7 Home Remedies for Yeast Infections

 

 

There are many home remedies for yeast infections that can naturally help fight off yeast overgrowth. Many products that line the ‘feminine hygiene’ (gag) aisle are full of chemicals and other harsh ingredients that can actually cause more harm to your vaginal health than good. These products are also oftentimes made to mask vaginal health issues rather than make them better.

 

This is why many people (including us!) are searching for organic solutions to common vulvovaginal health issues, including yeast infections. Luckily there are natural yeast infection treatments you probably have in your home right now. 

 

So here are 7 natural home remedies for yeast infections:

 

Coconut Oil

Let’s start with one you probably have in your pantry right now! Coconut oil has strong antimicrobial and antifungal properties due to its high levels of lauric and caprylic acid, making it a great way to combat the Candida albicans yeast (one of the most common yeasts in vaginal infections).

 

This fatty and nutrient-rich oil is also very nourishing to the skin, which can help to soothe common yeast infections symptoms like itching and irritation.

 

 

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil has a long history of being used in holistic medicine. Fun fact: it has been used as a wound healing treatment for centuries…and for good reason. Research has shown that tea tree oil has powerful antifungal and other medicinal properties. It has also been shown to fight candida albicans specifically. This makes tea trees a notable option to combat vaginal yeast overgrowth.

 

*Tea tree oil is a VERY powerful essential oil and can harm skin if applied in its pure form. So make sure to dilute it with a carrier oil, such as coconut or almond oil.

 

Instantly address vulvovaginal dryness, itching, and irritation: Shop Salve

 

Apple Cider Vinegar

We’ve heard a lot about apple cider vinegar’s wide range of healing powers in the last few years, and these healing powers can even benefit your vaginal health. ACV has been shown to have antimicrobial and antifungal properties that can fight against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and (you guessed it) Candida albicans.

 

Do not apply undiluted ACV to the skin. For topical use, we would recommend adding a few tablespoons (2-5) of ACV to a warm bath.

 

Rejuvenate and restore skin with a warm Tonic bath: Shop Tonic

 

Probiotics

Probiotics are normally talked about in regards to digestive health, but they can also work wonders for your vaginal microbiome. Probiotics that contain strains of ‘good’ bacteria, like Lactobacillus acidophilus, can help to maintain and restore balance to the vaginal microbiome, which lowers your chance of developing vaginal infections.

 

Protect and promote your vaginal microbiome: Shop The Probiotic

 

Vitamins C and E

Some of the best yeast infection fighting remedies can be found in your fridge! Two vitamins that are essential for maintaining your vaginal health are vitamins C and B.

 

Vitamin C boosts your immune system, and having a strong immune system reduces your risk of getting an infection…including a vaginal infection. You can meet your daily vitamin C needs by eating citrus fruits, berries, and leafy greens.

 

Vitamin E has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties that can help with vulvovaginal inflammation and irritation, which are common yeast infections symptoms. You can find high levels of vitamin E in foods like avocados, almonds, and sunflower seeds.

 

Read More: 5 Best Vitamins for Vaginal Health 

 

Garlic

Next up we have a kitchen staple. Garlic has powerful antifungal properties. Studies have even shown Garlic can be effective at killing certain strains of Candida.

 

*Do not put raw garlic inside the vagina, doing so can cause vaginal wall burns. Only take orally

 

Read More: 5 Best Foods to Balance Your Gut & Support Vaginal Health

 

Yogurt

Eating yogurt with live and active cultures can support your vaginal microbiome due to its high levels of probiotics. Adding probitoic-rich foods to your diet can help fight off Candida albicans and stop yeast overgrowth.

 

Just make sure you get unsweetened, unflavored yogurt because consuming access sugar can increase your risk for developing a yeast infection. We would recommend adding raw, Manuka honey to your yogurt to for natural sweetness and added antibacterial property benefits.

 

 

Further Reading:

What NOT to do when you have a yeast infection

What Causes Vaginal Infections?

How do you heal your VAGINAL microbiome?

WTF is Fem Care