The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by J (Sf, Ca) on 02/06/2010
★★★★★
Okay, so I really do struggle with yeast infections pretty frequently. The things I have found most helpful are Apple Cider Vinegar (douching) and Boric Acid powder in capsules. There used to be a natural product that used boric acid for yeast infections but then they re-formulated it and since they brought the boric acid powder content way down, it doesn't work for me at all. I'm afraid to mention a product name because I think it says not to do that. Anyway, it's clear to me from what I read here that the people for who ACV did not work at all are dealing with something other than a yeast infection. Yeast is not a bacteria, it's a fungus. You don't take anti-biotics for it, in fact they cause yeast. Diflucan is prescribed for yeast infections and it's not an anti-biotic. Bacteria Vaginitis, however, is a bacterial infection and they do prescribe anti-biotics for it. I'm still suffering with my current yeast infection but the ACV is really making a huge difference. It's strange to me that some people find yeast infections very painful. It just itches like crazy, makes me crazy, and makes me want to do crazy things like pull my hair out or run through a brick wall or scream at a pharmacy clerk until she might cry (did that today, not proud of it). I'm just glad my 2 year old and I survived the day. I'm putting her off on my husband as soon as he gets home. Anyway, I'm going to do some more douching with the ACV or maybe I'll try a bath. By the way, I also shoved garlic up there, it gave some temporary relief but very temporary. No immediate help from acidopholus in any form but I think it tends to help prevent them. I also have to stay away from my antacids, combined with PMS, my period, or sex they cause yeast infections. YEA on ACV
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by S (Tucson, Az) on 02/17/2010
★★★★★
ACV douching also works well for anal yeast infections. 1 tbsp in 1 cup water once per day for a week or so and the infection was gone! Took care of a recurring anal yeast infection that fluconazole wouldn't kill.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Caitlyn (Columbus, Ohio) on 07/08/2011
how many times a day and for how long are you supposed to use the apple cider vinega. This is my second yeast infection and I bought monistat. its my fourth nite and the itching is still so bad after the incert I cant stand it please helppppppp.
Yogurt
Posted by London (Sandusky, Ohio) on 08/08/2010
Actually inserting plain yogurt in your vagina is a disaster, don't do it!! I did it 3 times over the course of years of struggling with this, and it made things WORSE everytime. However consuming yogurt is awesome. Eat lots and lots of yougurt and take a good probiotic. I make my own yougurt, and by eating alot of it, (and its wonderful and tastes better to make your own) I keep things at bay
Yeast-Free Diet
Posted by Barbara (Toronto, On, Canada) on 12/16/2009
★★★★★
Yeast free diet cured me of yeast infections
I used to have recurrent painful, debilitating yeast infections. I would sometimes get a red rash as well. The treatment was a three day dose of Sulpha tablets followed by yeast infections inserts and cream. This worked but began to deplete my energy and immune health after a while. On a whim one day I decided to try giving up yeast. This was five years ago and since that day I have not had a single yeast infection. It is hard to give up yeast. Not only is it in almost all processed foods, it is also hidden. Enriched flour, citric acid, soy sauce, vinegar, natural flavor and and vitamins is how it is added and hidden in most foods. I make all my own foods basically and that is alot of work( fortunately I love to cook) but the pay off is that I am completely free of yeast infections and my immune health is so strong that now if I do occasionally eat yeast containing food I do not get infections and my body will naturally clean itself out within a few days.
A healthy (low or no sugar, salt and bad fats, preferably vegetarian or vegan )yeast free diet is the easiest way to cure yourself of this ailment and it works. I also eat alot of acidic fruit like kiwi, cranberries and eat alot of greens which helps alot as well.
For vegans- watch out for soy products (soy milk, meat, dairy) as they almost always contain yeast. It is added as Vitamin B12 or D and labeled as such or sometimes as "natural flavoring".
