This extremely uncomfortable condition affects women of all ages. It can be caused by poor hygiene but is more often a sign of a weak immune system and poor diet. Stress and antibiotic use can also contribute to the problem. For those who are concerned with over-all health, natural treatments for vaginal thrush can be as effective as over-the-counter or prescription medicines.
Since this condition can be extremely uncomfortable, it is worth paying attention to prevention. A diet high in refined carbohydrates - white flour, sugar, soda, candy - feeds yeast and can contribute to an imbalance of bacteria in the digestive tract. Candidiasis, one strain of yeast, is usually present in harmless quantities. However, if it becomes the dominant bacteria by crowding out more beneficial types, thrush in the mouth and vagina may result, as well as acne outbreaks, nail fungus, and flatulence.
Another thing that helps to control candidiasis - the formal name for a yeast infection - is wearing cotton underwear. This material is more absorbent than many man-made fabrics. Keeping the vaginal area dry and allowing as much air circulation as possible helps, so sleeping without underwear is recommended.
Unsweetened yogurt is recommended as part of the diet, to get beneficial lactobacillus into the digestive tract. It can also be used topically to soothe itching and burning. A tampon dipped in plain yogurt and inserted will introduce friendly bacteria into the vagina.
When experiencing this problem, you can apply plain yogurt topically to soothe the itch and burn. To get beneficial bacteria into the vagina, dip a tampon in yogurt. A slightly acidic condition helps to keep yeasts in check, so white or apple cider vinegar is helpful when added to bathwater and used as a tampon dip. Baking soda is another home remedy; it makes the vagina too alkaline for yeast to thrive.
Garlic is also good, both for eating and for inserting into the vagina. You can make a tampon-like wrap for a fresh, peeled garlic clove with gauze and dental floss, or simply allow it to remain in place overnight. It will exit on its own when you are walking around the next day.
Natural treatments for vaginal thrush include herbals or homeopathic remedies. There are many anti-fungal herbs besides garlic, such as pau d'arco and calendula. Many herbal teas also boost the immune system; drink several cups a day for a week or so. Homeopathic treatment may be a single remedy or a combination of several. These are available at natural food stores and online, and you can usually get information and guidance at both places.
Since this condition can be extremely uncomfortable, it is worth paying attention to prevention. A diet high in refined carbohydrates - white flour, sugar, soda, candy - feeds yeast and can contribute to an imbalance of bacteria in the digestive tract. Candidiasis, one strain of yeast, is usually present in harmless quantities. However, if it becomes the dominant bacteria by crowding out more beneficial types, thrush in the mouth and vagina may result, as well as acne outbreaks, nail fungus, and flatulence.
Another thing that helps to control candidiasis - the formal name for a yeast infection - is wearing cotton underwear. This material is more absorbent than many man-made fabrics. Keeping the vaginal area dry and allowing as much air circulation as possible helps, so sleeping without underwear is recommended.
Unsweetened yogurt is recommended as part of the diet, to get beneficial lactobacillus into the digestive tract. It can also be used topically to soothe itching and burning. A tampon dipped in plain yogurt and inserted will introduce friendly bacteria into the vagina.
When experiencing this problem, you can apply plain yogurt topically to soothe the itch and burn. To get beneficial bacteria into the vagina, dip a tampon in yogurt. A slightly acidic condition helps to keep yeasts in check, so white or apple cider vinegar is helpful when added to bathwater and used as a tampon dip. Baking soda is another home remedy; it makes the vagina too alkaline for yeast to thrive.
Garlic is also good, both for eating and for inserting into the vagina. You can make a tampon-like wrap for a fresh, peeled garlic clove with gauze and dental floss, or simply allow it to remain in place overnight. It will exit on its own when you are walking around the next day.
Natural treatments for vaginal thrush include herbals or homeopathic remedies. There are many anti-fungal herbs besides garlic, such as pau d'arco and calendula. Many herbal teas also boost the immune system; drink several cups a day for a week or so. Homeopathic treatment may be a single remedy or a combination of several. These are available at natural food stores and online, and you can usually get information and guidance at both places.
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