You’re out with friends at a nice dinner, but the only thing you can think about is getting in on the itchy, scratchy show unfolding in the wonder, down under.
If your vagina constantly serves up tokens – like severe pain, itching or discharge – it’s likely that you’re acquainted with yeast infection, a common type of fungal infection that causes discomfort in the genital area. Such infections are most commonly caused by a yeast called candida albicans, although other kinds of yeast are also known to give rise to it. If you’re worried, don’t be. Three-quarters of all women experience yeast infections at least once in their lifetime. And while you should certainly have yourself diagnosed and treated by a doctor, you may also benefit from your very own, self-brewed cauldron of home remedies (run them past your doctor first to seek a clinical stamp of approval).
While there’s no scientific evidence to measure the potency of these home remedies, many are rooted in traditional wisdom, and validated by anecdotal reports. If you’re looking for an organic something’ to supplement your treatment plan for vaginal yeast infection, here’s a list of options you can consider.
Tea tree oil is treasured for its anti-fungal properties and research suggests that it is a powerful killer of yeast and fungi. In most studies, this essential oil was tested on candida albicans, the yeast most commonly associated with vaginal yeast infections. You can incorporate tea tree oil into your medication regime by dabbing diluted oil onto a tampon and inserting it into your vagina just before bedtime.
Method:
Take extreme care while using tea tree oil as it can cause irritation to the skin, especially around the vagina where the skin is especially sensitive. Add 5 drops of tea tree oil to 30 ml of coconut oil and test the mixture on a coin-sized area on your arm for allergic reactions. If you do not notice any reaction for 24 hours, consider it safe for use. Soak a tampon into the mixture and wear it overnight. Swap it out for another one in the morning.
Ask your doctor about what natural probiotic supplements you should take. Probiotic supplements are tailored to augment reproductive health and maintain the bacterial equilibrium in the vagina. A 2012 study, conducted on women with severe yeast infections, revealed that 87% of women who used a vaginal probiotic supplement reported relief from symptoms.
Method:
Take orally or vaginally.
Probiotics are gold in combating vaginal yeast infections (unsweetened, unsalted, all-natural yogurt, here’s looking at you). Who knew your good ol’ dahi could be so potent? Chock-full of beneficial bacteria, probiotic products help balance the bacteria in the body.
Method:
Eat yogurt, or apply it to the opening of your vagina.
An excellent anti-fungal agent, coconut oil is an all-organic cure for yeast infections caused by candida albicans.
Method:
Apply raw coconut oil around the vulva to seek relief from symptoms.
Green tea brims with antioxidants that fortify the immune system and combat infections. You can either drink it or apply it to the opening of your vagina.
Method:
Sip on it to wipe yeast out of your body, or apply it to the affected area to soothe swelling and inflammation.
If they’re doctor-approved, then it’s more than likely. However, there are some situations where home remedies should not be considered at all. If you’re pregnant, have a sexually transmitted disease, have had recurrent yeast infections or are unsure whether you truly have a yeast infection, it’s best to hold off on taking matters into your own hands.
A yeast infection can show its true colors anytime – mid-slumber, mid-conversation or even mid-deed. Go on, strike back and put the wretched condition in its place. By going the all-natural way, you can finally slay the beast that is yeast.
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