9 Unproved Home Remedies for Vaginal Yeast Infection

It’s the second most common type of vaginal infection, and about 70% of women get infected by candida yeast at-least once in their lifetime. Imbalance in microscopic organism (bacteria and fungi) in vagina is the main reason behind yeast infection. Antibiotics, stress, hot weather and pregnancy trigger this imbalance of bacteria.

Good bacteria restrain yeast growth in vagina. Above mentioned factors decreases the number of bacteria leading to growth of yeast. Though, it’s not associated with any serious health concern, it always accompanied by vigorous itching. Topical application of anti-fungal cream is enough to treat yeast.

If you’re looking for effective and inexpensive home remedies for yeast infection, then yes, there are many such natural remedies that have been used since ancient times.

Home Remedies for Treating Yeast Infection

Though many ancient and religious books documented the effectiveness of this natural remedy for treating yeast like fungus infection, no scientific data is available to prove it. This is why we mentioned unproved in the title. Anyhow, as it’s extracted from nature they barely have any side-effects.

#9 Calendula Treating Candida Yeast

calendula for yeast infection

It’s an herb used to soothe minor wounds and for culinary purpose. Americans use it for treating various skin conditions. Collect calendula leaves and add it to your morning tea. Else you can also drop few calendula leaves in the body lotion. Antiseptic agent in calendula fights infection causing germs.

Alternatively you can take calendula capsule. A detailed version of the article is here.

#8 Cranberry Juice and Yeast Infection

cranberry for yeast infection

It’s packed with highly nutritional properties like antioxidants, zinc, potassium, vitamin C and calcium. Cranberry juice available in the market contains added sugar, and candida yeast feed on sugar. So stay away from sugar contained foods. Instead try natural cranberry juice.

A detailed post on recipe and nutritional profile is here.

#7 Boric Acid for Yeast Infection

Hydrogen borate or boric acid is added as an ingredient in cosmetic products because of its anti-fungal, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. A study carried out in 2010 states, those antioxidant properties in boric acid thwarts yeast. Anti-fungal and antimicrobial agents housed in this acid fights with candida yeast and ensures a healthy environment for the good bacteria to grow.

Get boric acid suppository from local drug store and insert in vagina at night, remove it in the morning. Repeat the process regularly. If found any irritation, reach Doctor and avoid consuming it.

A more detailed version is here.

#6 Coconut Oil Treating Yeast Infection

coconut oil for yeast infection

Acids in coconut oil like lauric, capric and caprylic acid contains antiviral, antimicrobial and anti-fungal agents, which kills yeast and increases the number of good bacteria. According to reputed magazine, this acid in coconut oil breaks cell membrane of candida yeast. Also it’s an instant relief from itching.

Blend unrefined coconut oil with essential oil and topically apply over yeast affected area or swish if you’ve thrush.

For a detailed article on coconut oil for yeast infection, click here.

#5 Oil of Oregano

Oregano oil is extracted from wild oregano leaves. Effective properties like antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial are housed in this oil. Either consumes it by dropping few drops in water or make douche. (Mix 1 tbsp of oregano oil, goldenseal root and echinacea in 2 cups of water to make douche.)

You can make oregano oil at home. Recipe included here.

#4 Tea Tree Oil for Yeast Infection

In 2006 a study carried out to test effectiveness of tea tree oil on yeast infection, and they found positive results. Properties in tea tree oil shows anticandidal, which restrains yeast.

Blend tea tree oil with other essential oil. Dip tampon in this mixture and insert in vagina. Alternatively you can drop few tea tree oil and vegetable oil in bath tub. More detailed version of tea tree oil is included here.

#3 Garlic and Vaginal Yeast Infection

garlic clove for yeast infection

A study carried out in 1991, states that topical application of garlic clove on affected area is one of the effective home remedy to treat yeast infection. This is packed with antiseptic, anti-fungal and antimicrobial properties, which fights candida yeast and reduces infection.

Slice garlic clove and insert it vagina, needle a thread to clove for easy retrieval. More on garlic and candida yeast here.

