Homeopathic yeast infection is considered a complementary therapy by using natural remedies, some of them are already present in the home.
Yeast infection:
Vaginal candidiasis is one of the most common fungal infections caused by (Candida albicans), which affect the vagina and the vulva causing:
-Itching.
-Irritation.
-Discharge.
-Burning sensation and pain.
Vaginal yeast infection is not considered a sexually transmitted disease as Candida albicans is naturally present in the vagina and vulva sharing food and place with Bacteria vaginosis if any imbalance occurs that will lead to infection.
Homeopathic yeast infection can restore the balance between yeast (Candida albicans) and bacteria (Bacteria vaginosis).
Homeopathic yeast infection examples:
1) Probiotic supplement and suppositories:
Probiotics are a combination of beneficial live yeast and bacteria so they can have a role in (bacteria- yeast) balance restoration.
Many types of bacteria can participate in the combination as (Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium).
The most common type of yeast that participated is Saccharomyces bollards.
The oral supplement needs about 10 days to reach maximum effective concentration so using vaginal suppositories locally is more favourable as it shows a quick result.
2) Yogurt:
Yogurt contains beneficial live bacteria called (Lactobacillus acidophilus) so it can help with reducing fungal overgrowth and restoring (bacteria - yeast) balance.
Yogurt is considered one of the Probiotics.
Greek Yogurt is the best type to use in homeopathic yeast infection.
Yogurt which contains sugar may be harmful as sugar induces fungal growth.
3)Boric acid:
Boric acid is one of the most powerful antiseptics, it can be used for recurrent infection to overcome homeopathic yeast infection resistance.
Boric acid is only approved for topical use for intact skin in the form of vaginal capsules or vaginal suppositories.
In case of large doses, oral use or broken skin, boric acid is toxic and it can lead to kidney damage, acute circulatory system failure and death.
4)Tea tree oil:
Tea tree oil is one of the essential oils that have antimicrobial activity as it can be used to kill fungi, yeast, virus and bacteria.
Tea tree oil must be diluted by a carrier oil like coconut oil or jojoba oil as it is very powerful and may irritate the vaginal sensitive skin.
Tea tree oil is present in vaginal suppositories dosage form.
The research found that tea tree oil as homeopathic yeast infection can enhance other antifungal drugs' effects.
5)Coconut oil:
Coconut oil is one of the fatty oils which is considered a homeopathic yeast infection, as it has antifungal activity.
Coconut oil shows great effect against candida albicans, it doesn't irritate so it can be applied directly to the affected area.
6)Oregano oil:
Oregano oil is an essential oil that comes from: (Origanum marjoram/ Origanum vulgare/ wild Oregano).
Oregano oil mainly contains carvacrol and thymol which are considered powerful antifungal agents.
Oregano oil shows great effect in altering C.albicans growth.
Oregano oil is present in vaginal capsules dosage form and can be applied with tampons.
7)Apple cider vinegar:
One of the most popular homeopathic yeast infection is the apple cider vinegar bath.
The reason for the apple cider vinegar activity is its acidity that can change vaginal PH and inhibits yeast growth and eliminates harmful bacteria and fungi.
Apple cider vinegar douching is not as beneficial as baths, that's because douching can eliminate both harmful and beneficial bacteria which increase the risk of recurrence infection.
Apple cider vinegar must be diluted in water before use on your skin.
8)Garlic:
Garlic is considered a homeopathic yeast infection, It's antifungal and antibacterial properties, however, there is a debate over whether it can help in a yeast infection or not.
Some studies recommend adding garlic in the food, however, another suggested that it has no effect on yeast levels in the vagina.
Using garlic clove inside the vagina has no evidence to say this is work but it may cause irritation, pain, burning sensation, and skin damage.
Vaginal creams containing garlic and thyme are found to have the same efficacy as clotrimazole creams.
9)Hydrogen peroxide:
Hydrogen peroxide is antiseptic with antibacterial and antifungal activity.
Lactobacillus bacteria which is normal flora in the vagina can produce Hydrogen peroxide.
Hydrogen peroxide is not powerful against all Candida species, some women used it topically and had seen no effect.
Hydrogen peroxide must be diluted before applying to genitals, and it's used only for a short term.
10)Vitamin C:
Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid) is a strong immune system booster, which allows the body to restore (bacteria - yeast) balance by itself.
Some studies find that Vitamin C has a role in Candida treatment.
Vitamin C has an acidic PH so direct application in the vagina is avoided, Oral Vitamin C capsules are recommended.
What is expected from Homeopathic yeast infection:
In most cases, homeopathic yeast infection shows relief within a few days or one week.
If symptoms get worse or new symptoms appear, patients should call the doctor.
If symptoms get away with treatment then infection returns, patients should contact the doctor as they may need prescription drugs.
Homeopathic yeast infection Safety:
Homeopathic yeast infection is safe for most people except for those who have certain issues as:
1- Pregnant women.
2- Women with sexually transmitted diseases.
3- Women with a recurrent yeast infection.
4- Women who aren't sure if the symptoms are due to yeast infection or another reason.
The FDA (food and drugs administration) doesn't monitor purity, quality and safety for supplements, herbs and essential oil, so you must buy them from a reputable supplier.
Prevention of Vaginal yeast infection:
1- Reducing the amount of sugar you consume as sugar induces yeast growth.
2- Be sure to wear loose-fitting, cotton underwear.
3- Wet clothes or long term wearing of swimming suits must be avoided because a warm and moist environment induces yeast growth.
4- Avoid vaginal deodorant, spray, lotions and douches except in the case of doctor's advice, because they can alter the vaginal PH and the balance between the good bacteria and yeast.
Summary
The effectiveness of homeopathic yeast infection depends on the severity of infection, the patient health status, the type and quality of remedy.
Any product for homeopathic yeast infection, natural or chemical can irritate sensitive vaginal skin so you must stop therapy immediately if irritation, redness or discomfort occurs.
By: Dr. Esraa Hassan Khamis
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