How to Heal a Yeast Infection with Natural Remedies

Yeast Infections…

They are something we don’t want to talk about and definitely something none of us want to experience. The reality is we will all probably have one a time or two in our lives. And to know how to heal it naturally can be a huge asset. I get the question a lot from clients on what they should do for a yeast infection (aka Jock Itch in guys). I have spent many hours scouring the internet looking for natural ways to heal a yeast infection. After doing this a few times and knowing what works and what doesn’t work I decided to write up my own post. If I’m getting these questions over and over again that means I needed to create a good one stop resource for yeast infection help.

What is a Yeast Infection?

The Mayo Clinic definite a yeast infection as:

“A vaginal yeast infection is caused by the fungus candida. Candida is a microorganism that’s normally present in your vagina, along with bacteria. Your vagina naturally contains a balanced mix of yeast and bacteria. Lactobacillus bacteria produce acid, which discourages overgrowth of yeast in the vagina. But disruption of the healthy balance can result in an overgrowth of yeast. Too much yeast in your vagina can lead to vaginal itching, burning, and other classic signs and symptoms of a yeast infection.”

That means a yeast infection is caused by disrupting the proper balance of good bacteria. I find it being more common in people with digestive issues and hormone imbalances. It is also more common when you eat more inflammatory foods, especially sugar and often times gluten or grains. Prevention is always the best option for yeast infections. Changing your diet and healing the gut is the best ways. But when  you have a yeast infection you need to know how to heal that. And without those toxic creams and potentially antibiotics.

Dr. Meghan’s Healing Remedies

Yeast Infection Cream

This cream is a great topical remedy for a yeast infection. I like to start with external applications before internal applications. This is something that’s easy to make up and something you can keep around your house just in case. It could also be used for any skin irritations too such as eczema and dry skin. This cream could also help with jock itch in men.

3 Tablespoons shea butter (I use this brand)

3 Tablespoons coconut oil (I use this brand and this brand)

1 teaspoon neem oil (I use this brand)

2 cloves fresh garlic, made into a cream

In a small bowl mix together all of the yeast infection cream ingredients. Store in a small glass jar and apply 2x/day (morning and night). You can apply up to 4x/day as needed.

Herbal Douche

There are some different opinions on douching during a vaginal yeast infection. That’s why it isn’t my favorite first step. But for more stubborn yeast infections this may be the only thing that can heal and offer relief.

Mix 2 tablespoons of the 3% hydrogen peroxide in 10 ounces of distilled water. Add 200 drops of the herbal Usnea Lichen or Echinacea Liquid. (You should not experience any burning sensation. This solution should be used several times.) Fill the vaginal bulb and douche thoroughly each morning on arising and in the evening before retiring. The douche may also be used during the day if symptoms warrant it. Continue this procedure for 7 days. If symptoms stop, proceed to Probiotic re-innoculation. If symptoms are persisting longer than 7 days, be sure to notify your doctor.

Re-introduce Good Bacteria/ Probiotics

Add ½ teaspoon of a high quality proboitic (open capsule if you need to) to 2 tablespoons of organic live culture plain yogurt. (Do not use thought if sensitive to dairy. Instead mix the probiotic with a little coconut oil and insert as a suppository). Let the yogurt-bacteria preparation stand at room temperature for 30-60 minutes and then implant it with the vaginal syringe just before bed. Insert a deodorant-free tampon to improve retention. You can also freeze the yogurt/ probiotic mixture on parchment paper. You will make small “bullets” out of the yogurt and freeze. Insert a suppository before bed and make sure to use a pad or pantyliner because the suppository will leak out as it melts.

Supplements

You can also support the healing of a yeast infection with some supplements. I recommend using these if you have them around the house. Also, if you are experiencing a more severe yeast infection I would recommend the supplements too.

Garlic

Garlic naturally has properties that are anti-bacterial an anti-viral. It can help in assisting the healing of the yeast infection when taken orally. Taking garlic can be used for more stubborn yeast infections that need more healing than the Yeast infection cream can bring on its own. I recommend 2 capsules 2x/day for 7-10 days.

Probiotics

Probiotics are good bacteria. And they are powerful in combating the bad bacteria that a yeast infection brings. One way to change the vaginal flora and to keep it healthy long term is through the use of a daily probiotic. I recommend taking 1-3 capsules per day. You can find some brands that are specifically formulated for women’s health and you take them orally.

Diet

A healthy diet and healthy nutrition choices are always something to strive for. The foods that would cause a bacterial imbalance are sugar and grains. That’s why I write so much about following a grain free and refined sugar free diet. It can prevent a yeast infection. If you already have a yeast infection, cut out sugars and grains. If you are someone who has reoccurring yeast infections, changing you diet and changing the health of your digestive system is something that is needed. Your body is sending out a “warning sign” with yeast infections and it’s a clue that your internal bacterial ecology needs to be changed. Cutting out sugars and grains would be my first choice. If you have any other concerns or want customized help in healing your body, please contact me and look at my customized digestive services.