Home Remedies Web

Yeast Infection Home Remedy

Find yeast infection treatments and home remedies for yeast infection, using natural cures and herbal products.

Jawairia Zafar, OCT
3–4 minutes
Yeast Infection Home Remedy

Signs and Symptoms of a Yeast Infection

A yeast infection is a common bacterial infection caused by candida albicans, which is a strain of yeast that naturally live on the human body in small numbers. Yeast infections commonly inflict women in the vaginal area, with the following symptoms:

  • A thick, white, and odorless discharge from the vagina.
  • Itching and burning inside as well as outside the vagina.
  • A burning sensation during urination.
  • Slight pain or discomfort during sexual intercourse.

Men can also suffer from yeast infections, and infections can also occur on different parts of the body such as beneath the breasts, under nails, and behind other skin folds such as the lower abdominal area.

Causes of Yeast Infections

Although the bacteria that lead to yeast infections naturally exist on our bodies, their numbers are kept under control by the acidity level inside of the vagina. However, a drop in this acidity level may allow the yeast to flourish, leading to an infection. There are a number of possible reasons why this imbalance may occur:

  • Pregnancy or menstrual cycles may cause a yeast infection, due to the hormonal changes that a woman undergoes in these situations.
  • Antibiotics, steroids, and certain birth control pills can cause yeast infections since they cause an imbalance in the natural gut flora that normally prevents fungus like Candida from forming.
  • Excessive moisture inside of the vaginal region can lead to infections.
  • Individuals diagnosed with diabetes have been known to be more susceptible to yeast infections.
  • Consuming large amounts of sweets and other high-sugar foods can lead to recurring infections.
  • Using sauna, hot tub or jacuzzi frequently may also disrupt the healthy balance of bacteria and cause yeast infection.

Home Remedies and Natural Treatments for Yeast Infections

Apple Cider Vinegar

One of the best home remedies to treat a yeast infection is Apple Cider Vinegar. Here are some simple steps on how to use this amazing natural treatment:
Step 1:
Add 1 and a half cups of Apple Cider Vinegar into a bathtub filled with luke warm water, and then soak in it for about 20 minutes. This should be done once a day for the first 3 days of the infection.
Step 2:
After 3 days of soaking, the infection should be significantly less. At this point, start to drink a glass of water mixed with 1 teaspoon of Apple Cider Vinegar once per day. This not only helps prevent yeast infections, but it also has numerous other health benefits such as improving skin health and boosting your metabolism.

While it is also possible to create a douche with Apple Cider Vinegar, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists suggests that women avoid douching completely. Douching has the potential to spread a yeast infection up through the cervix and into the uterus. For this reason, the simple soak mentioned above should be sufficient. NOTE: If you are pregnant, it is best to consult your doctor before using this treatment.

Cranberries

While cranberries are often used to treat bladder infections, they can also be highly effective for treating yeast infections by promoting healthy pH balance in the vagina. Try drinking a glass of unsweetened cranberry juice twice per day for up to 5 days to help fight off a fungal infection.

Probiotic Yogurt

The active bacterial cultures in yogurt help to fight yeast, which is one of the main reasons why many people have found it to be effective at treating a yeast infection. Try to eat a cup of unsweetened probiotic yogurt once per day for a week.

If your infection persists for longer than a week, it is best to consult your doctor.

Garlic

Many people have found that garlic is wonderful at fighting yeast infections. Crush 2 or 3 fresh garlic cloves into small pieces and quickly swallow the pieces with a glass of water. Repeat this for up to 5 days. If you don’t like the associated garlic breath, you can use garlic capsules instead which are available in most health food stores.

References

  1. Vaginitis: Causes and Treatments. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
  2. Vaginitis FAQ. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. FAQ028.

Medical disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and isn’t a substitute for professional medical advice. Talk to your doctor before trying a new remedy, especially if you’re pregnant, nursing, taking medication or managing a health condition.

