Natural Yeast Infection Remedies: Herbal Solutions & Lifestyle Tips

I've had a recurrent yeast infection for several weeks now that I believe was brought on by birth control pills (which I have stopped taking about 2 days after developing the infection). I am fairly sure the infection also exists in my bladder (as I have had frequent urination & have been urinating white specks for 2 weeks) and in my bowels as I've been struggling with constipation for over a month (doc says its probably stuck fecal matter). I'm not sure if this is considered general candida overgrowth. I don't have a coated tongue, rashes, or any other symptoms really.

I've been taking organic ACV orally for about 2 weeks (1 tsp in water several times a day, anymore makes me constipated) and applying nondiluted ACV topically (sometimes the organic stuff, usually the regular pasteurized stuff) by holding a soaked cotton ball under my clitoral hood and vaginal opening for 15 seconds each, then wiping the entire vulva and anal area (front to back of course) and holding the cotton ball on my anus for 15 seconds. When it gets really itchy internally, I will soak a few cotton swabs in ACV and insert as far as I can without letting go of the ends and leave in for several minutes (usually this step isn't necessary as the itch occurs mainly outside the vagina; if you can do without this step I recommend it as it tends to dry me out). The burn is not too intense unless I've been rubbing/scratching and lasts only briefly, then the itch subsides completely. This doesn't seem to help the infection itself; however, it does relieve the itch.

Other supplements/remedies I have been using include: 250 mg magnesium oxide 1-3 times daily; 1 tbsp blackstrap molasses in a 10 oz glass mixed with 1. 5 tsp organic ACV and 2 tbsp lemon juice, then topped off with water and taken in the morning before breakfast and sometimes before bed; 1/8 tsp borax and 1 tsp baking soda added to 1 liter of water and sipped throughout the day (if I take too much I get headaches so I usually only drink about 2/3 of this mixture per day. 5 days on & 2 off); daily multivitamin (vegan) most days; 125 mg lithium aspartate (5 mg lithium) in the mornings most days; gingko biloba once or twice daily; silica complex sometimes; 1 tsp psyllium with 20 oz water once a day; 1-2 tbsp ground flax added to food daily; 1 tsp creatine once a day; borax baths about once a week after swimming or when I see visible culture buildup (1/2 cup added to bath water and filled up to hips), acidophilus tablets twice daily after eating. If you would like any additional info about brand names or anything, email me.

I eat an almost vegan diet: no meat or dairy at all, fatty fish occasionally (though not recently), organic local eggs sometimes. Recently my diet has included fast/processed food once or twice a week, but I try to limit my portion sizes and eat veggies daily. I avoid sweets, eat whole grains, and add sea salt to my food when I can (helps cut down the excessive thirst). I exercise regularly (daily stretching and weekly cardio). I'm a healthy weight usually though occasionally I get slightly underweight.

I hope this helps, and I would appreciate any other suggestions if you have them.

I have been suffering with vaginal irritation for over 10 weeks. Went to the doctor before Thanksgiving and it was determined as BV not YI, however, then the antibiotic charged up a massive YI. I tried the Apple Cider Vinegar douche, Apple Cider Vinegar drink and acidophilus this evening. I do feel some external relief but I am still itching inside rather badly. Will do this again in the morning. Hoping for the best. Thanks so much for this site.

Apple Cider Vinegar for Bacterial Vaginosis and Yeast Infection

I have been suffering with some sort of vaginitis for the past 3 or 4 months. At first, I had itching and a fishy discharge and it seemed like Bacterial Vaginosis. I started taking P. Reuteri probiotic capsules and it seemed to go away but after sex it always came back. After that I tried taking folic acid. The smell went away but the itching was worse than ever and my vagina was red and irritated.I then tried golden seal suppositories at night while taking golden seal and garlic capsules orally. The itching and redness were worse than EVER. At this point, it was starting to look like I actually had a yeast infection, but I had no cottage cheese discharge. After reading the entries here on yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis I noticed that Apple Cider Vinegar was used to treat both, so I bought unfiltered apple cider vinegar (with the mother) and I folded 2 paper towels together to use them as a rag. I put warm water on them and poured about 3 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and put it on my vagina. I left it there for about 2 minutes but I noticed it wasn't burning or stinging so I thought it wasn't working. I added about 2 more tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and it still wasn't stinging, but I still kept the rag on for about 2 more minutes. It didn't help right away but about 5 minutes later, I'm sitting at my desk typing this up and I am finally ITCH FREE! The redness has also decreased. I am so happy to finally get rid of this! I'm also going to start taking the apple cider vinegar orally in a glass of water before bed. Just wanted to say that if your symptoms are ambiguous and you aren't really sure if you have a yeast infection or bacterial vaginosis, it's a really good idea to try the apple cider vinegar, because people with both types of infections have seen results. You have nothing to lose !Good luck everyone! Don't give up!

I tried the apple cider vinegar cure for a yeast infection by bathing/douching with it. I'm not sure the douching with it was a good idea. I now have pelvic soreness and believe that the infection has moved up to my uterus. Bathing in it did help the itch and pain, though.