How to Treat Yeast Infection Naturally
Women who don’t practice proper personal hygiene often experience yeast infection. This health problem is caused by a fungus called Candida albicans, and when the acidic level of the vagina drops because of certain factors, the fungus multiplies and causes the infection. There are numerous over-the-counter medications that can help treat this condition, but there are also home remedies that can get rid of it effectively. Here’s how to treat yeast infection naturally.
Symptoms Of Yeast Infection
To know that you have a yeast infection, you must watch out for several common symptoms, such as:
Pain during sexual intercourse
A burning feeling when you pee
White, but odorless cottage cheese-like vaginal discharge
Unexplained vulva swelling
Itchiness and burning feeling in the vagina
Natural Yeast Infection Methods
Yogurt
Yogurt contains live cultures called bifidus and acidophilus, which are helpful bacteria that destroys the yeast. If you suspect that you have a yeast infection, eat plenty of yogurt. It’s good for your body and will help fight the infection. Buttermilk is also a good alternative to yogurt.
You can also use yogurt topically. Dip a tampon in it, then insert in the vagina, repeating twice a day. You can also just put a tablespoonful of yogurt and put it inside the vagina. Using yogurt as a vaginal douche also works.
Tea Tree Oil
This natural oil is known as a natural anti-fungal and shows effectiveness when used for vaginal infection treatment. Use it for douching. It can be too strong though, so make sure you dilute it in water before using. Another way to use it is by putting a few drops of the mixture on a tampon, then inserting it in the vagina. Do this for morning and evening, taking the tampon after every few hours. After a couple of days, there will be a significant improvement.
Garlic
Garlic also works as a natural anti-fungal agent. Use it as a suppository, by peeling a clove, wrapping it in gauze or cheesecloth, then inserting in the vagina for 20 to 30 minutes. Let a bit of the wrap hang out, so you can remove the garlic out easily. Another option is by making a paste using the pods, then applying to the area around the vagina. A reminder: this can burn a bit.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Vinegar is a product that’s highly regarded for around-the-house cleaning, but it’s also known for its anti-fungal and antibacterial properties. Fill your tub with warm water and a cup of vinegar and soak in it for 20 minutes. When you’re done, dry your vagina area with super absorbent paper thoroughly.
Honey
Honey’s sweetness and healthy benefits makes it one of the most effective home remedies available. It’s sticky and uncomfortable, but it will do wonders. Pour it liberally all over the affected areas, while sitting on the toilet. Stay in this position for 20 minutes. Afterwards, bath in warm water, and dry your vagina thoroughly. Repeat twice a day.
Herbal Douche
Instead of a regular feminine wash, make a douche using equal amounts of raspberry, sage, and comfrey, with ¼ part of goldenseal. If you want, you can combine it with apple cider vinegar.
An irritating yeast infection can be very troublesome. If you’re too embarrassed to buy medications from a drugstore, then these simple home remedies might just solve your problem.