Natural Yeast Infection Treatments
Though we live in a day and age that provides easy access to antifungal creams, suppositories and even pills to treat vaginal yeast infections, there are many natural choices also known to eliminate unwanted yeast. It is important to note that most antifungal medications also deliver uncomfortable side effects such as headaches, abdominal pain and even nausea. If taken over time, they also have the potential of compromising your immune system for future infections. It is estimated that 2 out of every 3 women who self diagnose themselves with a yeast infection, and then turn to medications don’t even have a yeast infection. For this purpose, it is important to seek the help of your doctor in diagnosising a yeast overgrowth to avoid taking unnecessary medication.
Once you are certain you have a yeast infection, there are a few inexpensive, natural, and most important, effective options at your disposal. Plain yogurt containing live cultures is one of the best natural treatments for yeast infections. Though eating yogurt can be a good idea, it can also be applied inside of your vagina. All you need is a tampon and some plain yogurt (no fruit or sugar) containing live active cultures. Rub your tampon in the yogurt and insert into your vagina twice a day. Continue this for one full day after your symptoms have gone away.
Tea tree oil can also be used, as it is highly antifungal. Two drops of oil can be added to a lubricated tampon and inserted in the vagina twice daily, then one full day after symptoms subside. Though tea tree is very effective at eliminating yeast, it is also important to note that it may cause some irritation and may not be suitable for or tolerated by everyone.
Garlic is also notorious for it’s antifungal properties and can be extremely effective at eliminating yeast infections. To use garlic, wrap a clove in cheesecloth, tying it together with plain dental floss. Insert into the vagina with some of the dental floss hanging out for easy removal. Leave the garlic in for several hours, preferably overnight. You may do this twice daily until one full day after symptoms are gone.
Last but certainly not least, I thought I would mention a few tips to help control the yeast already present during an infection and keep it from coming back. First, yeast grows in moist, warm environments. Make sure your vaginal area stays cool and dry throughout the day. Wear cotton underwear and avoid wearing tight fitting pants, leotards, or nylons for extended periods of time.
Second, though douching may make you feel clean and fresh, it also destroys the ‘friendly’ bacteria that naturally fights yeast within your vagina. Perfumes and scented soaps can also be irritating and prolong healing during a yeast infection. Unscented soap and/or water are the safest ways to clean your vagina. It is also a good idea to completely dry your genital area either with a towel or hair dryer on a cool setting after you shower or bathe. Using these simple guidelines while practicing good eating, sleeping and exercising habits will help you stay strong and yeast infection free!
