8 Ways to Treat a Yeast Infection Naturally

Vaginal yeast infections, which can cause pain, irritation and itching, are caused by an overgrowth of a natural fungus (yeast) called Candida albicans.

Although serious yeast infections usually require medical attention, you may be able to manage milder yeast infections with home remedies. However, not all natural remedies are proven or safe: some can cause irritation or damage.

Boric acid is a chemical that can help change the pH (acidity) of your vagina. Some forms of yeast infections, especially chronic infections, respond well to boric acid treatment. Additionally, research suggests that fungal resistance to boric acid is low.

Experts don’t fully understand how boric acid works to eliminate fungal growth, but it can change the pH of your vagina enough to limit the fungus causing your infection.

To use boric acid, you can purchase capsules containing boric acid and insert them directly into your vagina.

Coconut oil is known for its antibacterial properties. Some research in 2023 suggests it could also help fight fungal infections. This research also suggests that coconut oil is safe to use in your vagina if you are not otherwise sensitive or allergic to it.

If you want to try using coconut oil to treat a yeast infection, use clean hands to apply high-quality coconut oil around and in your vagina. You can also freeze mini homemade coconut oil suppositories and then insert them into your vagina for less mess application.

A 2023 study suggests that tea tree oil may reduce fungal growth, but it is not as effective as traditional methods of treating yeast infections.

If you try tea tree oil to treat your yeast infection, be sure to dilute it in a carrier oil like coconut oil. Tea tree oil is very acidic and can cause irritation and burning if you apply it directly at full strength.

Apple cider vinegar is known for its antimicrobial use in many different settings, but the evidence for its effectiveness in treating yeast infections is still very limited.

To use apple cider vinegar, you can try mixing a small amount with coconut oil, or you can try a diluted sitz bath. Like tea tree oil, apple cider vinegar is very acidic: be sure not to use it at full strength on your skin. Research suggests that it may be effective against yeast if you dilute one part apple cider vinegar to two parts water or oil.

Probiotics are a popular choice for addressing microbiome issues like yeast infections. They are thought to work by adding more “good” bacteria to your vaginal environment. Although probiotics have multiple health benefits, evidence for their use in treating vaginal yeast infections is limited.

If you want to try probiotics, you can eat foods with more live, active cultures, such as yogurt And kombucha. You can also take probiotics in pill or vaginal suppository form.

Like probiotics, yogurt contains live, active cultures. Some people suggest inserting yogurt into your vagina to fight yeast infections. However, this method has very little research to support its use. One study showed that yogurt could slow the growth of the fungus that causes yeast infections, but only in the laboratory.

If you want to use yogurt to improve your overall health, try eating more of it during meals instead.

Sitting in a sitz bath containing baking soda is a popular home remedy for reducing the itch associated with yeast infections. They may only offer temporary relief of symptoms and do not resolve the underlying infection. Be careful when using sitz baths or douches, as frequent use can affect your vaginal microbiome and make you more likely to develop a resistant form of yeast infections.

Garlic has several antimicrobial properties and is renowned as a remedy for yeast infections. Some studies have shown that garlic can inhibit fungal growth in a petri dish. Overall, the evidence is limited. Experts suggest exercising caution if you try this approach. Garlic can cause a strong burning sensation and cause pain if you apply it to delicate vaginal skin.

Home remedies and natural remedies are not always safe remedies. For example, tea tree oil, apple cider vinegar, boric acid and garlic are very acidic and can cause burns when applied directly to your skin. Additionally, home remedies are generally not studied during pregnancy and may not be safe to use.

If you have concerns about natural remedies for yeast infections, talk to a doctor.

The fungus that causes yeast infections is naturally present in small amounts in most people. You can have it in your mouth, on your skin, in your gastrointestinal tract and in your vagina. A simple overgrowth can be treated with home remedies, but medical treatment is sometimes necessary.

Serious yeast infections can become chronic or reappear again and again. If you have chronic yeast infectionsit is important to develop a treatment plan with a doctor.

The doctor can help you treat any underlying cause and find the right treatment for you, which can help prevent complications such as sepsis, a life-threatening blood infection that can occur if fungus from a serious yeast infection enters your bloodstream.

Having a weakened immune system puts you at higher risk of sepsis. If your immune system is weakened and you suffer fever and chills With your yeast infection, be sure to contact a doctor immediately.