5 Home Remedies to Fight Yeast Infections

While the fungus Candida albicans is normally present in the vagina in small amounts, when too much is present, a yeast infection can occur. In an uninfected vagina, lots of bacteria are present to keep the yeast in check. When something disrupts the balance of bacteria and yeast, like antibiotics, a change in hormones, or an illness, too much yeast can grow, resulting in what is called a yeast infection. While yeast infections are itchy and uncomfortable, rarely are they a serious health concern. If you’re having symptoms like an itchy vagina, white discharge that looks like cottage cheese or pain when you urinate or have intercourse, you may have a yeast infection. To treat a yeast infection yourself, try one of these home remedies.

Tea Tree Oil

Combine olive oil and a few drops of tea tree essential oil in a bowl. Dip a tampon in the mixture and then insert it in the vagina for no more than one hour. This treatment can be performed twice daily in the morning and in the evening. Tea tree oil is considered an immune stimulant and is thought to be an effective treatment against fungi, bacteria and viruses.

Yogurt

Purchase all natural, plain yogurt and insert it into the vagina. You can use your fingers or a spoon to insert a bit of yogurt directly into your vagina before you go to bed, or you can place yogurt into a plastic tampon applicator and freeze it before inserting it into your vagina. It’s a good idea to wear gloves when inserting the yogurt so you don’t introduce new bacteria into your vagina. Yogurt has Acidophilus in it, which is effective in killing off Candida albicans. The Acidophilus releases hydrogen peroxide, which attacks the yeast and eliminates the infection.

Garlic

Mince a few cloves of fresh garlic and place onto a piece of cheesecloth. Wrap the cheesecloth tightly around the garlic and tie it closed using heavy yarn. Cut the excess cheesecloth off, leaving a 2-inch tail after the knot. Insert the garlic ball into the vagina and remove after 20 minutes. Garlic has natural anti-fungal properties that destroy yeast.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Add a cup of apple cider vinegar to a warm bath and soak in it for about 20 minutes. Dry your vaginal area using a paper towel. Vinegar has natural anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties and has been used for years to treat yeast infections.

Boric Acid

Available at pharmacies or easy to make at home, borax suppositories can help cure a yeast infection. Purchase borax suppositories from your local pharmacy or fill two empty 00 gelatin capsules with boric acid (standard size available at your pharmacy or on amazon.com). Insert the suppositories or capsules into your vagina twice per day for 5 to 7 days to eliminate a yeast infection. Boric acid has natural anti-fungal properties that fight off Candida albicans and is commonly found in prescription and over-the-counter medications used to treat yeast infections.