Natural Yeast Infection Remedies: Herbal Solutions & Lifestyle Tips

Hydrogen Peroxide, Saline Douche

Posted by Cindy Couldn't Sit Still (Dunkirk, Ny) on 03/08/2018
★★★★★

Ladies, Ladies Ladies! This is the BEST way to be comfortable again - and it's affordable! My story goes back to when I was 15 and was prescribed antibiotics for Acne. By age 16 and 17 I was a crotch mess and virgin and until I read in a woman's magazine I never knew that antibiotic use could cause vaginal infections - I thought it was "puberty" and plenty irritating and itchy. I wanted to punch that doctor in the nose that never told me about possible side-effects.

Of course, when asked I got some drippy cream, an expensive prescription and some relief! I struggled with vag infections EVERY TIME I took antibiotics after that -just asked for the vag cream to go with it whenever I had sinus, or strep. I heard about peroxide on a religious talk show and GOD BLESS THAT LADY!

My HACK:

The DrNeilMed Sinus rinse bottles to use in the shower!!! $10 Lasts years. Not advertising - just sayin' it works and squirts!

They come with 50 tiny packets of salt. I used it for repeated sinus infections - and with a capful of hydrogen peroxide (all peroxide caps the same size) to about 12? oz warm water - my sinus infections went away and have never had to take an antibiotic in over 10 years!

I got to thinking...and tried the same mixture as a vaginal rinse -using the same bottle in the shower! VOILA'!

So SIMPLE So CHEAP! Keeps everything in balance! Makes me want to punch the doctors in the nose who prescribe expensive yucky creams and suppositories which I struggled to pay for sometimes. (they weren't OTC then). I never used more than a capful-or 2. I am past menopause now -and the vag infections still come and go-but I have INSTANT RELIEF!

After 40 years of dealing with this...I am glad to know but disgusted no one in medicine told me. Oh and in a pinch for a quick tune-up -you can do it on the toilet and be fresh and itch-free anytime.

Another embarrassing item...I have hypothesized and tried it...if you make your man brush his teeth extra good...it happens less. I believe it is associated with oral contact - ALWAYS happened with my first husband...but NOT with my second...they can harbor bacteria in their MOUTH that causes infections. Someone shared something embarrassing for me to be comfortable...so I must share what I have found to be true. I couldn't sit still for itching most of my life. ~sigh~

Coconut Oil, Tea Tree Oil

Posted by Jennifer (Fl) on 03/27/2017
★★★★★

Yikes! This is my first (or maybe second) time dealing with a yeast infection, although I think I've had some degree of candida issues throughout my life looking at my other health issues (eczema flare-ups, acne, Hashimoto's disease, autoimmune disease etc). Lately, I've been feeling foggy, tired, depressed, and have serious stomach bloat and am having difficulty loosing weight.

Yeast is very difficult to treat so I think it's important to use several remedies unless one particular one works for you. Luckily, my yeast infection isn't as bad as others report (my symptoms: cottage cheese like discharge, watery discharge, lower back pain and abdominal fullness/pain, some itching although it isn't terrible). Here's what worked, and didn't work, for me:

First, I tried using oral probiotics for 2 weeks, and although it seemed to help it didn't clear the yeast completely.

Next, I used a yogurt douche, and while that helped temporarily or about 24 hours I actually feel it made my yeast come back with a vengeance.

Next, I tried the ACV remedy, taking 1 tbsp 2-3x day orally in water, as well as soaking a tampon in a diluted ACV mixture and wearing for 15 minutes for a period of 3-4 days. That did help, and I did notice some lessening of yeast, but didn't clear the yeast completely.

Next, I tried storebought vaginal probiotic suppositories which, like the yogurt douche, seemed to help initially but then made the condition worse within a day or two. I think it's safe to say that adding other probiotics in the vaginal tract doesn't work, at least for me!

