Yeast Infection Remedies

Yeast infection remedies are usually considered to be the natural cures rather than drug medication.  They can be taken orally or used topically, and therapies and preventative measures are also included. 

Herbal Remedies for Yeast Infections

Candida is a yeast that is classified as a fungus. Yeast thrives on sugars delivered by the bloodstream, so avoid sugar of all kinds, sugar substitutes and even fresh and dried fruit during an infection.

Eating plenty of vegetables will give you the nutrients needed to boost immunity.
Echinacea also provides support for immune function during this time.

Many herbs have the ability to get rid of yeast. Calendula, goldenseal, rosemary, cedar, and myrrh all have antifungal properties. Make strong infusions of these herbs to ease itching and burning; use either internally or apply externally with pads that have been soaked in the herbal infusion.

Get the best guide to stop yeast infections for ever

Garlic has strong antifungal and antiyeast abilities. It is particularly good at inhibiting the growth of candida. Try to take at least one clove of fresh garlic every day.  Take note that garlic is an anticoagulant; inform your physician if you take anticoagulants.

The friendly bacteria Lactobacillus acidophilus is helpful taken orally or inserted as a suppository in the vagina. It is available over the counter in capsule and powder form, or you can use yogurt containing active cultures.

You can often avoid yeast infections with a few precautions.  Stay dry. Yeast organisms like warm, moist conditions, with little or no oxygen. To avoid providing those conditions dry your genital area thoroughly after bathing or showering.

Avoid wearing panties, pants, or hose that fit tightly in the vaginal area. Wear cotton underwear and loose pants, and, if you must wear nylons, choose those that have a built-in cotton-lined panty. Also, avoid hanging around in a wet swimsuit; change into dry clothing as soon as you’ve finished swimming.

Avoid harsh soaps, "feminine hygiene" sprays, and perfumed products. The alcohol and other chemicals in these products cause irritation and alter the pH balance of the vagina, allowing yeast to flourish.

Women who take birth control pills appear to be at increased risk for developing yeast infections.  Some studies have shown that oral contraceptives increase the glycogen (the body's storage form of sugar) in the vagina which provides more food for yeast reproduction.

Contraceptive sponges seem to be a yeast culprit, too. If recurrent yeast infections are a problem for you, consider an alternative birth control method such as condoms, a diaphragm, a cervical cap, or an intrauterine device (IUD).

Sexual partners can pass yeast infections back and forth, even if one of them has gotten treatment. Often, men harbor yeast organisms, especially in the foreskin of an uncircumcised penis, but show no symptoms. So when one partner is treated for a yeast infection, the other should be treated at the same time to avoid reinfection. 

If you have a yeast infection, you should wash up extra carefully before lovemaking and should ask your sexual partner to do the same. You should also use a condom during intercourse to act as a barrier.  Spermicides and lubricants should be avoided as they may encourage the growth of yeast.

Women who douche frequently in the belief that it's a healthy practice may actually increase their risk for yeast infections by altering the vagina's pH balance. Routine douching is simply not necessary, since the vagina is able to clean itself.

Practice good hygiene. While yeast is usually passed between sexual partners, it can also be passed to others, including children, through activities such as shared baths. To ensure you're not passing on yeast, avoid bathing or sharing towels or bathwater with your children; wash your hands frequently - and always after using the bathroom - with soap and water; and wash your clothing in hot water. The high water temperature in your washing machine should destroy any yeast organisms on your clothes. But if you want to be sure they're all gone, add a cup of white vinegar during the rinse cycle.

Avoid stressful situations. They can bring on infection.

For complete details about yeast infection remedies we recommend Linda Allen’s system at Yeast Infection No More.  Linda explains how to use the topical applications as well as detailing how to cure yourself completely of yeast infections.

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