Natural Yeast Infection Remedies: Herbal Solutions & Lifestyle Tips

Boric Acid

Posted by Nancy (Dallas, Texas) on 12/23/2015
★★★★★

I got a yeast infection from hell after using antibiotics to lower my Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth. I stupidly didn't act on the itchiness for days, and then it got so bad that it not only hurt to pee, but felt like I had to pee ALL the time!!

I first tried Diflucan that my doctor prescribed. Did nothing. Then tried ACV...seemed to help the itching a little, but it would also come back and all my symptoms kept getting worse. Tried Hydrogen Peroxide...nada.

So I moved to Boric Acid suppositories which I made myself, once a night. I bought powdered boric acid and size 00 gel capsules. Using those started progress finally, as I could finally tell that the yeast was dying by having deep fatigue, and it did rid me of the peeing discomfort.

But still had some major itching and problems. I moved to twice a day on the fourth day (wish I started that way) and THAT started doing the trick. Will maintain twice a day for 3-4 days, then go back to once a day and keep it up for 10-14 days, depending on symptoms.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by So (Kgn, Ja) on 05/26/2013
★★★★★

Okkkk... Report time. I took acidophilus 2 times during my "treatment" (and plan to continue once every other day)

First night.. Instead of the douche I used a mini turkey baster (my douche).. Added 1 part water (boiled and cooled) to 3 parts ACV.. It BURRNNNEDD!!! ..... BUT! It was not unbearable and after about 2 mins, it stopped and the itching stopped... And when the ACV ran out, ewwwww, cottage cheese that did not smell like me.. I also soaked a tampon in the ACV mix and left it in for about 3 hours, took a cotton ball and patted some of the ACV outside which, u guessed it, burned! I then took a shower and was able to sleep itch free (oh glory).

In the morning, I itched again (arg! ) so I filled my douche (cleaned with warm water) and squirted it up there with the ACV mixture, added what remained to a clean spray bottle and sprayed the outside.. Burn again but bearable.... During the day I saw clumps of discharge that smelled yeasty (and turned slightly green at one point) but experienced less itching

Second night... Did not experince much itching during the day, so I did the douche but not the tampon insert and sprayed the outside.. Burnnned, but lasted less this time... After about 30 mins I took a shower and went to bed.. Less clumpy stuff

In the morning, my discharge was wayyyy less clumpy and almost looked normal (was a bit thick still), so I did a douche and spray again (this is when I found out that ACV makes u dry, yikes! )

Third night.. Small itch during the day.. Did a douche and spray... I was ok for the most part, no itch at all

In the morning, I did a douche & spray

Fourth night... had guests everywhere so I had to put if off..

in the morning, I was itching, so I soaked a tampon in ACV sprayed the outside and left it in for about 1 hour... I dont want to overdo it so I will stop here

The relief is amazing... no itch and frankly the ACV has worked wayyyy better and faster than most of the inserts out there..

Will let u know if I am cured!

Oregano Oil

Posted by Shannon (San Antonio, Tx) on 09/14/2011
★★★★★

Just wanted to share my wonderful experience curing my yeast infection. I had been going through a rough month with a lot of travel and a lot of stress and hardly any sleep. The week before my period I had the most horrible yeast infection! I was even really swollen and in really bad pain.

Anyway I researched cures on earth clinic and came across oregano oil cures. I applied five drops of it mixed with 1 teaspoon coconut oil. I did this three to four times a day for 3 days although my symptoms were gone by the first day and on the thrid treatment! The first time I applied it stung and burned horribly. I persevered because I was desperate and because other creams made it worse and because diflucan takes five days to work and I wasn't willing to wait that long... Even though working as an RN with a doctor I can get it for free. The point is it worked!!! I haven't had recurrences since then and it has been about 6 months already. I strongly urge anyone that is suffering from yeast infections to try this remedy. Forget vagisil, or clotrimazole, or suppositories, try this... Use a tampon to apply if you need to but try it. It works. God bless earth clinic.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Feelingbetter (San Antonio, Tx) on 09/11/2012
★★★★★

