Increasing numbers of Yeast Infection cases is reported every year and now, it has turned out to be a common health concern. Yeast infection is actually a type of fungal infection and can occur in both men and women. However, as per this report by the “Centers for Disease Control and Prevention”, it is more frequent in women with around 75% of them developing vaginal yeast infection at some point or the other in their lives as confirmed. Yeast infections can lead to lot of discomfort with itching, burning sensation, inflammation, vaginal discharge being the most common side effects. But despite all the uneasiness, there is nothing to fear as luckily, there are natural and common kitchen ingredients that can help you immensely in this case even more than most of the medicated suppositories or creams that you find in drug stores. So if you are suffering from yeast infection, and wondering about how to get rid of it, then here’s the post worth checking. In today’s post, I am sharing the list of 22 home remedies for yeast infection that will help you get rid of yeast infection easily. Apart from the remedies, you will also learn about the causes and symptoms of yeast infection.

Millions of yeast organisms live in human body without causing any harm but the problem occurs when the excess growth of certain microscopic fungi outnumbers the “good” ones. The most common fungi causing such infections are “Candida” that mainly targets the genitals of an individual.  However, apart from the private parts, yeast infection can also occur in other body parts for example around dentures, lower abdomen, under your breasts, beneath skin folds, nail beds etc.

Yeast infections can occur in a women’s (or men’s) life at any time, not just once but repeatedly. So, in case you are experiencing it the first time and have minimal knowledge about it, it is advisable to do thorough doctor’s checkup first and then start using medicines. However, if you have experienced it earlier and are well aware of the symptoms, you can easily follow these home remedies for yeast infection to get fast and effective relief.

I will be talking about the home remedies for yeast infection in details but before that, I would like to draw your attention on the causes and symptoms of yeast infection. I would also like to talk about the common body parts it may affect. I hope the information will come as a huge help to everyone especially for those who have not experienced it ever.

Most common causes of yeast infection

Every problem has its own set of causal factors and knowing all of them helps to speed up the curing process. While some are unavoidable factors, others are lifestyle habits that can easily be changed to avoid the risk of yeast infection.

Here the common causes of yeast infection.

• Pregnancy
• HIV and other immune suppressing diseases
• Obesity
• Diabetes
• Menstruation
• Certain medications (birth control pills, steroids, antibiotic etc)
• Unhealthy and unhygienic intercourse
• Excessive stress
• Lack of proper sleep
• Excess sugar intake
• Scented toiletries ( scented soaps, perfumes, bubble baths etc)
• Douching
• Poor hygiene
• Clothes of poor quality or too much tight fitted
• Wearing wet clothes for a long time

Common symptoms of yeast infection

Many people have difficulty in understanding whether they are having yeast infection or not. While some mistake it as a urinary tract infection or any sexually transmitted disease, others confuse it with irregular periods or think it as side effects of eating medicines, pills etc. Therefore, it is important to know the symptoms of yeast infections, and here’s the list of common symptoms.

• Itching
• Inflammation or swelling
• Burning sensation
• Pain
• Vaginal discharge
• Redness
• Rash
• Skin sores
• Problem while urinating
• Painful intercourse
• Slight bleeding

In case of internal digestive yeast infection, symptoms like food cravings, appetite changes, digestive upset and fatigue is common.

Body parts more prone to yeast infection

Yeast likes to grow in moist parts, as the damp and wet condition is favorable for them to multiply. Therefore, the yeast infections mainly occur in wet parts of your body or in other words, portions of your body that sweat a lot. Vaginal yeast infection is the most common but some other body parts also are prone to yeast infection.

Here is the list of body parts more prone to yeast infections.

• Genitals
• Armpits
• Anal area
• Mouth
• Throat
• Belly button
• Nasal passage and your nose area
• Inside your ears
• Toenails and fingernails
• The skin between the fingers and toes
• Digestive tract

Now that you know about the causes, symptoms and the body parts more prone to yeast infection, let us start our discussion with the extensive list of effective home remedies for yeast infection.

Natural home remedies for yeast infection

Yeast has the power to make its own food and so it can multiply at a rapid speed and can spread easily to other parts of your body within a short span. For example if Candida yeast overgrows, it can spread to other parts and can cause multiple problems. Therefore, instead of neglecting the problem and letting the symptoms worsen, it is better to look for the solution and here are my effective home remedies for yeast infections that will be of great help to you.

Coconut oil for yeast infection

Coconut oil is an antimicrobial agent, all thanks to the presence of the fatty acids like capric, lauric and caprylic acids. It possesses soothing properties and hence its application on your swelled up chafed infected skin gives you a lot of relief. Also, as per studies, the efficiency of coconut oil against Candida albicans is undeniable.

