Home Remedies and Herbs for Yeast Infection

A yeast infection is a common form of fungal infection normally associated with the vulva and tissues at the opening of the vagina. Vaginal yeast infections are inflammations also known as vaginitis and vaginal candidiasis and affect millions of women each year. Yeast infections in women are so common that an estimated 75 percent of women will develop at least one yeast infection in their lifetime. Many women experience multiple cases of yeast infections. ^1,2,4
 
Vaginal yeast infections are usually attributed to the fungal yeast germ Candida albicans that naturally occurs on the body including the vagina, mouth, digestive system and on the skin. Normally, yeast production remains controlled and checked in balance by other naturally occurring bodily bacteria. Due to the warm, moist, dark conditions associated with the vaginal area, this is the perfect breeding ground for yeast to proliferate. Once the balance is disrupted, yeast fungi rapidly multiply and cause infections. ^1,2,4
 
All forms of yeast are fungal and different from plants where they don’t require sunlight and chlorophyll to grow. Fungi like Candida albicans and a few other forms of infectious yeast create their own food which is how they multiply and spread within the body. ⁴

What Causes Yeast Infection
 
Yeast infection causes are entirely related to fungi growths that naturally occur but aren’t kept in balance by bacteria that are also present in the body. A vagina normally contains a balanced mix of yeast like candida and “good” bacteria such as Lactobacillus that prevents overgrowth of yeast. This results in a yeast infection in women. ¹
 
Yeast infection causes and yeast overgrowth can be due to the following: 

• Antibiotic use that decreases the presence of lactobacillus bacteria, raising the pH level in the vagina and making it hospitable for yeast growth
• Taking oral contraceptives or hormone therapy that increase estrogen production
• Impaired immune system
• Uncontrolled diabetes
• Pregnancy
• Obesity

Yeast infection causes are not attributed to sexually transmitted diseases. Rather, yeast infections in women are normal vaginal conditions that go out of control. Women who are not sexually active can easily get yeast infections, however, yeast infection in women can be spread by sexual contact, particularly oral to genital acts. ^1,2
 
Yeast Infection Symptoms
 
The most prominent of yeast infection symptoms are an intense itchiness along with a burning in the vaginal area. ^1,2,4
 
Other common yeast infection symptoms are: 

• Abnormal vaginal discharge
• Pain during intercourse
• Pain while urinating
• Swelling and redness of the outer vagina and surrounding skin

Numerous yeast infections symptoms may indicate greater health problems. A woman having more than several yeast infections per year should seek medical advice. Most often yeast infections will disappear with proper treatment and a return to a healthy vaginal fungi-bacteria balance. ³
 
Natural Remedies and Herbs for Yeast Infection
 
The vast majority of cases of yeast infection symptoms are easily cured by natural treatment. Some of the most effective yeast infection home remedies are:

• Apple Cider Vinegar - Apple Cider Vinegar, or ACV, is one of the best-known yeast infection home remedies when used as a douche. ACV has natural anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal properties. ACV also restores a proper pH level in the vagina.
• Tea Tree Oil - Tea Tree is an essential oil widely used for curing yeast infections. It needs to be highly diluted when used as a douche otherwise tea tree oil will create intense burning.
• Garlic Clove - Garlic contains natural antifungal substances that kill yeast growths. Raw garlic is crushed and inserted as a tampon inside the vagina. It’s left to sit for several hours before changing.
• Yogurt - Yogurt contains the lactobacillus bacteria and is highly recommended for curing yeast infections, even by most medical practitioners. The bacteria in yogurt boosts the body’s natural bacteria and helps in returning a healthy balance of fungi to bacteria.
• Coconut Oil - Natural anti-fungal health benefits are found in coconut oil including being a proven home remedy for treating yeast infections.
• Boric Acid -  Boric acid is found in minerals that come from volcanic waters and hot springs. It’s commercially available as a combination of boron and water that treats bacterial and fungal infections.

References

1. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/yeast-infection/basics/causes/con-20035129
2. http://umm.edu/health/medical/ency/images/yeast-infections
3. http://umm.edu/health/medical/ency/articles/vaginal-yeast-infection
4. https://draxe.com/vaginal-yeast-infection/