Hello, and welcome to a very personal post. I don’t usually write about these sorts of topics, not because I’m afraid of getting personal, but because I’ll never claim to be someone who knows much about natural healing. I leave that up to Michele at Frugal Granola. She’s brilliant, well studied in these matters and even wrote an ebook to help all of us.
Of course, I do know that if I cut hot peppers without gloves on and then touch my eye, my face will appear to be on fire and I will run frantically about the house until I can get some milk splashed into my eyeball. And through trial and error, we’ve found some things to help ease our son’s eczema symptoms naturally. But in general, you won’t come to Heavenly Homemakers and learn that in order to help your pet cat who is experiencing hair loss, you need to rub together the petals of four and a half tulips, mix them with yesterday’s shredded newspaper in a large pot of tepid coffee, stir in equal measures of garlic and plucked eyebrows, then soak your cat in the mixture for 2.7 hours per day*. That’s just not where my specialty lies.
However, I do have a thing or two to say about helping a yeast infection. This information doesn’t take the place of what your doctor might say, but of course you know from reading the above cat hair remedy that this goes without saying. I’m just going to share with you what I have learned from what I have read and what I have experienced.
I don’t suffer from yeast infections often (thankfully), and I know there are different varieties of yeast issues (like thrush). But the kind I’m talking about today is the kind that effects women in a very unpleasant and personal way. Yeast is a fungus and none of us wants an over-growth of fungus down there. Not only is a yeast infection itchy, it’s extremely itchy and it burns and it also itches very badly.
Here are the best natural remedies I’ve found to make an uncomfortable yeast infection go away:
- Take a probiotic – It’s really a good idea to take a probiotic on a regular basis if you can, but especially if you have a yeast infection. I suggest talking to your chiropractor or local natural doctor to see which kind he/she recommends.
- Stop eating sugar – I mean completely stop eating sugar while you’re having a yeast infection. Sugar feeds yeast and just makes your infection worse. Try to go easy on all carbs if possible, as carbs turn to sugar. Don’t worry, there will still be brownies in the world for you to eat later after you’re all better.
- Eat cultured products like yogurt. Drink cultured products like kefir or kombucha. (Someday, I plan to share with you how to make kombucha.)
- Better yet (and this is where the very personal part of this post comes in)…apply plain, cultured products directly to the infected area.
Yes, this means that you take a little jar of plain kefir or yogurt into the bathroom with you…wash yourself gently…then put kefir or yogurt on and around and in the area that is feeling miserable.
I have found that this is a huge help. It doesn’t cure the problem instantly…but it does offer some temporary relief…as well as help with the overall healing process, as the good, living bacteria in the cultured dairy goes to work. It’s actually quite soothing.
But be sure the cultured products are PLAIN. Most commercial yogurts and kefirs have some sort of sugar in them and YOWZA you do not want to be smearing sugar in there to feed the yeast and turn it into a monster!
I recommend, if you can, to make your own homemade cultured dairy products. All the instructions are found through links on this page and they are SO easy!! There’s even a Heavenly Homemakers discount from Cultures for Health to help get you started. Look for it on the Cultured Dairy Instruction Pages.
I’m also going to put a plug in here again for always and forever avoiding regular Kotex and/or other typical store-bought brands of monthly “punctuation” products as these can cause all kinds of miserable issues. Read this post again if you don’t know what I’m talking about. I really can’t emphasize this enough.
I’d love for you to share any other natural remedies you’ve discovered to help with yeast infections. And also for cat hair loss.
*The above described remedy for Cat Hair Loss was completely fictitious information written simply to cause me to sound ridiculous. I do not recommend soaking your cat in the previously described way, ever. Not enough studies have been done to prove its effectiveness, and trying this remedy may result in a very angry cat.
DreamingofSpring says
LAUGHING out LOUD about the cat!!! But do agree with the remedies you described–also a drop of grapefruit seed extract added to above yogurt application “down there” is very antifungal and will not disrupt the good bugs!