I first stumbled onto EarthClinic about a year and a half ago trying to find what to do about the bumps I get on my scalp, then later for cold sores that popped up. First I want to say: I love it here on EarthClinic! I came back recently to see options on how to treat my bfs case of ringworm from the neighbor's dog, and I came back this time because I seem to have developed a yeast infection. I am sure it started because of my weak immune system combined with meds from surgery(wisdom teeth) or from the doctor/clinic I went to for cold sores that followed my surgery even though I had been maintaining up until then from advice I got on EC. He gave me cream that I reacted to and when it didnt work, he gave me steroids to "possibly" help with healing). Any input here would be greatly appreciated, more specifically input about weak immune systems, meds, & yeast infections. Obviously I completely regretted making the trip to the doctor, AGAIN, and now I am terrified about going back. The visit confirmed my fears and doubts. I do not want to go to the doc for my YI and be prescribed antibiotics or something like it when that could very well be why I got it in the first place. I am sincerely sad about the fact that I have no faith in doctors ability to help me. It also makes me feel weird to feel that way; who am I to say this doctor doesnt know what hes talking about, but the way things are done and decisions are made is just not the way for me. Anyways, sorry for the ranting, the point is I came to EC and ACV had something like 84 yeas, the most of any suggestions. So I picked up the ACV on my shopping trip the next day and stewed on it for a few days, trying to work up the courage to try it. I couldnt stand how irregular my "stuff" was, and the pain and itching was crazy. This is my first YI and I didnt realize something was really wrong until I tried to have sex and it was almost unbearable. By this time I was sure something was wrong and EC confirmed everything else.

Anyways, on to the good news: I finally worked up the courage to try the ACV. I went by the closest pharmacy and bought disposable douches. I have heard in the past that douching is not great for you, so I was still real nervous. Anyhow I got home with 6 disposal douches and squirted the first one in the sink til it was empty. Then I meticulously refilled it with Apple Cider Vinegar and water, about half and half. (there may be other types of douches that refilling will be easier to do, I didnt realize this and bought the disposable because they were cheap) I rinsed off first before douching and douched in the tub. It was a tiny tingly type of burn, not a crazy hot burn, and just for a few seconds, probably not longer than 10. Then I refilled the douche with warm-ish water and rinsed. After I did this I considered waiting longer before rinsing. Maybe if you try it you will want to let the Apple Cider Vinegar set in there a minute before rinsing. So then I rinsed again to not smell of Apple Cider Vinegar and by that time I felt pretty good and positive about it. I had been testing what was in "there" with a tampon and after the douching, the tampon came out clean. I expected this after the douching but was still a little bit excited to see which way this was going to go. At this point I had alot of hope, the itching had subsided, I still had a little pain from inserting the tampon to check. So from here there were either two ways this could go: do the tampon test later and there will either be more weird goop that doesnt smell like me, OR there MIGHT be normal stuff. So of course, like you may have guessed, it was more weird goop, but it was a very tiny amount and this time around I felt confident this was going to work! I did it again the second day with the same results, I feel better, still positive, AND when I did the tampon test the second day I could tell I had less itchiness and less pain from the tampon test.

Today is the third day. I tried the tampon test again today before douching and I did NOT have pain from inserting the tampon( I was excited about this) and I ALMOST feel normal. I know from the tampon test that things are not back to normal yet, but I am confident they might get there if I keep trying. I am going to give it until I run out of douches. I will douche with my shower tonight again and update soon to let you all know if it worked or what recourse I took instead. Wish me luck and good luck with your own experimenting! P. S. Please dont hesitate to ask for more detailed explanations or anything, I just tried to keep it simple. TRIED. Lol. Sorry it is so long. I hope it is of some help.

