Home Remedies for Yeast Infections
Yeast infections are never a great time, but with 1.4 million American women seeking treatment annually — they are definitely worth discussing. The good news is that if you have a mild yeast infection, plenty of at-home remedies can relieve your symptoms and even speed up the healing of your yeast infection.
What Causes A Yeast Infection?
Firstly, it's important to note that every vagina has yeast. However, when our vaginal chemistry or microbiome is off balance, it can create an overgrowth of yeast (the most common strain being Candida Albicans). Therefore, outside of treating the obvious and unwanted soreness, irritation, and itchiness that comes with a yeast infection, it's essential to clear up a yeast infection sooner rather than later and avoid any longer-term complications that come with chronic and recurring infections.Although heavily prescribed, antibiotics are not always as they seem when it comes to yeast infections and can further disrupt your vaginal flora. Read on for some of our personally tried and tested remedies from ingestibles to baths and suppositories and highly effective pelvic steaming.
3 Effective Home Remedies For Yeast Infections
1. Topical Coconut Oil When your yeast infection is presenting with particularly bad itchiness or external irritation, you probably find yourself immediately reaching for topical relief. Coconut oil is a proven anti-fungal and anti-bacterial agent that can help treat your yeast infection and is incredibly soothing.One study even found coconut oil was more effective at removing Candida Albicans than fluconazole (a commonly prescribed antibiotic), with no harmful side effects.Some OB/GYNs recommend rubbing coconut oil directly on your inflamed areas or placing clean coconut oil on a clean tampon and inserting it into your vagina. Of course, it goes without saying to choose organic pure coconut oil.2. A Pelvic Steaming PracticeThis ancient practice has been growing in popularity for a good reason. One of its benefits is that it cleanses the vaginal walls and uterus using steam and medicinal botanicals that have no negative impacts. In contrast to over-the-counter and prescription antibiotics that destroy all vaginal bacteria, pelvic steaming eliminates harmful strains and overgrowths but doesn't disrupt the good bacteria or delicate vaginal flora. You'll want to look for botanical blends like Womb Protector™ that use organic herbalist-approved plants with antifungal, anti-bacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties.Although helpful for immediate relief, a regular steaming practice keeps your vaginal flora and bacteria thriving and healthy all year round. If you're prone to multiple and recurrent infections, you may be well-served by a consistent steaming practice and investing in the Womb Protector™ Ritual Bundle — which has everything you need for a monthly healing steam.3. Baking Soda BathsIt's well-documented that baking soda calms many of the symptoms of yeast infections, such as itchiness and soreness. Aside from soothing these unpleasant sensations, one study showed baking soda also killed Candida Albicans. So a baking soda bath is an excellent way to relieve your body and treat your symptoms and can be done by adding a tablespoon of baking soda to your next bath. However, for an added dose of healing, consider our Inheal™ probiotic saffron milk bath, which contains organic baking soda, plus natural probiotics to balance vaginal flora, and saffron to support hormonal imbalances.If your symptoms are mild, you are not pregnant, and you have less than four infections a year — you may want to consider the above natural alternatives. However, if your yeast infections are more extreme or continue to come back, please seek the guidance of a healthcare professional.
