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.
Coconut Oil
Posted by Em (Australia) on 05/10/2015
★★★★★
Coconut oil RULES for yeast infections. I suffered them quite regularly that I was in so much pain. I was using the creams and I could no longer afford them as I was getting it all the time.
"Coconut bullets" worked a treat.
Basically just use half a teaspoon - a teaspoon of coconut oil and wrap it in cling wrap to make a bullet shape and put it in the freezer and simple use it like a tampon when it is solid.
Best to do it overnight as it does melt.
Diagnosing a Yeast Infection
Posted by Konstantine (Canada) on 04/30/2015
I just wanted to add a note to this forum. If you are experiencing heavy discharge, with a foul odor (fishy) this is not a yeast infection. Mostly yeast infections have no smell, if any it would be almost sweet. If you have this odor it is bacterial vaginosis. I know from experience. I hope this helps someone.
Garlic
Posted by Thewind777 (Mesa, Az) on 03/03/2015
About inserting garlic into the vagina to get rid of vaginal yeast problems:
Just because I always like covering every base so nobody hurts themselves... make sure if you use an empty teabag to put the garlic clove inside that you remove the staple. There's generally a staple that connects the string to the bag. You will have to fish the bag and the garlic out of your vagina with a hooked finger if you do this, of course.
Some people find it hard to extract it with their own hand, for some reason (probably because it is hard to reach because of the angle your hand has to be in). If so, be prepared to have someone else take it out for you. It is very embarrassing to have to go to the doctors to ask them to remove a tea bag from your vagina.
Also, when I said to puncture 'it' with a needle a couple times, I meant the garlic clove - not the tea bag. That allows just enough of the liquid to leak out without making it too caustic so that it burns.
It is generally a thing people do just before they go to bed, so it does its action in the nighttime.
Make sure you take it out and replace it with a new clove of garlic and a new teabag every day if you do it for more than one day.
Don't mince the garlic, don't cut the garlic in half or chop it into pieces. Do remove the papery husk off the outside of the garlic clove before you put it into the teabag.
Realize that garlic irritates, and can burn some people. Others will have absolutely no problem with garlic burning them. Has everything to do with the person, and how old and fresh the garlic is.
If you eat a piece of the garlic and it is extremely strong - it will be more caustic. If it has turned a bit brown and is brown throughout the garlic it has 'aged' and is far less likely to burn (whether you eat it raw, or put it in your vagina).
Moral of the story, let garlic age in your fridge a couple weeks in a plastic bag until it turns a bit brown before you use it to either swallow, raw, or insert.
Grapefruit Seed Extract
Posted by Jillery (Rawlly, NC) on 05/31/2014 86 posts
How did you use the grapefruit seed extract? Did you take it orally or douche with it?
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Mmsg (Europe) on 07/27/2013
Kelli, coconut oil for dryness.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Wendy (Nd) on 09/03/2018
Coconut oil will help.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Ashley (Jacksonville, Fl) on 04/11/2013
★★★★★
After years of dealing with yeast infections, my new midwife said that some women deal with yeast infections consistently, and that some women can have one after every period because of a ph imbalance your period causes. Not all women have the same symptoms and many things may cause a yeast infection for one and not for another.
Here are my personal experiences:
FOOD
I notice a major shift when I start eating more processed foods, and that it lightens or clears when I eat all vegetables and little sugary fruits.
SYMPTOMS
I have never itched or burned, but have always had a discharge and a yeast smell. I have had BV, but I always get YI.
SOLUTION
I keep a spray bottle with diluted tea tree oil and water on the back of the toilet, and when I go to the bathroom, I spritz everything. It feels great and feels clean. Tea tree smells more fresh than spraying Apple Cider Vinegar. I will also insert some of the tea tree/water solution in my vagina and it makes a huge difference.
Supplements
Priobiotics: I started taking a 15 billion non-refrigerated probiotic that I purchased from a large natural and whole foods store. It comes in a pink box. This has been the best probiotic I have ever taken, and I have taken a lot.
Women's Whole Food Multi: I also take a food based whole foods women's multi 2x day (says 3x, I'm doing good just to remember to take 2).
Douche: I am going to try a Tea Tree Oil and/or Apple Cider Vinegar douche to see if I can get more of the root of the problem with the discharge - which is my main problem.
2 Tbls. Apple Cider Vinegar
8 oz. Warm Water
Douche 2x day
Perhaps this will help someone too!
