14 Natural Treatments For a Vaginal Yeast Infection
1. Greek yogurt
Probiotics can be effective against C. albicans.
Yogurt can be considered a probiotic because it contains live bacteria, such as Lactobacillus acidophilus. These bacteria are essential to creating a healthy environment in your vagina. They can help treat an overgrowth caused by an imbalance.
Confirmed in a 2017 study, eating yogurt helps increase the gut microbiome and can reduce yeast in the body. If you don’t like yogurt, then take probiotics. Probiotics are best taken with food.
Plain Greek yogurt is the best kind to use for this home remedy. Make sure that the yogurt doesn’t contain added sugar, which fuels growth of the Candida fungus.
2. Boric acid
Boric acid is a powerful antiseptic that some women claim is useful for treating yeast infections that are resistant to other remedies.
Topical boric acid is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Trusted Source as treatment for vaginal infections. Boric acid vaginal suppositories may also be used with medications to treat vaginal infections.
Boric acid is toxic in large amounts. It can lead to kidney damage, acute failure of the circulatory system, or death if you absorb enough of it. To avoid this, don’t use boric acid on broken skin and don’t take it orally.
If you’re pregnant, you should not use boric acid in any form.
For those with sensitive skin, this may not be a good choice. Discontinue use if any discomfort begins.
3. Essential oil of oregano
Common oregano, or Origanum marjoram, is what you usually find in your grocery store’s spice section. The oil of oregano used to treat yeast infections isn’t the same type, however.
Look for oil of oregano made from wild oregano, or Origanum vulgare, like the one here. It contains thymol and carvacrol, which are powerful antifungals.
A 2017 study found oregano essential oil to be effective in altering thegrowth of C. albicans.
Oil of oregano is a natural blood thinner, so don’t use it (diffused or topically) if you take blood thinners for another health condition. Also don’t use it if you have blood-clotting issues, such as from a vitamin K deficiency.
Remember: Essential oils should not be taken orally. They’re meant to be inhaled as part of aromatherapy. While some studies are examining other ways to use oregano essential oils, at this time it’s recommended that you use it diluted in a carrier oil, such as olive or sweet almond oil.
To use: Mix 3-5 drops of essential oil per ounce of carrier oil. Then, apply it to the skin in massage. It can also be inhaled through a diffuser. Do not apply this essential oil near your vagina.
4. Probiotic suppositories and supplements
Probiotics help restore the bacteria-yeast balance throughout your body.
If you start a regimen of oral probiotics that contain strains of the Lactobacillus acidophilus bacteria, you can bring your digestive tract and vaginal flora back into alignment. Eating yogurt is one way to increase probiotics.
Oral supplements take about 10 days to reach full effect, so some women use probiotics as vaginal suppositories to see results more quickly. If you want to try vaginal probiotics, you can purchase them online.
Probiotic suppositories have also been shown to be effective for treating vaginosis, according to Harvard Health.
5. Coconut oil
Coconut oil is a fatty oil derived from the flesh of the coconut. The oil has many health benefits, including antifungal properties.
Studies have shown that coconut oil is effective against C. albicans, making this home remedy one of the few with strong evidence that it actually works.
To treat a vaginal yeast infection using coconut oil, be sure to buy pure, organic coconut oil. You can apply the oil directly to the affected area.
6. Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil is an essential oil that’s used to kill fungi, bacteria, and viruses.
ResearchTrusted Source shows that a vaginal suppository containing tea tree oil may help treat vaginal infections. Tea tree oil has been shown to have antifungal properties.
A recent study also found tea tree oil to be effective as an antimicrobial and in helping break down the biofilm.
Tea tree oil is incredibly powerful. Make sure to dilute it with a carrier oil, such as jojoba or coconut oil, if it’s going to touch your skin. Already prepared tea tree vaginal suppositories are the best option.
Only use tea tree oil occasionally, and never swallow it. If you have sensitive skin, do not use tea tree oil. Discontinue use if any discomfort occurs.
You can buy tea tree oil online and in stores. The best choice would be to buy these tea tree vaginal suppositories here. Tea tree oil should never touch the skin undiluted.
7. Apple cider vinegar
One popular yeast infection remedy is an apple cider vinegar bath.
Vinegar has many medicinal uses, some more proven by research than others. When you add a half cup of apple cider vinegar to a lukewarm bathtub and soak for 20 minutes, the acidic component of the vinegar can eliminate any harmful microorganisms, including yeast.
An apple cider vinegar bath is not the same as douching, which aims to flush out all bacteria (good and bad) from your vagina. Doing so leaves you more prone to a reoccurrence of the yeast infection. Do not douche with apple cider vinegar.
Vinegar should be diluted in water before touching the skin. You should also consider adding apple cider vinegar to your diet.
8. Garlic
In a 2005 lab studyTrusted Source, garlic was shown to be an effective Candida killer. But there’s debate over whether it’ll help cure yeast infections outside of a lab setting.
