Natural and home made remedies to cure yeast infection

Medically, physicians prefer giving over the counter remedies in treating vaginal yeast infection.  However, there are organic and natural ways in treating your vaginal thrush.

Probiotics

Probiotics are live microbial organisms that are popularly used to cure candida.  Probiotics are commonly known as the good bacteria that inhibits the overgrowth of yeast such as candida albicans.  For this reason, probiotics have been found to be a natural cure for candidiasis.

Probiotics usually have Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1 and Lactobacillus fermentum RC-14 –these are the good bacteria.  Through laboratory studies, these Lactobacilli block the growth of the yeast fungus in the vagina.

Probiotics are available as oral supplements and vaginal suppositories, but the latter is much harder to find in the market.  However, one can make good use of a plain yogurt which is sugar free.  What you must do is dip a tampon in the yogurt and insert in your vagina.  This should be done once in the morning and once at night before bed time.

Another way is to insert a teaspoonful of yogurt directly into the vagina and is best done at night only, before sleeping.  Regular yogurt douching has proven to be effective in treating vaginal thrush.

Boric acid suppositories

Boric acid or also known as borax, is another natural remedy for candida infection.  It is a substance that has mild antiseptic and antifungal properties.  Use of topical boric acid was found as effective as the orally taken itraconazole drug, based on an Italian study.

Further, in another study, it was proven that boric acid vaginal suppositories (63.6%) have a higher cure rate than fluoconazole or Diflucan (28.8%).  Further, in other studies also, it was proven that Boric acid suppositories have more success in eradicating the fungal infection compared to therapy with topical and oral antifungal medications.

Boric acid is toxic and should never be taken internally or place on cuts or open wounds.  Also, it should not be used for prolonged periods of time or in amounts greater than what is recommended.  Pregnant women should not use these nor applied topically on infants and children.  Vaginal suppositories can also bring side effects such as burning and irritation.

Tea Tree Oil

Diluted tea tree oil is one of the more popular home remedies for yeast infection. It can be applied to the affected area to help clear yeast infection. There are no scientific studies that show the effectiveness of tea tree oil against yeast infection, but because of the antifungal properties of tea tree oil, some people use this as a home remedy for yeast infection.

Tea tree oil is available in the US at many natural foods stores. In Italy, tea tree oil is widely used for yeast infections.  Coat the top half of a non-applicator type tampon with a lubricant (such as K.Y. jelly or even olive oil), then apply a few drops of pure tea tree oil and insert. The lubricant keeps the tea tree oil from absorbing into the tampon. Tea tree oil can sting if it comes in contact with the vulva, so she uses an applicator tampon, by just lifting off the top part of the applicator to expose the tampon, applying the K.Y. jelly and tea tree oil, and putting the tampon back into the applicator. Do this morning and night. A couple of days should be sufficient.

Garlic

Garlic have natural anti-fungal chemicals that inhibits the growth of yeast.  How do you use garlic to treat that candida infection?  Well, first off start by making a paste of garlic pods and apply to skin around the vagina. It may burn a bit, but is very effective. This paste can be used for yeast infection in other parts of the body too. Another way to use garlic for the cure of vaginal yeast infection is to cut a few garlic pods fine and wrap it in cheesecloth. Insert into vagina for about 20 minutes leaving part of cheesecloth hanging out for easy removal.

The downsides are that it's a fairly moderate treatment and won't work by itself for some really stubborn infections, and that a few people are allergic to garlic and can't go shoving it in their orifices without getting really sick.

Honey

This is probably the most sticky and uncomfortable way of curing vaginal yeast infection, but it is said to work wonders. Take half a cup of honey into the bathroom. Pour a liberal amount of honey on all affected portions, while sitting on the toilet seat. Be seated this way for about 20 minutes. After this you can have a bath with warm water. Dry the vaginal area thoroughly using super absorbent paper. You will feel much better. Do this twice a day, morning and just before going to bed at night.

Vinegar

Vinegar is renowned for its antibacterial and antifungal properties. Fill a bathtub with warm water mixed with 1 cup of vinegar. Soak in this bath solution for about 20 minutes. Dry the vaginal area thoroughly using super absorbent paper. Any vinegar will do, but the best results have been found using apple cider vinegar.

Gentian Violet

This is a traditional remedy for yeast and other infections that pre-dates most modern antifungal and antibiotics. It used to be carried in pharmacies; some still have it, usually in the same section as iodine, and some friendly pharmacists will order it for you if you ask.

The idea is to swab it all over the vulva and up into the vagina once or twice a day for a few days. Wear black clothes or use thick pads, because the stuff is brilliant purple and stains everything it touches.

However, you should be warned that some people are allergic to gentian violet.  A very distressed woman reported her own predicament: "It was recommended to me, and my experience was frightening. A friend ... advised me to dip a tampon into the solution and insert. The next day I was in so much pain, my mom had to drive me to the doctor, who painfully investigated the area, and after inspecting a swollen, itchy, PURPLE twat, told me I had a reaction. She gave me some medication ... I hope you can pass the word of caution on to other women!"

Potassium Sorbate

This is a potent fungicide that is widely used in preserving foods, and is often used in brewing beer to stop the growth of the yeast at the correct time. Potassium sorbate is therefore available at places that sell home-brewing supplies, and at some natural foods stores.

To use it, make a 3% solution by adding 8 gm (about 1 tablespoon) potassium sorbate to a cup of water. The idea is to dip a cotton tampon in the solution, insert it at bedtime, remove it in the morning, and continue this treatment for a few days until the symptoms are gone.

Another idea, suggested to me by a doctor friend, is to insert a dry tampon and then squirt a bunch of the solution up afterward, so the tampon will absorb the fluid and hold it in place.

Finally, before you try any of the home remedies for yeast infection mentioned herewith, you should to consult your doctor. The symptoms of vaginal yeast infection are very similar to the symptoms of sexually transmitted disease. So if it is your first instance of yeast infection, consult your doctor to double check your condition.

Yeast infection is easy to get rid of but if your problem is a sexually transmitted disease like gonorrhea, you have to undergo serious treatment. This is the reason why tests may be conducted and your doctor will advice you of the treatment or home remedy you can use if your problem is yeast infection.