Natural & Home Treatments for Yeast Infection
The live culture in plain yogurt (Lactobacillus acidophilus) is a great remedy for a yeast infection, helping to restore the acid-bacteria balance in more ways than one.
Insert 1 to 2 tablespoons of unpasteurized, plain yogurt into the vagina using a small spoon, spatula or vaginal cream applicator. Repeat for three to seven nights, until symptoms disappear. You can also eat a lot of yogurt. Use only plain yogurt with active cultures.
Scientific evidence of Yogurt (Lactobacillus acidophilus) effectiveness
- 1. Shalev E, Battino S, Weiner E, Colodner R, Keness Y. Abstract Ingestion of yogurt containing Lactobacillus acidophilus compared with pasteurized yogurt as prophylaxis for recurrent candidal vaginitis and bacterial vaginosis. Arch Fam Med. 1996 Nov-Dec;5(10):593-6. PubMed
- 2. Hilton E, Isenberg HD, Alperstein P, France K, Borenstein MT. Abstract Ingestion of yogurt containing Lactobacillus acidophilus as prophylaxis for candidal vaginitis. Ann Intern Med. 1992 Mar 1;116(5):353-7. PubMed
Gentian violet (methylrosaniline chloride)
It's a traditional remedy for yeast and other infections, and can be found in pharmacies. Swab the area with it once or twice a day. Make sure to use a thick pad.
Scientific evidence of Gentian violet effectiveness
- 1. Kondo S, Yamada T, Satoh N, Saionji K, Oguri T, Igari J. Abstract [In vitro activity of methylrosaniline chloride (gentian violet) as disinfectant against Candida spp. and Trichosporon spp. isolated from blood samples] Kansenshogaku Zasshi. 2006 Nov;80(6):651-5. Japanese. PubMed
Vinegar is known for its antibacterial and antifungal properties. Apple cider vinegar douches (two tablespoons vinegar to a pint of warm water) is very effective. Vinegar can also inhibit the growth of bacteria and trichomonas by establishing the proper acidity (pH) for the proliferation of "good" bacteria. Don't douche for longer than 10 days.
Fill a bathtub with warm water mixed with 1 cup of vinegar. Soak in this bath solution for about 20 minutes.
Another natural remedy for yeast infection is boric acid. Boric acid is a chemical substance with mild antiseptic and antifungal properties. A small Italian study examined the effectiveness of a topical treatment with boric acid compared to oral treamtment with the antifungal drug itraconazole (Sporanox) in 22 women with recurrent yeast infection. The topical boric acid was found to be as effective as itraconazole.
There are safety concerns, however, with boric acid. It is toxic and should never be taken internally (by mouth) or placed on cuts or open wounds. It shouldn't be used for a prolonged period of time, or in amounts greater than what's recommended. It should not be used by pregnant women or applied to the skin of infants or children. Side effects of the suppositories may include vaginal burning and irritation.
Scientific evidence of Boric Acid Suppositories effectiveness
- 1. Ray D, Goswami R, Banerjee U, Dadhwal V, Goswami D, Mandal P, Sreenivas V, Kochupillai N. Free Full Text Prevalence of Candida glabrata and its response to boric acid vaginal suppositories in comparison with oral fluconazole in patients with diabetes and vulvovaginal candidiasis. Diabetes Care. 2007 Feb;30(2):312-7. PubMed
Tea tree oil is a known natural antifungal. The essential tea tree oil, diluted and applied topically to the vaginal area, has shown some potential as a natural home remedy for yeast infection. Tea tree oil must be diluted before applying it to the body. Full strength tea tree oil should never be applied to the vaginal area.
Scientific evidence of Tea Tree Oil effectiveness
- 1. Hammer KA, Carson CF, Riley TV. Free Full Text Antifungal effects of Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) oil and its components on Candida albicans, Candida glabrata and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. J Antimicrob Chemother. 2004 Jun;53(6):1081-5. Epub 2004 May 12. PubMed
- 2. Ergin A, Arikan S. Abstract Comparison of microdilution and disc diffusion methods in assessing the in vitro activity of fluconazole and Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) oil against vaginal Candida isolates. J Chemother. 2002 Oct;14(5):465-72. PubMed
- 3. Hammer KA, Carson CF, Riley TV. Abstract Antifungal activity of the components of Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) oil. J Appl Microbiol. 2003;95(4):853-60 PubMed
Drink cranberry juice. Unsweetened, it may acidify vaginal secretions and help to fight off the yeast.
Use a garlic clove as a suppository. Garlic contains a natural anti-fungal agent. Peel a fresh clove, wrap it in gauze and insert it into the vagina.
Scientific evidence of Garlic effectiveness
- 1. Lemar KM, Turner MP, Lloyd D. Abstract Garlic (Allium sativum) as an anti-Candida agent: a comparison of the efficacy of fresh garlic and freeze-dried extracts. J Appl Microbiol. 2002;93(3):398-405. PubMed
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