Natural Yeast Infection Remedies: Herbal Solutions & Lifestyle Tips

Acidophilus

Posted by Shampoo (Houston, Texas) on 10/18/2009
★★★★★

I have been having recurring yeast infections for the last 4 years. This year I was diagnosed with HPV. My doctor adviced me to continue living a regular life style and that the HPV would go away on its own. The following week he inserted a Merina IUD. I told him that I thought the birth controls I was taking imbalanced my harmones. The IUD seem like it's not helping either. Every month I get a yeast infection. This month is by far the Worst Ever. I took off of work, because I was so uncomfortable. Aft reading about Acidolphius on this website, OMG!!!! Thank you sooooo much for the advice. To be honest, I was sort of skeptical about inserting a pill into my virgina. After trying prescribed medication (Diflucan, Terozol, etc.)and even over the counter medicine Monistat, I was desperate. I was sooo uncomfortable with the itching and burning that I was desperate for any advice. I went and purchased the 1 billion acidolphius. I took 3 orally, and I inserted 1 tablet vaginally. (I did not have time to freeze it, I just immediately inserted it). I feel like a completelly new lady. There in no itching, burning, or irritation (the first day). For the next 4-5 days I will continue doing this.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Kathy (Dubois, Pa) on 10/01/2009

For vaginal yeast infections, I like to take plain yogurt right out of the 'fridge and shoot it up my "cooter" with a turkey baster. It is very soothing, and has never failed to eliminate the yeast over-growth in just a few doses. I do this once in the morning and once at night for a couple of days and wear a pad to protect my clothes (and my dignity, LOL).

Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Pahlee (Phila, Pa) on 10/01/2009

Thank you for that tip, I have been using h202 and h20, which was was very beneficial for me, The more I read this site, the more I learn, hopefully I won't come in contact with this unwanted problem again, but if I do' I'll be sure try your tip or recommend it to someone else. This site is so enlightning.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Sheila (New York, Ny) on 10/01/2009
★★★★☆

Apple Cider Vinegar for Bacterial Vaginosis and Yeast Infection

I have been suffering with some sort of vaginitis for the past 3 or 4 months. At first, I had itching and a fishy discharge and it seemed like Bacterial Vaginosis. I started taking P. Reuteri probiotic capsules and it seemed to go away but after sex it always came back. After that I tried taking folic acid. The smell went away but the itching was worse than ever and my vagina was red and irritated.I then tried golden seal suppositories at night while taking golden seal and garlic capsules orally. The itching and redness were worse than EVER. At this point, it was starting to look like I actually had a yeast infection, but I had no cottage cheese discharge. After reading the entries here on yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis I noticed that Apple Cider Vinegar was used to treat both, so I bought unfiltered apple cider vinegar (with the mother) and I folded 2 paper towels together to use them as a rag. I put warm water on them and poured about 3 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and put it on my vagina. I left it there for about 2 minutes but I noticed it wasn't burning or stinging so I thought it wasn't working. I added about 2 more tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and it still wasn't stinging, but I still kept the rag on for about 2 more minutes. It didn't help right away but about 5 minutes later, I'm sitting at my desk typing this up and I am finally ITCH FREE! The redness has also decreased. I am so happy to finally get rid of this! I'm also going to start taking the apple cider vinegar orally in a glass of water before bed. Just wanted to say that if your symptoms are ambiguous and you aren't really sure if you have a yeast infection or bacterial vaginosis, it's a really good idea to try the apple cider vinegar, because people with both types of infections have seen results. You have nothing to lose !Good luck everyone! Don't give up!