Application

To get the benefits, you need to wash the infected skin and then dry it gently using a very smooth and soft cloth. Then apply the virgin coconut oil with your clean fingertips and let it naturally dry. Use this remedy 2-3 times daily to stop the growth of the yeasts and get relief from the discomfort.

Garlic for yeast infection

Another common kitchen ingredient that is a great antimicrobial agent is garlic and so you can easily use it to treat your yeast infection. Garlic will prevent the infection from spreading and will help to get rid of the pain. Even the studies have shown promising results in the efficiency of garlic against Candida albicans and so you must definitely try it out. However, please be careful not be use garlic paste on your genitals and other sensitive parts. Instead, use it when yeast infection occurs in not-so sensitive body parts.

Application

Take around 2-3 cloves garlic, grind and crush them with adequate water to make a smooth paste. Now apply it on your yeast-infected skin (not in the sensitive portions) and keep for around 10 minutes. Then rinse it off properly. Apply it 2 times on a regular basis. However, if you are not comfortable with garlic paste application, you can eat 2 garlic cloves daily.

Yogurt for yeast infection

According to an article published in the “Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy”, yogurt can be considered as an essential ingredient against Candida infections. This is mainly because yogurt is probiotic in nature and contains good bacteria “Lactobacillus” that will help you fight the yeast infection both externally and internally. Thus, do apply yogurt on your yeast infection, and get rid of the swelling, itching and the other accompanying symptoms.

Application

Take plain yogurt and dip a cotton tampon in it. Slowly slip it in your vagina (in case of vaginal yeast infection) or simply apply on the infected area (in case of other yeast infections) using your fingertips. Let it stay for 1-2 hours and remove it. In case of infection in the genitals, remember not to push the tampon in too far. Also, never use flavored yogurts and go only for the plain one.

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) for yeast infection

ACV has many health benefits with treating yeast infections being one of them. This is because apple cider vinegar is an antifungal agent and so can help you get rid of the Candida inflicted irritation and pain. Moreover, you can maintain pH balance using yogurt.

Application

To drive the benefits of ACV for treating your yeast infection, you can mix 1 -2 tablespoon of it with a glass of water and drink it 2-3 times each day. Alternatively, you may soak in a bath of lukewarm water after adding 1 cup of ACV in it. This will help you get rid of the itchiness.

Tea tree oil for yeast infection

To get rid of your yeast infection, you may use the tea tree oil. This oil is antimicrobial in nature and can fight all kinds of infections with yeast infection being no exception. In fact, research has already hinted on its efficiency in treating vaginal infections although further reports are required to confirm the fact. So, use tea tree oil along with nourishing honey or with lukewarm water and enjoy fast recovery from the pain and the swelling.

Application

Take around 3 drops of tea tree oil and mix with around 2 tablespoon of honey. Apply the mixture on your yeast-infected skin and let it stay overnight. Then wash the skin the next morning with lukewarm water. However, in case of your genitals, you may apply tea tree oil using a cotton tampon only after diluting with warm water.

Epsom salt for yeast infection

Yes the commonly found Epsom salt is one of the best home remedies for yeast infection. Epsom salt is actually magnesium sulfate, which has the potential to kill the yeast and eventually cures the infection. Therefore, you may go for Epsom salt bath at least thrice in a week to get early benefits.

Application

At first, fill the bathtub with warm water. Then add around 2 cups of Epsom salt and swirl it a few times. After that, soak your body in this water for 15 minutes. You will see that you feel much better and the itchiness reduces to a great extend.

Oregano oil for yeast infection

Oils have always worked great in case of infections and as far as yeast infection is concerned, oregano oil is one of the most potent oils. As per study published in “Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry”, oregano oil is very effective in fighting against Candida albicans. It contains carvacrol and thymol, the phenolic compounds that has fungicidal effects on the yeasts of the infected area and give you fast relief.

Application

Take a glass of water and add oregano oil around 3 drops in it. Then drink it. For a week, you can continue with 3 drops but after that, you may increase the dose of oregano oil up to 6 drops per glass. However, in case of children and pregnant women, proper medical advice must be taken before consumption.

Aloe vera for yeast infection

Yeast infection gives a burning sensation, which is effectively reduced by aloe. It cools down the infected skin and speeds the process of cure. The presence of various antiseptics in it imparts its antimicrobial nature and inhibits the growth of different kind of fungi.

