Natural Remedies Used to Heal a Yeast Infection
When a fungus such as Candida albicans multiples in the body, particularly in the vagina, the result is a yeast infection. Yeast infections are a common cause of vaginitis. Almost every woman will have a yeast infection at some time or another, and it is particularly common during pregnancy when the acidity and sugar content of a woman’s vaginal secretions are altered.
Using oral contraceptives can also lead to the development of a yeast infection. Because fungi such as Candida albicans thrive in the presence of sugar, women with diabetes will be more susceptible to yeast infections. In addition, those taking antibiotics may develop a yeast infection since antibiotics generally destroy the “good” bacteria in the body, upsetting the vaginal environment.
Table of Contents
Common symptoms of a yeast infection
- Vaginal burning
- Itching
- Discharge
- The skin around the vagina may become sore and appear red
Here are Natural Remedies Used to Heal a Yeast Infection
| NUTRIENTS | ||
|---|---|---|
| SUPPLEMENT | SUGGESTED DOSAGE | COMMENTS |
| Essential | ||
| Garlic capsules (Kyolic) | 2 capsules with meals or take 2 garlic-parsley capsules. | Odorless garlic that inhibits the infecting organism |
| Vitamin C | 2,000 – 5,000 mg daily. | Improves immunity. |
| Yeast-Gard vaginal suppositories | As directed on the label. | Soothing to the vagina. Destroys the yeast organism (fungus). |
| Very Important | ||
| Vitamin A and E emulsion | Take the recommended dosage or substitute with 50,000 IU vitamin A and 400 IU vitamin E daily. | Use the emulsified form for quick assimilation. Powerful free radical scavengers that aid vaginal healing. |
| Helpful | ||
| Acidophilus or Maxidophilus or Megadophilus | As directed on label. | Restores normal vaginal bacterial balance. Use milk-free type if allergic to milk. |
| Dioxycholor from American Biologics | 5 drops in water twice daily. | Take this product if the infections are recurrent. |
| Protein (free form amino acids) | As directed on the label. | Needed for the repair of tissue. Freeform is readily absorbed and assimilated. |
| Vitamin B complex (yeast free) | 100 mg daily. | Candidiasis, a type of yeast infection, results in vitamin B deficiency. |
| Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) | 50 mg 3 times daily. | |
| Vitamin D plus calcium and magnesium | As directed on the label. | Women need extra amounts of these nutrients when the body fights infection. |
Herbs That You Can Use
- Pau d’arco
Recommendations
Include yogurt and sour products in your diet. Homemade yogurt may be the best treatment for this disorder. You may wish to purchase a yogurt maker – it is inexpensive and easy to use. Yogurt and soured products contain microorganisms called lactobacilli, normally present in the bowel and vagina, which actually destroy the fungus. Because the fungus multiplies in a sugary environment, reducing your intake of refined foods can alleviate symptoms.
Considerations
You might try douching with two capsules of Kyolic (garlic) or with the juice of fresh garlic and water; alternate douching with acidophilus, which is described below. keep the vagina clean and dry. To alleviate itching, open a vitamin E capsule and apply to the irritated area or apply an enzyme cream.
You can also use acidophilus as an effective douche. This will help restore the normal balance of the bowel and vagina. Open two capsules of acidophilus and add them either to one quart of warm water or to plain yogurt. Apple cider vinegar is preferable to an over-the-counter product when douching.
Many doctors prescribe Mycelex-G for a yeast infection. Ketoconazole is also used; no side effects to this drug have been documented.
A new treatment for yeast infections is Terazol. Of the patients treated with Terazol, 96 percent have recovered within three days. Only a few reported any burning or itching.
Cotton underwear may be preferable because it allows for free circulation of air.
