In many cases, yeast infections can be easily and successfully treated at home. This is done with either over-the-counter products or alternative therapies.
Anecdotal reports suggest that many women experience relief from such home treatments.
However, scientific evidence varies for the effectiveness of these alternative therapies.
1. Over-the-counter treatments
Antifungal treatments in the form of creams or pessaries can be purchased over the counter to treat yeast infections. These are available without a prescription and are available to purchase online, or are found in:
- pharmacies
- drugstores
- grocery stores
Depending on the product, the treatment may be for external or internal use and treat the infection with:
- a single application
- a 3-day application
- a weeklong application
Treatments that are applied internally have been shown to cure more than
2. Boric acid
Vaginal boric acid capsules can work for women with a yeast infection. These may be especially useful for women with recurrent infections.
The
Some
3. Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil has long been prized for its antifungal properties. A
In the majority of the studies reviewed, tea tree oil was tested on candida albicans, one of the most common yeasts in vaginal infections.
Vaginal suppositories containing tea tree oil have been
However, extreme caution must be used when using tea tree oil, as it can irritate the skin, and the vaginal walls are particularly sensitive.
Tea tree is an essential oil and, as such, needs to be mixed with a carrier oil. People can use 3-5 drops of tea tree oil in 1 ounce of warmed coconut oil to soak a tampon. It is important to change the tampon regularly.
Also, people can be allergic to tea tree oil. Test the diluted oil on an area the size of a dime on the forearm, and if there is no reaction in 12 to 24 hours, it may be safe to use on the more sensitive genital area.
Other research indicates that a component of tea tree oil (terpinen-4-ol) enhances the activity of the common antifungal drug fluconazole. This is in cases of drug-resistant candida albicans.
4. Probiotic supplements
Some probiotic supplements may offer a natural solution to yeast infection. These are available in pharmacies and health stores, or online.
Some brands of probiotic supplements sell specially formulated products for female reproductive health. These aim to restore the balance of bacteria and yeast in the vagina. The supplements are taken orally or inserted vaginally.
In a
In the study, the women used one pill a night for a week. They then inserted one every third night for 3 weeks. After this, they used the treatment just once a week on an ongoing basis as a preventative measure.
Other
5. Natural yogurt
Natural, unsweetened, non-flavored yogurt contains beneficial bacteria, called probiotics. These contribute to health and help restore the balance of bacteria and yeast in the body.
A 2006 review of research found that certain types of probiotics may combat some of the yeasts that cause vaginal yeast infection. While the reviewers flagged issues with several of the studies they cited, many people report relief from:
- eating yogurt
- applying to the vulva around the vagina
- inserting it vaginally
6. Coconut oil
Coconut oil has antifungal properties and has been shown to combat the Candida albicans yeast. Raw organic coconut oil can be applied internally or externally to ease symptoms.
Warmed coconut oil can also be used as a carrier oil for more powerful antifungal essential oils, including tea tree oil or oil of oregano.
Coconut oil is available to purchse online. Some products may be specifically suited for cooking, rather than for use on skin, so compare products and brands to choose an appropriate product.
7. Garlic
Garlic is a known antifungal and antibiotic. However, recent
As an alternative to eating garlic, some women have tried using garlic internally. They claim to experience relief from yeast infection, by placing a garlic clove, threaded with a string, into the vagina overnight. While there is no evidence to say this works, it is a low-risk home remedy for yeast infection.
People with sensitive skin may experience burning and even skin damage. As such, people should not use garlic if they have sensitive skin. If the burning sensation worsens, people should discontinue use.
Also, a vaginal cream containing garlic and thyme was
8. Oil of oregano
Most oregano oil is made using the common oregano, origanum marjoram, which has no special properties.
However, oil of oregano made from the wild oregano, origanum vulgare, contains two potent antifungals: thymol and carvacrol.
Using wild oregano oil was shown in some
Essential oils should be mixed with carrier oils before use and never applied directly to the skin. People can mix 3-5 drops of oil of oregano essential oil in 1 ounce of sweet almond oil, warmed coconut oil, or olive oil. A tampon should be soaked in this mixture for a few minutes, then insert and change every 2-4 hours during the day. People should not leave a medicated tampon in for more than 6 hours. It is a good idea to test for allergies to oil of oregano on the forearm before use.
When to avoid home remedies
Many home remedies are safe for the most people with yeast infections. However, the following people should not try to treat themselves:
- pregnant women
- anyone who has been exposed to a sexually transmitted infection
- people with a recurrent yeast infection
- people who are unsure if their symptoms are caused by a yeast infection
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