Grapefruit Seed Extract
Posted by Maureen (Overgaard, Arizona 85933) on 11/07/2013
★★★★★
I too am plagued with end less yeast infections. The grapefruit seed oil works for me too. Kudos to it!!! I was soo desperate, I didn't know what to do. I even wanted to die!!!!
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Vanessa (Lake Worth, Florida, Us) on 09/15/2012
I recently met the most handsomest man I have ever met and have had 2 yeast infections in the same month, so we havent been intimate ever! I used to get yeast infections every month after my period for the past 3 years. I went to several doctors and no one could tell me what was wrong, until one day a doctor took a pH strip stuck it up there and told me I needed to acidify my system. I was taking 2000mg of vitamin c everyday, for 5 months, about how long it took and yay no more yeast infections. This lasted for a year, then the beginning of this year they started coming again, I have been taking 1000mg of vitamin c to keep my pH constant. I bought pH strips tested my pH, and it came out normal range(3. 5-4) so I was confused why I was getting them again. I first assumed it was stress. I was REALLY stressed out for a couple months, I was fine for 4 months then all of a sudden after I had sex with one guy I got a yeast infection. I was confused because we didnt use latex for I am sensitive, and we used my all natural carrageenan lubricant. Got 2 infections in the same month recently so I was very confused.
What I discovered was my plan to gain weight backfired on me. How you say? Before I never touched simple carbs, ever! I would only eat complexes. My solution to gain weight that I lost was to eat simple carbs, I was eating rice pudding almost 3 times a week! White bread you name it. Plus I believe me using Monistat over and over again for the past 2 years created an immunity to the Candida so it developed a super Candida with me feeding the yeast as well with all this starch! . Ive have been eating Greek yogurt everyday for the past three years. I also bought femdophilus. I was so confused why this wasnt helping. What I realized is that everyone talks about probiotics but no one talks about prebiotics and anti-fungals. So! I needed to get over this yeast infection fast so I can be intimate with this guy, because we have been dating for a month and only had sex once. Also, my doctor prescribed me diflucan which I have never took before, looked it up and may or may not work and takes up to 7 days what!! ?? I looked up grapefruit seed extract, oregeno oil, Apple cider vinegar(organic) , Hydrogen peroxide, fructooligosaccharides, rephresh tampons and finally Luvena prebiotic vaginal lubricant.
My intense treatement that cured me in 3 days!!
1) take oregeno oil and grapefruit seed extract 3 times a day
2) insereted oregeno oil capsule directly in vagina, for 2 nights, had to dilute with Carlson vitamin e suppositories, because my goodness is that oregano concentrated! (After the first night I felt amazing by the way!!
3) Only ate vegetables and protein for a couple days, so the supplements can do what they do
4) also was on fluconozoale 1 dose of 150mg
5) bathe in ACV at night, and rinsed out vagina with ACV with turkey baster, I dont like douches (did this 3 nights)
morning bathed in H2O2 and rinsed out vagina with H2O2 with turkey baster (did this 2 mornings)
6) still take Femdophilus twice a day, with FOS twice a day(prebiotics) to keep probiotics alive
4th day I didnt see anymore Candida disharge, also I had absolutely NO itching, just very minor innflamation, thats it ACV is amazing!! By the 5th day I was absolutely back to normal
I have to say though that me stupidly putting a concentrated oregeno capsule in my vagina burned like hell but I felt amazing. After realizing this I diluted by putting half a vitamin e suppository. Everything did burn, but only for a couple seconds and I had abosulutely NO itching or irritation, just minor inflammation, Friday I felt 100 percent better, and this treatment only took 3 days!!!! I am still taking the supplements only twice a day now and plan on being intimate with this beautiful man tomorrow night! :)
I also bought represh tampons, because I realized that everytime I get my period I get a little irritated and never realized it being my pH so I have yet to try those. Look up Luvena prebiotic I am going to use that after I have sex, to see how that works out, so I still have to try that as well.
Boric Acid
Posted by Laura (Houston, Tx) on 04/20/2014
I know you posted this a couple years ago, but was wondering how you are doing now? Your story sounds EXACTLY like mine, but I was eventually diagnosed, by a vulvovaginal specialist in Houston, with Cytolytic Vaginosis. Cyclical yeast-like symptoms (itching, burning, discharge) with the absence of positive results for yeast are hallmarks of this imbalance (which is basically an overgrowth of lactobacilli, which can be brought on by repeated use of antifungals). I also read the V Book, and this book claims that Cytolytic Vaginosis has been debunked. I can assure you that this is not true. A specialist here in Houston informed me that it is a real clinical entity that responds to appropriate treatment. if you're still having symptoms, especially with the use of Rephresh Pro-B, please look into Cytolytic Vaginosis!
