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 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.
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.
Acidophilus
Posted by Shampoo (Houston, Texas) on 10/18/2009
★★★★★
I have been having recurring yeast infections for the last 4 years. This year I was diagnosed with HPV. My doctor adviced me to continue living a regular life style and that the HPV would go away on its own. The following week he inserted a Merina IUD. I told him that I thought the birth controls I was taking imbalanced my harmones. The IUD seem like it's not helping either. Every month I get a yeast infection. This month is by far the Worst Ever. I took off of work, because I was so uncomfortable. Aft reading about Acidolphius on this website, OMG!!!! Thank you sooooo much for the advice. To be honest, I was sort of skeptical about inserting a pill into my virgina. After trying prescribed medication (Diflucan, Terozol, etc.)and even over the counter medicine Monistat, I was desperate. I was sooo uncomfortable with the itching and burning that I was desperate for any advice. I went and purchased the 1 billion acidolphius. I took 3 orally, and I inserted 1 tablet vaginally. (I did not have time to freeze it, I just immediately inserted it). I feel like a completelly new lady. There in no itching, burning, or irritation (the first day). For the next 4-5 days I will continue doing this.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Kathy (Dubois, Pa) on 10/01/2009
For vaginal yeast infections, I like to take plain yogurt right out of the 'fridge and shoot it up my "cooter" with a turkey baster. It is very soothing, and has never failed to eliminate the yeast over-growth in just a few doses. I do this once in the morning and once at night for a couple of days and wear a pad to protect my clothes (and my dignity, LOL).
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by 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.
Acidophilus, Vitamin C, Hydrogen Peroxide
Posted by Lana (Morris Plains, Nj) on 08/26/2009
★★★★★
Yeast Infection: A combination of Acidophilus, vitamin C, and hydrogen peroxide. I took 3 different kinds of Acidophilus on the first day I noticed the infection, each with 2x their normal doses (one full daily dose of each in the morning and evening). I also inserted Acidophilus the first night i noticed the infection, two of the different kinds (capsules) I had on hand. Since one of the three brands was chewable I decided not to use it like that. Then I would insert Acidophilus in both the morning and before i went to bed. I took about 4000 mgs of vitamin C each day. The last thing I did was put Hydrogen peroxide on my labia to relieve the itching. It stings for a minute, but after it is sweet relief. After the first night of this regimen there was about 90% less discharge and much less itching.
I was amazed that i was almost completely cured in just one day.
So, in total the plan is-
1) a double dose of more than one brand of Acidophilus
2) Insert acidophilus twice daily, in the morning and before bed. But I think the gel capsules are best for inserting into the vagina.
3) 4000 mgs of vitamin C each day. I took up to about 8000 mgs a day, but in some people that much vitamin C can give you a stomach ache.
4) Hydrogen Peroxide on a cotton ball swiped over all the itchy parts. I used it whenever I itched and after each time i used the bathroom.
I was about 90% better IN ONE DAY!
Acidophilus, Yogurt, ACV and Peroxide Douche
Posted by Bella (Roselle, Nj) on 08/21/2009
★★★★★
I have had three yeast infection these past two months. The third just started today. I didn't want to take any over the counter meds so instead I took the natural approach. I took 3 acidophilus pills every few hours, ate a greek yogurt, and my cousin gave me a recipe for a great douche. Acv, peroxide and water. I felt instant relief. Its quicker and better than prescription meds. Try it ladies!