Amanda says
Oh my I had to giggle there at the end, I thought I was the only one who “punctuated” LOL. Anyway, another tip on dealing with a yeast infection, colloidal silver! I used to try over the counter medications but I would have to use at LEAST 2 rounds of it, usually 3 (at $20 a box it was an EXPENSIVE cure!) before it would go away! Last time I could tell one was setting in I applied some colloidal silver and not only did the itching stop INSTANTLY (conventional treatments I always found made the itching worse before it got better) but after one application it was done! I get my CS from a lady who makes it for $10 a quart. I only needed to use about a teaspoon so that worked out to roughly 5 cents. That sure beats $40-$60 each time! I don’t know if it work that well for everyone, but I’m sure sold!
Love your site, rather an odd topic to start commenting on I suppose but hey, I was waiting for an opportunity to share this discovery with! (I was too chicken to blog about it myself :p)
Denise says
What strength CS do you have? 50 ppm? 100 ppm? Just curious, as the dosage would differ with the strength. I’ve used CS for lots of things, but never a yeast infection! Next time I get one, I sure hope I remember!
KW says
The yogurt is very soothing! You can also try just using a capsule of Acidophilus, opened up and “powdered” on the infection. Works very well.
Also, you might really want to try reusable cloth pads. They’re not cheap, but oh so worth it! And, if you’re like me and sew, you can make them however you want for YOU, and the savings are even better! And they last for years!!! There are several resources on-line for these.
Courtney says
In addition to everything you said, garlic works wonders! I don’t normally suffer from yeast at all… except when I’m pregnant. During my last pregnancy, I found that inserting(yes, you gotta get up close and personal with your nether regions)a peeled clove of garlic before bed was a great highly effective treatment.
WORD OF WARNING: Before inserting the clove, take two seconds and thread a long piece of string through it for easy retrieval. I may or may not know from experience that garlic can become lost in one’s nether regions and cause a panic attack at the thought of trying to explain oneself to their very mainstream OB if the clove cannot be retrieved immediately because they need to be going to their checkup. Yah, THAT would be embarrassing… I would think. ;)
Jackie @ Crest Cottage says
I second the garlic! I actually make a little baggie for it out of cheesecloth lol!
I have been thinking about posting about this on my blog, but I wasn’t sure it if was too personal!
karen says
Another vote for garlic. It’s kinda weird but it really works!
Don’t forget the thread–although it’s an interesting couple activity
to ask your partner to help you retrieve it. (I was quite super-duper
pregnant at the time and just couldn’t reach)
Courtney says
I too was super duper pregnant. Glad to know I’m not the only one. ;)
kristine says
I’ll… fourth?… the garlic. Hands-down best remedy – no oozy mess the next day (am I too gross?)
Not sure how well it would work if you have a systemic problem – no topical solution is going to work very well in that case. If it is a frequent issue or you have other reasons to believe it is systemic, treat it systemically first: ZERO sugar / refined carbs, low on fruit, and probiotics plus oral antifungals (raw garlic is a good start, actually).
I used to mock the garlic method. No more. :)
Priscilla F. says
Absolutely yes on the garlic! So easy, so cheap and so natural! I was pregnant the first time I tried it (it worked), and the next time I felt a hint of an itch, I did it again, and never got the full blown infection that time.
Cathie says
thanks for the laugh! I may or may not have “lost” items like the Today sponge. Just sayin’.
lana says
a bit of a homemade remedy (we call it ‘miracle rub’) worked wonders for my last infection
‘miracle rub’ is an oil made by steeping oil and garlic together, straining the garlic, and adding EO cloveuntil the mixture smells more ‘christmasy’ and less ‘vampire repellant’.
then dilute with plain EVOO. good for fighting infections, dulling pain, healing sore throats, AND for fighting yeast infections. but it stings/burns the sensitive parts like crazy. still, 2 applications and done, works for me!