#2 Yogurt for Yeast Infection

Healthy vagina contains both fungus (small number) and bacteria (large number). Antibiotics and poor diet reduces the number of bacteria which paves the way for yeast (fungus) to grow exponentially triggering itching and redness. Yogurt with live cultures increases the good bacteria, which restrains yeast growth. Probiotics in yogurt prevents recurring candida yeast infection.

You can either consume it or topically apply using tampon. Apply yogurt on tampon and freeze it, then insert it into vagina at night. Repeat the process for good results.

#1 Apple Cider Vinegar and Yeast

apple cider vinegar for candida yeast infection

And here comes no.1 home remedy for vaginal yeast infection. Not just for culinary purpose, ACV can treat assorted skin disease, which includes eczema, acne and yeast. Mayoclinic states that antibiotics like apple cider vinegar treats candida yeast. You can either consume it or topically apply.

Acetic acid in ACV lowers pH of vaginal skin, thus making it intolerable for candida yeast. Apart from killing candida yeast, apple cider vinegar enhances a healthy environment for the good bacteria. Know more about apple cider vinegar and how it helps to treat vaginal yeast infection here.

Conclusion

Apart from trying these natural remedies for vaginal yeast infection, you must change your diet. Avoid taking sugar and clean your genitals regularly. Stay away from your partner if you or she/he has vaginal yeast infection.

Image source: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

References:
Brown University
WebMD
Womenshealth.gov

Can Garlic Treat Yeast Infection? – a Home Remedy With No Proof

garlic for yeast infection

Excess buildup of microscopic fungi in vagina quirk warning signs of yeast infection, like itching, redness and swelling. Women’s vagina is the root place where yeast (fungus) takes room to trigger infection. Main causes being stressed, antibiotics that kill the good bacteria and poor diet. Its common and 75 percent of women experience this infection occasionally.

And most of them heads-up for home remedies, as they involve home available ingredients. Garlic for yeast infection is one such home remedy which has been used extensively for treating fungal infection. Louis Pasteur, the famous microbiologist concluded in an original work that garlic can kill bacteria. Even British government used garlic to restrain wound infection at war time in 1916. Russians called it as penicillin in World war -2, when they ran out of antibiotics. Using garlic to treat wounds and infection dates from ancient times. (1)

Also read: Tea tree oil for treating yeast infection

Now the question raises, can this folk remedy treat chronic yeast infection?

May be it can, as few studies prove. Anyhow, we lack scientific proves backing this statement. Let’s take a deep look into properties of garlic clove that stated to kill yeast.

How Garlic for Yeast Infection Works?

  • Dr. Watson (researcher at University of Melbourne), states that in a lab garlic had shown anti-fungal property. If you want to try this to cure infection you can try, but for now there is no evidence backing up this.
  • It’s packed with antiseptic properties.
  • A double-blind study published in 1999, states that topical application of garlic can treat fungal skin infection because of antimicrobial properties. (2)
  • Ajoene in garlic constitutes of anti fungal properties.
  • Allicin, a chemical compound in garlic clove is responsible for its effective properties and strong smell.
  • Taking garlic increases antioxidant levels in your body. Dietary experts suggest taking antioxidant foods to get rid of yeast infection. (3)

Related: Oil of Oregano & Yeast Infection

 How to Use Garlic Clove for Yeast Infection?

how to insert garlic clove to vagina

Now that you’ve been through its exceptional nutritional properties, you might want to reap them? You can either add it to your diet, which can improve food taste or topically apply over infected part. Most yeast infected women prefer inserting peeled garlic clove into vagina. Yes, it may burn. But those who tried it say it worked.

Crystal Collins, a blogger states that inserting garlic vagina treated yeast infection. (4)

  • Initially break garlic bulb to obtain its clove.
  • After removing its cover, cut it into small slits or slice it into half.
  • Using sewing needle make a hole into garlic clove and tie it with thread so that you can easily retrieve. Alternatively you can make tampon like substance to insert into your vagina.
  • After inserting it at night, remove in the morning. Don’t expect for instant results. Try it for few days regularly.
  • And no need to say, stay away from mister when it’s in.
  • Wounds or infection may cause burning sensation.

