The 6 Natural Remedies for Yeast Infections
However, sometimes certain factors can cause fungi to grow bigger or change, and this can lead to a fungal infection. Yeast infections are generally categorized by the type of fungus causing the problem, the part of the body affected, and the severity of the infection. These infections can occur on the surface of the skin , within a skin fold, or in any other area that is warm and moist and causes severe itching.
Several factors can contribute to acquiring a fungal infection , including a side effect of antibiotics, a weakened immune system , diabetes , poor hygiene, living in a hot environment, poor blood circulation , a skin injury, and coming into contact with someone who is infected.
Anyone can get a fungal infection, and in today’s active lifestyle, they are quite common. Some simple natural remedies that can destroy the fungi that cause yeast infections as well as reduce the intensity of symptoms. So, check out The 6 Natural Remedies for Yeast Infections.
Apple Cider Vinegar : Apple cider vinegar is a common treatment for any type of fungal infection . Due to the presence of antimicrobial properties, apple cider vinegar will help to kill the fungus. In addition, its mild acidic nature helps prevent the spread of infection and promotes quick recovery.
- Mix two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in a glass of warm water and drink it twice a day.
- Another option is to dilute apple cider vinegar with an equal amount of water and then apply it externally on the affected skin . Leave for 30 minutes. You can even soak the infected skin area in this solution for 30 minutes. When finished, dry the area with a towel or hairdryer.
- You can use any of these remedies until you get rid of the infection.
Yogurt: To treat a fungal infection , you can use yogurt , unsweetened with live, active cultures. The probiotics present in plain yogurt can keep mold from growing by producing lactic acid.
Soak the cotton in plain yogurt and apply it to the infected area. Leave it on for 30 minutes and then rinse it off with warm water. Follow this remedy twice a day until you get rid of the infection.
In case of a vaginal infection, soak a tampon in yogurt and insert it into the vagina for two hours. Do this twice a day. Also, eating plain yogurt is very good for your diet. Eat two to three cups of plain yogurt daily until the infection is completely gone.
Garlic: Garlic is a useful antifungal agent and therefore very effective for any type of fungal infection . It also has antibacterial and antibiotic properties that play a key role in the recovery process.
Crush two cloves of garlic and add a few drops of olive oil to make a paste. Apply the paste on the affected areas and leave it on for 30 minutes. Then wash the area with warm water and pat dry the skin completely. Follow this treatment twice a day until you get rid of the infection.
To treat a yeast infection in the vagina, wrap a clove of garlic in gauze and place it in the vagina for no more than 30 minutes. Use this treatment once a day for several days.
You can also add some garlic cloves to your food to speed up the healing process of any fungal infection . You can even take garlic supplements, but only after consulting your doctor.
Tea Tree Oil: Tea tree oil has natural antifungal compounds that help kill the fungi that cause yeast infections . In addition, its antiseptic qualities inhibit the spread of infection to other parts of the body.
Mix equal amounts of pure tea tree oil and olive oil or sweet almond oil. Apply this solution to the affected skin area several times a day.
You can also make a mixture with three parts oil and one part aloe vera gel. Rub the mixture into the infected area twice a day.
For a vaginal infection, put a few drops of tea tree oil in a tampon and insert it into your vagina for two to three hours. Repeat twice a day.
All these remedies must be followed for several weeks.
Note: Pregnant women should not use tea tree oil remedies .
Coconut Oil : Coconut oil works as an effective remedy for any kind of fungal infection due to the presence of medium chain fatty acids. These fatty acids work as natural fungicides to kill the fungi responsible for the infection.
Gently rub extra virgin coconut oil on the affected area and let it dry on its own. Repeat two or three times a day until the infection clears.
Mix equal amounts of coconut oil and cinnamon oil and apply it on the affected area. Follow this remedy twice a day to control the growth of the infection.
For a vaginal infection, soak a tampon in organic coconut oil and insert it into your vagina. Leave it in for two hours. After removing the tampon, rinse the area thoroughly with warm water. Repeat the process once a day until the infection is gone.
Tea: Tea can help kill the fungi responsible for yeast infections . In addition, tea has antibiotic and astringent properties that help to get rid of the symptoms of a fungal infection such as a burning sensation, swelling, and skin irritation.
Soak some tea bags in warm water for 10 minutes. Remove them from the water, and place them in the fridge for 30 minutes. Apply the cold tea bags over the affected area. Repeat this remedy three times a day until the infection completely disappears.
For toenail fungus or athlete’s foot, steep five black tea bags in four cups of boiling water for five minutes. Let the water cool and then soak the affected foot in it for 30 minutes. Repeat twice a day for five to six weeks.
In addition to these remedies, it is important to maintain good hygiene to prevent infections. If your infection is severe, see a doctor.