(well, done after also cutting back on sugars… but i knew i’d been eating too much sugar!)
still, yogurt sounds less painful. i might try that first next time.
laura says
Ah…this couldn’t be more timely. I’ve never had a problem with this in all my life…until the last 4 months. It has been almost NONSTOP. Ugh. And I am very stubborn and haven’t made a dr. appt. So needless to say, I have tried everything. (Well, except giving up the sugar. I suppose I really should have given that a serious go at it.) But I wanted to share the 2 things that have finally helped me in the last 3 days. I don’t have any ongoing experience with this first product – and didn’t do much research because I spotted it unexpectedly -so I sort of hesitated to endorse it. But I wanted to point it out since I think it has finally helped me turn the corner. Its called AZO yeast and is a natural homeopathic remedy. It is in tablet form and is sold at drugstores near the traditional creams and such. They have other products, such as one for a urinary tract infection, so make sure you get the right one. Also, it was only around $8.00, which compared to the other products I’ve bought, was great. And it comes with alot of tablets. Anyway – it has directions for either treating an active infection or preventing future ones. I plan to keep it as a regular thing around here!
The second thing that has helped me with more immediate, but temporary relief, is a little splash of apple cider vinegar diluted in water. Not much vinegar – it will burn! But just a bit in the water helps deal with the pH issue and is quite soothing. I’ve heard about 1 cup in a warm bath will also do the trick. I prefer to use a peri bottle after each visit to the bathroom.
Hope this helps!
Michele says
Laura –
You need to see a doc or NP, and have swabs done, along with a glucose check so that you can get a final diagnosis. If you truely do have a on going problem with yeast, it coud be related to an elevated blood sugar level. If its not yeast and you treat it as if it is, you run the risk of fertility issues later along with other medical probs. No one should assume they are not at risk of infections. Once you have an actual diagnosis, home remedies can be great, just need to make sure there is not a bigger problem.
The yogurt they talk about is one of the remedies we have reccomended for years, both to eat and to apply. Glad to see it here. Thanks Laura for dealing with such a taboo subject!
Michele RN
kristine says
I used to have recurring problems, too. It turned out to be a systemic problem. The doctor put me on oral antifungals at a very high dose, just treating what she thought was a stubborn localized infection. Oh my! I had severe die-off reactions for over six months – like having the flu. I am so much healthier now past that, but it was like having the flu every day for six months.
Just FYI. :) If you did think it might be systemic, I would immediately cut out all sugar & refined carbs (be prepared for the long haul), then once feeling okay, add low dose of high quality probiotic, slowly increasing your dose to like 25 billion organisms a day. And oral antifungal mix – you can get herbal ones – helps, but if you do everything at once, you will feel sooo sick! If you can be patient and spread it out, you won’t feel so bad. As I learned the hard way. :)
Kelly says
It has been found that inserting a probiotic capsule directly into the affected area is also very effective in addition to taking them orally.
Andrea says
I’ve just spent the last five months healing from systemic yeast overgrowth that got in my joints and caused all kinds of other problems. They thought I had RA, Lupus or MS. Turns out, after extensive research, that autoimmune diseases, of which I already have one, are caused in large part by yeast overgrowth. Not to mention many, many other diseases and problems. Ann Boroch has written a book called The Candida Cure that I’ve been following and it works! I recommend it to everyone. She has a practice out of LA and also has a web site.
Probiotics are sooooo important! For vaginal infections, baths with apple cider vinegar really help too.
Thanks for your post!
kristine says
Yes! I hate to keep commenting on this post, but I have… a lot of experience on the topic. :)
I made the round of specialists and was being checked for all the same autoimmune diseases. Finally one doctor just told me I’d have to live with undiagnosed joint pain for the rest of my life. It was so bad, I could hardly sit through church meetings or get out of bed in the morning.
Yeah. Turned out to be systemic yeast. I know mainstream doctors tend to pooh-pooh it, and I used to make fun of it, too. Until I got desperate enough to try it. Low and behold, no joint pain any more!
Unless I eat too much sugar/fruit over a period of months. Then I start aching again.
Andrea says
Praise the Lord! I never thought I would meet another person with
my same symptoms who was healed the same way. I would love to talk
and hear more. I’m only five months into this all and the joint pain
is gone, but I can tell I’m still not quite right. I also know that
when the joint pain started was just when the cup started running
over and I still have to empty the cup. :) I’d love to chat…
kristine says
You can contact me at lizzykristineATyahoo if you like. :) There is a lot more to my recovery story than just candida, but it was definitely the starting point!
