A vaginal yeast infection (vaginal candidiasis) is caused by an overgrowth of a fungus that naturally lives in the vagina, called Candida albicans.

This overgrowth triggers irritation, inflammation, itching, and painful discharge. Most women experience a yeast infection sometime during their lifetime.

If this is your first time experiencing the symptoms of a yeast infection, visit a gynaecologist to verify that you actually have a yeast infection and not something else.

But if you have recurring yeast infections, talk with a doctor about other safe ways to treat a yeast infection or perhaps prevent reoccurrence.

Some of these remedies use ingredients that you might already have in your home. Their effectiveness varies, and evidence for their success is mostly anecdotal.

Combined with your doctor’s care, complementary therapies may provide some relief.

Keep reading to find out about some popular home remedies for yeast infections.

Here are 08 useful home remedies

1. Greek yoghurt: Yeast infection home remedies

Probiotics can be effective against C. Albicans.

Yoghurt can be considered a probiotic because it contains live bacteria, such as Lactobacillus acidophilus. These bacteria are essential to creating a healthy environment in your vagina. They can help treat an overgrowth caused by an imbalance.

Confirmed in a 2017 study, eating yoghurt helps increase the gut microbiome and can reduce yeast in the body. If you don’t like yoghurt, then take probiotics. Probiotics are best taken with food.

Plain Greek yoghurt is the best kind to use for this home remedy. Make sure that the yoghurt doesn’t contain any added sugar, flavouring, or fruit. Added sugar can fuel the growth of the Candida fungus.

To reap the benefits, try eating the yoghurt, applying it to the vulva around the vagina, or inserting it vaginally.

2. Boric acid: Yeast infection home remedies

Boric acid is a powerful antiseptic that some people claim is useful for treating yeast infections that are resistant to other remedies.

It is a vaginal suppository that may be used with medications to treat vaginal infections.

Boric acid is toxic in large amounts. It can lead to kidney damage, acute failure of the circulatory system, or death if you absorb too much. Don’t use boric acid on broken skin, and don’t take it orally.

If you’re pregnant, don’t use boric acid in any form.

If you have sensitive skin, this may not be a good option. Discontinue use if any discomfort begins

3. Essential oil of oregano: Yeast infection home remedies

Common oregano, or Origanum marjoram, is what you usually find in your grocery store’s spice section. The oil of oregano used to treat yeast infections isn’t the same type, however.

Look for oil of oregano made from wild oregano, or Origanum vulgare.

Oil of oregano is a natural blood thinner, so don’t use it (diffused or topically) if you take blood thinners for another health condition. In addition, don’t use it if you have blood-clotting issues, such as from a vitamin K deficiency.

Remember: Essential oils should not be taken orally. They’re meant to be inhaled as part of aromatherapy. While some studies are examining other ways to use essential oil of oregano, experts recommend diluting it in a carrier oil, such as olive or sweet almond oil, at this time.

To use: Mix three to five drops of essential oil per ounce of carrier oil. Then, apply it to the skin in massage. It can also be inhaled using a diffuser. Don’t apply this essential oil near the vagina.

4. Coconut oil: Yeast infection home remedies

Coconut oil is a fatty oil derived from the flesh of the coconut. The oil has many health benefits, including antifungal properties.

Studies show that coconut oil is effective against C. Albicans, making this home remedy one of the few with strong evidence that it actually works.

To treat a vaginal yeast infection using coconut oil, be sure to buy pure, organic coconut oil. You can apply the oil directly to the affected area.

Tea tree oil is an essential oil that’s used to kill fungi, bacteria, and viruses.

Research shows that a vaginal suppository containing tea tree oil may help treat vaginal infections. Tea tree oil has been shown to have antifungal properties.

Another study found tea tree oil to be effective as an antimicrobial and in helping break down the biofilm.

Tea tree oil is an incredibly powerful essential oil. Make sure to dilute it with a carrier oil, such as jojoba or coconut oil, if it’s going to touch your skin. Already prepared tea tree vaginal suppositories are the best option.

Only use tea tree oil occasionally, and never swallow it. If you have sensitive skin, don’t use tea tree oil. Discontinue use if any discomfort occurs.