Garlic
Posted by Jessica ( Vancouver, Bc) on 04/08/2018
★★★★★
I do this as well. In addition, I place my chopped garlic on a spoon and cover the garlic with honey. It goes down easier ;)
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Michelle (Glen St Mary, Florida) on 06/23/2009
★★★★★
Hello, Ladies. All my life I have been cursed with yeast infections. I have literally tried everything from RX to Home remedies. Until today I had never tried the ACV, O My God!!! It really works. I took a cotton ball and soaked it with ACV and then applied it to my lady parts. It burns like hell for a minute, but after that first minute the itching and burning stopped. Later the same day when I had time I made a sitz bath with ACV and water and soaked for 20-30 minutes. Already feeling much better. Thank You Earth Clinic!!! I will never forget this Home remedy (EVER)!!! Your website is the BEST!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Brigitte (Evanston, IL) on 06/16/2009
★★★★★
Hello, ladies! The apple cider vinegar does work better than or at least as well as over the counter remedies. I was taking antibiotics and became itchy and irritated in the vulva area. My external vagina was extremely sensitive and was so raw in between the folds of skin that rubbing it with a cotton swab actually produced a bit of blood! I was mortified at the sight of that and instantly had the creeps. I'd already been reading about acv and it's health benefits so I decided to give it a try. I just dipped the tip of a cotton swab into the vinegar and dabbed it directly on the irritated skin. It burned like crazy for a few moments but then quickly subsided, within a few minutes I felt relief! Less itching and irritation. Later on that evening I did it again after my shower. The next morning when I wiped myself I was 95 percent better! No itching, no discomfort NO drops of blood. I decided to do it one more time just to be certain that it was gone and walla! I only used the Q-tip dipped in apple cider vinegar with no dilution! That may be a bit too harsh for most women so I recommend that they dilute with a bit of water. I'm sure that it will still have the same benefits in a weaker version. Thanks to all the people who took time to post result and testimonies! That is always appreciated by those that are indecisive about trying home remedies. I'm totally satisfied with my results and have now encouraged my daughter to try it. If it works for her then I will post again. Here's to a happy and healthy vagina!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Supermom (Rathdrum, Idaho) on 09/23/2010
★★★★★
I got my first yeast infection a month ago and went right down to the drugstore for the "one day treatment. " It got rid of my yeast infection all right- but It gave me the worst cramps I've ever had and I sufferred some intense nausea. Was it worth it? Heck yeah! I think we can all relate to wanting to grind up on some sandpaper and not being able to! LOL- anyhow, this dreaded curse has returned so I tried the Apple Cider Vinegar. I took a bath first, then when I got out I locked the bathroom door, laid down on a towel and basically just doused my goods with the vinegar. I did not dilute- I just wanted to get straight to the issue! Boy- it BURNED, but only for about 30 seconds, after that I felt an almost soothing warmth. I will keep it up for a few days to make sure I've killed it and not just angered it. But so far, so good! Keeping my fingers crossed. Feeling human again right now :)
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Sasha (Baltimore, Md) on 02/19/2010
★★★★★
Ok so I am currently suffering from a YI or BV which I have had in the past so I figured its one of the two because I am familiar with the symptoms...anyway, I have burning, itching, and musty smelly discharge coming from my cooch but no cottage cheese. I have tried VH Essentials only for 3 days but experienced very little relief so that was a waste of $$. So I started doing some home remedy research and came across the "yogurt remedy" and the "ACV remedy" on this site. I filled a needleless syringe with plain greek yogurt (greek because its texture is thicker than most)and inserted about 1 teaspoon into my cooch. I am on dose #2 and I noticed the smelly discharge is not as strong about 85% gone and the itching was not as intense but still lingering. So I decided to be brave and try the ACV (from the supermarket). I poured straight ACV on a cotton ball and squeezed it so the liquid could drip onto my clit and labi...OMG! It burned like hell for about 60 seconds! However, I am 100% not itching or burning at ALL. ACV works for real!!!! I am ready to just pour the whole bottle down there lol...but yes ladies it does work. As for the yogurt...I will repost in about 3 days since I just started it today (02/19/10)...ACV is my hero!!
Boric Acid
Posted by Allie (New York, New York) on 01/20/2009
★★★★★
I used to take antibiotics orally for 3 years as part of an acne regimen. Now when I need antibiotics, they don't work for me. I came back from a 4 month trip to the carribean with a raging yeast infection that nothing would help. I also had a kidney infection at one point and everyone refused to see a connection. With the help of doctors who actually listen, I found a plan that WORKS.
First, birth control contributes to yeast. If you take it, get off of it, at least for a few months. Antibiotics will not work for yeast! Yeast is fungal, antibiotics kill bacteria, not fungi, and there is a huge difference. Maintaining a diet that is high in vegetables and low in or void of bread and sugar. Yeast survive on what you put into your body. They looove sugar and bread. This includes alcohol, too. Alcohol turns into sugar... Finally, BORIC ACID capsules saved my live! By maintaining a yeast free-sugar free diet and using boric acid vaginal suppositories for 2 months, I am 95% clear. Talk to a doctor about using boric acid. It is safe, natural, and won't affect the balance of your body's natural good bacteria.
