Natural Cures For Yeast Infections
Kevin Pederson
Yeast infections are so common that at least a three fourth of
women will have one at some point in their lives. It may also
affect men, but only in rare occurrences. Half of all women
have more than one infection in their lives. If you suspect
that you are suffering from a yeast infection, do consult your
doctor, because a lot of the symptoms are common to other more
serious diseases.
Some of the symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection are:
Itching and burning in the vagina and around the vulva.
Swelling of the vulva
A white vaginal discharge.
Pain during sexual intercourse
What causes a yeast infection?
Yeast is actually the common name for the fungus Candida
Albicans. These are tiny organisms that normally grow on the
skin around and inside the vagina. The acidic environment of
the vagina keeps them from growing. If the acidic levels of the
vagina fall, the yeast grow profusely and this leads to a
vaginal infection.
The acidic balance of the vagina changes due to a variety of
reasons such as menstruation, pregnancy, diabetes, frequent use
of antibiotics, birth control pills, steroids, unhygienic
conditions, frequent exposure to semen, chemicals used in soaps
and tampons, and wearing tight clothing that restricts the skin
from breathing.
What can I use to cure yeast infection?
Fortunately, yeast infections are relatively easy to cure. You
may want to try some home remedies for curing this infection,
in consultation with your doctor, because home remedies
generally have a longer lasting effect than over the counter
medication. Here are some popular time-tested remedies for
fighting yeast infections:
Yoghurt
The good bacteria in yogurt help fight yeast infections
effectively. The yoghurt also has an extremely soothing effect
on the affected area. Be sure to use plain, unsweetened
yoghurt, because sugar feeds the yeast. You can even use
home-made yoghurt. Dip a tampon into the plain yoghurt and
insert it into your vagina or simply rub some yoghurt on the
outside. This should be done twice or thrice a day, depending
on the severity of the infection, until the infection gets
cured.
Apple-cider vinegar
Apple-cider vinegar can also be used both internally and
externally. However, you will have to dilute it if you wish to
make a topical application. The best way to do this is to add
about a cup of apple-cider vinegar into your bathwater and take
a nice hot bath. This will soothe the itching and help cure the
infection.
Garlic
Garlic is a very effective home remedy against yeast
infections. The garlic cures the infection and also provides
relief from the itching and burning. Insert a clean clove of
garlic into the vagina every couple of hours or as needed.
There are also some garlic tablets that are available in the
Markey, which may also be used.
Oil of Oregano
Oil of the oregano herb, when taken internally, is very potent
against yeast. Choose an oil with a high carvacrol content and
drink a teaspoon daily or as per the directions on the label.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is an aromatherapy oil with strong antibacterial
and antifungal properties. Tea tree oil can be used in the form
of suppositories. Use one suppository per day until the
infection ceases.
Some dos and donts
Do follow these additional tips when fighting a yeast infection
with your chosen home remedy. They will aid you in curing your
infection faster.
Drink lots of water. Frequent water intake makes you urinate
more frequently. Thus, the body is able to flush out the sugars
that feed the yeast. A regular intake of water will also help
prevent further infections from occurring.
Avoid foods that feed the yeast such as sugar and refined
flours such as white flour and yeast.
Avoid using birth control pills and antibiotics when you have
a yeast infection. Antibiotics and birth control pills weaken
the immune system and it takes longer to cure infections.
Avoid douching as it can reduce the acidic levels in the
vagina causing leading to further yeast growth.
Do wear cotton underwear. Synthetic underwear does not allow
the skin to breathe and traps heat and moisture which is very
conducive to the growth of yeast.
Do not wear clothing that is tight around the crotch for the
same reason.
Keep the vaginal area dry, clean and free from sweat to
discourage the growth of yeast.
The reader of this article should exercise all precautions
while following instructions on the
recipes/remedies/suggestions from this article. Avoid using if
you are allergic to something. The responsibility lies with the
reader, not the site, and the writer.
About The Author: Kevin Pederson regularly authors content on
http://www.home-remedies-for-you.com as well as
http://www.massagehealththerapy.com and http://www.yogawiz.com
along with many other health related websites.
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