Vaginal Yeast Infection

Vaginal yeast infections, also known as candidiasis, are a common female condition. Yeast infections are caused by the fungus candida. This fungus is associated with intense itching, swelling, and irritation.

Natural Remedies

• Garlic is a time honored cure for vaginal yeast infections. Peel a garlic bulb. For easy retrieval you can sew a string through it. At bedtime, insert the clove into the vagina. Remove in the morning. It's that simple. If you cut slits in the bulb, it will work even better. Or you can slice it in half. Slicing and dicing actually increase the "dosage" or strength. Don't be surprised when you find you can taste the garlic. This is a good reminder that every part of our body is connected through fluids and that yeast is a systemic problem.
• Colloidal silver kills yeast on contact. Besides coconut or neem oil, colloidal silver is the least effective within the list, though many do swear by it. Also, it does not cause a burning sensation like many other choices. For a douche, use 1 tablespoon colloidal silver to 8 ounces of water.
• Tea tree oil can be used in a douche (20 drops to 8 ounces of water) or applied directly to a tampon and inserted into the vagina. You can either soak a tampon in tea tree oil or coat it with coconut oil (to keep the tea tree oil from absorbing) and add drops of tea tree oil.
• Oil of Oregano : Gelcaps can be inserted directly into the vagina at night. Body heat will melt the gel. Use 20 drops of oil of oregano liquid to 8 ounces of water for a douche. It can also be used on a tampon (see tea tree oil above).
• Undecylenic acid kills Candida very quickly, however be forewarned--it burns. You can poke a hole in the gelcaps and squeeze the oil directly into the vagina or use 1-3 capsules in 8 ounces of water for a douche. You can also use it on a tampon (see above) or add to coconut oil.
• Coconut oil is an antifungal but it may work best when mixed with other more potent antifungal oils such as oil of oregano or tea tree oil. When an infection is severe and the outer tissues are affected, coconut oil can be a soothing relief. Neem oil is another oil with relatively weaker antimicrobial properties that can be used in a similar manner.
• Apple Cider vinegar : To douche with apple cider vinegar, add two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to 8 ounces of filtered water.

Medical Disclaimer

This information is not meant to be substituted for medical advice. Always consult a medical professional regarding any medical problems and before undertaking any treatment or dietary changes.