Also- nutritional yeast is okay but you need to boil it for 20 minutes to kill any living yeast and use it only occasionally. It is an inactive yeast but can still cause yeast to overgrow in your system. It is common in vegan food as a Vit B12 supplement and flavoring additive.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Michaelyn (Aptos, Ca Usa) on 05/02/2011
To Jenn apple cider for yeasts infections. I do know that Apple Cider Vinegar works very well for sinus problems, and I don't doubt that it is wonderful for so many other ailments; however, you did take a 1-day Monistat treatment. If you read the insert for information you would see that it takes up to 7 days for the medicine to work. So, for you, it could have been the Monistat that helped your yeast infection--in your case. I'm not saying Apple Cider Vinegar doesn't work. This is just a FYI if you ever visit this site again! Thanks.
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 Kathy (Washington Dc, Usa) on 03/10/2011
Hi ladies, I just douche daily. It gives me a fresh and clean odor and my husband loves it. I recommend douching!
Boric Acid
Posted by Julie (Montreal, Quebec ) on 09/04/2012
A reply to Betty from Salt Lake city. You are a little over-reacting about the fact that we are making our own boric acid capsules. The compounding pharmacy does the very same thing we are doing: placing pharmaceutical grade boric acid into empty gel caps. Nothing more complicated and easily replicated at home. Much cheaper too. It is also incorrect that the boric acid we are suggesting is found in the pest control aisle. That is the wrong product, though is does contain boric acid. The correct boric acid is pharmaceutical grade, sold in a pharmacy, in the aisle where the disinfectants are sold. Ours has it beside the alcohol, peroxide, iodine, methylene blue... The fact that it also happens to kill insect is irrelevant. The fact that water is an ingredient in hand sanitizer does make water unsafe.
Boric Acid
Posted by Nicole (Hamptons) on 11/28/2016
haha great point!
Grapefruit Seed Extract
Posted by Julie (New York City, New York) on 02/28/2010
Dear Eh,
I think I have a similar problem. How long did you take the GSE 3x daily, and when did you step it down to 2x daily & once daily? When did you begin to feel relief from your symptoms? Thank you so much for your original post!!!
Acidophilus, Yogurt, ACV and Peroxide Douche
Posted by Annie (Lynnwood, Wa) on 02/25/2011
Trying to find the recipe Bella from new jersey used for a yeast infection. It's ingredients were apple cider vinegar, peroxide and water. Just wanted to know the amounts of each. Thanks
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?
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Melissa (Garner, Nc) on 11/22/2016
There are bad and good yeasts. ACV has only beneficial and healthy yeast in it. This is the yeast that acts as a prebiotic to feed your good bacteria which makes it stronger. Other vinegars like white vinegar are made of the bad yeasts. Never use or consume those if you have candida issues.
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.
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.
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.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Nickie.. (Memphis, Tn) on 09/21/2010
Hello ladies! I have been getting a yeast infection after my cycle for about five months now. Myself and can you believe it, so have my sisters.. Anyway it makes me want to slide down a wooded fence with bricks on the end.. Lol anyway ACV has helped so much.. I was sick of going to the doctor to make there pockets bigger and my pockets smaller prescribed the same medicine and still no relief.. Thanks for your post may god bless us all..