Michelle says
I’ve not ever needed to try this, but came across it one time and tucked it away in my memory for just in case: I read that you can take a tampon, discard the actual tampon and use the cardboard application part to fill with yogurt, freeze it, and then insert like you would a tampon. I don’t buy tampons anymore, but it might be worth it to have a small pack on hand to make a yogurt application a little easier in that area.
Michele says
Michelle – Awsome idea!!!!
Martha says
This is what I have done in the past and it works wonders! In fact, I was just coming on here to post this!
Marsha_M says
Coconut Oil! I developed severe thrush from being on the pill. A Rx cleared it up but I could not get rid of it and after having a baby I was not comfortable using the Rx when nursing so I mixed coconut oil and just a couple of drops of tea tree oil and used that mixture for several weeks postpartum…now I use just coconut oil every now and then, like if my breast starts to itch.
The coconut oil also works well in other areas as a natural lubricant and yeast fighter.
Wow, way TMI :-)
Kristin says
I do the garlic too. I also use a Diva Cup (I got it for Christmas) and I love it! Your get a little more personal than with a tampon, but they are with it. I can go almost an entire day without emptying in.
Courtney says
I love my Diva! Although I haven’t used it much. I’ve been pregnant for almost three years now.
Courtney says
Goodness gracious. Pregnant or NURSING for almost three years. And clearly I suffer from mommy brain. :p
Mary says
I am SO glad you clarified that! LOL. I thought, WOW, and I thought being pregnant for NINE MONTHS was bad!!
Staci says
I have suffered with yeast problems for almost 15 years. In the past strict diet and yogurt helped, but my problems came back. I have a severe case and I also have a true allergy to yeast. I can no longer use yogurt as I at one point had an overgrowth of the good bacteria with an infection at the same time. After my children the more delicate yeast problems were so bad it was painfult to walk. I had a continuous infection for over a year. I did see my doctor and swithced docotors to the one I have and love now. The herbal remedy I use that has given me the most significant relief for almost 3 years is Fortune Delight tea by Sunrider. Other things to significantly help were changing my punctuation supplies and using coconut oil for “special” times.
Denise says
Been using Glad Rags cloth “punctuation” products for a while, and I really like them! Rinsing them out isn’t that big a deal, and they are much more comfortable!
Ashley says
I used to get the WORST infections, which got started with a round of antibiotics. Now, unfortunately, I’ve been on antibiotics almost continually for a year because of my Lyme disease. As much as I am whole-heartedly for natural solutions, the only thing that’s worked for me is the antifungal drug Diflucan. Without it, I’d be in pure misery. It works, and I haven’t seen any side effects.
On the other hand, something that really helps for me is EV coconut oil, applied topically. Really calms things down.
queen of string says
What a timely and useful post. I had a debilitating, exhauting illness which defied diagnosis for 8 yrs ( think CF, FM, lupus) it demolished my quality of life. About 4 months ago I discovered kefir and it is no exageration to say my quality of life has been transformed. I still dont know what sends my system out of balance, but the kefir is keeping it in check. I noticed yesterday I haven’t had to take a nap in over a month, which is incredible. On a side note, DH is type 1 diabetic, and therefore prone to thrush ( they just love those spare sugars in his blood!) I am not succeeding in convincing him about the application of yog/kefir, maybe your post will push him over the edge :-D
Serenity Summers says
Wow! I had no idea so many women had the same problem! After my second baby I had issues for at least six months. Every month I would spend my $50 co pay and go the doctor to get yet another script (for another $40) that only fixed the problem for a little while. Finally, and RNP told me to limit sugar, dairy and yeast and see if that helped. It fixed the problem IMMEDIATELY! Now I just have to strictly limit my dairy and I’m good to go. Thanks for the reminder about the punctuation products :) I was planning to use up my stock (that I got for free with coupons) but now I’m thinking of pitching them….
Thanks for posting this, Laura!!!
Shannon says
:). I wish you lived near me Laura. You humor is contagious.
Kathleen K says
I agree with the kefir. While on a round of very high power antibiotics for a kidney infection (with a massive kidney stone), I got a yeast infection. I’m not going into details on the “discomfort”…But I applied kefir in the morning and at night. Within 2 days, all symptoms of the yeast infection disappeared. Then I just had the kidney stone to deal with.