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201 responses

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  1. Roshni

    I had strep throat and the doctor gave amoxicillin 500MG one capsule twice a day for ten days. That caused yeast – from my head (throat) to my bottom. Your site answers so many questions and gave me ways to fight naturally. God Bless You!

    Reply
  2. Roshni

    Thanks so much!! I had a very bad itching for two days and my hubby was about to take me to the hospital. I found this web page and used Apple Cider Vinegar remedy, and a half hour later no itching. It really worked! Thanks again.

    Reply
  3. Haniya

    This article contains plenty of information about yeast infection. Such articles are great and readers can easily get help for the problem they are looking for.

    Reply
  4. David Stanley

    After defecating, washing with water is far cleaner than using only toilet paper and it also helps with Yeast Infections and Hemorrhoids. Hand held bidet sprayer is pretty easy to use compare to the peri-bottle.

    Reply
  5. Jonicri

    Yes, garlic does work for yeast infections – BUT you need A LOT of it. I use the Candida Cleanse tablets that has garlic and other ingredients that fight the yeast infection – I actually take them right when I feel a yeast infection coming on, and within a day it’s not there anymore. No side effects!

    Reply
  6. Kay

    Yes , this can be interesting to combat. Candida Ablicans/yeast can spread from the rectum to the vagina. Always wipe from front to back. Wear clean cotton underwear and loose fitting clothes. Stress produces cortisol in your body for fight or flight from whatever is overwhelming you and can cause the yeast to multiply quickly. Yeast can eventually get into your bloodstream and become a system wide problem. There is a prescription to help get that under control. Baking soda in bath can balance ph levels so yeast cannot flourish. Coconut oil is anti fungal. Molybdenum removes the discomfort of the dying off of the candida albicans/yeast. Anti-fungal creams in the women feminine pads section of chain stores can help cure it and there is an over the counter, vaginal pain cream with Lanacane in it to numb pain. Eating kefir restores gut flora and helps fight candida albicans. Eat healthy food with a balance of water with sea salt and minerals to keep electrolytes balanced and bowels moving regular. Take a stool softener if you have to. Constipation can also cause yeast issues.

    Reply
  7. Shally

    Shivneel, try taking probiotic supplements and soak your bottom in Apple Cider Vinegar mixed water for at least 20 minutes everyday to treat yeast infection. You can read Apple Cider Vinegar remedy above on this page for the amounts of ACV and water. Also wear breathable clothing preferably cotton.

    Reply
  8. Michigan

    Dj, you don’t get yeast infections only because you had it once. It is caused by imbalanced acidity levels inside the vagina. So if a change in your life style causes that imbalance in acidity levels again, only then you are likely to have another yeast infection. PS, using bleach on your body can be very dangerous – please don’t take a bleach bath again.

    Reply
  9. Shivneel

    I’m 21 and I have vaginal yeast infection. Please help me treat it, thanks.

    Reply
  10. Dj

    I’m 19 and I took a bleach bath and accidentally spilled some of the bleach on my vagina. This is my first time ever having this problem… Now that this is the 1st yeast infection does this mean I will continue to have them? Is it similar to having a scar that easily gets infected again?

    Reply
  11. Anonymous

    Instead of buying a bunch of antibiotics that suppress your immune system and will only treat the symptoms, everyone suffering from a yeast infection should try this program. It is very likely that the yeast infection will come back, but this program is NOT A SCAM and will solve this problem PERMANENTLY. I wasn’t paid to write this. The program really works. If it doesn’t (oh it will), you get your money back. The ebook/PDF does cost about $40, but it’s worth nothing compared to the accumulation of money wasted on creams and treatments and doctor visits when the infection will only reoccur. It’s worth it. The book is called Yeast Infection No More written by Linda Allen. The link is actually in the article above under the “12 Hour Cure for Yeast Infection” (last section and the relief is in 12 hours, as in no more symptoms, but the actual treatment takes several days since there are many components involved). It’s definitely worth a try, and it’s very effective and easy. Don’t wait another minute (I believe nobody wants to because these symptoms are unbearable).

    Reply
  12. Destiny

    For yeast infection cover a tampon with coconut oil and inert. It helps!