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Jamie (Dallas, Texas) on 06/04/2009
★★★★★
hey girls. Yeah so yeast infections must be the worst thing ever, I have never felt so uncomfortable in my life. Mine have always been medication induced after being on prescriptions. This last one I have had for over a month. I got it right after my period, and it took me a few days to realize what it was for sure partly because I had just shaved down there and thought maybe it was just irritated. Anyway I got on a prescription, which last time took over 8 pills to make go away. This time I felt little change on the 2 pills I took. I hate the over the counter creams so I didnt even go that route after my past experiences with them ( not working, burning worse than the actual infection). So after suffering for weeks, I have been online for hours a day, on every website. I tried yogart, both eating and inserting. I actually found it made it feel worse, when I inserted it. However I didnt have as much burning as I have with past infections if I did I think it would of been great. But eating the yogart I could really tell a difference I would eat 4 a day and after I would eat them I felt a lil better. I was nervous about trying garlic, I mean what if I couldnt get it out. So I ate two cloves of garlic instead, till I could get to the store to buy whole garlic pills. After reading on here I decided to try ACV. I was worried because it was midnight and all the natural stores are closed. Luckily the supermarket by my house is 24 hours and has a natural section in it. I found all natural ACV. It was like 5 bucks! I came home and made a bath with warm water, and a cup of ACV. I soaked in it for 20 mins. Then I took 1/2 cup of ACV and 1/2 cup water and poured it on a washcloth, I applied it to the infected area and left it there for two mins. It did burn a lil bit, which made me kinda feel like it was working. I felt a big difference. Even just after the bath I felt a big difference. I went to bed and did it again in the morning. My plan is to keep doing this twice a day till I feel completely back to normal, the only problem is I should be starting my period any day now so that will likely make this all way way worse. Im hoping for the best, and I am thankful for all of you who shared your stories, they were very helpful to people like me. I never write on these things, but I figured if it will help one suffering women I will do it. Thanks girls~
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.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Shampoo (Houston, Texas) on 10/19/2009
How do you apply the peroxide if you have a yeast infection?
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Proxy (Spokane, Wa) on 02/01/2010
Hydrogen peroxide can either be applied, or diluted and applied. [Do NOT use internally as the doseage is in DROPS. Too much taken internally will cause a dangerous drop in blood sugar level.]
Garlic, ACV, Acidophilus, Coconut Oil
Posted by Tamara (Fort Collins, Colorado) on 05/24/2009
★★★★★
I am quite prone to bacterial infections and when I got the last one in October, I went to my obgyn clinic to get antibiotics, which before becoming a regular on Earth Clinic, had been my go-to for UTIs. But this time they couldn't confirm it, so they gave me a lesser, short course antibiotic that, by the time the tests confirmed that the infection I had would be resistant to it, had already run out. So they gave me a longer, more potent antibiotic (I have no recollection of the name) that, of course, gave me a yeast infection. I had never had a yeast infection before (miraculously) and it was agonizing but I did not want to take diflucan or any other prescribed, traditional medication. Instead, I read up on Earth Clinic and tried a few of the therapies. Unfortunately, it was several months ago that it happened, but I do remember a few things that definitely worked. I took a few baths with about 2 cups of organic ACV in the water and applied organic coconut oil to the external parts that immediately reduced, but did not eliminate, the itching and burning. But I believe the most potent remedy was garlic. I chewed one or two raw cloves of garlic twice a day and at night I placed a raw, peeled garlic clove internally as a suppository. Amazingly, it worked. As a word of caution, I don't recommend leaving it too long (take it out after you wake up), try to find a smooth, rounded clove so that it won't poke or scratch the vagina, and to tie some yarn or string around the clove to pull it out easily (wouldn't want to get it lost inside!). I noticed that the garlic worked fast and I would use it internally whenever it started to itch but the oil from the garlic would burn if I didn't have an infection. I also started taking acidophilus in the yogurt-like form and eating coconut oil, which I think helped as well. I only had the infection for three days and started these remedies on the second day, so it could've been even shorter! I had been skeptical of home remedies until this infection and subsequent "cure" and have since used Earth Clinic for mounds of ailments. In fact, I was quite prone to every cold and flu and got a lot of cold sores (once every one to two weeks) and haven't had anything in over 7 months. I guess it took me awhile to realize what a healthy lifestyle and natural remedies can do for me. Thank you Earth Clinic!
Povidone Iodine Douche
Posted by Linda (Langhorne, PA) on 03/29/2009
★★★★★
I write to help others with distress in their feminine and colon parts that involves itching and painfulness (when these parts do or do not show visible redness) when yeast medicines like monistat are not completely effective to remove the symptoms. I douche with provodone iodine and find relief almost immediately but must continue with daily douches (yes up both body parts) for one week (7 days). I have never found an m.d. who recommends this -- i have been recommended metranizole but that is taken orally and can have yukky side effects.
