Using a Natural Treatment for Yeast Infection

A common cause of yeast infections is the use of antibiotics. Since most antibiotics are non-selective they will kill the good bacteria as well as the bad. This allows the yeast, which is naturally occurring in the vagina to become overgrown, causing symptoms of a yeast infection. Yeast sufferers should avoid taking antibiotics unless absolutely necessary.

A way to counteract the overkill of good bacteria when antibiotics are taken is to take a product along with the antibiotic that will put the good bacteria back in the vaginal tract and in the gut. Yogurt can be considered a natural treatment for yeast infection. It is alive with acidophilus or other kinds of live cultures. Make sure that the product says that it contains live and active cultures. The yogurt can be eaten or inserted directly into the vaginal canal. Only unflavored and unsweetened yogurt should be inserted into the vaginal canal.

Tree tree oil is a natural antiseptic and antifungal and has been used as a successful natural treatment for yeast infections. The tea tree oil can be inserted into the vaginal canal on an applicator-type tampon. The rim of the insertion end of the tampon should be treated with petroleum jelly or KY Jelly so that the tea tree oil will not absorb into the fibers. After applying the jelly to the tampon just add 5-10 drops of the tea tree oil onto the tip and insert it into the vaginal canal. The tea tree oil can burn the external areas of the vagina so it is best to put a coating of the KY Jelly externally before inserting the tea tree oil soaked tampon.

Garlic is another natural treatment for yeast infection because it is considered to be an antifungal. It must first be peeled to remove the outer skin. Try not to nick the outer shell of the garlic glove because it contains a compound that can irritate skin if it touches the vulva area of the vagina prior to insertion. The outer area should first be treated with petroleum jelly if irritation is a concern. The peeled garlic clove can be wrapped in a small piece of cheese cloth that is tied off at the end with a piece of dental floss to use for removing, or you can just insert the garlic clove by itself into the vagina. It can be removed by bearing down and inserting your fingers into the vaginal canal to grasp it.

Yeast thrives on sugar so another natural treatment for yeast infection is limiting sugar and starches in your diet. Some of the more common herbs that have used to successfully treat yeast infections are caprylic acid, oil of oregano and olive leaf extract. Many of the all natural formulations found in health food stores will contain one or a combination of these herbs.

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