Yeast Infection Home Remedies | Ingredients at Your Fingertips

Yeast infection home remedies are variable ingredients that are usually available at every home. These remedies vary between yogurts, essential oils, vinegar, herbs, etc.

Despite the widespread of yeast infection home remedies, their effect is unscientific and unproved by any solid studies. However, they can relieve symptoms of infection. 

Yeast infection is also called candidiasis or moniliasis.

Etiology of Yeast Infection:

Among many kinds of fungi, candida or yeast lives in our bodies under the control of the immune system without causing any harm. But in case of sickness or broad-spectrum antibiotics intake or in case of compromised immunity, the immune system loses control allowing yeast to multiply causing infections.

Types of Yeast Infections:

Yeast infection can affect the human body in many forms as:

• Thrush or Oropharyngeal Candidiasis:

It appears as white patches in the oral cavity and throat.

It usually affects newborns and immunocompromised patients (Ex: cancer patients, patients on corticosteroids, diabetic patients)

It causes mouth soreness, pain at swallowing, and cracking of mouth angles.

• Genital Candidiasis:

Well-known between women as one out of four women at least gets vaginal candidiasis once in a lifetime.

Occurs when the vagina loses its balance as in pregnancy and diabetes. Also, some medications, spermicides and weak immune systems are predisposing factors.

Vaginal yeast causes itching, burning redness of the vagina with thick white cottage cheese discharge.

It is less common in men.

• Diaper Rash Candidiasis:

Appears as sores with red raised borders in babies when a soiled diaper is left for a long time in contact with skin and skin left untreated.

• Invasive Candidiasis:

Candida enters the bloodstream usually through medical equipment and travels through the bloodstream to body organs causing life-threatening infections that need hospitalization.

Yeast Infection Home Remedies: Oral Thrush

• Salt Water:

Salt is a natural antiseptic ingredient that is available in every home. It cleanses and soothes sore mouth.

A ½ teaspoon of salt is dissolved in 1 cup of warm water and used as a mouthwash 2 to 3 times daily.

• Baking Soda:

Baking Soda (Sodium bicarbonate) has disinfectant properties. 

In 2009, researchers studied the effect of baking soda as a daily disinfectant for dentures.

½ teaspoon of baking soda is dissolved in 1 cup of warm water and used as a mouthwash 2 to 3 times daily.

• Yogurt (Unsweetened):

Yogurt contains probiotic bacteria that don't kill candida but it stops its growth.

It is also a soft diet to eat when the mouth is sore and in pain.

• Gentian Violet:

It is a synthetic violet dye that has antifungal properties. Gentian is applied with a cotton swab on affected areas in the mouth 2 to 3 times daily.

• Lemon Juice:

It has antiseptic and antifungal properties. It is not recommended to use concentrated lemon juice but as a diluted solution of ½ lemon added to 1 cup of warm water.

It is used as a mouthwash.

• Turmeric:

Curcumin is the active ingredient in turmeric. It is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Moreover, it has an antifungal effect especially when mixed with piperine (of black pepper); According to a 2010 study on mice.

This mix is called golden milk. It is made by mixing ¼ to ½ teaspoon of turmeric paste and a pinch of black pepper to a cup of water or milk then the mixture is warmed up.

This mix is used as mouth wash then it can be swallowed.

• Clove Oil:

With its active ingredient (Eugenol), it has been known for its antiseptic and pain relief effect.

It can be taken as a dietary supplement or used as other yeast infection home remedies.

As a home remedy, mix a teaspoon of ground clove to 1 cup of water then boil the mixture for 5 minutes, strain then use it as a mouthwash.

• Oregano Oil:

It has an antimicrobial and antifungal effect. A mouthwash is made by mixing 2 drops of oregano oil with 1 cup of water.

• Apple Cider Vinegar:

It has antifungal properties and is especially beneficial as a yeast infection home remedy for oral thrush in denture patients as it relieves denture stomatitis.

A 1 teaspoon of raw unfiltered apple cider vinegar mixed with 1 cup of warm water then mix is used to rinse the mouth for 15 minutes 2 to 3 times daily.

• Vitamin C:

Also known as ascorbic acid, it has a positive effect on the immune system and increases the ability of the body to fight infections.

• Hydrogen Peroxide:

A mixture of one part of 3% hydrogen peroxide and 2 parts of water is used as a mouthwash for 30 seconds.

• Tea Tree Oil:

Melaleuca oil active ingredient in tea tree oil, is known for its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effects.

Mix a few drops of tea tree oil with water and use it as a mouthwash for at least 30 seconds.

• Aloe Vera:

A household remedy for candida due to its antifungal and soothing properties. Take some gel from the aloe vera plant and apply it to the tongue and affected oral areas once or twice daily.

• Garlic:

Garlic is a powerful plant that can be found in every home. It has an antibacterial and antifungal effect.

To use it as one of the yeast infection home remedies, the patient can chew a small piece of it once or twice daily.

• Other yeast infections home remedies include cold liquids and ice treats that relieve pain and decrease discomfort.

• Lifestyle change

Has a great effect in fighting oral thrush and controlling its spread. For example; brushing the tongue with a toothbrush along with brushing teeth then using an antiseptic mouthwash can greatly fight thrush.

Also, diet adjustments can help because candida thrives on sugar.

Yeast infections home remedies: Vaginal Yeast Infections:

As mentioned by Mayo clinic, yeast infection home remedies can provide some relief along with doctor's advice and prescriptions. Yeast infection home remedies have a variable unproven effect.

• Yogurt: 

As mentioned before, it contains probiotic bacteria called lactobacillus acidophilus. These bacteria can create a healthy environment in the vagina and restore its natural balance.

So, ingestion of yogurt helps suppress yeast growth. 

Some women report inserting a tampon soaked in yogurt into the vagina and changing it frequently. 

• Boric Acid:

It is a powerful antiseptic. It can be used topically in the form of a suppository. 

But boric acid can be harmful. It can't be taken orally or used in large amounts. It may cause kidney failure and even death if absorbed in the circulatory system.

• Tea Tree Oil:

Available in the form of vaginal suppositories. At home, the patient can add diluted tea tree oil to a tampon and insert it into the vagina overnight. 

Using tea tree oil should be with caution as it can be very irritating.

• Apple Cider Vinegar:

The patient can run a bath and add ½ cup of apple cider vinegar and soak in the bath for at least 20 minutes.

Summary

Yeast infections are caused by Candida Albicans. It affects all ages and both men and women with predisposing factors.

It can be treated by over-the-counter creams or prescription antifungals. Yeast infection home remedies can help relieve symptoms and inhibit the growth of yeast. But you can't rely only on yeast infection home remedies as infection can get worse. Moreover, before trying these remedies you must get diagnosed first.

By: Dr. Rana El Mallah