In this article, we will discuss remedies to get rid of a yeast infection. A yeast infection is also called Candida. It is mainly caused by some microscopic fungi or yeast termed as Candida albicans. They usually attack the vaginal area but can also be found around dentures, under the breasts, nail beds, beneath skin folds, and lower abdomen. There are many causes that can increase the risk of getting a yeast infection. Some of them are mentioned below.
Causes of Yeast Infection
- Diabetes
- Use of oral contraceptives
- Pregnancy
- Stress
- Chronic health conditions
- Taking steroids and antibiotics
Another cause could be thinning of vaginal walls in women after menopause because of the decrease in estrogen level. There are many cases of yeast infection in men and women who have experienced it at least once.
Common Signs or Symptoms of a Yeast Infection:
- Burning sensation
- Swelling or itching, in and around the affected area.
When you are suffering from a vaginal infection you will experience pain or discomfort during sex, odorless vaginal discharge, and a burning sensation at the time of urinating. There are many simple home remedies mentioned below which can help you get rid of yeast infection in a very short span of time. Try these remedies thoroughly to treat yeast infection at home.
Home Remedies to Get Rid of a Yeast Infection
1.) Coconut Oil to Treat a Yeast Infection
The coconut oil is well known for its anti-fungal properties. It can help you get rid of fungi easily from the affected area of your body. Here are the directions to use coconut oil.
Directions:
- Apply coconut oil on the affected area thrice in a day.
- A mixture of equal quantity of coconut oil and cinnamon oil can also be applied on the affected area to control the growth of yeast infection.
- In case there is oral candidiasis, swish the oil in your mouth for 5 to 10 minutes.
2.) Yogurt to Get Rid of a Yeast Infection
Lactobacillus acidophilus is a “friendly” bacteria present in yogurt which can help in preventing infection from spreading in the body. For a yeast infection treatment, you should only use plain, unsweetened yogurt.
Directions:
- Apply plain yogurt on the area where you are feeling the itching or burning sensation and let it be there for around 20 to 30 minutes.
- You can also leave it on overnight. This will help you get rid of itching sensation in affected areas quickly.
- In the case of a vaginal yeast infection, you will need to take a tampon and dip it in yogurt and then place it in the vagina for two hours.
- Do this twice a day to treat yeast infection.
- You can also include yogurt in your daily diet plan.
3.) Calendula to Get Rid of a Yeast Infection
Calendula is known for having potent antifungal and anti-inflammatory qualities. It is also known for strengthening liver by detoxifying the body.
Directions:
- Pluck two or three calendula leaves and crush them into a thick paste. Now apply this paste gently on the affected area. You can do this 2-3 times on the daily basis.
- You can take calendula internally by making tea using calendula extract. This is an amazing home remedy for treating yeast infections.
- NOTE: Do not use it if you are pregnant.
- Calendula lotion or ointment is also available in the market in case you don’t get fresh calendula.
4.) Tea Tree Oil to Get Rid of a Yeast Infection
Many people are familiar with the powerful natural antifungal and antibacterial properties of tea tree oil. Therefore tea tree oil can be easily used as a home treatment for yeast infection. Pregnant women should avoid this remedy as tea tree oil can be too strong for them.
Directions:
- Mix a few drops of organic tea tree oil with water or 1 teaspoon of almond oil or olive oil. Now apply this mixture on the affected area daily to see the results.
- In the case of vaginal yeast infection, you can pour a few drops of tea tree oil on the tampon and insert it into your vagina. Keep it there for two to three hours.
- Repeat the process 2 times a day.
5.) Boric Acid to Get Rid of a Yeast Infection
Boric acid is a chemical which contains slight antifungal and antiseptic properties. Pregnant women should not use boric acid. Follow the below-mentioned directions.
Directions:
- Mix some amount of boric acid with water.
- Apply the mixture on the affected area and leave it on for a couple of minutes.
- After this, rinse the area thoroughly with water.
- Do this process at least once a day for 2 weeks to get rid of a yeast infection.
6.) Cranberries to Treat Yeast Infection
Cranberries are also well-known for its antibacterial and antifungal properties which are very helpful in fighting yeast infection caused by fungi. It helps maintain pH balance in the vagina. It also helps in the urinary tract or any other kind of bladder infections treatment.
Directions:
- You should drink unsweetened cranberry juice two to three times in a day. Make sure that it is unsweetened because sweetened juice can worsen the yeast infection. The substance present in this juice prevents yeast bacteria from sticking to mucus membrane.
- In case you are not able to find unsweetened cranberry juice, you can always take cranberry tablet twice or three times in a day. They are easily available at natural health stores.
7.) Garlic to Get Rid of a Yeast Infection
Garlic is another very prominent herb that is known for curing various kinds of skin problems. It has plenty of antibacterial, natural antibiotic and antifungal qualities which are very effective in treating yeast infection.
Directions:
- Peel the cover of some garlic cloves and crush them into a thick paste. Now, gently apply this garlic paste directly on the concerned area. In case you do not have fresh garlic you can dilute garlic oil in Vitamin E oil. Also, you can add a few drops of coconut oil (this will improve the longevity of the mixture) and apply it on the affected areas.
- You can also consume the garlic internally by taking a couple of garlic tablets, or you can directly consume some fresh garlic cloves daily. This may give you a bad breath, but it is very effective in treating yeast infection.
8.) Oregano Oil to Get Rid of a Yeast Infection
Apart from having anti-fungal properties, oregano oil also helps improve the immunity system. It is considered one of the best home remedies for yeast infection treatment. Here is the method to use it.
Directions:
- Applying oregano oil directly on the skin can be a bit irritating. So, instead, you can dilute it with olive oil before you apply it on the top of affected skin area.
- In case you do not want to go through all this trouble you can take one capsule of oregano oil two times in a day.
- You can follow any of the two methods for a few weeks to see results.
9.) Apple Cider Vinegar to Get Rid of a Yeast Infection
Apple cider vinegar and white vinegar consists of components which are very helpful in controlling yeast infection. It also helps get rid of fungi responsible for causing it.
Directions:
- Take a cup of Luke warm water and add two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar (use organic apple cider vinegar which will be browner in color). Drink this solution two times in a day.
- While preparing for hot bath add ½ cup of apple cider vinegar in it. Stay in the water for about an hour. You will start to feel that skin irritation and itching is decreasing.
- If you do not want to go for the above mention method you can also dilute apple cider vinegar or white vinegar in plain water. Apply this mixture on the affected area externally. Leave the mixture for about half an hour and then rinse it off with water.
10.) Olive Leaf Extract to Get Rid of a Yeast Infection
Olive leaf extract is a very powerful natural herbal remedy for treating yeast infections due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antifungal properties. It also restores the good bacteria in your body preventing you from aging and illness.
Directions:
- You can make this remedy at home easily. You just need to chop some fresh olive leaves finely. Then put them in a glass jar and pour vodka over the leaves till they are completely absorbed in it. Close the lid and put this mixture in a dark place for a month.
- Now strain this liquid into another clean glass jar.
- You can apply the solution to the affected skin area.
- To achieve best results apply this mixture 3 times in a day.