The common yeast infection, also known 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 most often 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, these remedies will provide relief from the uncomfortable itching and burning.
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 that will keep your system functioning at is 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 Braggs ACV, but any raw apple cider vinegar with “the mother” still included should work [2]. For added benefit you can add some colloidal silver to the mix. [3] I recommend adding 2 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 your yeast infection. This works because garlic has natural anti-fungal properties and is a well-known anti-bacterial and natural antibiotic. [4]
4. Avoid Harsh Feminine Products
Most soaps strip natural protective oils and are too harsh for the delicate feminine anatomy. These oils help prevent yeast from forming. Feminine hygiene douches, sprays, and perfumed products reduce natural protective oils. Alcohol and other toxic chemicals in these products alter the delicate pH balance of the vagina and leave it more susceptible to infection. [5] Use organic hygiene products, if necessary.
5. Organic Oregano Oil
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
Cranberries are not just for bladder infections, they can also be used to help with yeast infections. You can also drink the juice, unsweetened, to help boost healthy pH balance in the vagina. This helps fight off fungal infection. [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 at least several hours before washing. Make sure 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 natural amounts of Candida yeast in the body, although a healthy body’s natural environment prohibits this fungus from taking over. It is when you get an infection that your body gives you a sign that you are out of balance. A stressful lifestyle can cause Candida to grow in excess [10], as our immune system becomes compromised. Make sure to take time to slow down and recuperate, particularly after stressful life events. I recommend massage, meditation, yoga and frequent exercise.
These are just ten remedies for yeast infections and I probably missed a few. 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.”
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