Natural Yeast Infection Home Remedies

This article has been medically reviewed by Dr. Charles Penick, MD

Yeast infections can be extremely uncomfortable and inconvenient. Continue reading to learn about a few natural remedies you can try at home!

What is a Yeast Infection?

What Causes Yeast Infections

 Natural Yeast Infection Treatment

Preventing Yeast Infection

Final Thoughts

What is a Yeast Infection?

A yeast infection is a fungal infection of the vagina that can cause itchiness, discharge, and irritation. Yeast infections are pretty standard, affecting more than 3 million women annually, lasting several days or a few weeks on average.

What Causes Yeast Infections

Yeast infections occur due to an imbalance of candida albicans, a fungus that lives in areas of the body that are moist. Typical areas would include the mouth, skin, and genitals. Candida is a type of yeast; hence it is called a “yeast infection.” Potential causes of candida overgrowth include the following:

• Pregnancy
• Increased estrogen levels (often caused by hormone therapy or oral contraceptives)
• Compromised immune system
• Antibiotics

Natural Yeast Infection Treatment

While many medications are available to treat yeast infections, many natural treatment options are available. Here are the top ways to treat candida overgrowth naturally.

Greek Yogurt

Greek yogurt contains Lactobacillus acidophilus and other healthy bacteria. Greek yogurt is a probiotic, and consuming it can help to treat candida overgrowth. Studies indicate a mixture of honey and yogurt produced a “high clinical cure rate” for treating women with candidiasis during pregnancy.¹

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is a vinegar made from fermented apple juice. It is highly acidic and helps lower pH levels, limiting fungus growth in the body. Apple cider vinegar has been used to soothe the itching, burning, and other symptoms of yeast infections. ACV can be added to lukewarm bathwater (one cup) or consumed by adding two capfuls to a glass of water twice daily. A recent case study involving a woman diagnosed with a chronic vaginal candida infection. She was unresponsive to traditional medical therapies but was cured using apple cider vinegar.²

Garlic

Garlic is known for being an antioxidant and antiviral, improving heart health and boosting the immune system. Preliminary studies indicate fresh garlic and garlic extract can stop the growth of candida.³ Consuming garlic daily may help decrease candida levels. For a wide assortment of natural garlic supplements, click HERE.

Cranberries

Cranberries contain proanthocyanidins, the chemical compounds that give cranberries their dark red color. Proanthocyanidins are flavonoids and antioxidants that attack the body’s free radicals. Cranberry juice is best known for its effectiveness against urinary tract infections, but it is also effective against candida. Studies indicate cranberry prevents candida from sticking to surfaces and biofilm formation.⁴Note: choose pure cranberry juice instead of the diluted varieties. Diluted cranberry juice may contain sugar, which can promote the growth of candida. Cranberry supplements can be found HERE.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is an antifungal, helping to prevent fungi and fungal growth. Caprylic acid is the active ingredient in coconut oil, which has been shown to kill any yeast it comes into contact with. Compared to the prescription drug Diflucan, caprylic acid was a superior treatment and less expensive.⁵ To see an assortment of natural coconut oil products, click HERE.

Bone Broth

Individuals with candida overgrowth tend to have intestinal inflammation and high rates of gut permeability. Bone broth contains collagen, which is believed to help repair the intestinal wall. Studies on leaky gut indicate eating raw foods in moderation and consuming tea and bone broth are vital to healing the intestinal wall and decreasing gut permeability.⁶ Order your bone broth from Revelation Products HERE.

 Preventing Yeast Infection

Here are a few ways to prevent future yeast infections from occurring.

1. Maintain good hygiene. Good hygiene can decrease the risk of yeast infections. For example, avoid using scented products in the genital area as they may irritate.
2. Maintain a healthy weight. Overweight or obese individuals may have skin folds in the genital area that could trap moisture and heat. This could increase the risk of candida growth.
3. Wear clothing that breathes. Wear material that wicks moisture away from the skin: fungi tend to flourish in warm and moist environments.
4. Manage blood sugar levels. Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes encourage the growth of yeast.
5. Decrease consumption of sugar and starches. Consuming foods low in sugar and starches could decrease the risk of yeast infections.

Final Thoughts

Yeast infections affect over 3 million women in the United States annually. If suffering from a yeast infection, try to use the information above for treatment. While home remedies for yeast infections can be helpful, they may not always be the most effective treatment option. If symptoms persist after trying the information in this article, consult a doctor to ensure that a more significant problem needs medical attention.

Medical Disclaimer: This article is based on the opinions of The Cell Health team. The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified healthcare professional and is not intended as medical advice. It is intended to share knowledge and information from the research and experience of the Cell Health team. This article has been medically reviewed by Dr. Charles Penick, MD, for the accuracy of the information provided. Still, we encourage you to make your own healthcare decisions based on your research and in partnership with a qualified healthcare professional.

References:

1. Allam M Abdelmonem 1, Salah M Rasheed, Abeer Sh Mohamed. Bee-Honey And Yogurt: A Novel Mixture For Treating Patients With Vulvovaginal Candidiasis During Pregnancy. Arch Gynecol Obstet. 2012 Jul;286(1):109-14. doi: 10.1007/s00404-012-2242-5. Epub 2012 Feb 8. [PMID: 22314434].https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22314434
2. Betul Ozen, Muruvvet Baser. Vaginal Candidiasis Infection Treated Using Apple Cider Vinegar: A Case Report. Altern Ther Health Med. 2017 Dec;23(7):AT5751. Epub 2017 Nov 7. [PMID: 29112940].https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29112940
3.  Jennifer A. Shuford, James M. Steckelberg, Robin Patel. Effects Of Fresh Garlic Extract On Candida Albicans Biofilms. Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 2005 Jan; 49(1): 473. doi: 10.1128/AAC.49.1.473.2005. [PMCID: PMC538912]. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC538912/
4.  Mark Feldman 1, Shinichi Tanabe, Amy Howell (et al). Cranberry Proanthocyanidins Inhibit The Adherence Properties Of Candida Albicans And Cytokine Secretion By Oral Epithelial Cells. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2012 Jan 16;12:6. doi: 10.1186/1472-6882-12-6. [PMID: 22248145]. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22248145/
5. Yoshiaki Omura 1, Brian O’Young, Marilyn Jones, (et al). Caprylic Acid In The Effective Treatment Of Intractable Medical Problems Of Frequent Urination, Incontinence, Chronic Upper Respiratory Infection, Root Canalled Tooth Infection, ALS, Etc., Caused By Asbestos & Mixed Infections Of Candida Albicans, Helicobacter Pylori & Cytomegalovirus With Or Without Other Microorganisms & Mercury. Acupunct Electrother Res. 2011;36(1-2):19-64. doi: 10.3727/036012911803860886. PMID: 21830350 .https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21830350/
6.  Bilal Ahmad Paray, Mohammed Fahad Albeshr, Arif Tasleem Jan, (et al). Leaky Gut and Autoimmunity: An Intricate Balance in Individuals Health and the Diseased State.  Int J Mol Sci. 2020 Dec; 21(24): 9770. Published online 2020 Dec 21. doi: 10.3390/ijms21249770. [PMCID: PMC7767453]. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7767453/