The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Apple Cider Vinegar and Salt
Posted by Jenny (Cochise, AZ)
★★★★★
I had a yeast infection just before my vacation a month ago. I got OTC medicine but it didn't work at all. My symptoms after the 3 day treatment were just the same as before I took the treatment. This had never happened to me so I didn't know what to do. I thought I might have to go to the Dr. but I didn't have time before my vacation and I DIDN'T want to have a yeast infection for the duration of my trip! I read on this site about the hydrogen peroxide cures for yeast infection but I thought I'd try salt first. (I was going to try Peroxide if salt didn't work)
I sat in a bath of 1 cup ACV and 2 cups table salt, running the water up to the top of my legs, and I sat in it for 20 minutes. During that time I used, I'm a little embarrassed to say, a turkey baster (which I bought for this use ONLY!) to douche with warm salt water. I expected it to hurt but it didn't. It did have a slight burning feeling on the outside where I was so raw from the infection. I did the douche 6 times in that 20 minute period. I did this ONE night only. The next day my symptoms were almost gone. By the second day they were gone completely! No more wasting money on OTC treatments for me! I can't believe how easy and CLEAN this treatment was! No more drippy, icky mess for three days! My husband is the one who told me to try salt. He says it will kill just about anything and I believe it!
Monistat Reactions
Posted by Amy (So Carolina)
Monistat made me feel Terrible! the itching was severe and I had to run and wash it out immediately! I broke out all over my legs too. I tried diflucan and the infection went away and came back within a week. NOW I'm going to try the Vinegar! thanks for the advice...!
Monistat Reactions
Posted by Ssh (Atlanta, Ga) on 05/13/2010
Monistat is the worst product. It seemed to make the infection worse and did not cure it. Monistat made burning and itching sensations horrible.
Monistat Reactions
Posted by Ssh (Atlanta, Ga) on 05/15/2010
ive been to the doctor. monistat just does not work for me.
Yogurt
Posted by Moxie (Minneapolis, KS) on 02/13/2024
★★★★★
I have a litany of illnesses which leaves me less than healthy. Recently I had a raging vaginal yeast infection. After three rounds of over the counter Miconazole and a prescription for Diflucan, I still had the yeast infection and started have some bleeding tissue inside and out. I had that horrendous itching and now cracking tissue. There was no way I could have tolerated apple cider vinegar. So, I stuffed an empty tube from the Miconazole with Greek yogurt right before bedtime. Wow, it was SO soothing. The next morning, there was NO discharge on my pad, like others mentioned and that area felt a lot better! I continued with yogurt for 4 nights, then foolishly stopped. It's back again, so this time I'll use it longer.
I also had a yeast infection in one armpit and under one breast while I was battling the vaginal yeast. It cracked under my breast and I ended up with a baseball size patch of ruby red skin that never healed using Miconazole. Since I had good luck with the yogurt, I figured I had nothing to lose using it there, too. I washed with a gentle cleanser three times a day and then rubbed in a dab of Greek yogurt. It's getting much better now, too.
I did discover that Wet Ones for sensitive skin was not for me. My armpit stayed ruby red until I started washing with a gentle cleanser. I got a clean cloth each time and used some bleach when I laundered them. I have been dealing with this for almost 2 months (!!! Yes, two), and now I use diluted apple cider vinegar, 50/50, on a cotton round, let my pit dry and then dab on some yogurt. My armpit is now light pink and dry. Finally.
When I had a checkup last week, my doctor seemed really interested in this treatment. She told me to continue it for 4 days after I thought the infection was gone.
I am SO thankful that Earth Clinic is here and so many share their experiences with alternative healing.
Probiotics, Kimchi, Vitamin C
Posted by Mar (Honolulu, HI USA) on 05/13/2023
★★★★★
Probiotics, Kimchi, Vitamin C for yeast infection
I wasn't willing to cut out alcohol, sugar or yeasty foods and I didn't need to (how hard is it to give up yummy foods when you're already sad and stressed about being itchy and inflamed?! ). I think unfortunately there's no one pill cure for vaginal issues- it has to be an aggressive and decisive combo. The remedies that work for one woman won't necessarily work for another, but my hunch is this general combo will work for anyone as long as you stick to it for a couple weeks:
- A daily probiotic capsule
- An immunity booster
- A daily fermented high probiotic food
This is the combination that worked for me, now symptom free:
1. 2 probiotic capsules per day (20 billion FCU) for a week or so reduced my symptoms but definitely not a cure (my "local wholesale chain" had 70 capsules for $20)
2. I added Vitamin C even though I definitely get enough through my diet, I thought it might help and it definitely did
3. Right after I started the vitamin c, I started eating kimchi everyday (I got a big tub from "my local warehouse chain" for cheap - it's full of garlic and probiotics which are both recommended for yeast infections)
I ate healthy but I still had the occasional cookie, beer and fried food as usual. After about a week of taking all 3 daily, my pum-pum felt great and still does. Find your team and you can slowly taper off the supplementation as you build up your good cooch bacties once again. You can do it!