Boric Acid

Posted by Dee (Charlotte, Nc) on 09/21/2009
★★★★★

I am a 27 year old female who has suffered from a raging yeast infection for the past six months. I tried everything, and I mean EVERYTHING to get rid of this infection and it would not go away. I took the one-dose diflucan pills three times and used a prescription cream once. These treatments used to help, but this time they did nothing. I then turned to alternative meds. At one time, I was taking oil of oregano drops, pau d'arco drops, garlic pills, capyrilic acid pills, doing apple cider vinegar douches, and following a low sugar/bread diet. This did not alleviate my symptoms at all. I had basically given up hope at this point and the yeast infection was seriously affecting my sexual relationship with my husband. I was sore and itchy all of the time and I had a serious amount of discharge. I tried the boric acid suppositories as a last resort. I had been afraid to use them before because of toxicity of the boric acid. After thoroughly researching, though, I realized that they were only toxic when taken internally and not intravaginally. Well, I bought the boric acid powder at the pharmacy (it was difficult to track down though, you might find it easier to order it from Amazon.com) and I actually used grapeseed extract capsules to fill. I just opened the capsules and dumped out the grapeseed extract and filled them with boric acid powder. This was MUCH cheaper than buying the empty capsules and just as effective. Now these capsules may be smaller than the OO empty ones and I also used half of the recommended dosage (one half-full pill every night for two weeks). I was still a little scared when I began the treatment, which is why I used less. I would recommend trying the lower dosage and then increasing the dosage if you respond well to avoid unecessary irritation. Well, within a week, my symptoms had drastically improved. After the two week treatment, my symptoms had disappeared. They later returned after my period and I had to continue treatment for another week (same low dosage). For me, the boric acid is more of a treatment than a cure (I often have to resume treatment when the infection returns), but it is the only thing that has given me relief from my symptoms. I am SO glad that I discovered this treatment. Just remember that you cannot take them orally, only as a vaginal suppository. I don't usually write testimonials, but I felt that I had to share this in case anyone found themselves in the same situation that I was in.

Grapefruit Seed Extract

Posted by Eh (Atlanta, Ga) on 09/08/2009
★★★★★

Grapefruit Seed Extract is an awesome product that I came to discover when I developed a terrible yeast infection from taking 2 rounds of antibiotics in one year, about 5 years ago. My docs could not even diagnose it, because it was what I would call "atypical yeast" -- not the typical symptoms, but rather an intense irritation and burning on the outside skin of my genitals. Anyway, I finally figured out that's what it was and went looking for natural treatments. BTW: you can do a search on GSE on the web and there are several websites that sell it, AND give VERY specific instructions on how to take it. But this is what I did: 10 drops GSE (in a empty capsule) 3 times/daily. (Be prepared to experience "detox" symptoms -- but mine were just a runny nose and a little headache). You could also douche with 5 drops/quart water. That is also recommended -- I did not, because my problem wasn't in my vagina, but on the outside. Since then, though, I have had "flare ups" with it again (got reinfected from my husband, actually, I think), and have used the douche - it gives almost instant relief -- a few times will almost cure it. But continue to use it -- I used it (decreased to 2x daily and then 1x daily) for months, for fear it it coming back. You can use it long-term without worring about it killing the good bacteria (or so they say), but I used a pro-biotic along with it (once/daily - spaced out 2 hrs between - very important!) You do not want to kill the good bacteria with the GSE... too expensive to do that! :o) Hope this helps! Oh! and the pet thing -- you can put it in their drinking water -- it is bitter so it may be difficult. But just give it maybe 2-3 drops and do it long-term... hopefully that will work. GSE has powerful anti-viral, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties. I have used it for many applications, after reading all that you could use it for on a website. It really is amazing. Hope this helps you guys!

Hydrogen Peroxide

Posted by Michelle (Jackson, Mi) on 09/07/2009

I just wanted to mention that hydrogen peroxide works on so much more that just bacteria. Just check out the hydrogen peroxide section on this site. I know from experience that it works on many other ailments including many skin rashes, canker sores and even athletes foot. I don't know personally if it works for yeast infection, but I don't think it's out of the question.

Tea Bags

Posted by Leah (Friendswood, Tx, United States) on 09/06/2009
★★★★★

There is one remedy I know of that works for yeast infections and doesnt burn like acv. It is regular tea bags. I dont know it stops the itching and irritation, but I m not sure if it cures it, I did this when I was on antibiotis and it worked. I wanted to take acidophillus, but I didnt know how it would interact with the antibiotics. What you do is:

1) boil some tea bags, black tea or chamomile, or whatever tea bags you have. I used Lipton and chamomile.
2) Get a douche bottle
3) Take the tea after it has cooled down and place it in the douche bottle, then douche.
4) After that, pack the tea bags into the vagina lips, not into the canal (DO NOT WRING THE BAGS OUT)
5) Get a maxi pad and place it in your panties so you dont leak, that would be embarrassing. It discreet enough that no one would know that you have them in there.