Desperate, I found some coconut oil in my cupboard and then realized I also have some tea tree/lavender essential oil from. The caprylic acid in coconut oil is reputed to kill yeast, and I have had great success using coconut oil for many things, including coconut oil suppositories for hemorrhoids, so I thought, why not? I used the blister pack that my vaginal suppositories came in for the mold (you can use any blister pack for pills that have a round, pill-like shape), put my coconut oil jar in a bowl of hot water to melt the oil into liquid, poured the liquid into the mold and added 4-5 drops of tea tree/lavender oil into the mold (any more will burn! ), popped the mold into the fridge and then waited for it to solidify (15 mins or so), then quickly took out the suppository and inserted vaginally right before bed (might be good to do while lying down IN bed because this melts quickly from your body heat and will drip out if you stand up! ) Just note that in the morning, this will come out and it can get messy, so wear pantyliners or pads to protect your clothing.

The first night ... INSTANT RELIEF! The coconut oil/tea tree combo is so cooling and soothing... the tea tree oil makes you feel fresh. The first day, I did not experience itching at all, and there was a large reduction of discharge. This is my third day doing it and my vaginal symptoms are almost completely gone, I will continue for a week until I am *sure* I am completely asymptomatic!

I still feel a bit foggy, bloated and tired (I assume I have candida overgrowth everywhere, not just vaginally) so I am drinking ACV 2-3x day, taking 1 tsp coconut oil 2-3x day, and also using Yeast Cleanse tablets from a popular brand. I am also drinking thyme tea as it is a strong antifungal (I make my own by putting a few strands of dried thyme in water, bringing water to a boil, covering it - this is important to save volatile oils - for about 5-10 minutes and drinking). I will also be cutting out as much sweets/bread and dairy as possible. Good luck and I hope this helps someone as much as it helped me :)

Borax

Posted by Moray (New York) on 12/24/2021
★★★★★

The borax works and it does require keeping up with the capsule suppositories several times a day for a week - yes, it does make the discharge watery.

Borax Baths

Posted by Dana H (Ohio) on 06/21/2015
★★★★★

In my late 20's and early 30's, I had chronic yeast infections. My OBGYN suggested that I use I cup of 20 Mule Team Borax in my bath water and soak in the tub. It worked. That was 30 years ago.

Borax Baths

Posted by Krista (Pdx) on 02/09/2016
★★★★★

I had the worst yeast infection, I ran out of ACV. I ran into the laundry room and I had a box of Mule Borax detergent and I put a 1/2 cup in a tub of water and soaked in the tub for 20 minutes all the itching was gone what a huge relief. I know that Ted has mentioned Borax many times for candida.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Misty (Indiana, Usa) on 02/08/2014
★★★★★

I used to use hydrocortisone cream to treat razor bumps in my bikini area. I found out the hard way that this can result in yeast infections - cortisol is like steroids for yeast! I found myself with my first yeast infection a day or two after applying the hydrocortisone cream.

I mixed up a solution of 50% each water and ACV, dipped a tampon in for a few seconds, then inserted it in my vagina. This burns like no other, but once the burn goes away, the itching is gone completely! Note that this can be drying, so don't leave the tampon in for too long. After inserting the tampon, I would then dip a cotton ball in the solution and clean up the yeast gunk from my labia. I would do this a few times a day, whenever I felt itchiness or had yeast buildup. The yeast infection was gone in less than a week, never to return again.

I also bought some acidophilus tablets and would take the maximum dosage per day, so this might have helped. I did insert one tablet inside my vagina and left it overnight, but it didn't dissolve very well, so I didn't try it again and just stuck with the ACV.

Hydrogen Peroxide

Posted by Nadia (New Britain, Ct) on 03/18/2013
★★★★★

bv and yeast: I've found that douching distilled water with the hydrogen peroxide works wonders! One can also take acidophilis, folic acid and even multi vitamin in between. It's all about keeping the good bacteria up in our bodies versus the bad. Natural remedies are the best! Glad I found this site. I thought to myself there must be natural remedies to cure many issues faced before many of the now medications existed.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Jessica (Michigan) on 10/19/2015

Hey there. Antibiotics will cause/make a yeast infection worse. Your doctor should not be giving you antibiotics for a yeast infection.

