Natural Yeast Infection Remedy

The yeastlike fungus known as Candida albicans often causes vaginal yeast infection, also known as candidiasis. Candida fungi are normally present in small amounts in the vagina, not to mention the mouth and the gastrointestinal tract, but when overgrowth of this fungus happens, yeast infections are the result and you may need a natural yeast infection remedy.

Yeast infection is not unusual as gynecological conditions go; three out of four women will get a yeast infection in their lifetime. If you are sure that you have a yeast infection, be aware that although some strains of yeast require treatment with prescription medicine, others may not be that complicated to control with the active ingredients in a natural yeast infection remedy.

One of the home remedies for yeast infection involves dilution of a few drops of tea tree oil (essential oil from the Melaleuca alternifolia plant) in a little water and putting the diluted liquid on a washcloth so you can swab it on the whole of the affected area. Even though it is a natural yeast infection remedy, tea tree oil should not be used directly on the vaginal area, so watering down the tea tree oil is imperative.

Yeast infections bring itching and irritation. To control these symptoms, one natural yeast infection remedy is an oatmeal bath. Colloidal oatmeal like Aveeno bath treatment, which is oatmeal ground into fine powder, is added to warm bathwater. Because of its colloidal structure, the oatmeal stays suspended in the water.

Another natural yeast infection remedy for alleviation of symptoms is washing with just water and a mild soap (Dove, Ivory, and the like). Avoid scented soaps, bath oils, feminine hygiene products, etc. because the chemicals in them can cause irritation of vulvar tissues. Even douching is also said to be unnecessary because the vagina is actually self-cleaning, and douches can unbalance the vagina’s ecosystem.

Cool compresses can also serve as a natural yeast infection remedy. Applying a cool, damp washcloth to the outer part of the vagina eases discomfort, with cool temperature as well as moisture. Women are also advised to wear cotton underwear or nylons with cotton crotches. Such underwear allows air in and lets moisture out, unlike underwear made of synthetics, and decreases the risk of infection.

Probiotics may be used as a natural yeast infection remedy too. These are beneficial live microbial organisms that also exist naturally in the vagina’s ecosystem; in this detail, they are similar to yeast. Using probiotic dietary supplements or vaginal suppositories can crowd out the yeast.