Kimberlee says
When I was nursing my first child, I had an internal yeast infection both “down there” and in my “nurses” (as my kids call them). I tried everything the regular doctor could find to cure them, but things only got worse and made my nursing baby feel yucky, too. I even began to change my diet to help curb the spread, but nada! So, the breastfeeding guru of America was called and he simply said “Grapefruit seed extract.” Two capsules or pills three times a day until two weeks after the symptoms are gone. Worked miracles! It is also available as a liquid to add to your drink, but I am unaware of the dosing of the liquid.
DreamingofSpring says
I would recommend tablet/capsules as the liquid is pretty vile tasting–an acquired taste at best–but works wonders!!!
Meredith McG says
REALLY ?? wow – I am definalty going to try this ! :) Do you know if it helps heal baby too ?
I have had infrequent but annoying flare ups throughout pregnancy and nursing ..but the real troubel is for my son who has a permanent diaper rash :( We’ve tried Yogurt, Oregano oil, and some cocnut oil, but I’m realizing i need ot get to the root of the problem..not just the rash.
Kimberlee says
You can put a little (a drop or two) of the liquid in a bottle of your milk (or juice if your baby is old enough), or on a washrag to wipe him with when doing a diaper change. Apple cider vinegar works, too, for diaper rashes caused by yeast. You will want to dilute it, though, as it may burn. When I was taking it and nursing, it cured the baby’s thrush and diaper rash, too, but each child and situation is different. Purple or green cabbage leaves work, too, in diapers or in your bra. Plus the cold feels good on their skin (or yours). But, the purple cabbage makes big stains, so think about what you will be wearing or putting the baby in to wear.
Kimberlee says
I am not sure I made that clear. WHen I was taking the grapefruitseed extract, it cleared up things for me and the baby. Does that make sense? Ack! Sorry!
Meredith McG says
Yep – Thank you Kimberlee :) Abotu how long did you end up takign it ?? Did you have any flu liek affects with the grapefruit seed extract ??
Kimberlee says
No effects at all. As long as I kept taking it, I felt better. I got almost immediate results, as in a few days, but it took probably 2 weeks for ALL the symptoms to go away completely. Then I took it for 2 more days and I was good. I still take it if I feel like things are headed in the wrong direction!
Kimberlee says
I meant I took it 2 more weeks (4 weeks total). Sorry. Exhaustion is catching up with me!
Sarah says
I just want to thank you for your previous ‘punctuation’ post. I have experienced extremely heavy ‘punctuation’ the past few years and just 2 months ago decided to go with a diva cup and home sewn pads. I am still amazed that this month my punctuation was HALF or even less than what I’ve been dealing with!! I am still going to my gyn appt next week that I scheduled when I was at my worst, but now my fears of having something incredibly wrong have subsided. :)
Rachel says
Thank you so much for this very timely post. I truly appreciate your efforts in sharing so much wonderfully helpful information with all of ‘us.’ All of the comments have been truly helpful as well.
Frances says
I’ve been doing this for years and it works! I used to go to the doctor every other month for diflucan or some cream. Now I let mother nature heal itself. I totally agree about not consuming sugar during an infection. I also apply homemade yogurt directly inside. The best way I’ve found to prevent a yeast infection is to apply tea tree oil after sex. Women are especially vulnerable during this time. Tea tree oil also relieves natural itchiness from friction. It doesn’t burn the skin, but it has a cooling feeling that goes away in a minute that some people may not tolerate well. The minty smell also goes away in a few minutes! I also drink 2 glasses of water after sex to flush the bladder and prevent other undesirable infections. Emptying my bladder and washing did nothing preventative for me, but flushing my bladder has kept me UTI free!
Cindy says
An important thing to remember is that sugar is never GOOD for you–It always spikes your blood sugar (some worse than others)and nutrition? (We use local honey when we do and I believe it does have some benefit.)