Application

Here, to get the benefits, you have take an aloe leaf and extract the gel out of it. Then take a thin layer of the freshly extracted gel on your infected skin. Leave it to naturally dry. Apply this 2-3 times on a daily basis.

Peppermint oil for yeast infection

If you are suffering from oral thrush or oral yeast infection, then this is probably the best option for you. This is because peppermint oil contains menthol that is efficient in killing fungi that causes the yeast infection. Studies have also stated it to be one of the top effective plant oils efficient in fighting against Candida albicans.

Application

Fill a glass of water with water (8oz) and then add around 2-3 drops of peppermint oil in it. Then use the water and swish it around your infected mouth. Continue the process for few minutes. Then wash with clean water. Repeat the method two times regularly. Ingestion of 1-2 peppermint oil capsules is also beneficial but the capsules must contain at least 0.2 milliliters of peppermint oil.

Green tea for yeast infection

Green tea is a craze among many due to its health benefits mainly weight loss but now, you may use this ingredient for treating your yeast infection as well. The presence of various antioxidants makes your immune system strong, which further stimulates the recovery process of the infection. Green tea soothes the inflammation and also reduces the pain to a great extent.

Application

Take green tea and steep it in hot water. Strain it a bit and then drink it when it is warm. To add on to the flavor, you may add a bit of lemon or honey into it. Drink green tea at least twice daily. Alternately, you may refrigerate green tea bags and apply on your infection for 10 minutes.

Boric acid for yeast infection

When the yeast infection reaches an advanced stage and all the other antifungal agents fail, doctors recommend the usage of boric acid. According to a study conducted in the year 2009, tropical boric acid was found to be very effective against vaginal infections. The antifungal characteristics of boric acid are mainly responsible for giving us quick relief and this remedy is definitely counted as one of the best home remedies for yeast infection.

Application

In case of vaginal yeast infections, you need to take gelatin capsules and then fill it with enough boric acid and close it. Place it on your female genital organ and go to sleep. Repeat this process at a stretch for minimum 2 weeks to completely cure your yeast infection. However, never ingest the capsules orally and avoid using it during your pregnancy.

Few other do’s and don’ts for yeast infection

Apart from the home remedies for yeast infections, you also need to keep in mind few other do’s and don’ts that will benefit you in avoiding the chances of getting yeast infection or cure it fast in case you have already got infected.

Here are few other tips and remedies for yeast infection.

1. It is very important to keep your body parts clean and dry and avoid yeast infection. As yeast loves moist damp places, do not give them a chance to grow.
2. Take care of any cut and do not let the area be further infected.
3. Always wear clean clothes and of good quality. It is preferable to go for cotton in case of undergarments. Also, avoid too much tight fitted dresses, as they do not let air enter the body part and make your skin more damp and moist.
4. Maintain a balanced and nutrient packed diet. Include lots of green vegetables, fats, proteins etc in your diet. This will strengthen your immune system and help you fight infections.
5. Probiotic foods are good for avoiding yeast infection and hence you must definitely include them in your food chart.
6. Drink unsweetened cranberry juice several times in a day. This will stimulate the healing process of your yeast infection.
7. Control the sugar levels in your diet as, as per reports, high levels of sugar leads to growth of yeast in body.
8. If you are allergenic to certain products, please avoid them. The chemical products when is exposed to your sensitive parts aggravates the irritation. So avoid the scented chemical ingredients and go for the natural ones.
9. Please avoid douching as it causes harm to the sensitive skin.
10. Try to have a safe intercourse using proper protection. Also, clean yourself properly post that.
11. Consult a doctor in case of following situations:

• If you are pregnant
• If you are having it for the first time
• If it gets severe and is not showing any improvements for the past few days
• If you are a diabetes patient
• If your immune system is too weak

Conclusion

Yeast infection has become very common. I am sure many of you must have already gone through the pain and for those who have been lucky enough to not experience it until now, please take precautions to lessen its risk. We have already discussed about causes and symptoms of yeast infections and also talked about the body parts more prone to its occurrence. So if you are facing any such discomfort do not delay further. You can consult doctor for initial checkup and later on continue with the remedies discussed above to get rid of yeast infections easily.

Maintain discipline as your health depends on that. Get rid of the unhealthy habits and adapt a proper hygiene and routine life. Because, if you maintain good diet, exercise well and have a strong immune system, you can easily avoid yeast infections and keep many other diseases at bay.

Have you ever been a victim of yeast infection? How did you get rid of it? Have you tried any of the remedies to remove yeast infections as discussed above? I will be happy to know about your journey of recovery from yeast infection. Feel free to share the remedies that worked for you.

Until then, stay safe and stay healthy.

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