Iodine

Posted by Maria (Los Angeles, Calfironia) on 05/29/2012
★★★★★

I started douching with iodine diluted in water and it immediately cured the symptoms of candidiasis / bacterial vaginosis which had been affecting me for quite a while. I have been douching twice a day with the solution (5 drops of iodine in half a cup of water) and I'm extremely happy. After failing to cure my candidiasis / vaginosis with oral acidophilus, I am super satisfied with iodine.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Bekah (Judsonia, Ar) on 04/16/2012
★★★★★

I am pregnant and have had an itching/burning sensation in the vagina for the past 3 days. I couldn't do anything internally for it due to pregnancy, so I bought some external vaginal wash for pH balance and some vaginal itch relief cream. That didn't work whatsoever! I was starting to lose a lot of sleep due to the discomfort, wouldn't have sex with my husband, and tonight has just been unbearable! I tried the Apple Cider Vinegar for the first time (half water, half ACV soaked rag left on my parts for a good 5 minutes) and it burned but I had instant relief! I then poured my leftover homemade remedy over my parts and omg did it burn like hell!!!! But after I patted dry and the burning stopped, no itching or discomfort whatsoever!!! I plan on doing this everyday for the next week or so, it really works!!!!!

Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Becca (Atlanta, Ga, Usa) on 06/07/2011

I have had reoccurent yeast infections for the last 7 years due to intercourse. I've had my latest for over 3 weeks now and have gone through several treatments (Diflucan, tetra... , monistat, gynolotramin, etc. ). I read on this site (and a few others) regarding Apple Cider Vinegar. I bought some at Walmart, just the regular Heinz Apple Cider Vinegar and have been debating on using it. I read some where of some one using a small amount on a Q-tip. Since I am going back to the doctor tomorrow, I decided to try it. I dipped a Q-tip into the vinegar and then swiped it along the outside and inside of my vagina tissues. It stung at first, not so much as burning, but stinging. That I wasn't surprised about. What I was surprised about was everything ON THE Q-TIP. It looked like it had thousands of little white crumbs, about the size of a seseme seed, on it. It had to be the yeast cultures. Honestly it was the most digusting thing I have ever seen in my life. I did it about 10 minutes ago and I don't feel different physically, but emotionally I do feel better. Just to have that off of me....ewwwww.I am going to try the bath or even a soaked tampon. I just have to get the courage up. I'll let ya'll know how it goes.

Garlic

Posted by Galadriel (Manchester, England) on 08/02/2010
★★★★★

A great tip that works straight away for vaginal thrush: Take a garlic clove, thread it with a needle and insert the clove overnight or longer. Pull out as if it were a tampon. This is a bit unusual but works miracles.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Brandon (Slc, Ut) on 05/31/2011
★★★★★

There are not any comments from men on here yet that I have read... But if there are any out there reading this (because I was) I got a yeast infection from antibiotics and found ACV to be a huge help. However, make sure it is EXTREMELY dilluted as it will burn and eat through a layer of skin if you apply it directly. Diluted in water and soaking or mixing a few drops with ointment is super effective.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Jazz (Panama) on 09/21/2014
★★★★★

hat I Wdid was to buy those vaginal showers at the counter and use the embole to fill it with diluted acv. You cn do it 3 times a day. And if the itching is terrible soak a cotton in vinegar and leave it the in the vaginal entrance For a while.

After a few hours it will start itching againg, so repeat the procedure. Good luck

Hydrogen Peroxide

Posted by Kaari (Canada) on 01/22/2018

This isn't correct. A quick google search will show you that hydrogen peroxide is very effective in killing of yeast.

Acidophilus

Posted by Juanita Browne (New Orleans, La. USA) on 11/28/2008
★★★★★

I suffered a raging yeast infection after having to take a regime (3 months) of strong antibiotics for a staph infection a couple of years ago. Someone suggested taking Acidophillus... I took 4 capsules of the 8 Billion strength with each capsule as a maintance dose till I finished the antibiotic treatment... However, when I started on the Acidophillus treatment, I needed fast relief from the itching and inserted 2 capsules directly in the vagina 2xs a day... this really helped and gave a jump start to relieving my symptoms! I did this also while taking the capsules oraly.

