Home Remedies for Yeast Infections

Before we cover natural home remedies for yeast infections and their application it is best to start educating oneself on what yeast infections are, why do they occur, how can they be prevented and efficient treatments that stop can infections from recurring.

Yeast Infections( also known as thrush) are caused by an overgrowth of the fungus called Candida Albicans. Candida normally lives on the skin, in the mouth, intestines microbial flora. 

Yeast Infections affect both males and females but it is 10 times more commonly developed in women. It is estimated that 75% of women worldwide have experienced at least one yeast infection in their lifetime and between 40-50% of women have experienced recurrent yeast infections. It is important to note that yeast infections are not a form of an STD.

Common Yeast Infection Symptoms

Candidasis ( Female Yeast Infection) Symptoms

• Itching 
• Redness and swelling of the vulva
• Whitish and lumpy discharge
• Pain during sex
• Burning
  

When left untreated this fungus can spread to the thighs and anal area.

Oral Yeast Infections Symptoms

When yeast infection develop in the mouth, it causes the accumulation of white bits on the tongue.

Intestines Yeast Infection Symptoms

In the intestines, it cause a fermentation process, with symptoms of irritation, bloating, pain and diarrhea alternating with constipation.

Candida Albicans is present in all our bodies and usually there are no complications however there are factors or triggers can accelerate the increase in this fungus leading to a yeast infection.

Main Triggers Identified

• Prolonged Use of Antibiotics

• Treatment with hormonal drugs including oral contraceptives

• Immune Deificiency

• Wearing Synthetic Underwear and tight clothing
  

• Unbalanced Diabetes

• Improper Intimate Hygiene

• There are cases where some women get yeast infections during menstruation or pregnancy because during these times there is a change in pH, stimulating the development of the fungus.

There are a number of measures that can help prevent yeast infections:

• Practice correct toilet genital care, by always wiping from front to rear avoiding penetration and spread of germs of candida albicans from the intestine

• Avoid injuries when washing genitalia and when using tampons 

• Avoid using soaps, bath salts, deodorants or feminine products that contain substances that can change internal pH

• Use cotton underwear instead of tight or synthetic underwear which can create a warm and humid favourable development and multiplication of Candida Alicans germ.

Recurrent yeast infections affect women at least three times during the year. This can disturb the balance of normal sexual life as well as having a profound effect both physically and mentally.

The main cause of recurrent yeast infections may be due to a weak immune system. It is also possible that the seeds of Candida Albicans are well rooted deep internally and are surviving conventional treatments. Remember also that Candida can be sexually transmitted to a partner.

Conventional Treatments are applied directly to the genital areas also known as topical areas. There are two types of local treatment: creams and ovules. The cream is applied onto the internally.

Most women consider such treatments awkward and disturbing. In addition, local treatments have a reduced efficiency ( it doesn't reduce the risk of recurrent yeast infections) and require a longer duration to obtain favorable results.

Drugs which doctors have gotten us used to are the only treatment for yeast infections. Natural home remedies are a much better way to treat them and reduce the risk of recurrence.

Most people use a variety of OTC pills to treat yeast infections. Drugs are an easy option but may take several days or weeks to see results. There is also the possibility that the infection can recur. Therefore, natural home remedies for yeast infections are always a good alternative.

Here are some remedies you might find helpful in treating your yeast infection:

Natural Home Remedy # 1

Yogurt and Yeast Infections

It may be best administered not only orally, but if used externally. Yogurt cultures contain bacteria that can help eliminate Candida infection. Simply apply yogurt as you would a cream and then wait about 20 minutes. Treatment applied twice daily, morning and evening. Only use probiotic yogurt that contains live cultures.

Natural Home Remedy # 2

Tea Tree Oil and Yeast Infections

Well known for its antifungal properties in killing off the overgrowth of Candida. Apply a tampon soaked with tea tree oil as you would normally. Remove after 20 minutes. Treatment applied twice daily, morning and evening.

Note: Consult with your doctor before administering tea tree oil if you are pregnant!

Natural Home Remedy # 3

Apple Cider Vinegar and Yeast Infections

This was proven and used several hundreds years ago. A small amount of vinegar mixed with water can be an excellent remedy against minor yeast infections. The acid solution creates an environment hostile to the infection. Mix two tablespoons of white vinegar with one quarter of plain water and use it to wash the genital area. Repeat treatment twice daily for two days.

If you have problems with recurrent thrush trying to take measures as soon as possible. Otherwise, you can have even bigger problems.