Home Remedies for Yeast Infection

Yeast infection is caused by a fungus known as Candida albicans. It may not be life-threatening, although it does bring with it a lot of discomfort. Women suffering from vaginal yeast infection are often unaware of the disease, as the symptoms are not always apparent. If detected, some women do find it a tad embarrassing to be discussed. Home remedies, therefore, bring relief to all the women who find themselves suffering from this condition. But first, let's get to identifying the symptoms.

Normally, this fungus is present on the skin and inside our bodies. The acidic environment in the vagina helps check the growth of this fungus. It is when the acidic level drops down due a variety of factors ranging from menstruation, intake of antibiotics, steroids, and diabetes, that the fungus starts multiplying and causes a vaginal infection. Disregarding personal hygiene too, is a primary cause of vaginal yeast infection.

Symptoms of this infection are:

• A thick, odorless, and creamy vaginal discharge
• Experiencing pain during sexual intercourse
• Itching and burning sensation in the vagina and the vulva
• Swelling of the vulva
• Burning sensation during urination

If you are noticing these symptoms the first time, it is advised that you visit your gynecologist and get an examination done. It could be a serious vaginal infection or vaginal inflammation such as trichomonas, or bacterial vaginosis, all of which need appropriate medication.

While most of the following remedies have been recommended for vaginal yeast infection, they could also be used to treat the same on other areas of the body. Also, you need to take care in following these, if you happen to be allergic to any of the ingredients used. Home remedies may not have side effects, but they may cause an allergic reaction.

Garlic  is known for its antifungal properties. So, make sure that you include 2-3 cloves of garlic in your daily meals. You can also try to gently apply garlic on the affected area, if your skin is not blistered or raw. Wrap a minced garlic clove in a cheesecloth and dab it on the area very gently. Please do not try this on broken skin as it may cause severe burning.

Tea tree oil  is a natural antifungal agent. Pour a few drops of diluted tea tree oil on a tampon coated with a lubricant and insert into the vagina. Let it remain for at least half an hour. Do this every morning and night for a couple of days. This will help get rid of the infection.

Making yogurt a part of your daily diet will work wonders. Just consume a bowl of unsweetened yogurt everyday, as it is helpful in curing fungal infections. Alternatively, you can use it as a topical application as well. Dip a tampon in yogurt and insert in the vagina. Do this twice a day, once in the morning and at night, till symptoms go away. Another way is to take a tablespoon of yogurt and dab it on the inner walls of the vagina. This is best done at night, just before going to bed.

Apple cider vinegar is renowned for its antibacterial and antifungal properties. Fill a bathtub with warm water mixed with 1 cup of apple cider vinegar. Take a soak in this bath solution for about 20 minutes. Dry the vaginal area thoroughly using super absorbent tissues.

Cranberries are quite acidic, which makes them a handy cure for yeast infections. Drink a glass of unsweetened cranberry juice everyday, and you're sure to observe the changes.

To get relief from the itching and burning, boil rosemary leaves in water and use it as a douche. Drinking 3-4 cups of thyme tea can also help you get rid of the infection.

Taking these precautions will ensure that you do not suffer from recurring bouts of vaginal yeast infection.

• Prefer wearing well-fitting cotton undergarments to let your skin breathe
• Tight underwear, leotards and pantyhose should be avoided
• Skinny pants, tight denims, jeggings, and leggings are a strict no-no

• Have an immediate change of clothes if you get wet
• Prefer clothes made of natural fibers
• Keep the affected area dry with super absorbent tissues.
• Avoid using deodorants and perfumes in the genital area. Also stay away from deodorizing sanitary pads and tampons.
• After using the toilet always wipe from front to back; never back to front.

Yeast infection can be embarrassing and if it is not treated on time, it can lead to complications as well. Preventing it is the best you can do, but if you have developed the infection, following the above mentioned home remedies should ensure that you never have to suffer from a yeast infection again.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this story is solely for educating the reader. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a medical expert.