I spent more time itching and more money trying to find a cure for yeast infections my last pregnancy than I did for my delivery. I was literally praying for the day I would give birth just so that maybe my raging hormones would stop and subsequently the raging yeast infection (and group B strep) would as well. While I am pretty sure that’s the most embarrassing thing that I have ever publicly admitted, it’s the ugly truth. But the good news is I have found so many great natural remedies for yeast infections that while getting the infection is still uncomfortable, I have a tried and true list of options to beat the itch.
Tried & True Yeast infection remedies that don’t include scratching
Wear Cotton Underwear
They’re breathable and when yeast loves dark, moist environments, this should absolutely be your first or second action to help out. In fact, at night you might even ditch the underwear, but if you’re not certain about that then, definitely go for cotton briefs. (In fact thongs can be a contributor to UTIs and yeast infections because they tend to have more front and back movement).
Cut your sugar intake
This should actually be the first line of defense. Cutting sugar, white flour, and anything that is unhealthy from your diet is going to help your body not even have candida overgrowth the begin with. Even if you have it though, cutting sugar at the first sign can make a huge difference.
Garlic Vaginal Suppositories
Chop up a clove of garlic into about 3-5 pieces and (ahem) shove it up there. Yes, you heard me right. And YES you probably will smell like a roasted chicken if you leave it in during the day. But, you win some and you lose some. While it doesn’t sound pleasant, garlic suppositories are the best way I have beaten the itch and cut infection times in the past.
Make your own Yeast infection Creams
Whether for yourself or your child, it’s pretty easy to make yeast infection creams. You can mix together coconut oil, powdered probiotics, and GSE for a basic, kid-friendly cream.
For myself, I have made a concoction of essential oils in a carrier of coconut oil. It had a drop of Tea Tree Oil, a drop of lemon oil (because it also helps with the garlic smell from the previous night on top of being a great yeast infection remedy), and a drop of turmeric.
Consume Cayenne Pepper
Not only is cayenne a great spice for your body in general, I have even read that it can stop yeast in its track by causing yeast cells to leak and die off. Mixed with warm lemon water, Cayenne is a super yeast infection remedy that even I, as a puny non-spicy food lover has gulped down in large doses.
Take Garlic orally
Mince it and put it in a capsule or swallow without a capsule. Or if you don’t want to do that, get some of the ready-made capsules to take both as a treatment and remedy as well as a preventative.
Load up on probiotics
If taking garlic, you will want to wait as least two hours before eating fermented foods such as unsweetened yogurt or taking your probiotic. Because garlic is an antibiotic, it kills all… good and bad. But take it to help your body’s good flora count increase and fight the bad!
Know your essential oil options
Geranium – anti-fungal
Helichrysum – anti-fungal & reduces inflammation
Tea Tree Oil – anti-fungal
Lemon – anti-fungal
Lavender – Soothes & anti-fungal
Turmeric – reduces inflammation
Clove – inhibits bacteria & yeast/numbs
Drink Herbal tea
Specifically ones with chamomile in them, they can be an anti-fungal and help fight yeast. And since liquids are absorbed better than foods, this is a great option.
More Natural Remedies
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Yeast Diaper Cream
Ways to increase milk supply
Kara is an author and advocate for positive, grace-filled parenting. She is homeschooler to her 4 children living in Boston, MA and believes in creative educational approaches to help kids dive deeper into a rich learning experience. She has her degree in Secondary Education & Adolescent Childhood Development and is passionate about connecting with and helping other parents on their journey to raise awesome kids!
Marie
I use milk of magnesia topically and orally to quell yeast infections that got so out of control they were spreading down my legs from my groin area which had spread to my hysterectomy scar! (I’m 58) Desitin works good too, I just hate the goopyness of it, but it works. Eating low sugar is a must, used to low carb and now getting back to it using the keto diet.
Marie
P.S. I like to “take garlic” after I smashed it and added to water, stir, then let it sit, then drink the garlic water without actually swallowing the garlic.. I believe this is easier on the stomach.
Kara Carrero
Great idea!