Recurrent yeast infections mean something is off inside–the infection is when something causes it to “spill over” or flare up. (Based on our doctor and experience) I am working hard to clean up my insides and my kids’ after passing on my unhealthy intestinal tract–severe allergies, eczema, and symptoms that present as ADHD in our son. We get better and better the more we treat it and stay away from the stuff that grows it. We have used diflucan, essential oil of oregano pills, berberine pills, and strict diet. Of course, processed foods, environmental exposures and all such junk are part of it, too.
Ann says
A vaginal yeast infection is just tip of the iceberg. Grapefuit seed extract is a very good systemic yeast cure. Follow directions on the package. It will cause yeast to die off. This can cause other symptoms, but not serious ones. Once the yeast has been killed off, then take probiotics every day. Every day, not just when you have a yeast infection.
Kris Mays says
If any of you ladies are anywhere near Southern Oregon, I GIVE AWAY dairy kefir grains for FREE. They just keep multiplying and I just keep sharing them. I’m not sure I am equipped to ship them, but am happy to meet you in Southern Oregon to give them to you and a brief lesson, too.
Priscilla says
I wish I lived near you, I’m in SE WI.
I clicked on your link/found your blog. I will be reading/looking at that more.
Kris Mays says
Your old stock of punctuation products may be used for first aid compression pads in medical kits. You don’t necessarily have the throw them out. They are the best for that purpose!
Ana says
I suffered from yeast infection for a long time and my doctor recommended to wash the area with a mixture of water and baking soda, it relieves the itching and burning sensation. it really works!
Cindy C says
I have just been diagnosed with oral yeast at my natural doctor. Since we’re getting personal here… my tongue is on fire (has been coming and going since January). I have cut out all sugar/grains/fruits and taking probiotics and 10-undecenoic acid (derived from castor oil – natural supplement from ND). I just started with homemade yogurt today. My questions:
1)Is there any other recommendations to help relieve the discomfort?
2)And how long does it take to get this under control?
Thanks for any help
Pegi D. says
I used to suffer from Yeast Infections on a VERY regular basis and I must have tried everything on the store shelves and all the Rx’s I could get a Dr to give me. Until I began working in an OB/GYN clinic with a naturopathic Dr who gave me his remedy. This was years ago and It’s still the only thing I use,and actually I very rarely need it any more. So, here it is, visit your local health food store and pick up some size 0 gelatin capsules and a bottle of powdered boric acid. Now the tricky part. Fill the capsules with the boric acid. (I push a straw into the powder and transfer to the capsules until full)
Now you will insert,(yes, there) one a night for seven nights. You should feel relief within the first day or so, but it’s important to continue for the full seven nights to properly reset the ph balance.
I hope this helps you all as much as it has helped me.
Jackie Gour says
I second the boric acid application. I always did it morning and night for 7 days. And I just scooped up the powder with the capsule and put them together; I didn’t find it too hard.
But it worked wonderfully. Much better than the expensive over the counter remedies.
Sandra says
I never suffered from yeast infections again after I learned to always wash after intimacy. Yes, it is unromantic to go wash yourself before going to sleep for the night, but sleeping sticky just encourages infections. Ditto for walking around all day that way, if you happen to encounter that circumstance. It’s just asking for yeasts to migrate from one moist area to another. In the worst case, you can even end up with a urinary infection.
Washing throughly after using the toilet is also helpful, but seldom practical if you work for a living. If you spend all day at home, though, you will find that you no longer suffer from “itchy butt” once you start washing at those times. Dry paper can never do as good a job as a wet wash cloth.
If washing with kefir encourages people to keep themselves more clean, I am all for it. Personally, I only eat and drink the stuff. It’s too tasty to waste on washing, and it ends up down there anyway, adjusting my digestive system as it goes.
StephDMonsi says
Just FYI Target carries organic “punctuation” products. And our store had some on clearance. Might be a good time to stock up!
Meredith McG says
Thanks for the tip :)It’s nice to know good products CAN be found in common places !
I’ve found that even organic diapers make my son’s yeat rash’s worse, so we have to stick strictly with cloth.
Val says
This is realted to the eczema, not the yeast infection. You must check out goatmilkstuff.com. Their products are awesome for thi skin. She has a few good blogs about drinking goatmilk as well and how it can help.