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How do I Choose the Best Homeopathic Remedy for a Yeast Infection?

Meshell Powell
Meshell Powell

Yeast infections are relatively common occurrences, especially among women. For those who have recurrent bouts with this condition, finding a homeopathic remedy for a yeast infection is more desirable than going to a doctor or using a medication full of chemicals each time a yeast infection develops. Finding the best or most effective homeopathic remedy for a yeast infection is often a matter of trial and error, as each person will respond differently to each type of treatment. Common treatment methods include the use of yogurt, apple cider vinegar, or garlic. Drinking plenty of water may also help to rid the body of toxins and excess sugars, which can increase the risks of developing a yeast infection.

Yogurt is a popular homeopathic remedy for a yeast infection. Plain, unsweetened yogurt can be used either internally or externally. Eating a small amount of yogurt each day can help to increase the amounts of good bacteria in the body, making a person less likely to develop a yeast infection. This yogurt can also be placed directly on the vaginal area, or a tampon can be covered in the yogurt and then inserted into the vagina to promote healing and soothe the pain and itching often associated with a yeast infection.

Many drug stores carry apple cider vinegar pills.
Many drug stores carry apple cider vinegar pills.

Apple cider vinegar is a common homeopathic remedy for a yeast infection. This type of treatment can also be used both internally as well as externally, although care should be taken when using apple cider vinegar externally. If applied directly to the skin, the vinegar may cause burning or intense pain, so it is much more effective to add a little apple cider vinegar to the bath water. A little apple cider vinegar may also be added to a glass of water and consumed internally, although many people have trouble dealing with the taste of the vinegar. Apple cider vinegar pills are available at many drug stores and do not require a prescription.

Apple cider vinegar can help treat a yeast infection.
Apple cider vinegar can help treat a yeast infection.

Garlic is another potential homeopathic remedy for a yeast infection and is considered to be a natural antibiotic. A garlic clove can be placed directly into the vagina and used as a type of natural suppository. This method of treatment has been reported to provide all-day relief for many women. Garlic tablets are also available at many drug stores without a prescription. Garlic may be added to food or water if that is the preferred method of garlic usage for the individual.

Discussion Comments

bear78

Probiotic supplements (taken internally) are great for vaginal yeast infections. I only get a yeast infection after antibiotic use and probiotics resolve it for me.

SteamLouis
SarahGen-- I have tried garlic, vinegar and yogurt as yeast infection remedies. I think they all work to some degree, but you have to use them carefully and consistently until the infection is gone.

Vinegar and yogurt can both cause irritation, so it's best to dilute them with some water before using them as a douche. I think diluted vinegar is better for cleaning the vaginal opening rather than as a douche.

Garlic is another good remedy, but it can irritate your skin. If you decide to use it, put it in a thin cloth or string it to make sure if won't get lost up there. Some women keep it overnight, but I usually keep it shorter than this to avoid irritation.

SarahGen

I have symptoms of a yeast infection again -- itching, foul odor and discharge. This is my third infection in the past year and I'm tired of using medications and creams for it. I've decided to try natural remedies.

I can definitely eat more yogurt, but is it safe to apply in the vagina? What about apple cider vinegar?

I know that apple cider vinegar is very beneficial for many different problems. But I can't imagine using it on such a sensitive area. Won't it sting?

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    • Many drug stores carry apple cider vinegar pills.
      By: Jens Ochlich
      Many drug stores carry apple cider vinegar pills.
    • Apple cider vinegar can help treat a yeast infection.
      By: Comugnero Silvana
      Apple cider vinegar can help treat a yeast infection.
    • Unsweetened yogurt is used externally or internally to treat a yeast infection.
      By: Colinda McKie
      Unsweetened yogurt is used externally or internally to treat a yeast infection.
    • Garlic has long been used by homeopaths to counter yeast and other infections.
      By: MSPhotographic
      Garlic has long been used by homeopaths to counter yeast and other infections.