Honey, Garlic Powder
Posted by Sherry S (Clarkesville, GA) on 04/25/2021
★★★★★
Recently did a raw juice fast. BIG MISTAKE!!! Developed a vaginal yeast infection. After three days could not stand it anymore. Checked our EC ailments and read all the different suggestions. I decided at 2am due to wanting to get some rest, to do a raw honey/garlic powder mixture. I am so thankful for all of you here. I finally have relief. Plan on applying twice a day for the next three days at least. Oh, and very little stinging.
Cranberry and Lemon Juice
Posted by Dena L. (New Orleans, Louisiana ) on 04/05/2021
★★★★★
If you are suffering from yeast infections or bacterial vaginitis, pour a half cup of 100% cranberry juice ( I used ocean spray brand) and fresh or bottled lemon juice. I pour 2 tablespoons with a half cup of water. I like to water down the cranberry juice so it's not too sugary.
I drink this every day, three times a day. You can also take a woman's probiotic (cold) daily. Do this daily along with a low sugar diet and you should feel back to normal. If not, try to douche with hydrogen period and water.
Saline Douche
Posted by Toni (Oregon) on 09/15/2019
★★★★★
One of the ladies on here recommended The DrNeilMed Sinus rinse bottle. I ordered it on Amazon. While waiting, I tried yogurt... a little relief but still major symptoms. Read the Dr Neil Med Sinus solution which is basically a mixture of salt and baking soda. The bottle has a rounded top. She recommended using it in the shower, I just used it on the toilet. Squirt inside and spritzed outside. There was almost immediate relief of most of the symptoms. Within 24 hours was gone. Totally sold on this.
Saline Douche
Posted by Lisa (GA, United States) on 10/01/2019
★★★★★
After disturbing my pH balance with too many sweets over the weekend, I started getting a yeast infection that progressively got worse near the end of the day. I filled the bathtub with a cup of ACV plus 1 cup of baking soda and soaked for about 30 minutes but it only provided minor relief. I turned to Earth Clinic and saw this post. I have a box of the Med Sinus solution packets and used one packet with a capful of hydrogen peroxide in a douche bulb. Immediate relief and woke up with no itching or irritation! I will do it nightly for the next 3 days just to make sure it's all gone and continue to take my probiotics. This is definitely a winner!
Hydrogen Peroxide
Posted by Timh (Ky) on 09/19/2016 2042 posts
Diana: In cases of chronic infections that only temporarily respond to treatment or don't respond at all, it usually suggest the need for cleansing. To have very good health one would need to do heavy metal cleanse, parasite cleanse, colon cleanse, gallbladder cleanse, and kidney cleanse periodically. Read up on these in the remedies section here on E.C. I can almost guarantee your infection go away after completing these cleanses; it takes some time & work but when it's over you will feel like 18.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Posted by Melissa (Garner, Nc) on 11/01/2016
Diana,
If your infections stem from hormones you may want to get your levels checked and look into some herbal remedies to help balance hormones. I know Dong Quai and Black Kohosh (I think) are good for this as well. I am sure you can research some online. I suffered from hormone related Cervicitis years ago (due to BC pills, of course) and its symptoms were the same as BV, yeast and UTI's all at once. I suffered for about 8 mons and saw every dr in my area before one finally told me they thought it was inflammation of the cervix. I took Dong Quai for 3 months...I can't remember the dosage now but I believe I took 3 pills 3x a day for 6 wks and saw huge improvements. I continued for another 6 wks at that dosage and then moved to 2 pills 3x a day for several weeks and then 1 pill 3x a day for a few weeks. After about 3 or 4 months I stopped taking them and my issues were gone. I don't think you have cervicitis as you don't have one anymore but just wanted to give an example of how you may be able to balance your hormones to assist with the yeast issue.
