About 75% of women suffer from vaginal yeast infection. Vaginal yeast is a common condition caused by the albicans fungus. The infection develops at the time when there is improper balance between the yeast and the bacteria that occur naturally in the vagina. Though not life threatening, the overgrowth in the yeast can be very uncomfortable and annoying with such symptoms as white cud-like discharge, reddening and in some cases the swelling of the labia, yeasty odor, painful intercourse and urination, as well as itching.
It is important to note that in order to know the best way to control the yeast infection and prevent its recurrence, it is important to understand the factors that increase the risk of contracting the infection. Pregnant women are the most likely candidates for this irritating infection.
Causes
- Yeast infection can be spread through sexual contact
- Reduced immunity
- High estrogen levels
- Smoking, tight panties, douching and antibiotics
Symptoms
- itching
- burning
- soreness
- experiencing large or small amount of discharge in your vagina
- rash
- pain during sexual intercourse
Is there a solution really?
The good news is that yeast infection can be successfully treated at home. In this article, we are going to look at 16 home remedies for vaginal yeast infection.
Safe and Natural Home Remedies for vaginal yeast infection
1. Using natural Yogurt
Yogurt is one of the yeast infection remedies that most women swear by. Since yeast infection is caused by an imbalance between the yeast and the bacteria, it goes without saying that introducing the good bacteria in the body would automatically restore the balance. Taking yoghurt does exactly this. To speed up the process you might want to introduce natural yoghurt directly into the vagina. To do this, apply plain yoghurt to the affected area and let it sit overnight. This method is a great relieve to the vaginal itch. Dipping a tampon in yoghurt and inserting it into the vaginal kills the Candida inside the vagina. Let the tampon sit for 2 hours.
2. Using Garlic
Garlic has anti-fungal properties. Though consuming it does little to the vaginal yeast infection, and in fact, direct consumption is just a perfect way enough to do the healing. For the labia area, crush a garlic clove into a paste and apply the paste on the affected area. This should relieve any discomfort and itch. In case you do not have a fresh garlic, garlic oil mixed with vitamin E of coconut oil works the same as the garlic paste.
3. Switching from tampons to pads
Tampons can not only be irritating to the vaginal area, they can also absorb creams or any other medication you might be using for the infection. Pads on the other hand are dry, breathable and do not irritate the skin.
4. Douching with vinegar
While douching, especially with soap is really bad for the health of your vagina as it rinses off the good bacteria, it might help to use vinegar in your bath to lessen the itch. Another method is to dilute apple cider or white vinegar with plain water and apply to the affected area. Let it sit for an hour before rinsing it off with plain water.
5. Calendular
Calndular is not just an effective facial. The powerful antifungal and the anti-inflammatory ingredients make the solution for powerful in healing vaginal yeast infection as well as preventing re-growth of the same. Pregnant women need to make sure that they consult the physician about calendular before using it for this kind of infection.
- Crush only the fresh leaves of Calendular to make a soft paste
- Apply the paste on the area with vaginal infection
- Use the remedy three times a day everyday for the best results.
6. Wearing dry breathable panties
Yeast thrives best in damp and warm conditions. Ensure that your panties are dry and breathable. Only use cotton underpants because they are absorbent and will therefore keep you dry. If possible, ensure that you hung them in the sun to dry.
7. Boric Acid
Studies have shown that boric acid suppositories have a very high success rate especially when it comes to recurring yeast infection. They should be used for between a week and seven days. Boric acid should not be used so frequently because it can cause burning. Do not use boric acid remedy when pregnant.
8. Tea tree oil
Use an applicator to introduce diluted tea tree oil into the vagina twice a day. Laboratory studies have shown that tea tree oils are very effective to diverse Candida species.
9. Avoid using soaps
The vagina has a self cleaning mechanism. You should therefore never douche with soap or otherwise. This is because it washes off the good bacteria and creates the imbalance that causes yeast infection. Clean the genital area with just warm water.
10. Sit in warm water
The itch caused by yeast infection can be unbearable. Rubbing can only make things worse; it not only makes the itching worse, it also increases the risk of swelling and even injury to the sensitive skin. Sitting in warm water relieves some of the discomfort.
11. Coconut oil
Just like the garlic, coconut oil has anti-fungal properties. To control the infection, apply the oil on the affected area three times a day.
12. Over- the counter fungal cream
Clotrimazole and miconazole creams are both effective in the treatment of vaginal yeast infections. If you are pregnant, do not apply any cream before seeking medical advice.
13. Drink cranberry juice
Cranberries have anti-fungal as well as anti-bacteria properties. Drinking unsweetened cranberry juice will speed up the healing process. Ensure it is unsweetened as sugar is food for the yeast and will only make them grow more aggressively.
14. Practice good hygiene
To ensure that you do not pass the yeast infection to other members of the family, avoid sharing towels or bathwater. It is also important to clean yourself before and after sex. This will avoid re-transmission of the infection.
15. Oregano oil
Oregano oil is as much anti-fungal as it is immune boosting. Applying the oil on the affected area should do the trick. Since oregano is irritating to the skin, dilute it with olive oil before applying.
16. Olive leaf extract
The Olive leaf extract is an active solution you can use to get rid of a vaginal yeast infection. To make the extract, cut the leaves into tiny pieces, place them in a jar, pour vodka on them, close the lid and place the jar in a dark place for a month. Strain the liquid and apply to the affected area three times a day.