If you’d like to try garlic to treat a yeast infection, add more garlic to your diet. Some websites recommend inserting garlic in the vagina, but burns and significant pain have been reported. You should stick with adding garlic in foods.
9. Hydrogen peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is a bacteria and yeast-killing antiseptic. Hydrogen peroxide is produced by Lactobacillus bacteria in the vagina and is part of the biological activity against yeast, according to the CDCTrusted Source.
While it won’t work on every species of yeast, some women swear by using hydrogen peroxide topically when they get a yeast infection.
There’s no strong research to support the use of hydrogen peroxide to treat vaginal infections. Do not douche with hydrogen peroxide. Adding it to a bath or diluting in water may help with yeast growing on the genitals.
Diluting (half water and half hydrogen peroxide) is recommended before applying it to your genitals, and don’t use it for an extended period of time.
10. Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an immune system booster. A strong immune system allows your body to bring itself back into balance.
Vitamin C (also called ascorbic acid) has antimicrobial components, so some women add it to their diet to treat Candida overgrowths.
Try increasing your intake of vitamin C to boost your body’s ability to beat the yeast infection. Do not apply the acidic vitamin C to the sensitive vaginal tissue.
What to expect
Most home remedies bring relief within a few days. Some may take up to a week.
Call your doctor if your symptoms worsen or if new symptoms appear at any time during treatment. Also call your doctor if you have persistent irritation that’s separate from your yeast infection symptoms.
If your infection goes away with treatment but then returns, contact your doctor for advice. You may need a prescription-strength treatment.
Preventing vaginal yeast infections
Follow these tips to help prevent future yeast infections.
Limit the amount of sugar and processed foods you consume. Yeast thrives on sugar.
Wear loose-fitting, cotton underwear.
Don’t spend extended periods of time in wet clothes or bathing suits. Yeast grows in warm, moist environments.
Only use antibiotics when necessary.
Don’t use douches unless advised by your doctor, and avoid vaginal deodorant sprays and scented vaginal lotions. They may alter the balance of good bacteria and yeast in your vagina.
Home remedies may or may not work to treat your yeast infection. If you use herbs, supplements, or essential oils, be aware that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t monitor these for safety, purity, and quality. Buy from a reputable source.
The effectiveness of a home remedy varies depending on the person, the severity of the infection, and the quality of the treatment used. If you have recurring vaginal infections, talk to your doctor about more natural approaches to preventing and treating this.
Be sure to keep in mind that any product, natural or otherwise, may irritate sensitive vaginal skin. You should stop using the remedy and call your doctor if you experience any irritation or discomfort.
Probiotics can be effective against C. albicans.
Yogurt can be considered a probiotic because it contains live bacteria, such as Lactobacillus acidophilus. These bacteria are essential to creating a healthy environment in your vagina. They can help treat an overgrowth caused by an imbalance.
Confirmed in a 2017 study, eating yogurt helps increase the gut microbiome and can reduce yeast in the body. If you don’t like yogurt, then take probiotics. Probiotics are best taken with food.
Plain Greek yogurt is the best kind to use for this home remedy. Make sure that the yogurt doesn’t contain added sugar, which fuels growth of the Candida fungus.
2. Boric acid
Boric acid is a powerful antiseptic that some women claim is useful for treating yeast infections that are resistant to other remedies.
Topical boric acid is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Trusted Source as treatment for vaginal infections. Boric acid vaginal suppositories may also be used with medications to treat vaginal infections.
Boric acid is toxic in large amounts. It can lead to kidney damage, acute failure of the circulatory system, or death if you absorb enough of it. To avoid this, don’t use boric acid on broken skin and don’t take it orally.
If you’re pregnant, you should not use boric acid in any form.
For those with sensitive skin, this may not be a good choice. Discontinue use if any discomfort begins.
3. Essential oil of oregano
Common oregano, or Origanum marjoram, is what you usually find in your grocery store’s spice section. The oil of oregano used to treat yeast infections isn’t the same type, however.
Look for oil of oregano made from wild oregano, or Origanum vulgare, like the one here. It contains thymol and carvacrol, which are powerful antifungals.
A 2017 study found oregano essential oil to be effective in altering thegrowth of C. albicans.
Oil of oregano is a natural blood thinner, so don’t use it (diffused or topically) if you take blood thinners for another health condition. Also don’t use it if you have blood-clotting issues, such as from a vitamin K deficiency.
Remember: Essential oils should not be taken orally. They’re meant to be inhaled as part of aromatherapy. While some studies are examining other ways to use oregano essential oils, at this time it’s recommended that you use it diluted in a carrier oil, such as olive or sweet almond oil.
To use: Mix 3-5 drops of essential oil per ounce of carrier oil. Then, apply it to the skin in massage. It can also be inhaled through a diffuser. Do not apply this essential oil near your vagina.
4. Probiotic suppositories and supplements
Probiotics help restore the bacteria-yeast balance throughout your body.