Coconut Oil

Posted by Sue (Boston, Ma, Usa) on 05/29/2010
★★★★★

I'm in my twenties and like most women have had my share of yeast infections. I don't like to take medication anymore and a couple months ago I had a bad infection. In the past I have tried numerous methods like the yogurt tampon, ACV and this past time I first tried the garlic clove and that actually made things worse! I then read about how a few people had success with taking coconut oil for yeast infections. I've used coconut oil for various health reasons in the past but never took it consistently. I luckily had some on hand so before bed I immediately ingested 2 tablespoons mixed with OJ( tastes like candy!) The next morning, my yeast infection felt 50% better after just a couple spoonfuls of CO. I continued to take it for a few more nights and it knocked the infection right out. I couldn't believe it. I was so happy!! I would highly recommend ingesting coconut oil if you have a yeast infection. It really works and I've already told several women about this awesome remedy!

Coconut Oil

Posted by Miara (New York, Ny) on 01/02/2010
★★★★★

I have found a cure for my yeast infections! I have been reading earth clinic for years, and promised myself that I would never post until I found something that was worthy. I don't get yeast infections often, but when I do, it's horrendous. It quickly gets out of control, even when I abstain from all sugars, grains and anything else that would worsen the problem.

So for the last two days, I was in horrible pain, and I had this crazy idea that seemed like it would work. Take the two most powerful antifungals - Coconut oil and acidophilus, and keep them in your vagina somehow.

Here it is ladies :

1. Take a tampon (I know this sounds excruciating but wait)
2. Soak the tampon in coconut oil. Don't need to go nuts, but just enough to coat the tampon.
3. Take a tablespoon of coconut oil and put it into a cup.
4. Next, get a good probiotic( acidophilus) in capsule form and take three to four capsules, open them up and add them to the coconut oil.
5. Stir together to make a paste. Not too thick though.
6. Then coat the tampon with the paste and insert.
7. Scrape up the rest of the paste and coat the labia and just the very outside of your vagina, to relieve any discomfort.

Sit back, relax, and wait :)

I woke up this morning and my infection was gone! No more pain, AT ALL!!!!

I would suggest doing this for a few nights though, just to be extra sure it's gone.

Hope this helps!

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!

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.

Hydrogen Peroxide

Posted by Andrea (Clinton Twp., MI) on 03/15/2009
★☆☆☆☆

WARNING!

For those of you using Hydrogen Peroxide for yeast infections, i just wanted to let you know that if it worked, it is highly likely that it wasn't a yeast infection in the first place, but bacterial vaginosis. I have been through it all over the past 8 years. I have had yeast infections, and recurrent bacterial vaginosis, and the symptoms are very similar. The only difference is, with a yeast infection, you really truly have to see the "cottage cheese" discharge. With bacterial vaginosis, you will get itching, burning, inflammation, redness, and a milky-white discharge...if it is severe, you will get a clumpy yellow-ish discharge that may be mistaken for the cottage cheese discharge of a yeast infection. If you want to find out more about the differences between the two, do some research online or ask your doctor. I'm glad the hydrogen peroxide worked for you, that is great! But i just wanted to make you aware that hydrogen peroxide is a natural antibiotic and only kills off bad bacteria, not yeast, so you may have had bacterial vaginosis without knowing it, and cured it without knowing it! Hope this helps someone out there who may be having recurrent vaginal health issues.

Hydrogen Peroxide

Posted by K.Lynn (Mt. Healthy, Ohio) on 03/15/2009
★★★★★

i just tried a suggestion from this site, but I wanted to give measurements used because that is as important as the remedy. I 've been using acv and boiled water ( can't afford to buy water) to wipe the vaginal area. It helped at first, but the pain and itching returned. so I made a solution of 16oz. boiled water w/ 1 TBSP of hydrogen peroxide ( cvs brand ok for external wash) and THANK GOD IT WORKED!!! I always keep boiled water refridgerated. using really cold water for this really helps. When I did the acv I used 2TBS per 16 oz, of cold boiled water. hope this helps someone else suffering w/ vaginal problems, it's miserable.

