Home Remedies for Yeast Infection
One of the many things women don’t want to hear – You have been diagnosed with yeast infection. Men also can get yeast infection, but mostly it happens to women. It is caused by a microscopic fungi. But here are some home remedies to help alleviate the infection:
Garlic –
Garlic has anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and antibiotic properties that help fight yeast infection. Crush a couple of garlic cloves into a paste and apply it to the affected area. Or dilute garlic oil with coconut and Vitamin E oil. Other options include taking garlic tablets or garlic cloves.
Calendula –
Calendula is a plant/herb that contains anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal properties. Smash 2-3 leaves of the plant and apply to the topical area 2-3 times a day. Tea made from this herb’s extracts also help a lot, but avoid it if you’re expecting. You can use as a lotion or ointment even.
Tea Tree Oil –
Make a dilute solution of tea tree oil with sweet almond oil or olive oil. Apply on affected area and follow process several times a day. For vaginal yeast infection, put a few drops of tea tree oil on a tampon and insert for a 2-3 hours twice a day.
Yogurt –
Yogurt contains lactobacillus acidophilus, a bacteria that can stop yeast infection. But it has to be unsweetened. Apply yogurt to the affected area for 20-30 minutes to avoid the itchiness. For vaginal infection, drop a tampon into the yogurt and keep it inside of you for two hours twice a day. Add yogurt to your diet plan.
Olive Leaf Extract –
This extract contains anti-fungal, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and restores the good bacteria in your body. To make the extract at home, chop the leaves and put them in a jar covering the leaves with vodka. Cover and store in a dark place for 4 weeks. Strain the liquid into another container and apply to affected area three times a day.
Boric Acid –
A chemical liquid with moderate antiseptic properties. Not useful for pregnant women though. Dilute the acid with water and apply on the area. Leve it for a couple minutes and rinse off. Do this twice a week.
Oregano Oil –
Dilute the oil with olive oil, as it may irritate the skin and then apply to the affected area. You may even take oregano oil capsules (1-2) twice per day. Do this for a few weeks.
Coconut oil –
Apply to the external areas thrice a day. Mix equal amounts of cinnamon and coconut oil and apply to control the growth of the infection. If you have an oral thrush, swish the oil for about 5-10 minutes without swallowing. If necessary, have a few drops of tea tree or cinnamon oil prior. Do this thrice a day.
Cranberries –
It’s also used for treating UTI and other bladder infections. But you have to have unsweetened cranberry juice many times in the day. An alternate is cranberry tablets available at chemists.
Apple Cider Vinegar –
Mix two tablespoons of the vinegar with a cup of warm water and drink twice a day for a couple of days. Mix the vinegar in the water for your bath (hot) and soak yourself in it. You can even dilute the vinegar with water and apply to the affected area and wash off with water.