Salt
Posted by Aeiver (New Braunfels, Tx/usa) on 03/30/2012
★★★★★
Many years ago after taking a course of antibiotics I developed a yeast infection. That time, and a couple of times since, I have used salt in my bath water. Plain table salt, use liberally, 1 to 2 cups disolved in a shallow bath (to keep the salt more concentrated). The relief is almost instantaneous. I repeated the treatment once or twice and was back to normal. From what I understand, it helps to restore the normal pH of the vagina. It is quick and inexpensive. Have never since used anything else.
Salt
Posted by Debbie (Melbourne, Australia) on 04/01/2012
I think what Aeiver is suggesting, that is having a
table salt bath... "plain table salt,
1 to 2 cups" in the bath water to rid vaginal yeast sounds a very dangerous thing for anyone to do. Table salt is "sodium chloride" and is very dangerous for blood pressure among other things. If someone has a heart issue or some other health issue (or even if they don't)... This much "salt" into their body at one time could be fatal. Once dissolved it would enter the skin transdermally... Huge amounts.
On the other hand real salt or unrefined salt is entirely different and would be safe without having to worry about side affects and it is full of other minerals.
I would be interested if others agree.
Boric Acid
Posted by Mechanoid Monster (San Diego, California) on 02/02/2012
Ok so an update!
I'm on my 2nd night of boric acid suppositories and I feel amazing. It's not harsh at all for me and my vagina looks and feels completely better. I'm only going to do 2 nights because I just got off 2 pills (with three days in between a pill) of Diflucan which cured the infection about halfway.
I'm so happy to notice a difference in just one night. Before my vagina was very dry and flaking (which I attributed to the end of the yeast infection and possibly to BV :/) now it is all normal! I'm also taking 800mg of Folic acid and 2 multi-strain probiotics.
Fingers crossed!!!!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Melissa (Barberton, Ohio) on 03/15/2012
★★★★★
Ok, I have been on Antibiotics for 2 weeks due to a severe kidney infection. So needless to say I got a YI from Hell!! Burning, itching, discharge, it is a hot mess! Well after reading this site I decided to try ACV. So tonight I got a clean washcloth and soaked it in ACV and water (half and half) and gently wiped the external areas. Then I dipped a tampon (which I had to borrow from a friend because I don't use tampons) in the ACV mixture and inserted it for 15 minutes. It stung a little bit, as soon as I removed the tampon I wiped the area again and now only 20 minutes later I feel so much better!!! I can't wait to do it again in the morning! It was actually refreshing after the slight sting was gone. I highly reccomend it!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Sandy (Carlsbad, Nm) on 10/07/2011
★★★★★
My name is Sandy, I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes 2 yrs. ago this Christmas. Ever since then, I've had the most God-Awful yeast infection ever!
I tried everything, including all the so called cures online. Nothing would touch this infection until last night, when I was at my wit's end with this thing.
I bought a small bottle of ACV from Walmart for .64 cents. I used it last night, and again this morning, the infection not only burned, itched, and aggravated me, but upset my balanced lifestyle.
The ACV really works, for those of you who may be skeptics. I like most women, tried the monostate, the vagi-guard, creams, garlic, etc.
I'm so thankful for the ACV, this infection is brought on by yeast, and too much sugar and bacteria in the body, the diabetes doesn't help that's for sure, and the infection is something I've never had before in my life.
It's not pleasant, and is the most serious and disturbing thing that's ever happened to me healthwise.
If you're running out of ideas, time, and patience, like I was, you must try the ACV, you sure can't beat the price, and the results are amazing. Stop wasting your money, time and effort on creams, that are messy, and garlic, it's a waste of time!
The ACV is a true cure and blessing, Thank you, so much! Sandy
Oregano Oil
Posted by Jodee433 (Picayune, Ms) on 05/07/2013
★★★★★
Shannon, I want to THANK YOU so much for you rremedy for yeast... I took antibotics for 43 days and developed yeast everywhere, especially the vagina, then the mouth... I was desperate tonight and tried your treatment.. I called a friend and got some tampons, I have never used them, I mixed the oregono oil with the coconut oil, soaked the tampon in it.. At first it burned like all heck, but after a few minutes it stopped.. I can't tell you the rellief I feel.. I also took some by mouth... BTW I took the pills from the doc, use the cream with no success. Just thank you so much , again.. I will always use this remedy.. I really think anyone that is having this problem should try this.. I was going to the hospital tomorrow, but now I think I will be able to get this done..
