This article is for informational purposes only. It is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and should never be relied upon for specific medical advice.
Vaginal yeast infection or vulvovaginal candidiasis is a common fungal infection that affects 3 out of 4 women at some point in their life. This fungal infection is often the result of an overgrowth of the fungus Candida albicans. Still, it can also be due to other Candida species, like Candida glabrata, Candida krusei, Candida parapsilosis, and Candida tropicalis. Yeast infections are not sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Studies suggest a higher likelihood of experiencing this infection with sexual activity, with evidence linking the infection to oral-genital, vaginal, and anal sex.
Some of the most common symptoms of vaginal yeast infection are irritation, watery vaginal discharge, burning sensation (during sexual orientation or while urinating), and severe vulvar and vaginal itchiness. Other symptoms include vaginal rash, vaginal pain, vulvar redness and swelling, and thick, white, odorless vaginal discharge with a cottage cheese appearance. Prescribed and over-the-counter medications can effectively treat yeast infections, but many still prefer natural remedies. If you are looking for natural home remedies for yeast infections, we have 9 options to try. Continue reading to learn more about each of these natural remedies.
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The 9 Home Remedies For Yeast Infections
1. Greek yogurtGreek yogurt might be the most common natural home remedy for yeast infections because, as a probiotic food, yogurts can restore the healthy bacteria that help the vaginal environment thrive and maintain a good pH balance, especially bacteria Lactobacillus acidophilus. Because Greek yogurts have live bacteria that promote the restoration of the friendly bacteria in the vagina, they can reduce the overgrowth of harmful bacteria and good bacteria imbalance. Regular consumption of Greek yogurt (plain, no sugar, flavoring, or fruit) or other foods considered probiotics can expand your gut microbiome and reduce the amount of yeast in your body and vagina. You can also put plain Greek yogurt onto your vulva or around the vagina. Some women even insert it vaginally with their fingers or tampons. Do what you feel most comfortable with and if you are experiencing side effects, stop using it and contact your doctor.
2. Boric Acid
Boric acid suppositories are one of the most common remedies for yeast infection treatment. Studies report that vaginal boric acid can be effective within days of vaginal infections. Other benefits of boric acid suppositories include a rebalanced vaginal pH, improved vaginal flora, and relief from post-sex, menstrual, and menopausal BV or yeast discharge.
Our Boric Acid Suppositories are an all-natural solution to BV and Yeast infections. Its natural formula is gentle and quick, with 95% of women reporting immediate relief.
Please remember that boric acid suppositories are inserted in the vagina and are not supposed to be ingested by mouth. Ingestion can cause toxic poisoning leading to kidney failure, acute circulatory system failure, and even death. Do not use it if you are planning to get pregnant or are already pregnant. Stop usage if you are experiencing any vaginal discomfort or allergic reactions.
3.Oil of Oregano
A research study by Karaman et al. (2017) examines the application of Origanum vulgare L. essential oil in gynecological practice as an alternative antimicrobial agent to treat vaginal infections. The researchers suggest that oregano essential oil can be effective for vaginal infections, including yeast infections, by stopping the growth of Candida Albicans.
Mix three or five drops with a carrier oil (coconut, argan, or another option) to treat a yeast infection with essential oregano oil. The carrier oil helps to dilute the essential oils and make it safer to apply to your skin. After mixing the drops of the essential oregano oil with the carrier oil, massage it in your skin (not near your vagina) or use a diffuser so you can inhale the mixture.
Similarly, with vaginal probiotics, do not ingest the essential oil. And do not use it internally by putting the mixture inside the vagina. Simply massage it into your skin - away from the vagina, or inhale it through a diffuser. When purchasing oregano oil, choose origanum vulgare or oregano oil derived from wild oregano.
4. Oral Probiotic or Suppository Probiotic
Suppository probiotics can aid your body in restoring the good bacteria that it needs. Oral probiotics have strains of the bacteria Lactobacillus acidophilus. Because of that bacteria, oral probiotics have many health benefits, such as helping to balance your vaginal flora and digestive tract. These oral supplements take weeks to treat vaginal yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis. If that timeline is too long for you, natural vaginal probiotics will be the better and faster option.
We want to highlight that scientific studies have yet to support or show evidence of the effect of oral probiotics, so there are still much-needed studies to be done to report on the medical benefits of suppository probiotics.
5. Coconut Oil
Studies show that coconut oil has countless health benefits, which include exhibiting antifungal properties. Coconut’s fatty oil derives from the flesh of the coconut. With coconut’s antifungal properties, researchers support that its rich oil is an effective remedy against Candida Albicans.
When using coconut oil for yeast infection, always choose pure, organic coconut oil to apply directly to the affected areas.
6. Tea Tree Oil
Like coconut oil, tea tree oil also has antifungal properties. Mertas et al. (2015) explain that tea tree essential oil has a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity against various bacteria, viruses, and fungi, including yeasts and dermatophytes. Research supports that tea tree essential oil's antimicrobial and antifungal properties can help kill bacteria, fungi, and bacteria. A 2016 clinical study by Di Vito et al. indicates that combining vaginal probiotics and tea tree oil is effective for vaginal decontamination from fungal organisms.
You can purchase vaginal suppositories with tea tree oil. If you use tea tree essential oil, mix a few drops with a carrier oil (i.e., coconut or argan oil) to help the oil absorb via the skin. Do not use an undiluted essential oil on your skin or swallow it. Please remember to never insert essential oil into the vagina. Discontinue usage if you have sensitive skin or have any discomfort with the essential oil.
7. Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)
Apple Cider Vinegar is a common at-home remedy for vaginal infections. You can use diluted apple cider vinegar in your dishes or drinks. Or the most common option - the ACV bath. In this option, pour half a cup of apple cider vinegar into a lukewarm bathtub and soak for 20-30 minutes. The ACV’s acidity helps to remove harmful microorganisms, like vaginal yeast. Do not douche with apple cider vinegar or with any other products. Douching will not help eliminate harmful bacteria or yeast infections - it promotes yeast infections by removing healthy bacteria in the vagina. When you douche while dealing with a vaginal infection, douching spreads the infection up to the cervix and into the uterus.
For more information about the harms of douching, read our blog “Douching Is Bad For Your Vaginal Health - Here Is Why!”
8. Baking soda bath
Baking soda baths can help soothe vulvar burning and itching. Use 4 to 5 tablespoons or up to 2 cups of baking soda in a lukewarm bath and move it around to ensure it dissolves in the water. Then soak in the tub for 15 to 40 minutes. Exfoliate and rinse your body thoroughly with fresh water to remove dead skin, vinegar residue, and toxins. Then use a towel to drive yourself, use a moisturizer, and drink lots of water.
Vitamin E oil or suppository
Scientific studies support that vitamin E has many health benefits, such as anti-inflammatory benefits against Candida Albicans. Vaginal suppositories with vitamin E are an effective yeast infection home remedy option. Or you can use vitamin E oil on your vagina or vulva to help with inflammation, itching, or burning.
Final note
There are numerous natural home remedies for yeast infections online. However, before trying these alternative treatment options, contact your doctor for medical advice. If you try any of the 9 options we have provided for you and have any discomfort, discontinue the treatment immediately and contact your doctor to see if they have a better treatment plan that will work for you. Prescribed medications can be effective for acute yeast infections. If you have recurring vaginal yeast infections, you may need a specialized long-term treatment and maintenance plan from a medical doctor.
Citations
Barros S, Ribeiro APD, Offenbacher S, Loewy ZG. (2020). Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Vitamin E in Response to Candida albicans. Microorganisms. 8(6), 804. doi:10.3390/microorganisms8060804.