And ladies you’re done.

Along with topically application, don’t forget to eat garlic clove by adding it to your diet. Besides being delicious it’s packed with numerous health benefits like lowers your blood pressure and risk of heart disease, also improves bone health. Alternatively you can try cranberry juice to treat yeast infection.

Conclusion

Inserting garlic clove into vaginal can treat yeast infection. Anyhow, we lack essential scientific data to back this statement. Garlic for yeast infection has been recommended by many beauty experts and bloggers. Dr. Watson, a researcher states that using garlic probably can’t hurt.

Did you ever try garlic clove to treat any skin disease? Share your story here in comments.

Image source: 1, 2

Does Cranberry Juice Help Yeast Infection

cranberry juice for yeast infection

Assorted nutritional properties like antioxidants, vitamin C, salicylic acid, zinc, potassium and calcium are housed in cranberry juice. Some evidence show consumption of cranberry juice can help prevent urinary tract infection, anyhow it’s not definite. Components in cranberry juice had shown to prevent E. coli and H. pylori bacterial growth.

Though cranberry juice for yeast infection lacks decisive evidence, like other folk remedies beauty experts suggest to give it a try, as it may work for you. Yeast are no foreign fungus, they live in vagina in small number, when the good bacteria which inhibits yeast growth decreases, candida yeast grow exponentially triggering itching and redness. Along with home remedies you must checkout your diet and avoid taking sugar as candida yeast feed on sugar.

Also read: Yogurt for treating yeast infection

How Cranberry Juice for Yeast Infection Works?

Let’s dwell deep into nutritional profile of cranberries that aids in treating yeast infection.

  • A laboratory study (funded by NCCAM) concludes that cranberry juice may have antioxidant agents. And this property helps to restrain candida yeast growth. According to a journal published in 2007 antioxidants can make anti-candida drug more effective. (1)
  • Drinking cranberry juice levels pH level of urine, this flush out yeast from the body.
  • A research carried out on women with yeast infection, half of them given cranberry juice and other are left without giving any medicine for 6 months. After 6 months women only 8 among them left with infection other were almost treated. (2)
  • Various properties in cranberries fight candida yeast and enhances healthy environment for lactobacillus acidophilus bacteria.
  • Substance in cranberry juice prevents infection causing yeast from sticking to mucus membrane.

[Related post: Oil of oregano for yeast infection]

Treating Yeast Infection with Cranberry Juice

homemade cranberry juice

Drinking cranberry juice regularly can help you to reduce yeast infection. But normally cranberry juice contains sugar and consuming it can worsen the situation. So experts recommend unsweetened cranberry juice. If you don’t like the strong taste of cranberries then alternatively you can take cranberry pills from local drug store.

Drink cranberry juice 2 to 3 times a day. Remember to drink 100% pure cranberry juice with no added sugar.

Along with this innate remedy you need to change your diet and keep your genitals clean and dry. Alternatively you can try apple cider vinegar for yeast infection, click here.

You can make cranberry juice at home, recipe here.

Did you ever use cranberry juice for yeast infection? Share your story with us in comments.

Image source: 1, 2

Oil of Oregano for Yeast Infection

oil of oregano for yeast infection

Yeast infection is associated with vigorous itching and swelling. Yeast is nothing but a fungus living in vagina in small number. The good bacteria restrain yeast growth, thus maintaining a healthy environment. But when this good bacteria start decreasing because of antibiotics or poor diet, yeast start growing triggering infection.

In a study carried out in 2009 it’s stated that, oil of oregano for yeast infection is the best remedy compared to tea tree oil. The study further states that anti-fungal compound in oregano inhibits Candida yeast. (1)

Oregano oil is derived from wild or common oregano. Dried oregano is extensively use for culinary purpose. It’s strong enough to numb your tongue. So, experts recommend diluting it by blending carrier or essential oil with oregano oil before application. Wikipedia mentions, Hippocrates used oregano as antiseptic and to cure stomach and respiratory problems.

