Alternative Remedies for Vaginal Yeast Infections

Treat your Yeast Infection naturally

Because vaginal infections cause so much discomfort, a number of home remedies and practices have developed through the years, to ease the pain, until medications can take effect. These practices have not been scientifically tested, and should be used at your own discretion, or only after you have checked with a medical practitioner or pharmacist.

  • A cold compress, such as a small towel, applied to the labia may help to ease burning and itching.
  • Coconut oil - about two tablespoons a day – can be used to treat recurrent yeast infections. It works by destroying the nucleus of the yeast.
  • Yogurt - the plain, natural unflavoured variety - applied directly to the vulva, can create a soothing sensation.
  • Yogurt-sicles, made by freezing yogurt in plastic tampons applicators, may be inserted inside the vagina.
  • Unpasteurized yogurt, inserted into the vagina with a small spoon or applicator, can provide relief. Do this for three to seven nights or until you feel better.
  • Yogurt fingers may be made by filling yogurt into the fingers of a plastic glove and frozen.
  • Cinammon oil can be especially effective in treating the yeast fungus.
  • Eating yogurt containing acidophilus cultures has been thought to prevent yeast infections.
  • A peeled garlic pod, wrapped in gauze, can be a helpful suppository during a yeast infection. Leave it inside for about 12 hours and repeat as necessary. If you don't wrap it in gauze, it will burn your sensitive bits.
  • Drinking cranberry juicepreferably unsweetened, may help to ease your yeast infection, just as it does help with urinary infections.
  • Gentian Violet is a safe cure for many women’s yeast infections. However, it can turn clothes purple so you should be careful when using it.
  • Tea Tree Oil, diluted 50/50 with water can be used on skin which is not broken.
  • Douching is controversial, but some home remedies do recommend douching to cure a yeast infection. Be careful not to scratch the walls of the vagina when inserting or removing the nozzle, as this could exacerbate the infection. Common douching solutions include tea tree oil, herbs, hydrogen peroxide, white or cider vinegar. Check the exact quantities of any materials used to prepare a douche and use reasonable precaution before trying any of these options.
  • Aloe vera juice, poured onto a cotton pad, could be applied directly to the vulva to provide temporary relief from itching. This remedy will only help control the itching sensation and not cure the yeast infection.
  • Slippery elm powder, mixed with a little water to make a paste, may be applied to relieve itching around the vulva, but not to cure the yeast infection.