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 is the Best Natural Cure for Yeast Infection?

By J.S. Metzker Erdemir
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 6,668
Share

Vaginal yeast infection, characterized by redness and inflammation, severe itching, and a white, lumpy discharge, is an extremely common condition. It is caused by an imbalance of bacteria naturally found in the vagina, rather than an infection from an outside source. The best natural cure for yeast infection should restore the balance of vaginal flora and maintain the vagina's normal pH so the beneficial bacteria may continue to flourish. Common elements of a natural cure for yeast infection include yogurt, garlic, and supplements that promote the growth of healthy bacteria in the vagina.

One common natural cure for yeast infection is plain, unpasteurized yogurt because yogurt contains beneficial probiotics. Some brands of yogurt have additional probiotics added into them. Usually right before bed, the yogurt may be applied directly to the vagina and vulva, or frozen yogurt may be used as a suppository. The cold temperature of the yogurt can help soothe the itching and discomfort. Eating yogurt daily may also be an effective natural cure for yeast infection.

Probiotic nutritional supplements are also available to help maintain the optimum level of beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract and vagina. Nutritional supplements containing probiotics are extracted from natural sources. These are often recommended while taking antibiotics to prevent the growth of candida.

Garlic is another widely-used natural cure for a yeast infection, as is tea tree oil. Garlic and tea tree oil both have anti-fungal properties, and are natural ways to reduce candida outbreaks. Garlic can be used as a suppository, usually as a whole clove wrapped in gauze that is inserted into the vagina at bedtime. Tea tree oil must be diluted before application to delicate vaginal skin, either topically to the vulva or in a douche with water or vinegar.

In a healthy vagina, the fungus that causes the discomfort of a yeast infection is kept in check by beneficial bacteria such as acidophillus and lactobacillus, also called probiotics. The fungus, called candida, can grow out of control if the natural bacteria are reduced. Candida may also increase if the vagina is often in a warm, humid environment, such as a wet swimsuit or tight, non-breathable clothing. Oral antibiotics often lead to vaginal yeast infections because the antibiotics kill both beneficial and harmful bacteria. A yeast infection may also occur as a result of oral contraceptives, exhaustion, or illness.

Not all vaginal infections are yeast infections, so women should not attempt a natural cure for yeast infection themselves without a doctor's diagnosis. If a vaginal infection is accompanied by burning, fever, or a bad-smelling discharge, it is probably not a yeast infection and requires medical treatment.

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 ddljohn — On Feb 03, 2014

@SarahGen-- Vinegar definitely works! Vinegar has a bad reputation as a yeast infection cure because most women don't use it properly. Usually, women do not dilute their apple cider vinegar enough before using it as a douche. So they experience burning and irritation and vow to never use it again.

You don't need more than one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in a cup of water. If you are extremely sensitive, you may dilute it even further. Use this as a douche at least once a day to kill the yeast. It should be used for as long as it takes for the symptoms to disappear. I usually use it for an additional several days just to make sure.

If at any point you experience burning, pain and irritation, stop and discontinue. I'm not a doctor, so please be careful and take my advice if you feel that it is safe for you. I wouldn't want anyone to be harmed. Something that is safe or that works for one person may not work for another.

By ysmina — On Feb 03, 2014

@SarahGen-- Yogurt and probiotic supplements worked for me. I think it takes a lot of yogurt to naturally kill yeast, so it's a good idea to take a probiotic supplement as well. These are very potent and have several million good bacteria per capsule. So you will experience relief from symptoms of yeast infection faster. Some women apply plain yogurt into their vagina to kill the yeast but I have never tried that. I don't think it would work and I certainly wouldn't be comfortable with it.

I have never tried garlic or vinegar, so I can't comment about those.

By SarahGen — On Feb 02, 2014

Has anyone here tried any of these natural cures for yeast infections? Do any of them work? I've been eating yogurt, but I'm not seeing results.

Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-the-best-natural-cure-for-yeast-infection.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.