I know, ugh.
Nobody likes to talk about yeast infections. But it’s something that most women will deal with at some point, and I am asked for natural remedies quite often for this one!
So, here you go. It’s natural, effective, and quick. Plus, you get to skip the nasty chemicals found in the drugs and that awkward check-out at the pharmacy!
(It’s ALWAYS a teenage boy working the register when you buy any feminine/sexual/pregnancy item, right?!)
1. Starve the yeast – this means no sugar, or things that act like sugar in the body: sweets of any kind, fruits, grains, corn. The only exceptions would be granny smith apples, grapefruit and blueberries which have anti-fungal properties.
2. Kill it at the source – make a garlic clove “tampon”. Peel a fresh clove of garlic, thread a string though (for retrieval) with a needle. Plain silk dental floss is great for this. Tie a knot to secure, and leave long enough to hang out about 6 inches (the longer the better). Insert vaginally and wear while you are sleeping. In the morning, simply remove by tugging gently on the string. However, it will often come out on it’s own with your first trip the the bathroom. Repeat with new materials every night for a few nights until the symptoms are gone. Some have recommended tying the clove in muslin or gauze, but I don’t find this necessary. For extra potency you can cut “notches” in the sides of the clove to expose the internal oils…careful, this can burn some women.
3. Increase your “good guys” – Up your intake of probiotics (kombucha, sauerkraut, fermented beets, kimchi, raw yogurt are all great sources).
4. Up your intake of raw garlic - make super strong hummus, or really knock it out by drinking my Terrible Tonic. GSE is another great way to kill yeast from the inside out.
5. Other things you can do to knock it out fast:
- soak a tampon in pure organic olive oil and a few drops of tea tree oil (Melaleuca Alternifolia) to wear during the day
- apply yogurt to the area to reduce itching and kill the yeast
- increase your vitamin C intake
- wear loose, natural fibers like cotton and go without underwear at night.
- I always recommend avoiding any products with synthetic dyes or fragrances found in many panty liners, lotions, soaps, and fabric softeners and detergent; but these are especially important to avoid if you have a yeast infection.
***While some warn against the use of tea tree oil during pregnancy, my midwives have never had a problem with this, just be sure to check with your healthcare provider first!***
I hope this is helpful! Love you girls!
live well. be well.
