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What are the Best Natural Remedies for Yeast Infections?

Alex Paul
Alex Paul

Some of the best natural remedies for yeast infections include probiotics, sometimes known as “good” bacteria, and tea tree oil. Probiotics are taken orally while tea tree oil is applied to the vaginal area. There are many other home remedies including boric acid and raw garlic. Increasing general hygiene and avoiding tight underwear can also sometimes assist with treating the condition. As most natural remedies for yeast infections have not been through clinical trials, it is essential to contact a doctor before starting any self-treatment.

Probiotics, which contain live microscopic organisms, are among the most common types of natural remedies for yeast infections. The idea is that the bacteria contained within probiotics stops the growth of yeast infection bacteria, i.e., Candida. While many have found that probiotics have helped to cure their yeast infections, the scientific evidence is inconclusive. There are preliminary trials that suggest that this home remedy could be effective, but no large scale and reliable test has yet been performed.

Eating raw garlic is thought to be a natural remedy for a yeast infection.
Eating raw garlic is thought to be a natural remedy for a yeast infection.

Tea tree oil is another popular natural remedy for yeast infections. Instead of being taken as an oral supplement like probiotics, tea tree oil is applied directly to the vaginal area. Some women have found that the oil, or more specifically a substance called terpinen-4-ol contained within it, has cured their yeast infection. There is, however, very little evidence that this form of treatment works or that it is safe to use, so a doctor should always be consulted.

Applying tea tree oil to the vagina can be a natural remedy for yeast infections.
Applying tea tree oil to the vagina can be a natural remedy for yeast infections.

Other natural remedies for yeast infections include boric acid suppositories, reducing the amount of sugar in the person’s diet, and eating raw garlic. Boric acid is a highly popular alternative treatment, and there is some evidence to suggest that it works. Garlic is thought by some people to kill yeast, although its health benefits may be negated if it is cooked.

Contracting an STD as a result of unsafe sexual practices may cause a woman to also develop a fungal vaginal infection.
Contracting an STD as a result of unsafe sexual practices may cause a woman to also develop a fungal vaginal infection.

Aside from alternative remedies, there are some lifestyle changes that may help to cure a yeast infection. If, for example, a woman regularly wears tight underwear, this could prevent the problem from clearing up naturally. Using soaps and other irritants to wash the vaginal area could also create the optimum environment for a yeast infection. The more hygienic a person is, the less likely a yeast infection is to occur.

It’s always important for a patient to consult a doctor before trying any natural remedies for yeast infections. Many home treatments are safe, but others are known to have side effects or react with some medications. Repeated yeast infections can indicate an underlying problem; if a woman develops the condition several times in a short timespan, she should obtain a professional diagnosis.

Discussion Comments

SarahGen

I don't mind eating yogurt or taking probiotics to treat my yeast infection symptoms. But I'm not going to eat raw garlic or douche with vinegar. If the yogurt doesn't work, then I'll ask my doctor for a cream. I'm a proponent of natural remedies, but there is only so much I will try.

bear78

@burcinc-- My sister treated her yeast infection with tea tree oil. Undiluted tea tree oil is irritating, so it's best to mix it with something like aloe vera gel. You don't need a lot of tea tree oil, about five drops should be enough. Mix them together and apply it topically. Aloe vera gel is very soothing, so it will relieve itching as well. If it doesn't work, you can increase the tea tree oil by a drop or two. Tea tree oil is definitely a great home remedy for yeast infections.

Have you used tea tree oil before though? Test some on your arm before using it for your yeast infection. I can't use tea tree oil because I'm allergic. So you should make sure that your skin doesn't react to the oil before using it vaginally.

burcinc

Has anyone here tried tea tree oil for vaginal yeast infection symptoms?

I have a yeast infection and so far, I have tried yogurt, vinegar douche and baking soda baths. All of them provide relief for a day or two and relieve itching somewhat. But the symptoms return worse than ever afterward.

I think I need to use a stronger natural remedy and I'm thinking about trying tea tree oil. But will it irritate my skin? And do I apply it undiluted or diluted with a carrier oil?

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    • Eating raw garlic is thought to be a natural remedy for a yeast infection.
      By: natalyka
      Eating raw garlic is thought to be a natural remedy for a yeast infection.
    • Applying tea tree oil to the vagina can be a natural remedy for yeast infections.
      By: Lucie Říhová
      Applying tea tree oil to the vagina can be a natural remedy for yeast infections.
    • Contracting an STD as a result of unsafe sexual practices may cause a woman to also develop a fungal vaginal infection.
      By: Peter Atkins
      Contracting an STD as a result of unsafe sexual practices may cause a woman to also develop a fungal vaginal infection.