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Gmn77 (Irvine, Ca) on 09/08/2011
★★★★★
I am an absolute believer in Apple Cider Vinegar! I had a yeast infection for the past month that has come and "gone" or been hidden for a few days. It came back this last week with a vengeance. I read the posts on here and figured I had nothing to lose. I tried the douche method and the sitz bath. After that I soaked a cotton swab in pure ACV. Little bit of burn at first but nothing unbearable. The results were AMAZING! About 30 minutes later I already felt a huge relief. Probably 70% better which isn't bad after a month of the YI. This morning I woke up and did the douche again with 75% ACV and 25% water. Then I applied the cotton swab soaked in ACV to the labia area. Again the results were amazing! This is the first time in a month that I am sitting at my desk not squirming around because of the intense itching and burning. I had tried the OTC inserts prior and it would mask the symptoms but they would come right back as soon as I stopped the treatment. So far this is proving to be a great natural cure.
Vanadium (Vanadyl Sulfate)
Posted by Joyce (Dallas, Tx) on 06/09/2011
★★★★★
I have been suffering with an ongoing yeast infection due to heavy antibiotics being used throughout the year for various issues. The two remedies that have worked the best and almost instantly like OVERNIGHT are Ted's 1/8 Tsp Borax in 1 Liter of water... And another one that I think I may have stumbled on by accident recently...
While the Borax remedy helped me instantly overnight, on the three days that I did not take the Borax, the irritation came back right away...
Well, I recently came across one of Ted's posts for weight loss and he mentioned Vanadium (Vanadyl Sulfate) to help control blood suger... So, I purchased some Vanadyl Sulfate online and began taking 200 mg for 4 days out of a week and 3 days off.
Since I've been doing this my yeast infection seems to be much less noticable now and is going away... I have not been drinking the Borax either... The only other supplement I've been taking is Keto 7 DHEA... So, I'm guessing it must be the Vanadium or Vanadyl Sulfate... I'm not sure why the Vanadium is helping me... But what a neat little discovery!
Hydrogen Peroxide
Posted by Fn (Corvallis, Or) on 04/28/2011
Peroxide YES!
I have been plagued by these infections my whole life since being sexually active. I would get these yeast infections like at least once a month. I finally tried the 1/2 cool water 1/2 peroxide filling a douche that I bought and discarded the solution it came with. If I ever feel the discomfort coming on, I douche morning and night for a few days, rinsing my peri area also, and it disappears! And this is WAY less frequently. It is so amazing and I no longer spend tons of money on monostat and others! Thank you so much!
Hydrogen Peroxide
Posted by Patrice (San Juan, Trinidad) on 06/14/2011
I douche my vagina with salt water, rub it with hydrogen peroxide and then ease the burning With olive oil. It works!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Debbie (Melbourne, Australia) on 03/26/2011
I meant to say above that milk is pasteurised these days (which means it is heated) and that kills off the enzymes in the milk which help digestion. If digestion is not working properly the body becomes toxic and the toxins wreak havoc in the body.
Processed foods, table salt, and preservatives do not help your digestion and if your body is toxic just exacerbate the problems. I have read that eczema is also a digestion issue - toxins getting out via skin.
This is just my opinion but wanted to share in case it reasonates with anyone. I am going to make some fermented veggies in the next week or so and ferment some green coconut milk with kifir to drink.
Cheers & good health
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Debbie (Melbourne, Australia) on 04/01/2011
Hi Sandra, sorry for not responding sooner. Here is a great recipe for Sourdough bread. There is a sourdough starter at the end of the article you can use (or there is a simpler recipe in the Comments section from Meredith) The article itself is interesting and the author explains gluten intolerant people have eaten the bread he makes with this process and they have no reaction.
http://nourishedmagazine.com.au/blog/articles/slow-ferment-sourdough-bread
Yogurt
Posted by Kim (New York, Usa) on 09/17/2010
★★★★★
I just wanted to confirm (for any doubters out there) that after two cool, soothing applications of plain yogurt, my burning yeast infection is definitely gone. I applied one more teaspoon for good measure this morning. I used plain, organic Greek yogurt with five live active cultures. And one more observation: only loose clothes for me from now on, mainly skirts instead of trousers! Yeast loves the warm, airless places that tight trousers provide. No more!