When you think the bags are drying out, replace them, of course wash up before doing this and after just in case of contamination. Oh yeah, and get a new douche bottle everytime or boil the one you have, although, I dont know if it can stand the boiling water, and not melt. Good luck, try this, it does work!

Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Leah (Friendswood, Texas) on 09/03/2009

Garlic will kill anything fungal, use it until it goes away, dont stop when you think you've had enough, keep taking it diligently and the acv. Peroxide will kill it also and acidophilus. Take them all like crazy, and get ready to be happy! No more itching or burning! I had to do this also because I had got a yeast infection when I got a stent put in for a kidney stone. I used all of these and peppermint soap, and it all did the job almost instantly, of course you have to keep on it and make sure it is gone.

Acidophilus, Vitamin C, Hydrogen Peroxide

Posted by Lana (Morris Plains, Nj) on 08/26/2009
★★★★★

Yeast Infection: A combination of Acidophilus, vitamin C, and hydrogen peroxide. I took 3 different kinds of Acidophilus on the first day I noticed the infection, each with 2x their normal doses (one full daily dose of each in the morning and evening). I also inserted Acidophilus the first night i noticed the infection, two of the different kinds (capsules) I had on hand. Since one of the three brands was chewable I decided not to use it like that. Then I would insert Acidophilus in both the morning and before i went to bed. I took about 4000 mgs of vitamin C each day. The last thing I did was put Hydrogen peroxide on my labia to relieve the itching. It stings for a minute, but after it is sweet relief. After the first night of this regimen there was about 90% less discharge and much less itching.
I was amazed that i was almost completely cured in just one day.

So, in total the plan is-
1) a double dose of more than one brand of Acidophilus
2) Insert acidophilus twice daily, in the morning and before bed. But I think the gel capsules are best for inserting into the vagina.
3) 4000 mgs of vitamin C each day. I took up to about 8000 mgs a day, but in some people that much vitamin C can give you a stomach ache.
4) Hydrogen Peroxide on a cotton ball swiped over all the itchy parts. I used it whenever I itched and after each time i used the bathroom.

I was about 90% better IN ONE DAY!

Acidophilus, Yogurt, ACV and Peroxide Douche

Posted by Bella (Roselle, Nj) on 08/21/2009
★★★★★

I have had three yeast infection these past two months. The third just started today. I didn't want to take any over the counter meds so instead I took the natural approach. I took 3 acidophilus pills every few hours, ate a greek yogurt, and my cousin gave me a recipe for a great douche. Acv, peroxide and water. I felt instant relief. Its quicker and better than prescription meds. Try it ladies!

Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Edna (Blaine, Wa) on 08/19/2009

can some one with fungal infection or yeast infection take raw apple cider vinegar, since it has yeast in it? won't the yeast in the acv make the infection worse?

Garlic

Posted by Meg (Edison, Nj) on 08/12/2009
★★★★★

Garlic for Vaginal Yeast Infection... O ya! I was reluctant to try inserting raw Garlic in their but after bad itching and discomfort, I took 3 cloves of garlic and put it in a thread that I can pull it out later on, inserted it at night, and in 4 hours took it out. And guess what! I am a new woman again :-) Thanks EC.

