Natural Remedy for Yeast Infection

Natural Remedy for Yeast Infections: Simple Effective Solutions

Yeast infection is not considered a serious condition. It can occur in many parts of the body including the vagina, underarms, and in between the toes. It can happen to both males and females. Sufferers of yeast infection also include children who sometimes get mouth yeast infection. At most, yeast infection is very irritating and uncomfortable.

Candida albicans is the fungus that causes vaginal yeast infection. This type of infection affects many women several times in their lifetime. There are different factors that can contribute to the development of yeast infection in women. These factors are pregnancy, oral contraceptive use, diabetes, use of steroids and of some antibiotics. Usually, yeast infection occurs more often after a woman has undergone menopause. This is because the estrogen levels decline and this causes the thinning of the vaginal walls.

Vaginal yeast infections (candidiasis) are extremely common. This is not the same as genital herpes or vaginal herpes. Vaginal yeast and vaginal herpes have common symptoms but are two different conditions. The organisms responsible for yeast infection (candida) are always present in small numbers in various parts of the human body. Too many of these organism will lead to a yeast infection. Because of the level of acidity in the vaginal area, the number of these organisms is kept at a low number. When the level of acidity decreases, the number of candida yeast rise causing an infection. There are a number of factors that contribute to the rise in candida numbers.

Symptoms of genital yeast infection

There are a number of symptoms to watch out for. Women with yeast infection have one or more of the following symptoms:

  • Itching around the vagina
  • Burning sensation in the area of the vagina
  • Cottage cheese looking vaginal discharge
  • Pain while engaging in sexual intercourse
  • Burning sensation while urinating
  • Diagnosing vaginal yeast infection

A woman with the one or more of the symptoms above should see her gynecologist. He can give her the correct diagnosis and suggest curative action. If you suspect yeast infection, have yourself evaluated especially if any of the following apply to you:

  • First bout with yeast infection
  • Had other kinds of vaginal and/or urinary tract infection
  • Treated self for yeast infection but symptoms persisted
  • Suffering from a weakened immune system because of cancer treatments or AIDS and other related diseases
  • Experiencing fever, nausea, vomiting, chills, nausea, back or abdominal pain, bloody discharge, problems in the urinary tract (frequent urination, difficulty urinating)
  • Had multiple sex partners or with a new sex partner

After the examination, the doctor can tell you whether you have vaginal yeast infection or another condition like bacterial vaginosis, non-infectious vaginitis or trichomoniasis. Some antibiotic treatments can also cause candidiasis.

 

Yeast infection natural treatment

One can cure a yeast infection through a variety of ways. Prescription drugs are probably the number one option most women with yeast infection take. However, natural remedies and other home remedies may be a better option to start with. Below are some of the natural and home remedies to cure yeast infection.

Probiotics

One of the most popular natural remedies for yeast infection is probiotics. These are the live microorganisms that naturally occur in both the digestive tract and the vagina. Probiotics are the good bacteria that suppress the development of possible harmful organisms one of these being candida yeast. Probiotic supplements are being explored as natural remedies for yeast infection.

Lactobacillus is the kind of probiotic researchers have been studying as possible natural remedies for yeast infection. It has been found that lactobacilli, at low levels in the vagina, have been linked to yeast infection. Some studies have shown that this type of probiotic has the ability to block candida albicans’ growth in the vagina thereby mitigating candida overgrowth. Lactobacillus also helps in detoxification and in enzyme production.

Probiotics are in the market as oral supplements. Less available are probiotic vaginal suppositories. Plain yogurt also has probiotics. Eating plain yogurt increases the probiotics in your digestive tract and has other health benefits for men, women, and children. A tampon dipped in yogurt then inserted in the vagina twice daily will make the symptoms of vaginal yeast infection go away.

Boric acid suppositories

Boric acid, a chemical substance containing mild anti-fungal and antiseptic properties, is yet another yeast infection natural remedy. Compounding pharmacies sell boric acid suppositories. Yeast Arrest is one such product. This contains not only boric acid but herbs calendula and Oregon grape root. But since boric acid is considered toxic, there are naturally safety concerns. Prolonged used is not suggested and the amounts used should not go over the minimum. Pregnant women should not use boric acid. It also should never be applied to infants’ or children’s skin. Irritation and vaginal burning are side effects of boric acid vaginal suppositories.

Tea tree oil

Tea tree oil has a compound called terpinen-4-ol thought to be responsible for curing yeast infection. Diluted tea tree oil is used as a natural yeast infection remedy. The diluted oil (use olive oil to dilute the tea tree oil) is applied to the vaginal area topically or a few drops are placed on a tampon and inserted into the vagina. This essential oil should not be used full strength.

Garlic

If the yeast infection is not located on the vagina, garlic paste can be applied to the infected part of the body. Men can use this natural remedy for yeast infection. Ideally, fresh garlic should be used. Garlic clove is mashed and turned into paste. If fresh garlic is not available, diluted garlic oil is added to Vitamin E oil plus coconut oil (a few drops will do). Apply the mixture of these oils on the yeast infected skin.

Apple cider vinegar

One of the many health benefits of apple cider vinegar is curing yeast infections. The cider vinegar, which is quite strong, should never be applied on the skin directly. Instead, the apple cider is added to the bath water. Do not use plain vinegar which actually feeds, instead of kills the yeast. Most recommend Bragg’s Apple Cider Vinegar (with Mother).

Yeast infections are highly treatable. There are a number of home remedies and natural remedy for yeast infection. Infections in women are higher. Probiotics, boric acid suppositories, tea tree oil, garlic and apple cider vinegar are used as home remedies for yeast infection. When yeast infection strikes, eliminate the cause and treat the infection immediately. Chronic sufferers should see their doctors as soon as possible. Prolonged period of yeast infection may affect the urinary tract and the kidney. The quicker you deal with the problem, the faster it goes away.

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