How Oil of Oregano for Yeast Infection Works?

Though there are few researches which proved its ability to treat Candidiasis, still scientifically proofs are lacking to back these studies.

  • Oregano is an herb packed with high amounts of antioxidants. Antioxidants inhibits free radicals in cell and enhances its ability to fight infection.(2)
  • Two antimicrobial components namely carvacrol and thymol in this oil are able to fight infection causing bacteria. (3)
  • Anti-inflammatory properties in oil of oregano reduce yeast inflammation. (4)
  • As oregano oil is natural, chances of experiencing side-effects are very low.

Also read: Apple cider vinegar for treating candida yeast

How to Use Oregano Oil for Yeast Infection?

Natural oregano oil is very strong to use it straight away. Blend it with carrier oil or essential oil before trying. You can get it from local drug store.

  • You can consume it by dropping 2-3 drops in a glass of water daily.
  • Mix it in your bath tub before taking bath.
  • To make vagina douche, University of Maryland Medical Center suggests that, mix 1 tbsp of oregano, goldenseal root and echinacea in 2 cups of water.

As oregano oil is not approved by FDA to treat yeast infection. So we recommend consulting doctor before trying.

Related post: Yogurt for treating candida yeast

How to Make Oregano Oil at Home?

Oil of oregano for treating yeast infection is available in oil as well as capsules form in stores. Anyhow, you can make your own oregano oil using essential oil and Origanum vulgare. The recipe which involves oregano leaves will be discussed here.

[yumprint-recipe id=’9′] Image source: 1, 2

Alternatively you can use coconut oil or boric acid for yeast infection.

How Boric Acid Treat Yeast Infection?

boric acid for yeast infection

Also known as hydrogen borate, boric acid commonly used as an antiseptic, flame retardant and is included in cosmetic products. Its slightly unctuous and colorless powder obtained by reacting borax with mineral acid. Anti-fungal, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties in boric acid thwart candida yeast. Though boric acid for yeast infection works in most cases, we lack data on its mechanism.

Vaginal yeast infection is common and is not associated with any serious health issue, but is accompanied by vigorous itching, yes its quite annoying to scratch all the time, you can’t stop yourself, even in parties. Main reason behind yeast infection is candida yeast which grows exponentially in vagina, as the good bacteria that can restrain its growth decreases. Along with boric acid you must change your diet, like avoid sugar because candida yeast feed on sugar.

Also read: Tea tree oil for yeast infection

How Boric Acid for Yeast Infection Works?

  • A study carried out in 2010 “Experimental and Toxicologic Pathology”, states that boric acid contains antioxidant properties which play a vital role in protecting your body from harmful bacteria. (1)
  • It’s packed with anti-fungal properties which stops candida yeast growth. (2)
  • Boric acid suppositories have been shown symptomatic relief within 24 hours of application. Anyhow its takes 7-10 days to completely treat infection.
  • Antibacterial property in boric acid made it a healthy remedy to treat acne, minor burns and athlete’s foot.
  • Study carried out to known the mechanism of anti-fungal property of boric acid in treating candidasis which concludes that assorted concentration of boric acid kills fungus. (3)
  • Properties in boric acid reduce the inflammation and itching caused due to yeast infection.

Also read: Coconut oil for yeast infection

How to use Boric Acid for Vagina Yeast Infection?

Avoid taking boric capsules orally, its toxic. Instead you can insert boric acid capsule in vagina for 7 days to treat candidasis. Buy boric acid powder from local drug store and fill size 0 gelatin capsules with it to make your own boric acid capsule.

  • After washing your hands with water, pat dry.
  • Take boric acid suppositories and insert it into vagina, bring your legs together for a while or lie down.
  • Remove the suppository in the morning.
  • Wash your hands after inserting.

Note: Boric acid may cause skin irritation, though not frequently. Avoid consuming it, its toxic. Pregnant women are not advised to use boric acid.