Coconut Oil

Posted by Laura (Ventnor, Nj) on 08/10/2009
★★★★★

I get yeast infections like crazy- I'm definitely a candida ridden person. My diet isn't terrible, yet I always get them! It may be related to my IUD- I think it gives me bartholin cysts from time to time too. I've tried all of the remedies listed here- the garlic, the yogurt on a tampon, ACV douches, peroxide douches, and everything else. The only, only thing that works for me is this: Coconut oil. I ingest a bunch of it (I eyeball it) approx 2-6 teaspoons. Over the course of about two days it's gone. It's the caprylic acid in the coconut oil. It kills yeast on contact. You can also apply directly to the source and it stops the itching and kills the yeast that way too- but definitely ingest it as the main yeast fighter. I use organic coconut oil, not the virgin one. The regular coconut oil works wonders on me, where the extra virgin coconut oil is only so-so. I put the oil in my coffee to mask the oilyness, and just drink it up. It's easiest that way. You can also put it on toast, or cook your food in it.

Acidophilus

Posted by Tanja (Melbourne, Australia) on 08/05/2009
★★★★★

Hello there.

I just wanted to add that I also had a recurring vaginal yeast infection (or thrush as it is known here) over the years. In Australia you can get an over the counter cream which you insert. However, I found this cream to be only a temporary fix, and the infection came back. Once, I had it twice within a two week period. Frustrated, I went to my local health food store and asked about an alternative...and yes...I was also told to insert 2 Acidophilus capsules directly into the vagina every night for 2 weeks. Major relief virtually overnight! This happened 2 years ago and I've never had an infection since!

The reason they don't tell you about it is because it's all way too simple, and if you knew about it, then you would stop having to go to the chemist for more of the other stuff which doesn't work in the long term.

ps. I discovered this site several months ago. Thank you to everyone responsible for making it work and getting the message out there. There are so many simple and cheap remedies you can use which work. Why poison yourself with pharmaceuticals which only make matters worse. All the best to everyone.

Garlic

Posted by Amber (Silver City, Nm) on 07/31/2009
★★★★★

Garlic cured my yeast infection. The quickest way to cure a yeast infection naturally is to take a clove of garlic ON A STRING (I learned the hard way...) and use it as a vaginal suppository. After 2 days and 2 nights, no itching! If you do not use a string, the clove might have to be taken out by a friend or your partner. I have also tried dicing up 1 small clove of garlic and swallowing the pieces whole (do not chew) with a glass of water. I did this 2-3 times a day for a week and had good results.

Acidophilus

Posted by tamara (washington, dc) on 07/13/2009
★★★★★

Something I tried for a recurring yeast infection that worked 10 years ago and I never had it again may work for BV but I can't try it because my monthly was not regular and now I don't have one. Take 2 acidophilus pills (normal dose in the bottle)for the 2 nights before your period starts and 2 nights after they end. My doctor told me acidophilus won't work for BV but this is better then inserting them vaginally and bleeding. I don't know how long to take them. I took them for 6 months and it also helped my constipation. Ten years later I am still regular were I never was before. So this will defintely help yeast infections and regularity. My thought is that acidophilus is good for the vaginal flora which SHOULD be good for BV but I can't test it.

Yogurt

Posted by Lorelei (Austin, TX) on 07/02/2009
★★★★★

Once I started taking the birth control pill, I started getting fairly regular yeast infections. The over the counter remedies are messy and expensive and I was tired of it. I found many sites (including this one) that recommended using yogurt to cure the infection. I bought a 6oz cup of plain, unflavored, nonfat yogurt with live cultures. As soon as I got home a applied a little to the outside of my vagina and my vulva and the itch stopped immediately. I then made a frozen insert to use that night by using a plastic tampon applicator, filling it with yogurt, and freezing it. I inserted it right before bed and put on a pad to catch the melting mess. There really wasn't much at all - nowhere near as messy as the over the counter chemical/medicinal stuff. I felt totally cured the next morning, but continued use for another day just to be sure. Cheap, easy, and it WORKS!

Turmeric

Posted by Paula (Anywhere, USA) on 06/28/2009

QUESTION???? DOES ANYONE HAVE ANY EXPERIENCE OR KNOWLEDGE OF USING TURMERIS VAGINALLY FOR A YEAST INFECTION. I HAVE HOMEADE CAPSULES FROM WHEN I HAD AN ABSESS TOOTH AND THOUGHT I MIGHT USE IT FIR THIS PROBLEM TOO?? THANKS AHEAD OF TIME FOR A RESPONSE.