Natural Yeast Infection Treatments

Yeast infections occur when a bacterial imbalance causes the yeast organism Candida albicans to multiply abundantly. Common symptoms of a candida infection include itching, burning sensation, irritation, redness in the area, and a cheesy white discharge. A doctor can give you a prescription to treat the infection, but there are natural yeast infection treatments that you can use effectively.

Yeast infections are not limited to women. Men, children, and even babies can have them too. In women, yeast infection of the vagina is very common. However, different parts of the body can be affected, including the mouth and skin.

Infections caused by the candida yeast can cause discomfort and pain. If you do not like to use prescription medications, you may want to try the following natural yeast infection treatments:

Yogurt

Yogurt contains good bacteria that destroy yeast. Make sure the yogurt that you use contains live cultures of probiotics such as acidophilus and bifidus. You can eat the yogurt or apply it topically. Use your finger or a plastic tampon applicator to insert some into the vagina. Be sure to use only plain yogurt with no sugar added.

Probiotics

Take probiotics such as lactobacillus acidophilus supplements. These are readily available in pharmacies and health food stores. Probiotics help maintain the bacterial balance in your system to prevent and cure yeast infections.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Dilute one to three tablespoons cider vinegar in a quart of water and use as a douche. Do this daily for up to a week while you have the symptoms. Vinegar will help restore the normal pH levels of the vagina and help kill yeast.

Avoid Sugar

Sugar is food for the yeast. Lessen or eliminate sugar intake to discourage yeast growth.

Garlic

Garlic is a natural anti-fungal agent. Peel a garlic clove and wrap in gauze. Insert the garlic clove into the vagina and leave it there overnight.

Another natural treatment for yeast infection is to soak a garlic clove in apple cider vinegar with two cups water. Use this as a douche in the affected areas.

Gentian Violet

Gentian violet has long been used as a traditional treatment for yeast and other infections. It is available in many pharmacies. Swab the infected area once or twice a day.

Herbal Douche

Make an herbal douche by combining equal parts of sage, raspberry and comfrey with one-fourth part goldenseal. You can combine this with cider vinegar.

Natural yeast infection treatments are effective remedies. However, it is also advisable to know the causes of yeast infection so that you will be able to avoid getting the infection in the first place.