Fixing this problem is about restoring a balance of healthy bacteria in your body, not killing all of them with antibiotics. I took 4 rounds of antibiotics for treatment and it only made my symptoms hide for months! If you are headstrong and willing to get rid of this forever, change your diet and use boric acid!
Honey and Tea Tree Oil
Posted by Rebecca (Salt Lake City, Utah) on 12/27/2012
Hey, Ive been suffering from yeast infections all my life, and Ive done the tea tree oil thing, and it works great, but your body becomes used to the oil after awhile. What people dont know is that there are many essential oils that will treat a yeast infection and instantly and more efficiently than monistat. Midwives and Herbalists have known this for centuries.
The ones I use are as follows::
Cypress, (diluted with jojoba oil, it will burn) Lavender, Rosemary together (may burn, dilute a bit)
Roman Chamomile in jojoba oil with another oil blend which has cedarwood, sandlewood, and Myrtle oils, and are perfectly safe and all used for yeast infections, and other infections, I googled them all and did extensive research as well as tried these on myself.
Ylang, Ylang, and patchouli oil (hard core hippy chick here, lol! )
Neroli, and Myhrr (spellcheck??) frankenscense (cant spell it, lol)
St Johns oil and east Cape Manuka oil (another relative of the Tea tree) and Bergamont works well too (same oil they out in earl grey tea)
Eucalyptus..(wll burn like heck, DILUTE!! )
I either make them in coconut oil frozen suppositories, or I just put a few drops straight on a clean finger and lay down on my back, and insert and rub around in there as far as it will go (gross I know, but when you have an uncomfortable miserable life ruining yeast infection youll try anything!!!) I also tend to clean the yogurt like material out in the shower, so the oils can really penetrate, but thats not necessary for most people. (really gross, I know, sorry for the TMI, but we need to get well here, lol!!)
You will notice relief within 15 minutes, Im serious. And it will be gone in just a couple days (usually. If you have a more severe infection, you may need to apply the oils up to five times a day. Build yourself up to it, aswell, it may burn a bit, but after a while your body builds up resistance and you can take much more concentrated amounts on the skin without burning. I know with my infections, I usually dont dilute, (except with eucalyptus, and Mrryh, lol!) very strong. Oregano oil can be used aswell, REALLY STRONG, only use a drop in sum carrier oil.
Essential oil are incredibly healing for wounds, and all manner of things. After having success treating my yeast infections, I did ALOT of research into it, and I was amazed. God put these incredibly healing things on the earth and its awesome!
Most of these oils dont cost more than ten dollars, sum are just $4, Mhrry (cant spell sorry) is about $17, so its worth the investement. Like I said, I get these things frequently, so I know very well, how awful they are. The oils work great, try it!!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by April (New York , NY) on 11/06/2008
★★★★★
I'm a 33 year old woman and I've had two yeast infections in my entire life. The first was when I was 19 and the second was just recently. I got my period and shortly after it started, I started to get symptoms of a YI - itching, soreness around my vulva, swelling, burning. I figured this infection was triggered by extremem stress and the fact that I just got back on the Pill.
At any rate, this particular YI came back FULL FORCE! It was so bad I could barely concentrate. The itching was massively intense and I was so sore, I felt like I was walking funny. I was desperate and willing to try anything - and I did. First, I stopped using the tampons (since my period was on) and switched to pads. Then I went to the sore and got some Vagisil-1 (which really didn't work) and plain yogurt. I inserted the Vagisil and ate like 2 1/2 cups of the yogurt (which I sweetened with fresh berries). I gave it about 12 hours, and nothing! Finally, I decided to go to the internet and see what Earth Clinic had to offer. I had used the site previously for a case of Bacterial Vaginosis I had and the peroxide douche they recommended cured my BV!
I found lots of info on ACV but I was afraid to do the douche, so I did the bath with 1 1/2 cup of ORGANIC Raw ACV. I sat in the bath for about 20 minutes and it relieved my symptoms for about an hour but of course they returned. I had HAD IT! I was at the end of my rope and the itching was driving me crazy. I called my doctor and got an emergency prescription of Diflucan and took it that night. The Diflucan took forever to work and I really wasn't able to get much sleep that night but I was just relieved to have it in my system.
