We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What are the Best Natural Remedies for Yeast Infections?

By Alex Terris
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 6,790
Share

Some of the best natural remedies for yeast infections include probiotics, sometimes known as “good” bacteria, and tea tree oil. Probiotics are taken orally while tea tree oil is applied to the vaginal area. There are many other home remedies including boric acid and raw garlic. Increasing general hygiene and avoiding tight underwear can also sometimes assist with treating the condition. As most natural remedies for yeast infections have not been through clinical trials, it is essential to contact a doctor before starting any self-treatment.

Probiotics, which contain live microscopic organisms, are among the most common types of natural remedies for yeast infections. The idea is that the bacteria contained within probiotics stops the growth of yeast infection bacteria, i.e., Candida. While many have found that probiotics have helped to cure their yeast infections, the scientific evidence is inconclusive. There are preliminary trials that suggest that this home remedy could be effective, but no large scale and reliable test has yet been performed.

Tea tree oil is another popular natural remedy for yeast infections. Instead of being taken as an oral supplement like probiotics, tea tree oil is applied directly to the vaginal area. Some women have found that the oil, or more specifically a substance called terpinen-4-ol contained within it, has cured their yeast infection. There is, however, very little evidence that this form of treatment works or that it is safe to use, so a doctor should always be consulted.

Other natural remedies for yeast infections include boric acid suppositories, reducing the amount of sugar in the person’s diet, and eating raw garlic. Boric acid is a highly popular alternative treatment, and there is some evidence to suggest that it works. Garlic is thought by some people to kill yeast, although its health benefits may be negated if it is cooked.

Aside from alternative remedies, there are some lifestyle changes that may help to cure a yeast infection. If, for example, a woman regularly wears tight underwear, this could prevent the problem from clearing up naturally. Using soaps and other irritants to wash the vaginal area could also create the optimum environment for a yeast infection. The more hygienic a person is, the less likely a yeast infection is to occur.

It’s always important for a patient to consult a doctor before trying any natural remedies for yeast infections. Many home treatments are safe, but others are known to have side effects or react with some medications. Repeated yeast infections can indicate an underlying problem; if a woman develops the condition several times in a short timespan, she should obtain a professional diagnosis.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
By SarahGen — On Dec 31, 2013

I don't mind eating yogurt or taking probiotics to treat my yeast infection symptoms. But I'm not going to eat raw garlic or douche with vinegar. If the yogurt doesn't work, then I'll ask my doctor for a cream. I'm a proponent of natural remedies, but there is only so much I will try.

By bear78 — On Dec 30, 2013

@burcinc-- My sister treated her yeast infection with tea tree oil. Undiluted tea tree oil is irritating, so it's best to mix it with something like aloe vera gel. You don't need a lot of tea tree oil, about five drops should be enough. Mix them together and apply it topically. Aloe vera gel is very soothing, so it will relieve itching as well. If it doesn't work, you can increase the tea tree oil by a drop or two. Tea tree oil is definitely a great home remedy for yeast infections.

Have you used tea tree oil before though? Test some on your arm before using it for your yeast infection. I can't use tea tree oil because I'm allergic. So you should make sure that your skin doesn't react to the oil before using it vaginally.

By burcinc — On Dec 30, 2013

Has anyone here tried tea tree oil for vaginal yeast infection symptoms?

I have a yeast infection and so far, I have tried yogurt, vinegar douche and baking soda baths. All of them provide relief for a day or two and relieve itching somewhat. But the symptoms return worse than ever afterward.

I think I need to use a stronger natural remedy and I'm thinking about trying tea tree oil. But will it irritate my skin? And do I apply it undiluted or diluted with a carrier oil?

Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-are-the-best-natural-remedies-for-yeast-infections.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.