I don't understand why Doctors are not savvy to this and tell their patients about Acidophillus when they prescribe antibiotics in the first place... maybe to sell higher priced Nystatin drugs thru big Pharmacital corporations!

This site is a blessing... I come here often in search of new remedies and cures! God bless you...
J. Browne

Hydrogen Peroxide

Posted by ana (chicago, il) on 05/11/2008
★★★★★

I have to say it is a big relief to have used the remedy of hydrogen peroxide for curing a vaginal yeast infection. I diluted by using onc cup peroxide and a quarter cup water. Used a douche bottle and rinsed with it two days only once a day. It is gone. Amazing! Thanks again.

Hydrogen Peroxide

Posted by Veronica (Toronto, Cananda) on 07/27/2007
★★★★★

Honestly for all you ladies you have yeast infections hydrogen peroxide does the trick - for me in a single dose! I googled natural remedies and was told about mixing 1 tablespoon per cup. I used two cups [of water] with 2 tablespoons [of h202] and a turkey baster to get it in there. Relief was immediate and my symptoms are gone after only ONE use! I will never use anyting else but this EVER again. If I had the power to gurarentee it I would! I LOVE hydrogen peroxide and am learning just how effective it is for many ailments!

Thymol Mouthwash

Posted by RedCardinal (Minneapolis, MN) on 03/10/2025 5 posts
★★★★★

INSTANT Itch RELIEF (long term)

Once again, strong antibiotics and raging yeast infection. I'm making borax suppositories, BUT, in the meantime, no sleep with the itching plus during the day. I had a gentle mouthwash but bought for all it's other benefits, like relieving bug bites, sunburn, bee stings, sinusitis and itching. So, it's 3am in the morning and I'm desperate. I took a couple of cotton pads and put on the liquid and wiped from front to back and all around. INSTANT RELIEF! Fell asleep like a baby. Started itching again mid-day, did it again and no itching for 1.5 days. There are different versions that have Thymol in it. You can get either Alka-Thyme Natural Mouthwash or AlkaCare Natural Clear Mouthwash on Amz. I even used Glycol (Red) mouthwash. This is a must have in any medicine cabinet.

Multiple Remedies

Posted by Dena L. (New Orleans, Louisiana ) on 06/04/2022
★★★★★

I have been yeast infection free for three years. I suffered from chronic reoccurring infections since I was 21. My advise is to wash all underwear in hot water with unscented washing liquid like the All brand. Bath only in unscented dove soap or use castle soaps with essential oils such as Dr. Bonner or the opengate brand. You can also order liquid black soap with essential oils of lavender or peppermint which is anti fungal on Amazon . I'm going to stress using hot water and washing your underwear separate from your socks and other clothing. You can also prewash your underwear daily with hot water and regular antibacterial soap then wash again in the washing machine. The reason for this is yeast can live in your underwear and only die with heat. Also wash all towels in bleach and hot water and the unscented washing liquid . For color towels add Lysol or pine sol with the unscented washing liquid. I only use 1/4cup. Wash the outside and inner labia only with the soap. Do not put in vaginal canal. Bath in warm salt baths using pink salt or sea salt with hydrogen peroxide. You can also douche with hydrogen peroxide and 1/2 cup of water. Follow with homemade tea tree oil suppositories made with coconut oil. Freeze them and wrap each in foil. Use one before bedtime. Also drink probiotics drinks like Kumbachi from Walmart vegetables section or eat low sugar yogurt by oiu or chobono. You can also take a woman's probiotics. Probiotics are very important for vaginal flora and to prevent yeast infections. Always get your partner treated or avoid sex until you are fully better. Get tested for all stds especially requests a G/C test from doctor. Avoid all sugar drinks and drink coconut water or lemon/ lime water daily. If you suffer from heartburn add aloe Vera in your drinks. Eat fruit but avoid bread and rice. Avoid all sweets. Get a blender and juice lots of green vegetables daily with your favorite fruit for breakfast and lunch.Drink green juices daily. Eat a raw salad with cucumbers and your choice of meet for dinner. Avoid fast foods. Drink Green tea with a tsp of coconut oil daily. Eat a plant base diet. Drink cranberry juice daily. Drink probiotics drinks three times a week. Add liquid chlorophyll by Now brand from Amazon to your water a few times a week to oxygenate the body. Yeast cant grow in a oxygen body. Take P73 oregano oil three times daily. You can buy it from Amazon.