    Reply
  13. Z

    @tumi, make coconut oil a vaginal suppository. Pour about half spoon of coconut oil on plastic wrap in shape of small capsule and freeze or simply refrigerate it. Then insert it vaginally at night for a week. Best treatment ever for yeast infection!

    Reply
  14. Annmarie Smith

    Does apple cider vinegar help yeast infection in men?

    Reply
  15. sierra jones

    I only get this crazy infecion when I am pregnant. I can’t stand it but soaking in warm water with epsom salt and drinking cranberry juoce really helps!

    Reply
  16. tumi

    I’ve been having this problem for 6 yrs now & tried all remedies but nothing has helped….so please help me guys, I am even scared when my bf touch my v when it’s time to make love!

    Reply
  17. Right Stef

    I am like many women in America and I experience yeast infections along with the terrible symptoms several times in one year. The Lady Soma Candida Cleanse does not provide a cure, HOWEVER, it does help with the symptoms especially if you are experiencing itching. You are directed to take 2-4 tablets a day when you have an infection and just take one a day when asymptomatic. I really like Lady Soma stuff because it is all natural, and its the only supplements that didnt upset my stomach and my internal balance. Good luck Jill!

    Reply
  18. deborah Elliott

    I hope all the home remedies work. They all look like they will work. Thanks very much.

    Reply
  19. frank10

    ..sounds familiar in the same situation. I know it’s a yeast infection since I had problems with it in the past. My fiance thinks I gave him something, which made me mad. And says he never experienced yeast infection before, and we have been together almost 5 years, and he had yeast infection 3 times now, and he finally realizes it is yeast infection, and finally getting treatment, and treating myself as well.

    Reply
  20. Loren

    First thing to do is to visit your GYN to make sure that there’s not some other serious issue. If everything checks out, that is a good time to look into some natural ways to treat this problem. For me, grapefruit and pineapples helped a lot.

    Reply
  21. Leelee

    You goober… if you took the time to read what was stated about douching you would have clearly read that they said it is not recommended to douche… EVER… because it can spread the infection into the uterus… Jeez… have a look before you jump someone’s ***!

    Reply
  22. Tayler

    For the love of God, WHY do you have remedies that involve douching listed here?!
    Douching is never, ever the solution. It might actually be the problem! If you look anywhere online or ask any doctor, they will tell you that the vagina is self-cleaning. By douching, you strip the healthy bacteria as well as the bad… And the bad bacteria grows back much faster than the good! Douching just perpetuates the problem. The only cleaning the vagina needs is some soap and water on the outside of your labia majora, maybe some water between the folds. Rinsing out the inside of your vagina will only hurt it.
    Please, please do not take any of those douching suggestions. The only things you should try for any vaginal infection are topical, ingested, or that ACV soak.

    Reply
  23. Lexi

    I was diagnosed with Bv and a Uti in the time that me and my boyfriend were on a break.. we are back together and on my day 1 of medication we had unprotected sex.. and on day 2 of medication we had unprotected sex again… now he is complaining about an itch.. could i have a build up of yeast from my meds and could of gave him a yeast infection……. please help… he thinks it could be a STD -____-

    Reply
  24. Anonymous

    And PS. I have done probiotics on and on and on…even put them inside my vagina for weeks at a time. (and Vit. c too). I don’t eat yeast and have rarely eaten it in 8 years (maybe 5 times a year) No gluten, rarely eat sugar. Please, if you cannot get rid of yeast or bladder infections, consider it might be UREAPLASMA. If you do, you can well bet your partner has it too, which is helpful because you can both work on it together. Plus, you may need to abstain for awhile (or wear protection) so that if one of you starts to get better, you don’t reinfect over and over again. My partner and I are being very careful…but it is tricky as it can be passed through the mucous…we didn’t kiss for 2 months but we decided we will work this out and keep the kissing)) The newest line of probiotics I am trying now is Theralac–not to try and get rid of the yeast in my body but to set up and environment in my body which the candida cannot thrive…”Theralac” (not THREELAC) Gonna see how it works…

