A vaginal yeast infection is usually caused by a fungus called Candida albicans which is normally found in small amounts in the vagina. It's estimated that three out of four women will have a yeast infection in their lifetime. Factors that contribute to vaginal yeast infection include pregnancy, diabetes, and the use oral contraceptives, steroids, and antibiotics.
Yeast are minute organisms ( known as candida fungus) that live in small numbers on human body. Yeast infection occurs when the number of these organisms increase beyond a certain level. Typically, the acidity in the vagina keeps the level of yeast low. But with the drop in the acidity level (due to various conditions like menstruation period, pregnancy, diabetes or birth control pills ), the number of yeast grows and causes the infection.
Home Remedies for Yeast Infection
Garlic Make a paste of garlic pods and apply to skin around the vagina. It may burn a bit, but is very effective. This paste can be used for yeast infection in other parts of the body too. Another way to use garlic for the cure of vaginal yeast infection is to cut a few garlic pods fine and wrap it in a cheesecloth. Insert into vagina for about 20 minutes leaving part of cheesecloth hanging out for easy removal.
Teatree oil is available in the US at many natural foods stores. a terrifically helpful woman wrote to tell me that in italy, teatree oil is widely used for yeast infections. she said that her pharmacist told her to coat the top half of a non-applicator type tampon with a lubricant (such as K.Y. jelly or even olive oil), then apply a few drops of pure tea tree oil and insert. the lubricant keeps the teatree oil from absorbing into the tampon.
Apply yogurt to vulva and inside the vagina. To insert yogurt into vagina, put some in the top of a tampon applicator, then insert the tampon into vagina. Remove it an hour later. This has a soothing effect and help to fight vaginal yeast infection. This is one of the best home remedies for yeast infection.
Insert Potassium Sorbate. This is used in home beer-making and can be found at wine-making stores. Dip a cotton tampon into a 3% solution (15 grams of Potassium Sorbate in one pint of water) and insert into the vagina at night. Remove in the morning.
Honey
This is probably the most sticky and uncomfortable way of curing vaginal yeast infection, but it is said to work wonders. Take half a cup of honey into the bathroom. Pour a liberal amount of honey on all affected portions, while sitting on the toilet seat. Be seated this way for about 20 minutes. After this you can have a bath with warm water. Dry the vaginal area thoroughly using super absorbent paper. You will feel much better. Do this twice a day, morning and just before going to bed at night. These are the most popular home remedies for yeast infection.
These are just a few of the home remedy ideas people have come up with. Other home remedy type suggestions are boiling babies bottle nipples and pacifiers, not wearing tight clothing and applying a suitable powder to your genital area to keep it dry. Before trying any home remedy it is important to check with your doctor. Some ingredients could be harmful if used improperly.
