5 Home Remedies to Treat Yeast Infection

Feeling scratchy down there and smelling a bit funkier can make you feel super uncomfortable. Vaginal infections are common in women, and it is estimated that seven women out of 10 experience some kind of vaginal infection at some point in their life even she can experience more than one problem at a time. These infections can be caused due to bacteria, viruses, overgrowth of yeast or due to contact with chemicals that are present in products that come in contact with your vagina. Bacterial vaginosis, gonorrhea, viral vaginitis, allergies, and candida yeast infection are some common vaginal issues, and they are overall termed as vaginitis in medical term. It is normal that translucent liquid discharges from women’s vagina, the liquid helps to keep the vagina clean. But if there is excessive discharge, noticeable smell, redness or irritation in your vaginal area you must look into it because there may be some problem.
A healthy vagina contains different naturally occurring microorganisms that are present in a balanced proportion. If the proportion gets disturbed due to any reason, women can experience one of the vaginal issues mentioned prior. Similarly a bacterium Lactobacillus acidophilus present in the vagina which regulates the growth of yeast cells “Candida.” If the number count of a yeast cell is increased, you may experience the vaginal yeast infection. Pregnant women or women with a weak immune system can experience a yeast infection. In addition to this, it can be caused due to excessive use of antibiotics, hormonal imbalance and uncontrolled diabetes can also cause an imbalance between Lactobacillus and yeast cells.

When a woman is suffering from yeast infection a whitish liquid discharges from her vagina which looks like yogurt, the walls of the vagina become red, and she may experience excessive irritation. She may also experience pain during urination or sexual intercourse. However, yeast infection is not a sexually transmitted infection. If you are experiencing these symptoms visit your doctor to confirm whether it is the vaginal yeast infection. You may treat it at home as well by adopting any of the home remedies listed below.

Tea Tree Oil:

Tea tree oil is extracted from trees present on the Australian coast, and it is one of the known essential oil. It has been used for a medical purpose for years and nowadays it is used in skin care products. Tea tree oil has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that make it one of the best products that can be used to treat acne, skin scars, or fungal infections. Similarly, tea tree can help to treat yeast infection as it will kill the yeast cells and will soothe irritation. As tea tree oil is an essential oil, therefore, you must always use it with a carrier oil such as olive oil or coconut oil otherwise it may cause further irritation.

Oregano Essential Oil:

Wild oregano essential oil is yet another item that can be used to treat yeast infection. Oregano essential oil contains thymol and carvacrol which are powerful anti-fungal. Just like tea tree oil. Oregano essential oil must be diluted with a carrier oil before applying. Application of oregano oil will help to regulate the amount of candida yeast cells in the vagina. In other ways, you can add a few drops of oregano essential oil in your bathtub when taking a bath.

Apple Cider Vinegar:

Do you know that organic apple cider vinegar is used to wash baby’s diapers and diaper are when they suffer from diaper rashes? It is because vinegar is acidic in nature and kills bacteria present in their diapers. Similarly, you can use this handy product to treat the vaginal yeast infection by adding a cup of vinegar in your bathtub with warm water. But if you have dry skin, you must experience drier skin so opt for some other way to use apple cider vinegar to treat yeast infection as it is a very effective treatment.

Greek Yogurt:

As we have discussed prior that a healthy vagina contains many microorganisms which control vaginal yeast cell growth. Lactobacillus acidophilus bacterium plays a most important role in controlling the growth of yeast cells. Greek yogurt is a handy item that contains active bacteria which act as prebiotics and helps to treat vaginal yeast infection. Therefore, when you are suffering from a yeast infection, you should increase the intake of yogurt in your diet. You can also apply yogurt to your vaginal area with a cotton swab for 20 minutes twice a day for fast recovery.

Coconut oil:

Coconut oil also has anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties which help to remove bacteria. Coconut oil is rich in Lauric acid which acts as a shield against bacteria. In addition to this, applying coconut oil creates a barrier between vagina and moisture which also aids in controlling the growth of yeast.

It is said that women may experience vaginal yeast infection more than once in a lifetime. Therefore, you can take a few preventive steps to avoid recurring infection because prevention is better than cure. The first and foremost step is to keep your vagina dry because yeast cells grow fast in moisture and warmth. Secondly, always wear cotton underwear because synthetic fabric underwear does not absorb water and does not allow air to pass through, so it creates warmth and gives promotion to yeast infection. Try to avoid sleeping with underwear and sometimes sleep bare bottom. In addition to this, you should change tampons or pads every 6 hours during your menstrual cycle. If you are on antibiotics, it may affect the number of healthy bacteria so you must take some probiotics with Lactobacillus to treat yeast infection. Do not use fragranced products for hygiene products because it decreases acidity in vaginal yeast infection.
Hope the above mention information will help you to prevent and treat vaginal yeast infection.

Author Bio:

Jane Scott is currently working as a nutritionist at a renowned firm. With an experience of more than a decade, she is considered as a go-to person in her field of work. She also writes blogs for her website Homeremediesforlife.com

Updated on 10-08-2020