Candidiasis, Albicans, Vagina, Lactobacillus.
Root Cause of Disease
Fungal Infection:
Candidiasis is a fungal infection caused by yeast (a type of fungus) called Candida. Some species of Candida can cause disease in people; the most common is Candida albicans. Candida usually lives on the skin and inside the body, such as the mouth, throat, gut, and vagina, without causing problems.
A vaginal yeast infection is a fungal infection that causes irritation, discharge, and intense itchiness of the vagina and the vulva — the tissues at the vaginal opening.
Symptoms
The symptoms of vaginal candidiasis include:
- Vaginal itching or soreness
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Pain or discomfort when urinating
- Abnormal vaginal discharge
Causes
The fungus candida albicans is responsible for most vaginal yeast infections.
Your vagina naturally contains a balanced mix of yeast, including candida, and bacteria. Certain bacteria (lactobacillus) act to prevent overgrowth of yeast.
But that balance can be disrupted. An overgrowth of candida or penetration of the fungus into deeper vaginal cell layers causes the signs and symptoms of a yeast infection.
Overgrowth of the yeast can result from
- Antibiotic use, which causes an imbalance in natural vaginal flora
- Pregnancy
- Uncontrolled diabetes
- An impaired immune system
- Taking oral contraceptives or hormone therapy increases estrogen levels.
Home Remedies to treat Vaginal Candidiasis
Remedy – 1: Natural Yogurt
Materials: Natural Yogurt
Procedure:
Natural, unsweetened, non-flavored yogurt contains beneficial bacteria, called probiotics. These contribute to health and help restore the balance of bacteria and yeast in the body. While the reviewers flagged issues with several of the studies they cited, many people report relief from
- Eating yogurt
- Applying it to the vulva around the vagina
- Inserting it vaginally
Product link: Yogurt
Remedy – 2: Coconut oil
Materials: Coconut oil
Procedure:
Coconut oil has antifungal properties and has been shown to combat the Candida albicans yeast. Raw organic coconut oil can be applied internally or externally to ease symptoms.
Warmed coconut oil can also be used as a carrier oil for more powerful antifungal essential oils, including tea tree oil or oil oregano.
Coconut oil is available to purchase online. Some products may be specifically suited for cooking, rather than for use on the skin, so compare products and brands to choose an appropriate product.
Product link: Coconut Oil
Remedy – 3: Garlic
Materials: Garlic
Procedure:
Garlic is a known antifungal and antibiotic. However, recent research suggests that eating garlic has no effect on the levels of yeast in the vagina.
As an alternative to eating garlic, some women have tried using garlic internally. They claim to experience relief from yeast infection, by placing a garlic clove, threaded with a string, into the vagina overnight. While there is no evidence to say this works, it is a low-risk home remedy for yeast infections.
People with sensitive skin may experience burning and even skin damage. As such, people should not use garlic if they have sensitive skin. If the burning sensation worsens, people should discontinue use.
Product link: Garlic
Remedy – 4: Apple cider vinegar
Materials: Apple cider vinegar
Procedure:
When you add a half cup of apple cider vinegar to a lukewarm bathtub and soak it for 20 minutes, the acidic component of the vinegar may help eliminate any harmful microorganisms, including yeast.
An apple cider vinegar bath is not the same as douching, which aims to flush out all bacteria (good and bad) from your vagina. Douching leaves you more prone to a recurrence of the yeast infection, so avoid douching with apple cider vinegar — or any other substance.
You’ll want to dilute vinegar in water before it touches your skin. In addition, you could also try adding apple cider vinegar to your diet.
Product link: Apple Cider Vinegar
Other Remedies
Baking soda
This is a very effective home remedy for oral thrush. Baking soda can kill the yeast which causes this infection. There was one study which showed that 5% sodium bicarbonate is effective against Candida Albicans.
Also, it can help maintain good pH levels in your mouth by neutralizing acids. You should mix one to two teaspoons of baking soda with enough water to form a paste. You should use a cotton ball to apply this natural cure on your inner cheek area and your tongue. You should wait for a few minutes, and then you should rinse your mouth with warm water. You should follow this natural treatment two or three times per day for a period of a few days. Also, you should dissolve ½ teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of water. You should use this natural treatment two times per day until you get rid of this problem.
Salt
This is the best natural treatment that you can use for treating oral thrush. This natural cure creates an inhospitable environment for the fungus. Also, it can help you to get relief from the symptoms in a very quick way.
In one cup of warm water, you should mix ½ to one teaspoon of salt. You should use this natural cure to gargle thoroughly, and then you should spit it out. You should repeat this natural treatment a few times per day until you are satisfied with the results.
Also, you can sprinkle some salt on your tongue and the inside of your mouth. Then, you should rub it gently with your fingers for a few seconds. You should rinse it out thoroughly with warm water. You should use this natural treatment two times per day for a period of a few days.
Tea tree oil
This is also a very effective home remedy for oral thrush. It has powerful antifungal properties which can help you to control the growth of yeast, and also, they will give you a quick recovery. There are some studies in which it is found that the antifungal effects of tea tree oil and its components on Candida Albicans are very effective.
In one cup of warm water, you should add four to five drops of tea tree oil. You should use this natural treatment to gargle for a couple of minutes. You should use this natural cure two times per day until you have noticed that the infection has improved.
Don’t ingest tea tree oil because it can cause you side effects.
Oil of oregano
This is a very effective home remedy for vaginal thrush. It has two naturally occurring antimicrobial agents – thymol and carvacrol which can help dehydrate and kill candida yeast cells. Oregano oil has antifungal, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties.
There was one study in which was shown that oil of oregano either stopped or slowed down the growth of yeast which depends on the dosage used. You should dilute oregano oil with an equal amount of olive oil and apply it on your vagina topically two or three times per day for a period of one week.
Also, you can take one or two capsules of oregano oil two times per day for a period of one week. Oil of oregano is a natural blood thinner, so if you have blood clotting issues or you take blood thinners. Also, if you are a pregnant woman should avoid using this home remedy.
Preventions
To reduce your risk of vaginal yeast infections, wear underwear that has a cotton crotch and doesn’t fit too tightly.
It might also help to avoid:
- Tight-fitting pantyhose
- Douching, which removes some of the normal bacteria in the vagina that protect you from infection
- Scented feminine products, including bubble baths, pads, and tampons
- Hot tubs and very hot baths
- Unnecessary antibiotic use, such as for colds or other viral infections
- Staying in wet clothes, such as swimsuits and workout attire, for long periods of time
