Home Remedies for Yeast Infections

What are Yeast Infections?

Yeast infections, also known as Candidiasis, are fungal infections.



These infections commonly result in superficial infections such as vaginitis and oral thrush; however, they can also cause systemic diseases that are collectively referred to as Candidemia. Candidemia is known to occur in people who are suffering from cancer, who have recently had a organ replacement surgery, and who are AIDS patients.

What Causes Yeast Infections?

Yeast infections are caused by Candida, a type of yeast. While the presence of Candida is common among humans, infections occur when Candida multiplies uncontrollably. In general, other bacteria present in the human body as well as the immune system keep a check on Candida, preventing the occurrence of an infection.

How I Can Treat Yeast Infections?

Typically, yeast infections are treated with antimycotics, which are drugs that destroy or fight fungi.



These are available as topical antifungal creams and as tablets that are meant to be taken orally. However, it should be noted that these medicines merely treat the infection and alleviate symptoms, making reoccurrence a definite possibility. Thus, it is important to diagnose the underlying conditions that are causing the infections in order to completely resolve the problem.

Home Remedies:

Over the years, home remedies have been considerably effective in fighting Candidiasis and alleviating symptoms. Listed below are some of the most popular home remedies for yeast infections.

Yogurt is a natural source of lactobacillus acidophilus, which is ‘good bacteria’.



This makes it an excellent weapon against yeast infections. You can either include yogurt in your diet or apply it directly on the affected area. Since yogurt helps in providing your body with the necessary ‘good bacteria’, continuing to include it in your diet even after the infection is treated will prevent reoccurrence. For those who are unable to consume yogurt, such as people who are lactose intolerant, acidophilus (the good bacteria) is also available in the market in a variety of forms such as capsules, tables, and liquids.



These can be used in place of yogurt to treat yeast infections.

Popular for its anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties, garlic is an equally effective weapon against yeast infections. Similar to yogurt, garlic can also be consumed orally as a dietary supplement and can be applied to infected areas. Fresh garlic cloves eaten daily boost the production of healthy bacteria and help in combating yeast infections.



Garlic capsules are also available in the market and can be taken as a supplement.

Cranberry juice has been recommended by doctors owing to its anti-bacterial property. It should be included in one’s diet to help alleviate the symptoms of yeast infections. Another effective remedy for Candidiasis is tea tree oil.



Applying diluted tea tree oil on the affected area is effective because of tea tree oil is a natural antiseptic; however, it may result in irritation for those with sensitive skin.

There are many herbs that are also effective in fighting yeast infections. These include black walnut, chamomile, golden seal, and licorice. These can be consumed orally or applied on the affected areas by making a paste with lukewarm water.