, suggesting it could be effective in treating infections in humans too.
Can Cao Huang Gui Xiang Cure Eczema or Seborrheic Dermatitis?
Cao Huang Gui Xiang (CHGX) is mainly known for its antifungal powers against Candida species, especially Candida albicans. Sadly, for those thinking of using TCM for seborrheic dermatitis, CHGX is not specifically targeted for skin conditions associated with the Malassezia yeast.
For these skin conditions, there are other herbal options that can help. For instance, Da Qing Ye and Jin Yin Hua are great for calming inflammation in eczema, while herbs like Bai Wei and Mu Dan Pi work well to cool the blood and reduce heat-related symptoms. You can read the complete list of Chinese herbs for eczema by checking out this article.
Final Thoughts
Cao Huang Gui Xiang has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries, and modern science is beginning to catch up with its powerful antifungal properties. By breaking down biofilms, disrupting fungal cell membranes, and targeting key pathways in fungi, CHGX shows real potential as a treatment for stubborn fungal infections. While more research is needed to fully understand how to use it in modern medicine, the current evidence suggests that Cao Huang Gui Xiang could play a major role in the future of antifungal therapy.