Grapefruit Seed Extract
Posted by Purplebutterfly (Usa) on 05/22/2018
Giving it a try today. Thank you.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Prettybrown Eyez (Ri) on 10/29/2016
★★★★★
Apple Cider Vinegar for yeast infection
I used the ACV due to an unbearable feeling of wanting to pull my hair out and scream. ACV immediately stopped the burning and itching. I seem to get itchy around period time but seems more frequent now and it drives my crazy! I noticed that it has happened since I switched my birth control. I had the Mirina and now on pills. I feel like this is a contributing factor.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Julie (Columbia, MO) on 08/28/2025
Yes— higher estrogen/progesterone levels increase the growth of yeast! Prior to your cycle— progesterone goes up pretty dramatically— causing these symptoms! Eat extra garlic, reduce sugar intake—have the week prior mapped on your calendar/phone & take extra care of yourself.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Z (Ny, Ny) on 08/30/2015
I have felt your pain! I battled that yeast monster and desperately searched for a lasting solution and finally discovered food grade Castor Oil (Palma Christi) applied topically to that area works for me EVERY time and cutting too much sugar from my diet. I also eat baby kale regularly. Haven't had to use messy yogurt or AZO or other otc's at all. Hope this helps!!!
Yogurt
Posted by Haipai (Singapore) on 03/06/2015
I have always had what I now realise are low level yeast infections during my periods, usually when I didn't have time to run to the loo and change my pad. They've always cleared up within a day or two though, so I've never really had to look into the symptoms until now. Not sure if it's true for everyone, but another user mentioned avoiding flavoured condoms. And I can trace the start of this to before my period when I tried them for the first time. No more, thank you. The yoghurt works. I had a teaspoonful in my palm, went to the loo and put fingerfuls around the outside and inside. Stuffed my underwear with toilet paper, and went about my business. In fifteen minutes, I noticed that the burning and itching is gone, and has been for a while. Will rinse thoroughly though in a bit, because I always heard that dairy wasn't good for infections either.
Apple Cider Vinegar, Probiotics
Posted by Cheryl (San Diego, Ca) on 12/27/2014
Update: My yeast infection came back. This time, my research showed that taking Saccharomyces Boulardii (S-Boulardii), which is a yeast used as a probiotic, can help. I tried taking 3 billion CFUs a day and felt a difference in 2 days. The itching is gone, and I plan to stay on S-Boulardii until I finish the bottle.
Bentonite Clay
Posted by Eunice C. (Los Angeles) on 01/04/2018
Hi,
What brand of clay did you use? I've been using one for 3 weeks with no improvement yet. Wanted to try a different clay. Please advise!
Oral Yeast Infection Remedies
Posted by Mama To Many (Tennessee, Usa) on 12/19/2013
Hi Cassy,
So sorry you are miserable!
You might try diluting the ACV and garlic more when you use them. Both are very strong, especially on sensitive skin areas.
Castor Oil may work well as a follow up moisturizer and is also anti-fungal. You could even mix it 1/2 1/2 with the cconut oil. I put castor oil on my face most nights and I do not wake up feeling greasy. (But I try to keep my hair out of my face when I sleep! )
Tea Tree essential Oil and Lavender Essential OIi together (and diluted in another oil) are good anti-fungals, too. But on your face I would dilute them a good bit...Maybe 5 drops of each per 2 teaspoons oil.
Let us know how it goes...I hope you feel better soon.
~Mama to Many~
Oral Yeast Infection Remedies
Posted by Mmsg (Somewhere, Europe) on 12/19/2013
Cassy, you can try JUST the coconut oil for a week and see what it does.
Grapefruit Seed Extract
Posted by Maureen (Overgaard, Arizona, Usa) on 12/04/2013
★★★★★
For some reason, my body doesn't digest sugar properly. I was having a very hard time living. I was plagued by constant yeast infections. I only had the burning, not the rest. Enough to make me very, very miserable. Eons ago; I tried grapefruit seed extract & low and behold I haven't had one. Life is once again worth living. Thank God for my grapefruit seed extract!!
Yeast Infection Prevention
Posted by Dave (Fountain Inn, Sc) on 10/13/2013
Hello Bethany,
You ask why the formula worked... Well your combo of 9 items?... are all anti viral/fungal. A great combo.
So you got both infections under control... for a while.
But the infection is apparently systemic. And so comes back after being pushed off the field, but it's still on the sideline and jumps back into play as soom as it can. (Can sure tell I'm writing this during football season. ) So you need something to go with for a longer period of time.
Check out nystatin. I've had experience with it and it is a great anti yeast substance. And my old stand by is colloidal silver. On an empty stomach will over months get rid of virus/fungus and bacteria.
"Nystatin" is not a statin or at least I've never heard that. And use the CS as an irrigation also. Wherever the infection is where it is subject to direct application, it is especially effective. I mean if you can get it "squirted" where ever the infection is... Do it. High PPM from my experience is best. (Controversy on that. Some think a low concentration also works... Like 15 ppm. ) Nystatin comes in a cream form and I used that plus as a powder in water and taken orally.
