Yeast infection is a fungal infection caused by yeast, a unicellular fungi, especially in the most humid and moist places of our body. The most common type of yeast infections is ‘candidiasis’, a vaginal yeast infection, caused by the yeast ‘candida albicans’. Apart from vagina, yeast infections also appear in places like our mouth, throat and genital areas. In women yeast infections may occur in the genital area producing symptoms like itchy and burning sensation along with white and thick vaginal discharge, pain during sex, rash and soreness. They can also appear in the mouth and throat and they look like ‘cottage cheese’. A weak immune system, deficiency of vital nutrients in diet, poor diet, lack of personal hygiene usually gives rise to yeast infection in our body. Chemotherapy, unhygienic vaginal practice, stress, dirty innerwear, lack of sleep, hormonal imbalance, and use of birth control pills, diabetes, and other diseases can also lead to yeast infection. However, there are many natural cures available for yeast infections. Read on to learn how to treat yeast infections at home.
Natural Remedies for Yeast Infections
Plain Yoghurt or Curd
Curd or yoghurt helps in restoring the acidic balance in the body. The lactobacillus bacteria present in curd helps in reducing the overgrowth of yeast present in the infected area. Include a bowl of plain yoghurt a day in your meal for a week till the signs of yeast infection reduces. For direct application one can dip and soak a cotton ball in the cup of yoghurt and insert in the vaginal wall for an hour. Repeat this procedure 2-3 times a day to get immediate results.
Garlic
The anti-bacterial and anti-fungal property present in garlic helps in treating yeast infections. Garlic is known to be very effective in treating candidiasis. Chewing two or three cloves of garlic daily can prove really useful in treating yeast overgrowth in the body. This natural remedy is effective for both men and women. To treat vaginal yeast infection, you need to peel the skin off from freshly cut garlic cloves and wrap it in cheese cloth. Then tie it and insert in the vagina. Leave it overnight.
Buttermilk
Buttermilk is as useful as yoghurt in reducing the growth of ‘candida albicans’ in the vagina. If consumed several times a day then it can help in reducing the yeast growth as it regulates and balances the acid level in the body.
Vinegar
Vinegar is very much effective in reducing such yeast infections in the body. You may use either apple cider vinegar or white vinegar as both are equally effective in treating yeast infection. It has the ability to stop the growth of fungal infections. Mix equal amount of water with vinegar. Soak a cotton ball in it and apply directly to the affected area. Repeat it a couple of times a day.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree is also very effective in removing such yeast infections and is helpful in stopping the growth of ‘candida albicans’ in the body. One should use tea tree only in diluted form. Pregnant women should avoid using tea tree oil.
These are the various natural remedies for yeast infections that we can take resort to at home. however, if your infection persists along with other symptoms consult your physician at the earliest to avoid further complications.