10 EFFECTIVE REMEDIES TO CURE VAGINAL YEAST INFECTION

The common yeast infection sometimes referred to as vaginitis, is a painful condition that many women experience at some point in their lives. Characterized by extremely uncomfortable itching, burning and pain, and discharge, vaginal yeast infections are usually caused by unhealthy forms of fungus that grow in the warm, damp environment of the female genitalia. Men may also experience this condition, but it is most common in women. The most prominent form of yeast infection fungus is Candida albicans. Below, are ten of the most common natural remedies to get rid of a yeast infection at home. 

1. Olive Leaf

Olive leaf extract cure yeast infection. Exract of olive leaf contains antiviral, antioxidant, anti-fungal, and anti inflammatory properties. It also helps to restore the body’s good bacteria. To make it, follow these steps:

1. Chop 2-3 fresh olive leaves and put them in a jar that has a lid. 
2. Add vodka until all the leaves are completely covered.
3. Put on the lid and store in a dark place for 4 weeks. Strain the solution into another jar. 
4. Apply directly to the affected area 3 times a day.

2. Basil

Boil 3 ½ cups water, remove from heat, add 1 ¼ tsp ground basil, cover, and steep it for 30 minutes. Once it’s cooled to room temperature, gargle it.

3. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple Cider Vinegar balances the vagina’s pH level, preventing yeast infection. Add two cups of apple cider vinegar to a warm bath and soak for 15 minutes. But make sure to dry yourself thoroughly afterward. You will see results after two or three soaks. 

4. Thyme

Add 1 teaspoon dried thyme to 1 cup boiling water, steep a few minutes, and drink. Repeat up to 4 times daily.

5. Garlic

Garlic has antifungal, antibacterial, and antibiotic properties which help cure yeast infections. The simplest way to use it is to cook it into your meals. You can also insert half a clove of garlic directly into the vagina and leave it overnight. For a tropical treatment, try garlic paste or a mixture of garlic oil, vitamin E, and coconut oil. You can also swallow garlic tablets or insert them directly into the vagina.

6. Cranberries

Cranberries, which are also used to treat urinary tract and bladder infections, are antibacterial and anti fungal. They kill the bacteria and fungi that cause yeast infections. Drinking unsweetened cranberry juice or taking cranberry tablets(2 to 3 times a day) several times a day helps cure yeast infections fast.

7. Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil has antibacterial and antifungal properties. Mix one tablespoon into a cup of warm water and use it as a douche once or twice a day. If it causes irritation, stop using it. Alternatively, dilute tea tree oil with water or one teaspoon olive oil or almond oil, and rub it into the affected area. Also try soaking a tampon with diluted tea tree oil, inserting it, and leaving it for 2-3 hours twice a day. If you’re pregnant, consult a doctor before using this remedy.

8. Over the Counter Solution

If the above methods do not cure your yeast infection, or if your infection comes back, ask a doctor about over the counter medications. These may relieve yeast infections faster, but it’s important to make sure you’re aware of possible side effects. Try creams like Miconazole (Monistat) and clotrimazole (Gyne-Lotrimin), or oral treatments like Diflucan and fluconazole, and make sure to complete the full course of treatment.

9. Yogurt

Yogurt contains a bacterium called lactobacillus acidophilus, which helps control the growth of yeast and prevent future infections. It also helps relieve itching and irritation. Apply plain, unsweetened yogurt to the affected area and leave it for an hour. You can also dip a tampon in yogurt, insert it, and leave it in for two hours twice daily. Also, add yogurt to your regular diet.

10. Water

Water is the most powerful remedy for every type of ailment. Drink at least 8 to 10 oz of pure water daily to flush out the sugar that feeds yeast infections.

PREVENTION TIPS

When used in conjunction with the above home remedies, the simple tips listed below are very effective for preventing yeast infections.

1. Don’t use baking soda to relieve itching. It raises the pH, creating an environment that promotes the growth of yeast.
2. Avoid soaps that contain alcohol and chemicals that may cause irritation or alter the pH balance of the vagina.
3. Routine douching increases the risk of yeast infection.
4. Avoid hot tubs, extremely hot baths, feminine sprays, deodorant tampons, and bubble bath solutions with chemicals.
5. Use condoms during sex to prevent transmission of a yeast infection.
6. Many studies have shown that oral contraceptives increase glycogen in the vagina, which encourages the rapid growth of yeast. Ask a doctor about alternative birth control methods.
7. Sex with an infected individual and frequent use of antibiotics also cause yeast infections.
8. Check your pH levels with an over the counter test. A vaginal pH lower than 4 could indicate a yeast infection.
9. Avoid stress or reduce it with meditation, yoga and other techniques.
10. People with compromised immune systems, uncontrolled diabetes, or increased estrogen levels run a higher risk of developing yeast infections.

Add your remedies or discuss your experiences in the comments below.