    Reply
  25. Heather Pendergast

    One word for all those women (and men) who are challenged with yeast infections and BV for months and even years: UREAPLASMA. One doctor in LA is the only doctor in the US who diagnosises it and treats it. However, do not rely only on antibiotics. I did two treatments–5 weeks total, and I still have it. It is considered an “STI”–sexually transmitted infection…and since no clinics or doctors anywhere diagnose or treat, it is quite rampant. So, you may pass all your STD tests and still contact it from someone…and the spreading from one person to another just goes on and on…symptoms can be very few to non-existent or more severe, like myself–bloating pelvic area, trickling, stabbing pains down the urethrea, burning while peeing, kidney pain, constant peeing (sometimes 8-10 times a night), a yeast infection I’ve had for a year and a half, and BV. As long as the urea is in the body (and I’ve been told it is VERY resistant to antibiotics and treatment), the BV and yeast will continue. I am now mega-dosing Vit.C, taking Grapefruit seed extract and treating my body for the parasite CANDIDA. This, intuitively, to me, is why the infection hangs around. As long as the body hosts the candida, it cannot heal infections. I hope this helps. I posted about the urea so you might not overdo it with the vaginal yeast meds and the douches (which can damage). I did many weeks of peroxide, apple cider vinegar, boric acid, yogurt, garlic…they all helped, but like the urea-doctor said, as long as the infection is there, the yeast and BV will remain…so far she has been right about that. And as for candida, I have found that being gentle–meaning–making the body anenviromnent ehy cannot thrive in, feels more right and less traumatic than trying to kill them off. That’s serious die off and really can make you sick! Oh–also, OXYGEN! Candida cannot thrive in a body which is oxygenated. CELLFOOD has really helped too! “Health Force Super Foods” makes another kind of oxygen supp. I would also recommend. I am still working through this infection, it is related to emotional things as well, so it takes time to meet these things and heal…many blessings to you all!

    Reply
  26. Anonymous in CNY

    I have suffered between Yeast Infections and BV for so long. Nothing prescribed seems to work for me. I have was tested for STD’s and am negative for all but my last test showed that I have Streptococcal Group B in my urine, (along with the yeast infection). My doc DID NOT prescribe any antibiotic, which is the suggested treatment for this. He said I should just use Monistat 7 for 14 days instead of seven. Please help. I need to get rid of the yeast infection as well as some advice regarding the Strep group B. I am not pregnant nor is there any chance of me becoming pregnant.

    Reply
  27. Anonymous

    Hi I want to try the garlic method but I’m scare it my break my virginity.is it ok to blend it and pet it at the tip of my vagina?

    Reply
  28. Anonymous

    I was skeptical but eventually became desperate enough to give it a try, after exhausting all other options I could think of and researched. The extract from this amazing and readily available herb works amazingly against all infections and viruses, and heals the skin very quickly. I struggled against a plantar wart for half a year, trying various remedies. It grew to the size of a thumb and I could barely walk. This oil ate it up in ten days flat. A friend tried it and said it cured his athletes foot within three days. It can cure cancer and seemingly any ailment. It can also be consumed and works internally, but if so start slow and build up tolerance, as you will probably get high. Word needs to get out about this.
    http://001yourtranslationservice.com/me/Health/natural-cancer-cure-remedy-treatment.html

    Reply
  29. Andrea

    @Anonymous, you are supposed to take the garlic clove out after about every 3-4 hours. And reinsert after a few hours (about 2 hrs). Some people find that leaving it in overnight works faster. But I think it’s too long to leave in. Also Drinking 1tsp of Apple Cider Vinegar mixed in a glass of water helps too. Good luck!

    Reply
  30. Anonymous

    when you insert a clove of garlic into the vagina, do you leave it in or remove it after a certain amount of time?

