A yeast infection is an infection caused by the candida albicans fungus, affecting a large percentage of women around the world. Vaginal yeast infections are the most common kind of yeast infections and are normally a result of overgrowth of this yeast within the vagina. Normally, the vagina has a certain amount of this yeast but disturbing the balance of growth easily leads to the infection. An acidic imbalance in the vagina leads to this irritating infection.

Among the most common symptoms of yeast infection are abnormal white, thick vaginal discharge accompanied by a burning sensation, itching and pain when urinating or during intercourse. A yeast infection is caused by hormonal changes, pregnancy, antibiotics and oral contraceptives. Tight clothing, unhygienic conditions and repeated intercourse are also some of the factors that lead to this condition.

A yeast infection is one of the most irritating conditions to endure, especially when the individual is suffering with itching. This itching can make it hard for a woman to be in public as the urge to scratch or rub the vaginal area can be very intense and hard to resist. Therefore it is important to get proper treatment for this condition to avoid the discomfort that comes with the infection. There are women who find it hard to seek medical attention as they feel the condition is very personal but a delay only causes more suffering and can actually make the condition worse.

There are natural remedies for a yeast infection that have proven to be effective in getting rid of the problem. The remedies are made of natural herbs and simple products that are easy to find, which is why they are preferred by many people. They are also inexpensive and do not have any side effects for individuals who choose to use them as compared to other forms of medication.

1. Home Remedies
2. Other Remedies
3. Diet

Home Remedies for Yeast Infections

Yogurt as a Home Remedy for a Yeast Infection

Properties: Yogurt contains good bacteria that help in fighting the bad bacteria found in the vaginal area, eliminating the major cause of yeast infections. This remedy is also very helpful in controlling the infection as well as eliminating the symptoms within a short period of time. It is one of the best home remedies for a yeast infection.

Use of Yogurt as a Treatment for a Yeast infection:

The best way of treating a yeast infection is by dipping a tampon in natural yogurt and then inserting it into the vagina. This should be left in place for at least an hour or more and repeated twice daily until the condition has improved. Yogurt can also be taken as diet for preventing yeast infections as it helps greatly in controlling the growth of the candida albicans fungus.

Tea Tree Oil as a Natural Remedy for a Yeast Infection

Properties: Tea tree oil has antifungal properties which help in reducing the infection and controlling fungus growth. It also gets rid of the symptoms of a yeast infection, including itching, making it a very helpful remedy for those suffering from this condition. This remedy is also widely used as a form of treatment for various other conditions and infections.

Use of Tea Tree Oil as a Cure for a Yeast Infection:

Dilute a few drops of tea tree oil in water, then dip a tampon in the solution before inserting into the vagina for effective treatment. The tampon should be left in place for an hour before removal and this process repeated one more time during the day.

Almond Oil as a Home Remedy for a Yeast Infection

Properties: Almond oil has essential minerals which help in promoting the right pH levels within the vagina. It also boosts the immune system, helping in the fight against such infections. This remedy is one of the most popular natural remedies for yeast infections as well as other conditions to which the body is exposed.

Use of Almond Oil as a Treatment for a Yeast Infection:

This oil can be used when diluted with a few drops of tea tree oil. A tampon can then be dipped into this mixture and inserted into the vagina for several hours before removal. This should be done at least twice daily until the desired results have been achieved. Roasted almonds can be added in meals or milk and eaten as part of a diet for preventing this condition as it has proven to be very effective.

Garlic as a Natural Remedy for a Yeast Infection

Properties: Garlic is a natural calming agent and has antifungal properties, making it one of the most useful home remedies for yeast infections. The remedy is very popular as it comes in handy when treating a variety of other conditions and has proven to be efficient every single time. It hinders the spread of the infection and eliminates the microorganisms that lead to the condition.

Use of Garlic as a Cure for a Yeast Infection:

This remedy is best for infections that are not vaginal. A few cloves should be crushed and the paste then applied to the areas affected by the infection. It can also be ground up and added to water before drinking as a treatment. The raw cloves can be added in meals as part of a diet for preventing the condition and can be used on a regular basis to promote good health, keeping most infections at bay.

Coconut Oil as a Home Remedy for a Yeast Infection

Properties: Coconut oil has essential minerals which hinder the growth of yeast, thereby eliminating this condition with ease. It is also a very good remedy for soothing the pain and irritation that accompany this infection. It is has been in use for a long time as a means of treating various skin conditions as well.

Use of Coconut Oil as a Treatment for a Yeast Infection:

Coconut oil should be applied onto the affected areas and left to dry before washing it off. This can be repeated three times a day until the condition has improved. It should be added to water for vaginal infections and the water then used to clean the vaginal area using a cotton ball.

Apple Cider Vinegar as a Natural Remedy for a Yeast Infection

Properties: Apple cider vinegar has a variety of minerals and nutrients which work against yeast infections by hindering the growth of the fungus. It is also a good remedy for eliminating symptoms such as itching and pain for those suffering with this infection.

Use of Apple Cider Vinegar as a Cure for a Yeast Infection:

A few drops of the vinegar should be diluted in water and the water then used to wash the affected area. It can be mixed with crushed garlic cloves and used in the same manner to improve its effectiveness. This is a very good remedy and works after only a few uses.