Undecylenic Acid

Posted by Aderia (Ohio) on 07/31/2018
★★★★★

I suffered with yeast infections for years. Tried everything until I stopped eating sugar products and started taking Undecylenic Acid. I did research and found that Formula SF722 from Thorne is excellent for clearing yeast issues. I no longer suffer with this problem.

Green Tea

Posted by Jessica (Canada) on 12/05/2017
★★★★☆

I spent so much money trying to cure my yeast infection. The creams would give me relief but it wouldn't cure me. There are studies in which people successfully treated fungal infections of the skin with green tea, so I thought I would try it for yeast. I made 4 cups of organic green tea and cooled it down with ice, then I sat in a little basin full of it for 25 minutes. It's extremely soothing and takes all of the irritation away.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Kg (Denver) on 07/07/2016

After the last few days of discomfort and pain, and all of the above that everyone else has experienced, I debated to go buy the over the counters, etc and after stumbling upon this post and saying to myself, what the heck- it can't make it worse, I tried and oh man am I glad I did!!

I first tried the warm cloth soaked in Apple Cider Vinegar and you indeed see the yeast that way to identify the problem it and helps with the outer itching being relieved.

After a few hours I began to feel the pain again and itching so I decided the tampon method. After figuring out how to get it up there already soaked, the intense burn came and my goodness everyone was right, that sucker burned like heck! I am using the 5% and diluted a bit more in water.

Once out after about 10 min, because I was a baby on the pain of the burn, you instantly see and smell the issue right there but now after sitting for a few minutes and as I type, it has amazing results. I feel a million times better and will be going about this treatment till the symptoms are gone! Thanks ladies for the help and I'm happy to have found this earth clinic forum!!!

Apple Cider Vinegar and Borax Douches

Posted by Sanni (California) on 02/04/2014
★★★★★

Hi, I've used Earthclinic so many times, that I wanted to share my own yeast infection remedy, to express my gratitude!

Step 1: douche with a mixture of ACV and warm water

Step 2: wait for appx 5 minutes, then douche with Borax (buy at target, really cheap) and water

Step 3: dry and wear loose underwear. I work at home and simply stay in my pajamas.

Works like a charm, usually just 1 application is needed. If not, another application usually does the trick!

I think Borax can be replaced with baking soda, because I believe it's the PH that enables the cure. You first acidify the environment, then you alkalize it (either with borax or baking soda). Then, drying it out helps tremendously too. The feeling a little after you douche is as if you just applied a soothing ointment - the inflammation is gone!

Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Tina (Princeton) on 11/13/2020

Hi Bev,

I have been struggling with dry skin for many years, especially during winters. For the last eight months I have been using Glysolid and it's been wonderful. It's made in Germany and available on Amazon and it doesn't cost the earth. No fragrance, no fancy oil etc, just a smooth, silky white cream that coats my skin like an invisible barrier. Sorry for the ad-like prose. But this cream is truly amazing!

Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Michelle (Thunder Bay) on 08/08/2017

Try drinking Kefir once a day. Purchase at health food store or grocery, or get kefir seeds from someone and they will make kefir in 24 hour from 1% milk or thicker milk. Kefir has 1000 times more probiotics/good bacterias than yogurt. It works if you drink it every day. I even mix with orange juice because I dislike the taste. You may need another option to get rid of infection initially but drinking this everyday keeps it away for ever. Search it on the internet.