The body is a very complicated thing. Everything must be perfectly balanced for it to work right, and when things get out of balance, problems arise. Yeast infections can be the result of the body's imbalances: hormone imbalances, bacterial imbalances, sleep deprivation, and immune system shortcomings.
If you find yourself battling yeast infections at home, speak with your doctor about the underlying cause. Finding ways to treat the discomfort and infection quickly is also important. Check out these 8 ways you can treat your infection from home.
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1. Echinacea. Often taken in hopes of boosting your immune system, WebMD says that when taken in conjunction with anti-fungal cream use, echinacea appears to prevent recurring vaginal yeast infections. Before trying this, speak with your doctor to make sure it's safe for you to try and to get a recommendation on dosing.
2. Cotton. Prevention says to help yourself out by wearing cotton underwear and pants. Cotton allows your body to breathe, and moist areas can dry out. Synthetic materials make excellent breeding grounds for the bacteria the yeast likes.
3. Boric acid. The Mayo Clinic says that boric acid has had good success in treating vaginal yeast infections. You can take it orally as a supplement or use it as a suppository. To get the right type of suppository, you need a prescription. If you try to make your own, you run the risk of irritating the tender skin in that region.
4. Tea tree oil. Another favorite in the home remedy world is tea tree oil. It is very astringent, so be sure to dilute it with a carrier oil. Medical News Today recommends mixing 3 to 5 drops of tea tree oil with 1 ounce of warm coconut oil. Put this on a tampon to use as a suppository. everyday Health states that no research backs up the claims that tea tree oil works, but it might be worth a try.
5. Yogurt. The Mayo Clinic says that yogurt does work as a home treatment for a yeast infection. If you are going to use it vaginally, be sure you get natural, unsweetened, unflavored yogurt. Apply the yogurt to a tampon to insert. You can also apply some around the vulva if that area is burning and itching.
6. Coconut oil. According to Medical News Today, coconut oil has antibacterial and anti-fungal properties that help fight yeast infections. You can combine another essential oil with it to help fight the yeast or use it straight.
7. Wild oregano oil. Medical News Today also says that wild oregano oil shows great effectiveness in fighting yeast infections. Be sure you are using wild oregano and not common oregano oil as they do not have the same properties. The oregano oil must be diluted, just like the tea tree oil. Combine 3 to 5 drops of wild oregano oil with 1 ounce of sweet almond oil or warm coconut oil. Apply this to a tampon and insert. Change the tampon every two to four hours during the day.
8. Garlic. A novel, if smelly, idea making the circuit is inserting a clove of garlic threaded on a string into the vaginal. everyday Health states that no evidence exists to support the claims that it will clear up the infection, but if you're desperate, it won't hurt you any either.
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These remedies range from the common sense to the unusual, but all may be worth trying when you're desperate.