Hydrogen Peroxide

Posted by Shay (New York, Ny) on 11/03/2008
★★★★★

I am a young woman about 22 years old. I tried Hydrogen Peroxide half water half peroxide in a little plastic cup for a yeast infection. I was suffering for about two days from this certain one, but I have been having yeast infections for what seems like every other month and I am a healthy woman I go to the doctor take care of my body and my healths #1. I was sick of having the discomfort of monistat and all the leakage and painful burning! So i tired the peroxide mix with water. I let my tampon soak up the water still in the applicator and then inserted into my vagina I did this at night of course I also ran some of the mixture down my vagina as i sat on the toliet. I put the tampoon in for a few hours took it out ran the water over it, then soaked another tampoon and inserted it, i got instant relief and in the morning it fel really good by the next night I believed it was clear I changed the tampoons twice a day kept one in for atleast 8 hrs each night it's great not painful or itchy love it! :)

Borax

Posted by Kathy (Virginia Beach, VA) on 03/27/2008
★★★★★

Decades ago I was informed by a nurse that douching with a tbl. of the borax used for cleaning laundry(don't want to mention the BN) and 8 oz. of warm water twice daily for just a few days works. Well it really does. I've been using this remedy for many years now with no adverse reactions. If you do it gently, it should not cause problems, just wash out the vagina. Very simple and super cheap!

Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Tiffany (Albany, NY) on 08/03/2006
★★★★★

will this continue to work? like will taking the ACV and iodized salt baths 2x a day, drinking 2 tbsp of ACV in water 3x a day, and douching with 2 tbsp. ACV and warm water 2x a day cure the yeast infection or just the symptoms? because i have just drank my second glass, and have already taken 1 bath and douched once, and the symptoms are disappearing but i am wondering if it will cure the infection. please someone write back!

Boric Acid

Posted by April (Steubenville) on 01/27/2006
★★★★★

Make your own boric acid suppositories by filling size 00 gelatin capsules. insert one capsule in the vagina at bedtime for 2 weeks. To prevent a recurrent infection, boric acid can be used twice a week for 6mo. to 1 year. I am 37 yrs old and put up with chronic yeast infections for the past 10 yrs. I tried this treatment after every medication had failed. I have been yeast fee for almost a year! This really works, I told my gynecologist about this treatment and he is now letting this patients in on the cure! You can go to a website WebMD.com to read more about it.

Ozone Insufflations

Posted by IntegrativeNurse (Santa Cruz, CA) on 01/18/2024
★★★★★

Ozone Insufflations for Yeast infections/BV/Trichomoniasis

Ozone insufflation inserted vaginally at 42-65 gamma over 5-15 minutes works every single time I, or my patients have had either of these infections. This is entirely safe for all ages. I did every day when I was 8 months pregnant to enable me to have a vaginal birth at home (I swear all that oxygen to her developing brain is why my daughter is so smart:). Yin Care and ACV are great compliments to this treatment and help reduce symptoms until you get to a clinic that will administer ozone.

Start with a low dose/time and work your way up. You often only need one treatment to eliminate the infection. It is always good to balance pH and microbiome for long term defense.

Please be careful not to give yourself a UTI while using vaginally inserted probiotics. If you do acquire a UTI from this method, which I have done, be sure to use UT Vibrance crisis intervention to eliminate the urinary tract infection. This also works every time I or my family have ever had a UTI. UT vibrance, coupled with oral UT probiotics also cured my young niece of a kidney infection caused by a UTI.

Coconut Oil, Tea Tree Oil

Posted by Amanda (Pulaski, TN) on 08/20/2021
★★★★★

I put a few drops of tea tree oil into a bowl lid and added coconut oil. Put in the freezer and let solidify. Broke solid pieces into chunks. Several times a day I took a chunk into the bathroom and inserted it. I wore a pad daily until the yeast inflection was gone, which took about 2 days after first starting this. Worked great. I now have the rest of the broken chunks in the freezer in a bowl handy if I need them again.

Hydrogen Peroxide

Posted by MHO (Provo) on 05/13/2019
★★★★★

Editor's Choice

I always get a vaginal infection when I am taking antibiotics. A simple cure is to put a capful of Hydrogen Peroxide 3% in your mouth daily and swish it around for 10 minutes. Spit it out. I have no problems when I do this. Olive Leaf Extract supplements are marvelous for combatting yeast infections. Pau d Arco is another powerful anti-yeast supplement. I take one of each three times a day for as long as is needed.