Olive Extracts as a Home Remedy for a Yeast Infection

Properties: Olive extracts have curative properties found to be very effective in dealing with the cases of yeast infection. This particular remedy works as a tonic for the condition and easily eliminates it within a short period of time, making it a very popular treatment.

Use of Olive Extracts as a Treatment for a Yeast Infection:

Take the leaves of olive and crush or pound into paste. This should then be added to water and taken as simple treatment for yeast infection. The leaves can also be boiled in a small amount of water until most of the water evaporates and then strained before drinking as a remedy for this infection.

Grapefruit Seed Extracts as a Natural Remedy for a Yeast Infection

Properties: The extract of grapefruit seeds has proven to be a very beneficial remedy for yeast infections as it has curative properties. The extracts work by eliminating the fungus causing the condition, thereby promoting proper pH levels and eliminating most of the symptoms being experienced. This is one of the best natural remedies for vaginal yeast infections.

Use of Grapefruit Seed Extracts as a Cure for a Yeast Infection:

The extract should be obtained by crushing the seeds after soaking them in water. The crushed seeds should then be added to a glass of drinking water before drinking the water as treatment. The extracts can also be applied onto the vagina and left on for a few minutes, then washed off. This can be repeated until the infection has cleared.

Salt as a Home Remedy for a Yeast Infection

Properties: Salt has been widely used in the medical world as it has important healing properties. It works by speeding up the healing process of yeast infections besides eliminating the microorganisms that lead to the infection. This is one of the simplest home remedies for yeast infections.

Use of Salt as a Treatment for a Yeast Infection:

Add a good amount of salt to warm bath water and then take a hipbath every few hours. This is especially helpful for those suffering from vaginal infections. For other parts of the body affected by the infection, dip them in the water for several minutes to offer relief from the yeast infection symptoms.

Honey as a Natural Remedy for a Yeast Infection

Properties: Honey has minerals which have proven to be effective in getting rid of yeast infections. This remedy is also very good for dealing with the irritation and the burning sensation that comes with these infections. It is also widely used for the treatment of many other conditions to which the body is exposed.

Use of Honey as a Cure for a Yeast Infection:

This remedy has been used widely for the treatment of vaginal yeast infections by applying it to the external parts of the vagina. It should be left on the area for 15 minutes then washed off using warm water. It is recommended that the treatment be used twice daily until the condition has improved.

Buttermilk as a Home Remedy for a Yeast Infection

Properties: Buttermilk has soothing properties as well as nutrients which help in speeding up the healing process from a yeast infection. This remedy works by eliminating most of the yeast infection symptoms, effectively managing the condition after only a few uses. It also kills the organisms responsible for causing the infection.

Use of Buttermilk as a Treatment for a Yeast Infection:

Buttermilk should be taken on a daily basis as part of a diet for preventing this condition. The places affected by the infection can also be dipped in the milk or washed with the milk using a cotton cloth or a cotton ball to provide fast relief from the symptoms.

Aloe Vera as a Natural Remedy for a Yeast Infection

Properties: Aloe Vera has antifungal and antibacterial properties, among others, making it one of the finest natural remedies for yeast infections and other conditions. It kills the fungus causing the infection and effectively relieves the itching, the burning sensation and the irritation that are a result of the infection.

Use of Aloe Vera as a Cure for a Yeast Infection:

The aloe vera gel should be applied to the affected areas and left to dry before washing it off. It can be mixed with baby oil to speed up the healing process and also offer fast relief from the symptoms of a yeast infection.

Other Home Remedies for Yeast Infections

Take capsules of boric acid and insert into the vagina when going to bed to offer fast relief from the infection and its symptoms. This should be repeated several nights until the infection has cleared.

Dip a tampon in curd and then insert into the vagina for an hour to effectively treat vaginal yeast infections. This procedure can be repeated at least three times daily until there is an improvement.

Mix vitamin E and baby oil, then apply onto the affected areas with a cotton ball to provide fast relief from symptoms such as itching and irritation.

Dissolve potassium sorbate in water and then dip a tampon into the solution before inserting into the vagina to treat cases of vaginal yeast infection. This is best done just before going to bed and should be left in overnight and this process repeated nightly until the infection has cleared.

Slice garlic pods and wrap in cheesecloth, then insert into the vagina for 20 minutes. The cloth should be left hanging out to make removal easy.

Another simple way of dealing with yeast infections is by adding vinegar to warm bath water, then soaking the areas affected by the infection in the bath water for half an hour. Those suffering from vaginal yeast infection can sit in the solution for several minutes.

Diet for Yeast Infections and other Precautions

A yeast infection does not have any specific diet although it is advisable to eat a healthy, balanced diet to avoid infections. This diet should include fresh fruits and vegetables and other foods known to promote good health.

Avoid eating processed foods or foods that are refined. Sugary and salty foods should also be avoided as they only help to spread the condition.

Drink enough water on a daily basis to ensure that the body remains well hydrated and that all body functions are taking place as they should. This is also a good way of flushing out toxins and wastes from the body.

To avoid vaginal yeast infections, ensure that the area remains dry and clean since moisture creates a good breeding ground for bacteria.

Avoid using shampoos and soaps that are too harsh as they could easily lead to these infections.

Wear comfortable undergarments. Cotton undergarments are the best as they absorb moisture and keep the vaginal area dry. Tight leggings and jeans should also be avoided as they leave the vaginal area moist and warm.