Candida albicans is the most common agent of candidiasis in humans, also commonly referred to as a yeast infection. It generally affects the vaginal area but can also develop around dentures, under the breasts, lower abdomen, nail beds, and beneath skin folds. Most women are bothered at one time or another by vaginal yeast infection. Some of the signs of a yeast infection are itching, burning or swelling in and around the affected area. Though the symptoms can vary from annoying to unbearable, most yeast infections are actually not dangerous and can easily be treated. Read this article to learn home remedies for yeast infection.
1. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil has powerful and effective natural antifungal properties that can help with home treatment of yeast infections. Tea tree oil must be diluted before applying it to the body. Mix a tablespoon of tea tree oil in a cup of warm water. Douche once or twice a day until the symptoms are gone. For a vaginal yeast infection, dilute the oil and place a few drops on a tampon and insert into your vagina for 4 hours. See my article on Tea Tree Oil for more about this popular essential oil.
2. Boric Acid
Several studies have shown boric acid to be a safe, inexpensive and effective yeast remedy. Dilute some boric acid with water. Apply the diluted solution over the affected skin area and leave it on for a few minutes. Then rinse the area thoroughly with water. Do this daily for two weeks. Capsules of boric acid can also be inserted into the vagina to relieve symptoms of infection. However there may be some amount of burning initially. Boric acid can be toxic and should never be taken internally (by mouth) or placed on cuts or open wounds, it is not recommended for pregnant women.
3. Cranberries
Cranberries are not just for bladder infections, they can also be used to help with yeast infections. Drinking unsweetened cranberry juice can help you get rid of yeast fungus. Be sure you buy 100% cranberry juice, as the sugar in cranberry juice cocktail will only make matters worse.
4. Garlic
Another common remedy for yeast infections is to eat several fresh garlic cloves each day. That also help get rid of thrush. The antifungal, antibacterial and natural antibiotic components present in garlic can be highly effective in treating any kind of yeast infection. In addition, you can crush a few garlic cloves and make a paste out of it. Apply the garlic paste directly onto the affected skin area. For a vaginal yeast infection, inserting one garlic tab (such as Shaklee’s Garlic Tabs) or a garlic clove into the vagina every few hours or as needed provides soothing relief. If you use garlic tabs, be sure the ingredients are natural and pure.
5. Use plain yogurt
Yogurt is a great remedy for a yeast infection. Eating yogurt with live cultures can help to restore the proper balance of healthy bacteria in your body. But you can also externally apply plain yogurt on the affected skin area and let it sit for at least 20 to 30 minutes. In addition, you can place 1-2 tablespoons of yogurt into the vagina or create a mixture of yogurt and warm water to use as a douche for the vaginal yeast infection. Be sure you buy plain, unsweetened yogurt. Since the sugar will help yeast grow faster.
6. Oregano Oil
Oregano oil is another effective remedy for yeast infections. You can apply the oil topically to the affected skin area. As oregano oil can be irritating to the skin, dilute it with olive oil
before applying.
Tips:
Warm and moist conditions can greatly boost the growth of yeast organisms. Wearing loose-fitting clothing and underwear keeps oxygen moving and prevents the growth of fungus.
Stop Routine Douching. Douching can upset the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina.
Wait until a yeast infection passes before having sex.
Pregnant women should not treat a yeast infection before consulting a doctor.
Warnings:
You must remember that other things can cause itching. Such as trichomoniasis is a biggie, only antibiotics (metronidazole) will clear this up. It’s important to see a doctor for a proper diagnosis is that if it’s not actually a yeast infection, the delay in getting treated can cause complications.