Good luck ladies--feel better. You should.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Veronica (New York, NY) on 03/21/2009
★★★★★
Apple Cider Vinegar for a yeast infection. I've read a lot about home remedies for cures and been worried to try them from all the mixed reviews. However, for the past couple of months, I have been having a very unfamiliar smell and itching sensation in my downstairs area. So I thought that maybe it could be normal since I just started having intercourse considering I got myself a PAP test and it came back clean. But after weeks of my vagina constantly being itching and uncomfortably smelling, I decided that I needed to take action. So I put about 3 tablespoons of ACV in a little dispenser bottle filling the rest with warm water. I put it directly on my outer labia lips and put some on a cloth and held it on for around a minute or so. After taking off the cloth, it stung a little bit for myself but very minimal. I did this twice and right after I felt a relieving sensation. It feels clean and able to breathe but just slightly itchy.With the other comments I would also like to say that no "cottage cheese" discharge came out my vagina and nothing of this at all. I'm going to keep continuing with this for at least 3-4 days, twice a day to make sure it is completely gone.
Yogurt
Posted by Alex (Bethesda, Md) on 03/17/2009
★★★★★
Using yogurt has treated my yeast infection. The trick is once you've inserted about a tablespoon with an applicator put your legs up over your head to ensure the yogurt gets all the way up there! I feel like my self again. Thanks everyone!
Yogurt
Posted by Mona (Santa Rosa, Ca Usa) on 09/22/2011
This worked wonders for me!!!
For immediate relief apply a handful of organic pure raw honey wherever relief is needed, I would suggest you do this in the bath as honey will begin to melt. Leave this on for 10-15 minutes then wash off. Take a bath in lukewarm-warm water pour in 1/4 cup- 1/2 cup of ACV.
Use plain organic yogurt, find a disposable glove pour yogurt in the fingers and freeze. Break off a finger each night and insert into your vagina, do this until you are completely sure it's gone, usually 3-5 days, longer if needed. Freezing makes it easier to insert and you'll find relief with the cold yogurt. Last I suggest using a sanitary napkin at night as yogurt will star melting immediately, and try to insert just before getting into bed.
Fragrance-Free Laundry Detergent
Posted by Debra (Shawnee, Kansas) on 03/14/2009
★★★★★
When I turned 19 I started developing awful UTI's which of course were followed by yeast infections because of the antibiotics. I was averaging a UTI every other month. After every UTI I had another yeast infection. I'm 31 and this cycle is starting to end. I'll post more about my end to the UTI's on the other page, but as for the yeast. It became absolutely resistant to over the counter creams and diflucan.. I have the same pattern as most, little irritation all month, period then major symptoms. I went to the doctor and had it tested (in the past we just assumed and he would dole me out the diflucan)... test came back negative. I had the fish odor, the itching and the discharge.. did not make a bit of sense to me. So I did what I'd been told to do years and years ago, but rejected because of price.. I switched my laundry detergent to a fragrance free, dye free brand. I switched my dryer sheets to the same.. I feel so stupid now.. I haven't itched since. I guess I didn't believe it since I didn't feel that my clothes were getting clean enough.. FYI.. first try.. had a pair of my sons peed in training pants.. and the entire load smelled.. I almost gave up.. I always wash in cold water.. I (as reluctant as I still am about this) switched it up to HOT.. and no smell.. everything comes out clean.. makes me almost wonder if you really need that much detergant.. hot water helps kill and such... I also (again, not cost effective, but so worth it).. use either ONLY cetaphil to wash that area.. or I bought Neutrogena fragrance and dye free face wash.. gentle.. (not for acne).. and again.. my uti's and yeast problems have disappeared.. My husband accidentally brought home the new charmin with aloe.. I didn't realize it till I took one wipe and it burned.. I started itching.. realized the problem and threw the junk out.. I bucked this for years.. figuring if I had detergant allergy it would show on my skin.. boy was I wrong..
Fragrance-Free Laundry Detergent
Posted by Maria (Phoenix, AZ) on 04/24/2009
★★★★★
I agree with your post. UTI's are a direct result of soaps and toilet paper. Once I change the products to more natural or organic, and stopped using harsh liquid soaps, my UTI's are staying gone. I've had over 50 UTIs in over 10 years.