If you start a regimen of oral probiotics that contain strains of the Lactobacillus acidophilus bacteria, you can bring your digestive tract and vaginal flora back into alignment. Eating yogurt is one way to increase probiotics.
Oral supplements take about 10 days to reach full effect, so some women use probiotics as vaginal suppositories to see results more quickly. If you want to try vaginal probiotics, you can purchase them online.
Probiotic suppositories have also been shown to be effective for treating vaginosis, according to Harvard Health.
5. Coconut oil
Coconut oil is a fatty oil derived from the flesh of the coconut. The oil has many health benefits, including antifungal properties.
Studies have shown that coconut oil is effective against C. albicans, making this home remedy one of the few with strong evidence that it actually works.
To treat a vaginal yeast infection using coconut oil, be sure to buy pure, organic coconut oil. You can apply the oil directly to the affected area.
6. Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil is an essential oil that’s used to kill fungi, bacteria, and viruses.
ResearchTrusted Source shows that a vaginal suppository containing tea tree oil may help treat vaginal infections. Tea tree oil has been shown to have antifungal properties.
A recent study also found tea tree oil to be effective as an antimicrobial and in helping break down the biofilm.
Tea tree oil is incredibly powerful. Make sure to dilute it with a carrier oil, such as jojoba or coconut oil, if it’s going to touch your skin. Already prepared tea tree vaginal suppositories are the best option.
Only use tea tree oil occasionally, and never swallow it. If you have sensitive skin, do not use tea tree oil. Discontinue use if any discomfort occurs.
You can buy tea tree oil online and in stores. The best choice would be to buy these tea tree vaginal suppositories here. Tea tree oil should never touch the skin undiluted.
7. Apple cider vinegar
One popular yeast infection remedy is an apple cider vinegar bath.
Vinegar has many medicinal uses, some more proven by research than others. When you add a half cup of apple cider vinegar to a lukewarm bathtub and soak for 20 minutes, the acidic component of the vinegar can eliminate any harmful microorganisms, including yeast.
An apple cider vinegar bath is not the same as douching, which aims to flush out all bacteria (good and bad) from your vagina. Doing so leaves you more prone to a reoccurrence of the yeast infection. Do not douche with apple cider vinegar.
Vinegar should be diluted in water before touching the skin. You should also consider adding apple cider vinegar to your diet.
8. Garlic
In a 2005 lab studyTrusted Source, garlic was shown to be an effective Candida killer. But there’s debate over whether it’ll help cure yeast infections outside of a lab setting.
If you’d like to try garlic to treat a yeast infection, add more garlic to your diet. Some websites recommend inserting garlic in the vagina, but burns and significant pain have been reported. You should stick with adding garlic in foods.
9. Hydrogen peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is a bacteria and yeast-killing antiseptic. Hydrogen peroxide is produced by Lactobacillus bacteria in the vagina and is part of the biological activity against yeast, according to the CDCTrusted Source.
While it won’t work on every species of yeast, some women swear by using hydrogen peroxide topically when they get a yeast infection.
There’s no strong research to support the use of hydrogen peroxide to treat vaginal infections. Do not douche with hydrogen peroxide. Adding it to a bath or diluting in water may help with yeast growing on the genitals.
Diluting (half water and half hydrogen peroxide) is recommended before applying it to your genitals, and don’t use it for an extended period of time.
10. Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an immune system booster. A strong immune system allows your body to bring itself back into balance.
Vitamin C (also called ascorbic acid) has antimicrobial components, so some women add it to their diet to treat Candida overgrowths.
Try increasing your intake of vitamin C to boost your body’s ability to beat the yeast infection. Do not apply the acidic vitamin C to the sensitive vaginal tissue.
What to expect
Most home remedies bring relief within a few days. Some may take up to a week.
Call your doctor if your symptoms worsen or if new symptoms appear at any time during treatment. Also call your doctor if you have persistent irritation that’s separate from your yeast infection symptoms.
If your infection goes away with treatment but then returns, contact your doctor for advice. You may need a prescription-strength treatment.
Preventing vaginal yeast infections
Follow these tips to help prevent future yeast infections.
Limit the amount of sugar and processed foods you consume. Yeast thrives on sugar.
Wear loose-fitting, cotton underwear.
Don’t spend extended periods of time in wet clothes or bathing suits. Yeast grows in warm, moist environments.
Only use antibiotics when necessary.
Don’t use douches unless advised by your doctor, and avoid vaginal deodorant sprays and scented vaginal lotions. They may alter the balance of good bacteria and yeast in your vagina.
Home remedies may or may not work to treat your yeast infection. If you use herbs, supplements, or essential oils, be aware that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t monitor these for safety, purity, and quality. Buy from a reputable source.
The effectiveness of a home remedy varies depending on the person, the severity of the infection, and the quality of the treatment used. If you have recurring vaginal infections, talk to your doctor about more natural approaches to preventing and treating this.
Be sure to keep in mind that any product, natural or otherwise, may irritate sensitive vaginal skin. You should stop using the remedy and call your doctor if you experience any irritation or discomfort.
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