Tea Tree Oil
Posted by Eve K (Houston, Texas Usa) on 06/08/2010
Tea tree oil suppositories are available in the US at some natural health food stores usually in the homeopathic aisle.
Vitamin E, Oregano Oil, Boric Acid
Posted by Elizabeth (Nashville, Tn) on 05/14/2010
★★★★★
I recently had a really bad yeast infection and had tried literally everything to get rid of the infection. I took diflucan (ha!), soaked in ACV/BS bath, used tea tree oil, and even inserted garlic cloves.... you name it. I've read about the powerful anti-fungal properties of oregano oil and I had some on hand. This was not a diluted brand but a 100% strength oil (so you have to be sure to dilute it well). I saturated a cotton ball with vitamin E oil and put ONE drop of oregano oil on it. I used this to apply the oil to my area, all over. It did feel warm and tingly for about a minute but after that, NO ITCHING. I was shocked. Within 2 days all my symptoms were gone and I have been good since. I should also note I also used boric acid caps vaginally while using the oregano oil to take care of the yeast inside.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Tnh1218 (Helena, Al) on 01/03/2010
★★★★★
OMG, I do not normally get yeast infection but one came on me all of the sudden today and was very Uncomfortable. I immediately looked up natural cures and found these on ACV which I take in a drink with Honey daily anyway. But I decided to do like some have said and soak a cotton pad in it and apply it to the area and once the burning quit I could not believe that the itching was gone. Now it may come back but I am so stunned about the instant relief that I had to share with ya'll. Hope it helps someone as noone deserves to go through that misery (lol).
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Jenn (Queens, Ny) on 12/23/2009
UPDATE from 12/14 comments: I LOVE ACV!!!!!!! This is truly an amayzing, healing solution. INCREDIBLE. I never thought I would be writing that my yeast infection is fully healed! No itching/burning/discomfort anymore. I never realized how good ACV is good for you anyways and I plan to keep full stock of it for a loooooooong time!
THANKYOU EARTHCLINIC!!!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Caska (Montreal, Quebec) on 05/27/2011
★★★★★
Thank you for posting your trials with yeast infections. I would like to point out that (Pau d'arco) tea herb should be looked into. If Apple Cider Vinegar isn't doing the trick. I make tea out of the plant and use it as a douche. Seems to be working so far.
Hydrogen Peroxide and Acidophilus Douche
Posted by Notagain (Levittown, Pa) on 11/15/2009
★★★★★
okay, I happy to say that I have found something that works for me. I have been battling BV and Lucky me Yeast infection at the same time. This is what I did, I empty a bottled water bottle and add half peroxide and half distilled water, then I add 1 acidophilus caplet to the mixture. Once the caplet dissolves I use this mixture as a douche for 5 days........works wonders. oh, I also take the probiotic pills ____ one daily. Hope this helps and please share with if it does.
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 Joanny (Woodbridge, Nj) on 02/10/2011
I am diabetic lately I have been getting yeast infections, right before my period, organic raw ACV works. For some people, it may not work for others because of you body chemistry. If ACV dont work for you. Try hydrogen peroxcide 2 cups of warm water to 1/4 cup peroxcide, wash virgina best results if you insert your finger iside virgina and clean, it will feel worst for a min but after is Thank God it works, , , , , , , this is what gave me a relieve today.
Boric Acid
Posted by Fliffles (Brooklyn, Ny) on 02/16/2010
Betty - it is true that boric acid is toxic when ingested, but it is NOT when inserted vaginally. there is plenty of research out there, and many standard gynecologists do recommend this as a solution. i know you mean well by warning people about the toxicity of this compound, but your response is so alarmist it is more scary than helpful. you have to ingest a LOT of boric acid for a lethal dose, but ingesting any amount can definitely lead to sickness. as a vaginal suppository, however, the chemical re-balances the pH in there and makes sure to leave no room for the bad stuff (yeast infections, BV). read up on this a little more before scaring everyone away! this can help a LOT of people!
We all should research the things that we put into our bodies in general, and it is wise to do so.
Boric Acid
Posted by Pneumatikos (Carmel, Indiana) on 06/27/2010
★★★★★
Boric Acid has been recommended by doctors for years and has worked well for me. I bought the medical grade powder from a seller on Ebay and used a teaspoon in 8 ounces of water for douche. It does have a drying effect so I use virgin coconut oil to keep moist because it is antifungal.
Boric Acid kills roaches because it dehydrates them when they ingest it. Since I'm not eating or drinking it, I don't see a problem.
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!
