Yeast infection home remedies, like chamomile sitz baths, should contain antifungal properties can help with treatment. Garlic, tea tree oil and coconut oil can also help to fight yeast infections, as they contain antifungal, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Another way to naturally treat a yeast infection is to consume food with natural probiotics (like yogurt or kefir), natural prebiotics (like whole grains) and natural anti-inflammatories (like fresh fruit and vegetables and healthy fats). These foods help to maintain intestinal flora balance and strengthen the immune system.
A yeast infection, or candidiasis, is a fungal infection characterized by the overgrowth of Candida albicans fungus and can affect the genitals, skin, mouth or intestines. Learn more about the yeast infection treatments that your doctor may recommend.
Some ways to naturally treat a yeast infection at home include:
1. Yogurt and honey
A literature review completed in 2019 concluded that yogurt and honey can be used to complement prescribed treatment for vaginal yeast infections. When eaten or applied externally, it was found that vaginal itchiness and redness caused by fungal cells was significantly reduced.
The study highlighted the importance of using this method solely as a complement to the guidelines given to you by your doctor.
Read more about the candida diet and what to eat and avoid eating when treating a yeast infection.
2. Boric acid
For decades, boric acid has been used for effectively treating vaginal yeast infections. They can be purchased over-the-counter at pharmacies in the form of vaginal suppositories. You should use them as indicated on the package instructions.
A commonly referenced study showed that boric acid vaginal suppositories had a 92% effectiveness rate of treating yeast infections after 7 to 10 days. Women from this study reported satisfaction with how easy and mess-free this treatment can be.
3. Stryphnodendron adstringens gargle
Stryphnodendron adstringens is a medicinal plant with antifungal and antibacterial action. Its bark can be used in a gargle to help fight oral thrush.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon (3g) of Stryphnodendron adstringens bark
- 150 ml of water
How to prepare:
Boil the water with the Stryphnodendron adstringens bark for 10 to 15 minutes. Then remove from heat and cover until it has cooled. Strain the infusion and gargle 2 to 3 times per day.
Considerations for use: The safe use of Stryphnodendron adstringens in pregnant or breastfeeding women has not yet been studied, therefore this gargles is not recommended for these populations.
4. Coconut oil and tea tree oil ointment
Coconut oil is rich in lauric acid and caprylic acid, which contain antifungal and antimicrobial action, making it a great way to treat genital yeast infections. Tea trees are a medicinal plant with potent antibacterial and antifungal action and using its essential oil to treat a yeast infection can help to decrease fungal growth.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon of coconut oil, solid
- 2 drops of tea tree oil
How to prepare:
Wash you hands well. In a bowl, mix the coconut oil and tea tree oil with a spoon until well-combined. Apply to the genitals once per day for up to 5 days. Check out the other benefits that tea tree oil can offer.
5. Sitz bath with chamomile tea
Chamomile has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal properties, which can help to treat and reduce symptoms associated with genital yeast infections, like itching and burning. Learn more about the benefits of chamomile tea.
Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons of dried chamomile flowers
- 1 L (33 oz) of water
How to prepare:
Boil the water, then remove from heat and add the dried chamomile flowers. Cover and allow to soak for 10 minutes. Then strain and pour into your sitz basin, along with more water to fill it up. After performing adequate genital hygiene, sit in the sitz bath for 20 minutes, once per day. You can also soak a gauze in this tea and pat the genital areas with it once per day.
6. Propolis
Propolis is a resin that is rich in antioxidants that contain bactericide and antifungal properties. It can help to strengthen the immune system to fight yeast infections.
ingredients:
- 20 drops of propolis extract
- 1 tablespoon of honey
How to prepare:
Stir the propolis extract in the honey and take this once per day for 20 to 30 days to strengthen the immune system and fight a yeast infection.
Considerations for use: Propolis extract is not indicated for people with bee allergies or for people who have allergies to any components of the propolis formula. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should only use propolis as instructed by their doctor.
7. Sitz bath with apple cider vinegar
This vinegar is rich in gallic, lactic and citric acid, which are compounds rich in antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. These can play a role in treating a genital yeast infection. Read more about the benefits of apple cider vinegar and how else you can use it.
ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
- 1 L (33 oz) of warm water
How to prepare:
Stir the apple cider vinegar into the warm water and transfer the mixture into a sitz basin. After performing genital hygiene, sit in the sitz bath for 20 minutes, once per day.
Considerations for use: The apple cider vinegar should always be diluted in water before coming into contact with the skin, as it can cause irritation. Pregnant women should not perform this sitz bath.
8. Sitz bath with sodium bicarbonate
Sodium bicarbonate is a chemical substance with a naturally alkaline pH level. It can be used in sitz baths to decrease vaginal acidity, which interferes with the growth and spread of Candida sp. fungus. It may help to relieve symptoms like itching and irritation. associated with yeast infections.
Ingredients:
- 6 tablespoons of sodium bicarbonate
- 3 L (100 oz) of warm water
How to prepare:
Stir the sodium bicarbonate into the warm water and transfer to a sitz basin. After performing genital hygiene, sit in the sitz bath for 20 minutes, twice per day to relieve symptoms.
9. Oregano essential oil
Oregano essential oil has potent antimicrobial and fungicide action, making it a great option to treat skin yeast infections. It can inhibit the growth of Candida albicans fungus.
Ingredients:
- 2 drops of oregano essential oil
- 1 tablespoon of any vegetable or plant-based oil (e.g. coconut, olive or almond oil)
How to prepare:
In a bowl, stir the essential oil and vegetable oil in a bowl until well-combined. Perform hand hygiene and apply the mixture to the skin, massaging it into affected areas.
Considerations for use: Oregano essential oil is contraindicated for people with allergies to thyme, basil, mint or salvia, as these are plants from the same family as oregano. In addition, oregano should not be used by children or women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
10. Sitz bath with Stryphnodendron adstringens
A very effective and cost-effective home remedy with no side-effects is a sitz bath with Stryphnodendron adstringens. This plant is rich in flavonoids, terpenes and tannins with antibacterial, antifungal and astringent properties. To prepare the sitz bath, you just need to use the bark of this tree.
Ingredients:
- 20 g of Stryphnodendron adstringens bark
- 1 L of water
How to prepare:
Boil the water with the bark for 10 to 15 minutes. Then cover and allow to soak until cool. Strain and mix with enough water to fill a sitz basin. After performing hygiene as usually, sit in the basin for 20 minutes, once per day.
Considerations for use: The safety of this sitz bath in pregnant or breastfeeding women has not be studied, therefore it should be avoided in these populations.