Undiluted tea tree oil should never touch the skin.

6. Apple cider vinegar: Yeast infection home remedies

One popular yeast infection remedy is an apple cider vinegar bath.

Vinegar has many medicinal uses, some more proven by research than others. When you add a half cup of apple cider vinegar to a lukewarm bathtub and soak for 20 minutes, the acidic component of the vinegar can eliminate any harmful microorganisms, including yeast.

An apple cider vinegar bath is not the same as douching, which aims to flush out all bacteria (good and bad) from your vagina. Doing so leaves you more prone to a reoccurrence of the yeast infection. Don’t douche with apple cider vinegar.

Vinegar should be diluted in water before touching the skin. In addition, consider adding apple cider vinegar to your diet.

7. Garlic

In a 2005 lab study, garlic was shown to be an effective Candida killer.

While more studies are needed, research from 2019 examined the effect of using a garlic solution on sores of the mouth and found it was effective in inhibiting the growth of Candida. However, it was not as effective as using nystatin (Nystop), an antifungal medication.

If you want to try garlic to treat a yeast infection, add more garlic to your diet. Some websites recommend inserting garlic in the vagina, but burns and significant pain have been reported. Stick with adding garlic to foods instead.

8. Vitamin C

Vitamin C is an immune system booster and also has a role in skin health. A strong immune system allows your body to bring itself back into balance.

Vitamin C, also called ascorbic acid, has antimicrobial components, so some people add it to their diet to treat Candida overgrowths.

Try increasing your intake of vitamin C to boost your body’s ability to beat the yeast infection. Don’t apply the acidic vitamin C to the sensitive vaginal tissue.

Preventing vaginal yeast infections

Follow these tips to help prevent future yeast infections.

  • Limit the amount of sugar and processed foods you consume. Yeast thrives on sugar.
  • Wear loose-fitting, cotton underwear.
  • Don’t spend extended periods of time in wet clothes or bathing suits. Yeast grows in warm, moist environments.
  • Only use antibiotics when necessary.
  • Don’t use douches unless advised by a doctor, and avoid vaginal deodorant sprays and scented vaginal lotions. They may alter the balance of good bacteria and yeast in your vagina

Frequent ask question

What is the fastest way to get rid of a yeast infection?

The fastest and most reliable way to get rid of a yeast infection is to see a doctor if you suspect you have one. They will likely prescribe fluconazole, an oral treatment that may still take a week to get rid of the infection.

Additionally, the vaginal suppository Monistat and generic versions of this medication (miconazole) will successfully treat most vaginal yeast infections.

Can yeast infections go away on their own?

A mild yeast infection may go away on its own, but this is rare. It’s always a good idea to treat a yeast infection, even if it’s mild. If yeast infections are not treated properly, they’re more likely to return.

What is the difference between a yeast infection and bacterial vaginosis?

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) and vaginal yeast infections have similar symptoms but different causes and treatments, but both cause inflammation of the vagina or vaginitis.

Some of the differences between BV and a yeast infection is that BV produces a foul-smelling, fishy odour, while a yeast infection produces no vaginal odour. Additionally, a yeast infection may cause redness and inflammation of the vulva, while BV doesn’t produce such symptoms.

To determine whether a vaginal infection is BV or a yeast infection, a doctor may:

  • ask about your medical history, including previous vaginal infections, which may have been sexually transmitted
  • perform an examination to look for signs of infection and vaginal discharge
  • take a sample of the discharge for analysis to see whether overgrowth of harmful bacteria or fungi is present
  • test the pH of the vagina, as a pH of 4.5 or above can indicate BV

Takeaway

Home remedies may or may not work to treat a yeast infection. If you use herbs, supplements, or essential oils, be aware that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t monitor these for safety, purity, and quality. Buy from a reputable source.

The effectiveness of a home remedy varies depending on the person, the severity of the infection, and the quality of the treatment used. If you have recurring vaginal infections, talk with a doctor about more natural approaches to preventing and treating this.

Be sure to keep in mind that any product, natural or otherwise, may irritate sensitive vaginal skin. Stop using the remedy and call a doctor if you experience any irritation or discomfort.