The next morning, I still had some itching but I could tell that the swelling and burning was subsiding. I was desperate and so I FINALLY decided to try the ACV douche. I got Summer's Eve that I had stashed away and poured it out. I filled the bottle with about 3-4 teaspoons of Organic Apple Cider Vinegar (try the organic isle in your grocery store) and the rest with warm water. I douched TWICE! I had to say, as graphic as it is, what came out of my vagina was disgusting. It looked like rotting flesh but I know it was yeast.
From that moment on, my itching was TOTALLY gone!!!! I don't know if it was the ACV coupled with the fact that I had Diflucan in my system, but the ACV douche seemed to be the ONLY thing that got rid of the itch, which I think is the biggest culprit of the YI!
Thanks so much Earth Clinic! I am totally hooked to this site for all my ailments. I can't tell you how much money I've spent on doctor's visits, prescriptions and stuff like Vagisil that don't work. My ACV was $3.29! This site not only recommends great advice but it's good to know that others are going thru similar experiences!
Hydrogen Peroxide
Posted by Kristine (Evansville, Ill) on 05/13/2011
I am 41 and I use to have them all the time the doctor gave me antibiotics and I was talkin to a friend and she use to also so she said change ur soap to antibactera dial I did that and had no more yeast infections try that it works also.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Sara (Lexington , KY) on 11/02/2008
★★★★★
I've been having a yeast infection for about a month. With all the usual symptoms -itching -dryness -some white discharge -no odor I've had yeast infections before, generally due to antibiotics. So, naturally, I tried to cure it via over-the-counter anti-fungal cream suppositories (I think it was Monostat). From my experience, I should feel relief after a day of using this treatment. I waited about 4 days, but the treatment didn't phase my symptoms. I tried it again, waited about 5 days, still no cure. I went into a walk-in clinic, they assured me I didn't have an STD (which I was afraid of) but a different type of yeast infection that the cream doesn't cure. So, they prescribed me Diflucan (spell check) with a refill just in case. I took the first pill, waited 2 days and took the second. This didn't help me either.
I went to my regular doctor, she took a culture to find out what type of yeast infection it is. The culture took 7-10days. After the 8th day my doctor called to inform me that I didn't have a yeast infection.
Now, it's my belief that doctors are idiots. Both doctors offices took cultures yet only one said I had a yeast infection.
So, I used the old Apple Cider Vinegar method. I ran a bath a little less than ankle deep and poured about 1 1/2 cups of Apple Cider Vinegar. This did not present immediate relief, but after soaking for 30mins, my symptoms had subsided. Thank you _____ for organic Apple Cider Vinegar and thank you to my ex boyfriend who left it at my house.
There are some draw backs to this remedy. The smell is not pleasant and it made my vagina very dry. So, I recommend some sort of women's lubrication (I used Vagasil 4day moist treatment). Don't use something that's not made for women because that can cause a ph imbalance (which leads to yeast infections). I had to use the Apple Cider Vinegar method twice, once in a day. And I also drank 2teaspoons of Apple Cider Vinegar mixed with 1 cup hot water and honey to taste. With enough honey, it tastes like Apple cider.
This was the only treatment that worked for me. And after a month of being uncomfortable and itchy down there, I think all the women here knows what kind of relief it brings feel normal again.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Cailin (Philadelphia, PA) on 10/31/2008
★★★★★
I love my crazy mother. The random remedies that she recommends always seem to be nonsense at first, but they work EVERY time!!! I have been a huge fan of earth clinic since my mom introduced me years ago when I was a very very poor college student. ACV basically works for everything. Clears up your skin, good for your insides - outsides, and apparently yeast infections. I also have been adding it to my dogs water bowl and it has cleared up her horrible skin (which i have spent HUNDREDS of dollars at the vet's office trying to cure). I have been in AGONY the past 24 hours with this horrible yeast infection. I get one atleast every other month and I always use that stupid, expensive monistat or vagisil. They are messy and unsuccessful in easing the pain. This morning I hopped on earth clinic, and sure enough ACV was the cure. I put some on a wet washcloth and held it on my lady area for about 3 minutes. It burned like hell at first, but it worked!! I'm going to soak in the bath now, as I'm sure that will be much relief as well. I have had problems with 'yeast' since I was a teen. I have been on those "Nature's Cure" yeast pills, but they aren't really helping. I'm going to start taking acidophilus pills cause I heard that they are great. I love you earth clinic!!! i just want to smother you with hugs and kisses!! thank you so much for the relief.