Ted's Remedies Feedback
Posted by Jessica (Toronto, Ontario Canada) on 03/06/2009
Hi Ted: I've had reoccurring yeast and bladder infections for years after reading you post on Vit B3 deficiency and yeast overgrowth I began taking it 2 days ago when I take it my neck ears face and arms break out in a rash a few hours after taking. Is this normal should I still be taking it?
EC: B3, aka Niacin:
"Most people taking niacin experience skin flushing and a warm sensation, especially of the face, neck, and ears when they begin treatment or increase dose. This reaction is usually mild, but has been intolerable enough to cause up to half of participants in studies to stop therapy. Dry skin and itching is also commonly experienced."
Ted's Remedies Feedback
Posted by Pamm (Birmingham, Alabama) on 04/01/2013
They make a niacin flush free & it works, I couldn't take the regular b3 withouth itching skin & flushing and burning of the skin, the flush free really works!! No side effects...
Ted's Remedies Feedback
Posted by Laurie (Ny, New York) on 04/01/2013
It's called niacinamide and is sold everywhere.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by LH (Slidell, La) on 02/11/2009
★☆☆☆☆
Okay so I have been suffering from either a yeast infection or bv... havent quiet figured out which one it is. I have the itching so im thinking it is probably a yeast infection. I have tried everything...acv douche, h202 douche,folic acid pills, yogurt, acidiphillous pills, garlic pills, Rephresh, Yeast gaurd. Now im trying the b-comlex 50, nicinamide 100 and liquid b-12. It kind of worked on the first day but now I dont think it is really working. I havent tried the Boric acid inserts bc i dont know where to find the boric acid. Also I was wondering if you can insert the Nicinamide and the B-complex pills into your vagina? If anyone has any remedies that they would like to share with me or any comments this would be very helpful! Thanks!
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Katrina (DC, DC/USA) on 02/11/2009
Take a piece of garlic, tear off the skin, wrap it in gauze, tie some tooth floss around it, and make sure you are using a long piece of floss since you are making a garlic tampon. Insert this tampon into your vagina and sleep with it overnight. Remove it in the morning, and do this for 3-4 days until your yeast infection is gone. If the infection is real serious, ask your doctor to prescripe the yeast infection pill, I think it's called diflucan, and take that in addition to the garlic tampon treatment. Note, if your period is coming up, this might help get rid of the yeast infection as well. And also, it is VERY IMPORTANT that you not consume products that have sugar (or minimize sugar as much as possible) since this is food to the yeast. It might not hurt to take yougurt pills and garlic pills as welll, though make sure you eat before you take the garlic pills or they might hurt your stomach. Goldenseal and echinacia pills might help your imune system too. I'm not a doctor, but this method has worked for me.
Yogurt
Posted by Jane (Glendale, Arizona) on 02/11/2009
This is my first yeast infection in 20 years! I had to take a high dosage antibiotic and four days later, wham! Yeast infection! I did not want to take another synthetic drug and upset my system even more. I too looked up natural cures and stumbled upon this site. I had heard about yogurt from a girlfriend and she said it was amazing. I bought plain organic yougurt and inserted it with a tampon for an hour. The itching went away instantly! It felt cool and soothing. I did apply some yogurt to the outside of my vulva to help soothe. This is only my first day,but will try it again tonight before I go to bed. My v-jay is irritated, but not how it was earlier. I can at least sit down without cringing. I expect that to subside after another application. Thank you!
Yogurt
Posted by Jane (Glendale, Arizona) on 04/12/2009
★★★★★
Update: I continued to use the yogurt for three days, once in the morning and once before bed. I dipped a small tampon in the plain organic yogurt-covering it to almost dripping- and left it in for about an hour. I usually left one in over night. Each day the symptoms were less and less. It has been two months now and no yeast has returned. I do eat yogurt everyday to ensure it does not return. Amazing and cheap remedy that truly works!
