A yeast or fungal infection can cause pain, itching, and discharge in the genital area. Home remedies, like natural yogurt and probiotic supplements, may help manage symptoms. However, over-the-counter or prescription treatment may also be necessary.
A yeast called candida albicans is the most common cause of these infections. However, other types of yeasts can also be responsible. A range of treatments is available for yeast infections, including many self-administered home remedies. This article explores eight home remedies for a yeast infection to help people find what works best for them.
In many cases, yeast infections can be easily and successfully treated at home. This is done with either over-the-counter products or alternative therapies. Anecdotal reports suggest that many women experience relief from such home treatments.
However, scientific evidence varies for the effectiveness of these alternative therapies.
Antifungal treatments in the form of creams or pessaries can be purchased over the counter, without a prescription, to treat yeast infections.
Depending on the product, the treatment may be for external or internal use and treat the infection with:
- a single application
- a 3-day application
- a weeklong application
A
Vaginal boric acid capsules can work for women with a yeast infection. These may be especially useful for women with recurrent infections.
The
A
Tea tree oil has long been prized for its antifungal properties. Indeed,
Vaginal suppositories containing tea tree oil have been shown to treat vaginal fungal infections. Some women report relief from adding diluted tea tree oil to a tampon and inserting this into the vagina overnight.
Tea tree is an essential oil and, as such, needs to be mixed with a carrier oil. People can use 3-5 drops of tea tree oil in 1 ounce of warmed coconut oil to soak a tampon. It is important to change the tampon regularly.
People
Some probiotic supplements may offer a natural solution to yeast infection.
Some brands of probiotic supplements sell specially formulated products for female reproductive health. These aim to restore the balance of bacteria and yeast in the vagina. The supplements are taken orally or inserted vaginally.
In a
In the study, the women used one pill a night for a week. They then inserted one every third night for 3 weeks. After this, they used the treatment just once a week on an ongoing basis as a preventive measure.
A more recent
Coconut oil has antifungal properties and has been shown to combat the candida albicans yeast.
Raw organic coconut oil can be applied internally or externally to ease symptoms.
Warmed coconut oil can also be used as a carrier oil for more powerful antifungal essential oils, including tea tree oil or oil of oregano.
Garlic is a known antifungal and antibiotic. A
Also, a vaginal cream containing garlic and thyme was
Oil of oregano made from the wild oregano, origanum vulgare, contains two potent antifungals: thymol and carvacrol.
Some
It is a good idea to test for allergies to oil of oregano on the forearm before use. Comparing different products is also recommended.
Essential oils should be
While home remedies can resolve many cases of yeast infection, they are not effective in all situations.
It is important that people seek medical treatment if:
- they are pregnant
- this is their first yeast infection, as a medical diagnosis is necessary
- the yeast infection is severe, or there are fissures or sores
- infections are recurrent, appearing four or more times a year
- symptoms do not improve within a few days of self-administered treatment
- there are underlying medical conditions, such as diabetes or a compromised immune system
A mild yeast infection may go away on its own. However, this is rare.
It is always a good idea to treat a yeast infection, even if it is mild. Left untreated, a yeast infection carries the risk of leading to a systemic infection in which other organs can become involved.
While hydration does help with managing overall vaginal flora and can cause a shift in pH levels, making it easier to decrease or eliminate yeast, drinking water alone does not usually flush out yeast.
Below are some commonly asked questions about how to get rid of a yeast infection.
Can a yeast infection go away on its own?
A mild yeast infection may go away on its own. However, this is rare.
It is always a good idea to treat a yeast infection, even if it is mild. Left untreated, a yeast infection carries
Does cranberry juice help yeast infections?
Despite being a commonly held belief, there is no evidence that cranberry juice helps yeast infections.
However, it does appear to help lower the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs), which can cause symptoms such as pain, itching, and burning in the vaginal area.
Can drinking water flush out a yeast infection?
While hydration does help with managing overall vaginal flora and can cause a shift in pH levels, making it easier to decrease or eliminate yeast, drinking water alone does not usually flush out yeast.
When to avoid home remedies
Many home remedies are safe for most people with yeast infections. However, the following people should not try to treat themselves:
- pregnant people
- anyone who has been exposed to a sexually transmitted infection
- people with a recurrent yeast infection
- people who are unsure if their symptoms are caused by a yeast infection
There are a wide range of home remedies that can potentially treat a yeast infection. However, the effectiveness of these alternative therapies varies. Nonetheless, some people may find them helpful.
A person should always talk with a doctor before using natural remedies for a yeast infection. Likewise, they should speak with a doctor about minor yeast infections that do not respond to primary care or continue to get worse.