    Reply
  31. sudhina kc

    hello i am a 24 and married!! i had a vaginal thursh few days ago and i went to a doctor and got antibiotics and after using it for a week i thought it was gone but 2 days before i realise during my intercourse that i have a terrible pain and i felt burning session in my private part only during the physical contact . .i didn’t know that i have to cut down sugar product from my diet so i have continiously having sugar product since i have it ,but now i know to not to eat any sugar product after reading the posts.but besides that can somebody plz help me for the pain i m having during my intercourse and if it is happening still from the YI what should i do ??

    Reply
  32. Lisa

    @ Anonymous, I can understand what you are going through. I suffered from Yeast Infection for a log time. However, combination of a few remedies has worked well for me. I found that using Apple Cider Vinegar as a vaginal wash and a soak along with Canesten suppositories was pretty useful. I put 2-3cups of Apple Cider Vinegar in bath tub with enough water that I could fully soak my bottom in and soaked for about 20 minutes for a week. I also mixed 2-3tbsp of ACV in a glass of water, poured it in a Peri bottle (squirt bottle and used it a wash or rinse every time after using the washroom. I also mixed one teaspoon of Apple Cider Vinegar and a pinch of salt in a cold glass of water and drank it twice daily for about a month. I was eating lots of yogurt with probiotics everyday. Cutting down on sugar and caffeine was also part of the daily regimen. I’m glad that I don’t get Yeast Infection any more like I did in the past. It’s hardly once a year now. I still drink 1 tsp of ACV in a glass of water every now and then. I hope it helps! Good luck!

    Reply
  33. Anonymous

    I am 34. I have had a vaginal yeast infection since 20 yrs old. I cannot get rid of this vaginal yeast infection. I have tried the boric acid capsules, the over the counter insert creams, Diflucan for seven months, Sporanox for six months and Ketoconazole for four months. I do not have Diabetes and I do not have hiv. I have just learned to live with it. I am tired all the time and I am so scared that this infection is taking a toll on my body. I have read most of the comments on here. What treatment plan would work out best for me? Please help me.

    Reply
  34. mkkr

    Hydrogen Peroxide douche (about a cup with water in large bag), will knock out vaginal yeast quickly!!!! Can use a little peroxide on a q-tip to treat thrush!!! Don’t drink it!, just a q-tip with it on cotton, but not dripping so u have to squeeze it out a little. Also removes blood from clothes.

    Reply
  35. Anon

    Try the Yeast Free Diet. I’ve been suffering on and off for 10 years (I’m 21 now) with yeast infections and over the counter, prescription, and at home remedies don’t work on their own. Going on a yeast free diet is the only way I’m ever able to get rid of them completely when they occur. It’s really not that hard unless you have an overall unhealthy diet to begin with (which is one reason why people get them). Systemic yeast and yeast allergies is a growing concern.

    Reply
  36. lore

    for YI use baking soda [sodium bicarbonate] …
    approx 1 teaspoon in approx 8oz glass of distilled water (mix as desired) …
    for thrush rinse with bs + distilled water …
    for vagina dip with cotton ball in mixture and insert …
    for internal YI and cancer google Dr. Simoncini and find his home protocol …
    good luck and god bless…

    Reply
  37. easy e

    I’m taking a vinegar bath and it work good t stop yeast infection

    Reply
  38. Ann Dsilva

    Coconut water has been know to treat YI. I have tried it and it works like magic.

    Reply
  39. Anonymous

    fill bath with warm water up to hips, half cup of salt and half cup of vinegar, dissolve in bath water and soak for 30 minutes!

    Reply
  40. Healthcare Software

    YI always comes and disappear sometimes its very irritating, thank for your tips on YI.

    Reply
  41. hapurahman12

    Most women know what it’s like to get a mild yeast infection but may not have even given much thought about a prevent yeast infections in babies.

