A vaginal yeast infection (vaginal candidiasis) is caused by an overgrowth of a fungus that naturally lives in the vagina, called Candida albicans.
This overgrowth triggers irritation, inflammation, itching, and painful discharge. Most women experience a yeast infection at some point during their lifetime.
If this is your first time experiencing the symptoms of a yeast infection, visit a gynecologist to verify that you actually have a yeast infection and not something else.
There are several great remedies for yeast infections using all natural ingredients you may already have at home:
Organic Unsweetened Plain Yogurt
Probiotics can be very effective against C. albicans.
Yogurt with live cultures is considered a probiotic because it contains live bacteria, such as Lactobacillus acidophilus. These bacteria are essential to creating a healthy environment in your vagina. They can help treat an overgrowth caused by an imbalance. To reap the benefits, try eating the yogurt, applying it to the vulva around the vagina, or inserting it vaginally.
Boric Acid
Research shows that boric acid suppository capsules appear to be very effective against yeast infections, particularly those caused by non-albicans species.
An early study found that boric acid suppositories, when taken nightly for 7 to 10 days, have up to a 92% cure rate.
Boric acid can occasionally cause vaginal burning, should never be taken internally and shouldn't be used frequently or when pregnant.
Garlic
Garlic and garlic oil are well-known antifungal agents. Studies have found it to have antifungal activity against Candida albicans. Traditional approaches recommend inserting the garlic clove directly into the vagina, a safer and less invasive approach is to simply add more fresh garlic to food and incorporate it into more meals.
When inserting a fresh garlic clove into the vagina it is recommended to rub it with olive oil and stab the clove once or twice to allow the oils to come out more. Insert vaginally before bed and remove in the morning. The olive oil helps prevent any burning from the garlic clove and is antiviral and moisturizing.
Apple Cider Vinegar
One popular yeast infection remedy is an apple cider vinegar bath. Vinegar has many medicinal uses, some more proven by research than others. When you add a half cup of apple cider vinegar to a warm bathtub and soak for 20 minutes, the acidic component of the vinegar may eliminate any harmful microorganisms, including yeast. The bath provides immediate relief from symptoms.
Preventing vaginal yeast infections
Follow these tips to help prevent future yeast infections:
Limit the amount of sugar and processed foods you consume. Yeast thrives on sugar.
Wear loose-fitting, cotton underwear.
Don’t spend extended periods of time in wet clothes or bathing suits. Yeast grows in warm, moist environments.
Only use antibiotics when necessary.
Don’t use douches unless advised by a doctor, and avoid vaginal deodorant sprays and scented vaginal lotions. They may alter the balance of good bacteria and yeast in your vagina.
Your yoni will thank you!