You can use apple cider vinegar for yeast infection as an alternate remedy.

Conclusion

Boric acid for yeast infection is an effective home remedy. Though more research is needed to prove how boric acid works to treat yeast infection, studies show 70 out of 100 women cured yeast infection with boric acid. Use it for 7 days and see how it works for you. (4)

Did you ever use boric acid suppositories? Share your views in comments.

Image source

Coconut Oil for Yeast Infection

coconut oil for yeast infection

It’s a myth that coconut oil increases the risk of cardiovascular problems. A study carried out to test if saturated fat relation to heart disease and found no association. Coconut oil is well known for its fatty acids. On Kitava island people uninfluenced by western dishes still include coconut oil in there dietary and they’re healthier compared us. (1)

Acid in coconut oil thwarts infection causing bacteria, virus and fungi. Lauric acid and monolaurin acid kill candida yeast, reducing yeast infection. Coconut oil for yeast infection works when you opt for raw oil, as refined oil has less nutritional value comparatively. (2)

If you’re unaware of yeast, to surprise you yeast lives in small number in the vagina. The good bacteria restrain its growth. Because of antibiotics, poor nutritional diet or illness these good bacteria number decreases, this results in growth of yeast causing yeast infection with severe itching.

Also read: Coconut oil benefits on skin

How Coconut Oil for Yeast Infection Works?

  • coconut oil for candidaHigh concentration of coconut oil acts as anti-fungal agent so when it comes in contact with yeast infected skin, it at-once start killing fungi and relives you form inflammation.
  • Lauric, capric and caprylic acid in coconut oil has antiviral, antimicrobial and anti-fungal properties that kills yeast and increases the good bacteria.
  • According to Fungus Focus, caprylic acid breaks down candida cell membrane. (3)
  • Lauric acid is an antimicrobial agent which acts against strong bacteria like P.acnes (acne causing bacteria) and also boosts immune system. (Try aloe gel for acne)
  • Coconut oil is safe and effective natural moisturizer that helps to avoid itching.
  • Antioxidant agent in coconut oil restrains yeasts and fungal agents from the body.
  • Coconut consumption increases fat burning and reduces appetite.

Don’t miss this: Yogurt for yeast infection

How to Use Coconut Oil for Yeast Infection (Candida)?

Either you consume it or topically apply over skin, coconut oil has abundant benefits. As it contains medium chain saturated fats they can easily converted to energy boosters. As listed above, anti-fungal property kills infection causing candida yeast.

Coconut Oil on Skin

Not just relieving you from yeast, it also soothes your skin.

  • Initially wash the affected part.
  • Take virgin coconut oil and evenly apply over yeast infected part.
  • Apply this at night and take bath in the morning.
  • Repeat the process daily to get rid of yeast infection.

Coconut Oil for Thrush

coconut oil for thrush yeast infection

Thrush is an oral yeast infection which forms white coat on tongue. Take 1 table spoon of virgin coconut oil in mouth and swish for about 3 minutes and spit out. Repeat the oil pulling process throughout the day. Anti-fungal and antimicrobial agents in coconut oil kill yeasts over tongue.

For infants, feed them small amounts of virgin oil regularly. It’s safe to consume, no need to worry about side-effects. Anyhow you must consult your doctor before trying.

Related post: Tea tree oil for yeast infection

Coconut Oil with Essential Oil

As suppositories you can blend essential oil with coconut oil and topically apply it over yeast infected skin. Namely cinnamon oil, lavender oil and rosewood oil mix anyone of them to coconut oil and apply over skin.

Coconut Oil for Yeast Infection Using Tampon

  • Drench tampon into virgin coconut oil.
  • Now insert tampon in vagina and leave it overnight.
  • Repeat this process regularly.

Also read: Apple cider vinegar for yeast infection

Coconut Oil Capsules for Yeast Infection

Alternatively, you can rush to nearby medical store and get few coconut oil capsules. Take them in night, because of the heat in your body it melts. Regularly take capsules at night to get rid of yeast infection. You may find some release at night, so wear underwear or pad before going to bed.

