Ayurvedic women yeast infections Treatment Home Remedies

Yeast infection is a fungal infection which is generally caused by candida albican. Yeast infection in women is common but it can also affect men equally. Yeast is found in the intestinal tract, genitals, and throat. In normal condition, it is not harmful, but uncontrolled growth results in several health problems. The symptoms of the infection include vaginitis, rectal itching, hyperactivity, panic attack, inflammation, and itching around the affected area, etc. 
Thrush (mouth yeast infection) may be observed in babies. The infection can also develop beneath the skin folds, under the nail beds, lower abdomen, breasts, and around dentures. Use of antibiotics, steroids, oral contraceptives, ailments like diabetes, stress, and pregnancy can expose you to the risk of yeast infection. Some of the lethal infections require proper medications, but if the infection is not severe and in its initial stage, it can be treated with simple home remedies. Here is a list of some popular and effective natural remedies that you can try.

HOME REMEDIES FOR YEAST INFECTION

Yogurt

This is one of the most effective remedies for yeast infection during pregnancy. Include yogurt (plain and unsweetened) in your diet. The bacteria lactobacillus acidophilus in the yogurt prevents the growth of infection in the body.

If you are suffering from vaginal yeast infection, apply yogurt on your tampon and insert it into your vagina for 1-2 hours. You can do it two times a day.

Garlic

The anti-fungal, antibacterial, and antibiotic properties of garlic help treat yeast infection effectively. Crush some garlic cloves and make a smooth paste by blending it with a little water. Apply the paste on the affected area twice a day.

You can also include the cloves in your diet.
Or else, apply garlic oil by mixing it with an equal amount of vitamin E oil.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar can be used both orally and externally to cure yeast infection. ACV has lots of enzymes that kill yeast in our body. It also balances the pH level and strengthens the immune system. Mix 2 tbsp of the vinegar in a glass of warm water and have this solution twice or thrice a day and preferably on an empty stomach.

Alternatively, take a clean piece of cloth and dip it in ACV. Apply this to the affected area. Remove after 3-4 minutes. Do this twice daily, until the infection disappears.
Mix 3 tbsp of apple cider vinegar and 2 quarts of warm water. Douche with the solution daily.
To prevent yeast infection, you can have vinegar bath. For this, add 2 cups of the vinegar to your bath tub and bathe for 15 minutes. You can do this every day until you see the results.
Note – If the infection is severe and you cannot bear the burning sensation, you can use diluted vinegar. Wash off the infected area after 15 minutes.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is a natural antibacterial and a good source of caprylic acid, which helps kill the yeast and heals the infection by forming a protective layer over the infected area. Apply the oil twice or thrice a day on the affected area and cover it with a piece of cloth.

Include the oil in your diet. Have 3-4 tbsp of the oil daily. You can use this as cooking oil or as a substitute for butter.
You can douche with coconut oil by mixing 2-3 tbsp of the oil in 1 quart warm water. Repeat till the infection disappears.
Swish the oil in your mouth for 5 to 10 minutes in case of oral infection. Do this twice or thrice a day.

Cranberries

This is one of the best home remedies for the treatment of vaginal yeast infection and UTI (urinary tract infection). The juice of cranberry is anti-bacterial and helps maintain the pH level of the urine, thereby preventing the growth of fungi. Drink a glass or two of unsweetened cranberry juice daily.

Boric Acid

Boric acid is also a useful remedy to get rid of yeast infection. It has antiseptic, anti-fungal, and antiviral properties that help cure the infection. Apply diluted boric acid on the affected areas of the skin and leave it for some time. Wash it afterward and pat dry.

For vaginal infections, take powder of boric acid and size 0 gelatin capsules. Fill the whole capsule with the powder and place one in your vagina every night.
Note –

If you use boric acid capsules as a vaginal suppository, it may result in skin irritation.
Don’t take it internally (by mouth) and also avoid using it on open wounds.
Keep it away from the reach of children.
Boric acid is not recommended for pregnant women.

Salt Bath

Salt bath provides relief from the inflammation and eases the discomfort caused due to yeast infection. All you need to do is add some salt/Epsom salt in your bathtub and sit in it for a few minutes. This will also reduce the swelling and itching, if any. You can also add 1 cup baking soda to the bath water for more effective results.

Cold Compress

Though this method doesn’t treat the infection, but it provides relief in swelling and irritation caused due to the infection. Just apply the ice pack on the affected area. If you don’t have an ice pack, just put some ice in a clean cloth, tie a knot and apply it. Do this twice or thrice a day or as required.

Vitamin C Rich Food

This is one of the best ways to prevent yeast infection. Include food rich in vitamin C in your diet as much as possible. You can add oranges, lemon, kiwi, papaya, broccoli, etc. Besides preventing fungal growth, vitamin C also boosts up the immune system.

Onion

Like garlic, onion is also anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial. It reduces the infection and distress. Include onion in your diet. You can also apply the paste of onion on the infected areas of the skin.

Alternatively, heat an onion and place it over the affected areas. The fumes from the onion will reach the skin and eventually work against the fungi.

Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide kills the yeast and hence reduces the infection. 3% hydrogen peroxide is used for this purpose as a higher concentration may be harmful. Take some amount of 3% hydrogen peroxide and mix it in a glass of water. Wash the genitals with this mixture once a day.

For the treatment of oral infections, add ½ tsp of baking soda in the above solution to dilute it. Swish your mouth with this solution.

Baking Soda

Baking soda helps kill the bacteria and fungus that causes the infection. Mix ½ to ¾ tsp of it to a glass of water and drink it instantly. Drink this over an empty stomach daily.

Honey

Honey provides relief in vaginal and other yeast infection. Apply some honey on the infected area for at least 20 minutes and wash off later. It reduces rashes and itch caused due to the infection.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon possesses anti-fungal properties which help treat the infection effectively. For vaginal infection, mix cinnamon bark powder with honey and make a paste. Apply this paste on the vagina.

Alternatively, prepare infused oil by adding cinnamon sticks to any carrier oil and heating it for an hour (with the lid on). Let it cool down and apply it topically over the infected area.
Or else, boil one cinnamon stick in a cup of water for some time. After this, remove from flame and add lime juice and honey to it. Drink it daily.

Buttermilk

This is one of the best natural remedies for yeast infection as it does not have any side effect, until and unless you are allergic to buttermilk. Drink at least two glasses of buttermilk daily.

Black Seeds

Black seeds, also known as nigella sativa, are an effective remedy for yeast infection. It boosts the immune system. To cure and get rid of the infection, at least 2 tsp of the black seed’s oil must be consumed daily.