The common yeast infection, sometimes referred to as vaginitis, is a painful condition that many women experience at some point in their lives. Characterized by extremely uncomfortable itching, burning and pain, and discharge, vaginal yeast infections are usually caused by unhealthy forms of fungus that grow in the warm, damp environment of the female genitalia. Men may also experience this condition, but it is most common in women. The most prominent form of yeast infection fungus is Candida albicans. Below, are ten of the most common natural remedies for yeast infections. Hopefully, if you’re ever in need, these remedies will provide relief from uncomfortable itching and burning.
Yeast Infection Home Remedies to Try
1. Probiotics
Some medications can disrupt the composition of your microbiota, opening you up to yeast overgrowth. To help maintain healthy and balanced microbial colonies, take a probiotic supplement to keep your system functioning at its best.[1] Learn more about the benefits of probiotics here.
2. Organic Apple Cider Vinegar Douche
Soothe a yeast infection by douching with apple cider vinegar. Mix 3 tablespoons of raw, organic apple cider vinegar with 1 quart of water, add to douche apparatus and use. I recommend any raw apple cider vinegar with “the mother of vinegar”.[2] For enhanced benefit, you can add colloidal silver to the mix.[3] I recommend adding two ounces of colloidal silver to each batch.
3. Organic Garlic
Another common remedy for yeast infections is to eat several fresh garlic cloves each day. While this will probably give you bad breath, it will also help clear up a yeast infection. This works because garlic has natural anti-fungal properties and can even balance out harmful bacteria.[4]
4. Avoid Harsh Feminine Products
The vagina contains oils that help prevent yeast from forming. Feminine hygiene douches, sprays, and perfumed products reduce natural protective oils. Most soaps are harsh and also strip them away. Alcohol and other toxic chemicals in these products alter the delicate pH balance of the vagina and leave it more susceptible to infection.[5] The best bet is to use organic hygiene products.
5. Organic Oregano Oil
Oregano oil is another effective remedy for yeast infections. It will help reduce yeast and candida proliferation.[6] Place nine drops in a capsule and swallow 2-3 times daily after meals on a full stomach.
6. Organic Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is a powerful natural fungal cleanser. Place a few drops of organic tea tree oil on a natural tampon and insert into your vagina for 4 hours. Do this in the morning and afternoon. Do not sleep with the tampon inserted. A couple of days should be sufficient to relieve the symptoms.[7]
7. Organic Cranberries
You’ve probably heard of using cranberries for bladder infections, but did you know they can also help with yeast infections? Drink the juice, unsweetened, to boost healthy pH balance and halt fungal overgrowth.[7]
8. Organic Plain Yogurt
Another common folk remedy related to restoring flora and pH balance, yogurt can be used topically and vaginally to reduce a yeast infection.[8] Insert 1 to 2 tablespoons into the vagina, and externally to the affected area and leave for several hours before washing. Make sure the yogurt has no added sugars, fruit, or other ingredients. A tampon may be soaked in the yogurt and inserted for 2 hours, then removed.
9. Wear Loose Clothing
This remedy may sound silly, but it's one of the easiest things you can do to help with yeast infections. It works because yeast fungus loves warm, moist environments. Wearing loose-fitting clothing and underwear keeps oxygen moving and prevents the growth of fungus.[9] I recommend trying organic cotton clothing.
10. Relax
Everyone has naturally-occurring Candida yeast in their body, although a healthy microbiota prohibits the fungus from growing out of control. A stressful lifestyle can compromise the immune system and allow Candida to grow in excess.[10] Take time to slow down and recuperate, particularly after stressful life events. I recommend massage, meditation, yoga, and frequent exercise. These are just ten of the many remedies for yeast infections. Please feel free to add your remedies or discuss your experiences in the comments below.
References (10)
- Cribby, Sarah, Michelle Taylor, and Gregor Reid. "Vaginal Microbiota and the Use of Probiotics." Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Infectious Diseases 2008. (2009): n.pag. Web. 6 Mar. 2017.
- Pavlova, S I, L Tao, and Hindawi. "In Vitro Inhibition of Commercial Douche Products Against Vaginal Microflora." Infectious Diseases in Obstetrics and Gynecology 8.2 (2000): 104–99. Web. 6 Mar. 2017.
- Monteiro, Douglas Roberto, et al. "Adhesion of Candida Biofilm Cells to Human Epithelial Cells and Polystyrene After Treatment with Silver Nanoparticles." Colloids and Surfaces B: Biointerfaces 114. (2014): 410–412. Web. 6 Mar. 2017.
- Bahadoran, Parvin, Fatemeh Karimzadeh Rokni, and Fariba Fahami. "Investigating the Therapeutic Effect of Vaginal Cream Containing Garlic and Thyme Compared to Clotrimazole Cream for the Treatment of Mycotic Vaginitis." Iranian Journal of Nursing and Midwifery Research 15. (2010): 343–349. Web. 6 Mar. 2017.
- Zhang, J, A G Thomas, and E Leybovich. "Vaginal Douching and Adverse Health Effects: A Meta-Analysis." American Journal of Public Health 87.7 (1997): 1207–1211. Web.
- Aggarwal, Bharat B, and Debora Yost. "Healing Spices: How to Use 50 Everyday and Exotic Spices to Boost Health and Beat Disease." New York: Sterling Pub. Co., 2011. Print.
- Braun, Professor Lesley, Professor Marc Cohen, and PIERRON IVONNE. "Herbs and Natural Supplements: An Evidence-Based Guide: Volume 2." Australia: Churchill Livingstone, 2014. Print.
- Williams, Amber. "Yogurt: Still a Favorite for Vaginal Candidiasis?" Journal of the National Medical Association 94.4 (2002): n.pag. Web. 6 Mar. 2017.
- Anaissie, Elias J, Michael R McGinnis, and Michael A Pfaller. "Clinical Mycology. 2nd ed." Edinburgh, United Kingdom: Churchill Livingstone, 2008. Print.
- Meyer, H, S Goettlicher, and W Mendling. "Stress as a Cause of Chronic Recurrent Vulvovaginal Candidosis and the Effectiveness of the Conventional Antimycotic Therapy." Mycoses 49.3 (2006): 202–209. Web. 6 Mar. 2017.
†Results may vary. Information and statements made are for education purposes and are not intended to replace the advice of your doctor. If you have a severe medical condition or health concern, see your physician.