How to Consume Coconut Oil?

  • Before having your diet regularly take 1 table spoon of virgin coconut oil.
  • Or add it to your recipe.
  • Replace butter on toast with coconut oil.
  • Stir 1 tbsp of virgin coconut oil to coffee or oatmeal.

Start with small dosage and gradually increase it consumption.

Conclusion

Coconut oil for yeast infection is an innate home remedy. But you must opt only for virgin coconut oil. Apart from using these home remedies you must alter your diet, avoid consumption of sugar, as candida yeast feeds on them. Alternatively you can try calendula for yeast infection.

What’s your experience with coconut oil and candida? Put few words in comments.

Image source: 1, 2, 3

Yogurt for Yeast Infection

yogurt for yeast infection

According to Medicinenet.com, about 90% of yeast infections are caused by yeast scientifically known as Candida albicans. Yeast is a fungus and it lives in vagina with other bacteria called Lactobacillus acidophilus, these bacteria restrain yeast growth. When the bacteria number decreases, yeast rush to occupy the vacancy, causing yeast infection. Though it’s not a serious issue, it’s quite annoying to scratch in public. (1)

Yogurt for yeast infection is one those innate remedies that can treat and soothe itching. Yogurt increases the good bacteria which thwarts growing yeast. Vaginal yeast infection is most common in women and from decades yogurt has been used as douche to treat yeast infection. Based on a study, honey and yogurt mixture can be used as an alternative to treat vulvo-vaginal candidiasis (vaginal yeast infection). (2)

Also read: Candida and body odor

Does Yogurt Help Yeast Infection?

Yogurt to treat yeast infection has been recommended and used from decades. According to WebMD, consuming yogurt with live cultures may prevent yeast from recurring. (3)

does yogurt help in yeast infection

  • Healthy vagina contains bacteria (in large number) and yeast (in small number), problem arises when the good bacteria decreases, yogurt contains Lactobacillus acidophilus the bacteria which restrains yeast growth by producing hydrogen peroxide.
  • Yogurt with live cultures has friendly bacteria that aids in treating yeast infection.
  • Sometimes antibiotics may kill the good bacteria, consuming yeast or douching yeast and honey mixture stimulates bacteria growth.
  • Yogurt contains probiotics. A study has been carried out to review probiotics preventing yeast infection. Though study concludes with no strong proof, it’s recommended in the report that probiotics can be used to prevent recurring yeast infection in women. (4)
  • Topical application of yogurt soothes skin, enhances pH of skin and relives you from vigorous itching.

How to Apply Yogurt for Yeast Infection?

According to US News Health, Greek yogurt for yeast infection can be more beneficial, as it contains approximately half as many carbohydrates as other yogurt. (Yeast feed on carbohydrates)

1. Eating Yogurt

Yogurt is made by fermenting milk and bacteria. It has been used in medical industries to restore normal bacteria in intestine tract and vagina. You may wonder how much yogurt you need to eat. Start with small amount regularly; it has no serious side-effects so you can substitute it with your breakfast.

2. Topical Application of Yogurt

For a quick relief from itching, try douching yogurt on affected part. Wash the affected area before applying yogurt. When you’re done with applying unsweetened plain yogurt, leave it for about 1 hour and rinse it off with water.

Also read: Argan oil and Yogurt face mask

3. Yogurt Tampon

  • Apple yogurt on a tampon.
  • Freeze it and insert it on your vagina.
  • Or you can dip tampon in yogurt for about 6 hours and use it.

Unfortunately there is no data to back this theory; anyhow few women had positive impact on affected area after applying yogurt. (5)

Plain unsweetened yogurt is the best yogurt for yeast infection.

Did you ever use yogurt? Share your thoughts in comments.

Bottom Line

Yeast is a common fungus found in vagina, yeast infection is caused when yeast grows exponentially. Yogurt contains bacteria that restrain yeast growth. You can either consume it or topically apply it to treat yeast infection.

For serious issues please consult physician.

apple cider vinegar for yeast infection

Image source: 1, 2