    Reply
  42. Lilian

    Thank you all for your information. I have been suffering from YI for many years on and off. It never seems to completely go away. I first got it after I had my left tube removed, my doc said it was due to prolong use of antibiotics. I forget what she prescribed then but it went away. That was like 9 yrs ago. Then I got pregnant, and had diabetes during pregnancy. I also started to get yeast infection (came and went) during the pregnancy (vaginal itchiness was horrible!) Washing after toilet use gave some relief. More antibiotics were prescribed and used. After my son was born the yeast infection left. Then now six years later, I am getting it again. This time it is worse. I notice the itchiness gets bad right before my period. I also have it when I eat food that has yeast in it or sugar. So I have cut down on breads, and basically stay off sweets. Chocolates make my YI worse! Right now I am only washing (just water after every toilet use) and using a OTC cream (candid gel). So you can imagine the lack of sleep as they are not working! Its 2am and I haven’t slept. It itches bad at night for some reason. Having said all that, I am now going to try the remedies offered by all of you. Thank you! Will post again on outcome.

    Reply
  43. niina

    my name is niina am 22yrs and still am virgin i have been living yeast infection more than 9yrs i have only vaginal discharge like cheese and skin rash am tried everything..and Am so worried i don’n know what shoul i do does any help me please

    Reply
  44. waqhil

    Vaginal yeast infection and vulvitis cause symptoms that are nonspecific, which means that aside from the yeast infection, other conditions can cause the identical symptoms. The most common symptom of a vaginal yeast infection is itching in the vaginal and/or vulvar area. Other symptoms of vaginal yeast infection and vulvitis include: burning, soreness, pain during intercourse and/or urination, and vaginal discharge. (Vaginal discharge is not always present, but when it occurs, the discharge is odorless and typically has a whitish, thick appearance and texture, like cottage cheese.)http://herbal-health-care.net/

    Reply
  45. Lizet

    I have had yi I was either 11 or 12 years old, before I got my first period. I’ve seen the doctors about it and they give me the same 7 day treatment it goes but it’s back in a few weeks. If I hadn’t done my own research I wouldn’t have found everything mentioned here in this site. I don’t understand why the doctors i’ve seen didn’t take the time to give me information on how to prevent future yi and how we get it in the first place. YI on & off for 19 years is so irritating and doesn’t help with self esteem I will try the acv treatment and the garlic clove treatment. I will not forget to tie dental floss on it so I won’t be scared about not finding it like Beatriz 03/20/12. It doesn’t dissolve btw the uterus should naturally push it out if you can’t find it. The uterus tries it’s best to keep any foreign objects out of it. If you want to remove all doubt about it being there or not see your gynecologist (they can use the clamp and see ALL inside). All the questions people ask here are already answered by previous posts (people need to take their time and read all of them).

    Reply
  46. utahmama

    Does the use of ACV as a douche and using garlic vaginally cause moderate to mild cramping in anyone else?

    Reply
  47. Gave Up On Doctors

    I saw someone mention using hydrocortisone for the itching, and I wanted to mention that this is probably not a good idea. It might help the itching, yes, BUT … steroids (and hydrocortisone is a steroid, albeit a low dose one) are actually going to encourage fungal growth. NOT what we want to accomplish in the long run!
    Many years ago, an herbalist friend of mine swore by an infusion of golden seal and myrrh. I don’t know the proportions she used, but she claimed it was a “one and done” cure. You’d bring water to a boil, turn of the heat, steep the golden seal and myrrh in the hot water. Once cool, strain and douche. I have never tried it, but if I had the ingredients handy I sure would be!

    Reply
  48. Beatriz

    I inserted a garlic clove into my vagina before I went to bed hoping to cure my YI, the next morning I tried to get it out and I couldnt find it. Can someone please give me advise on what I should do? I don’t believe it dissolves. I’m a little scared. Thank you.

    Reply
  49. Peace

    Using Tea tree oil is very effective. I have had YI like one or twice every year, came across the tea tree oil home remedy, mixed 10 drops of tea tree oil with 1 tea spoon of extra virgin olive oil, i swear by it, it works!

    Used this solution twice daily for 7 consecutive days and my YI is gone. I won’t lie, it stings for like 10 mins when you apply internally and externally, but after that,you have this nice feeling down there.

    Reply
  50. goitsemang

    I am surely going to try it for future use hey thanx for the advice and help

    Reply