CS...take one tablespoon on empty stomach twice a day for four to six months. Consistency and taking enough of it are the key.
On the lung infection, you'll need a nebuliser... A steamer... And the CS goes into the pan and you breathe in deeply the CS for five min after the steam is well under way. Twice a day for a month.
Make sure you give yourself a sinus/ear canal irrigation... five or six irrigations a week for a month. Yes, it's there too. You must get the ears so that the eustacian tubes can get the effect also.
I know this is frustrating for you, and it's the long term app that will nail the problem. As long as you leave ANY in your system it will come back. What you've done so far is good and demonstrates you are onto the real problem but persistence over many months is the answer. Using the right stuff is the answer. (Make sure you take some probiotics since you will be on CS for a while. Some say long term CS can hurt "beneficial bacteria" although I've not found that to be true.)
Dave
Colloidal Silver, Boric Acid
Posted by Timh (Ky, Usa) on 09/26/2013 2042 posts
Jenni: I have taken whole-body hot bath w/ Boric acid (also many other minerals) and also drank C.S. to treat a fungal infection, and had no appearance of a reaction. Spacing their use as you spoke of would be the wise way to go.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Kelli (Ma) on 07/26/2013
★★★☆☆BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
I have been using organic ACV, diluted with water, soaked on a cloth and just held on the affected areas, to treat a yeast infection. I was completey raw and red and itching from my pelvis bone to my tail bone, the ACV helped with that but now my skin is so dry where I applied it, it is flakng and raw..... Has anyone else experienced this, and what did you do to help with the extra dry skin???
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Intention (Ct) on 08/23/2016
Follow up with coconut oil. It is antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Kelli (Massachusetts, Us) on 07/27/2013
I have been reading all this advice, and no one has ever mentioned how drying the ACV is, I used it diluted with water on a cloth and just blotted the itchy, sore areas.... Only did it three times and my skin has dried so much where I blotted I have lost the first layer of skin! But I will say the itch and burning was gone, for the last few days, but as I type this I can feel it creeping back, and I am afraid to use the vinegar again, on my raw skin. I have tried coconut oil on it and some aveeno lotions, but I am still pretty raw. Just wondering if this happens to everyone and they just are not mentioning it? Or is it just me?
Apple Cider Vinegar, Salt, Castor Oil
Posted by Lola (Arlington, Tx) on 12/28/2012
★★★★★
So after extensive research and a come and go yeast infection everytime I have sex, I decided to try te ACV. I had bought Mon 7 but I am going on a trip with my boyfriend in a few days and "ain't nobody got time for dat"! So, I used the Mon 7 for 2 days. But on the third day I wasnt seeing any progresss so I put 2 cups Organic ACV and 1 cup of Iodized Salt in a bathub with just enough water to cover my legs. I soaked in this for about 20 mins, and douched with the water while I sat there. I then applied ACV and Jamaican Castor Oil directly onto my vagina as I still had some itching/irritation. Then I drank a glass of water and 3TBL of ACV. I was still feeling irritation after hours so I decided to soak a tampon in AVC and SALT. I inserted the tampon (which was very hard and painful to do) then left it in for about 10-15 min. I felt instant relief when I removed it. I feel like the infection is gone now, but I'm going to continue drinking lots of water to be sure. It looks very pink and shiny and pretty and it looks like the YEAST BEAST is gone. I know this sounds like alot but I was desperate! Thank u for all of these helpful tips!
Boric Acid
Posted by Citygirl27 (Richardson, Tx, Usa) on 10/06/2012
Yogurt is also an effective natural fix. Eat yogurt of any flavor, or use plain yogurt on a tampon (even better, make your own suppository with an empty tampon casing! ). Eat and apply it for a double-whammie against candida.
Boric Acid
Posted by Ashley P (Austin, Tx) on 10/17/2015
Not sure if you still need the name of a doctor, but I was sent to Dr. Kelly Hodges in Houston. My gyno in Austin sent me to her because she is the vaginitis guru.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Sm (Md) on 09/21/2017
The problem was the baking soda, not the ACV. Baking soda PROMOTES yeast growth.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by BevilNC (NC) on 05/07/2022
I recently learned that Candida...ingenious and elusive as it is, thrives in an ALKALINE environment! Many a time I have run across the lone voice in the wilderness here saying the ACV was not helping them or was causing them issues with their many ailments as it seemed to be miraculously curing everything for everyone else. I too have more trouble than not when using ACV. It is more than likely the ACV could have in fact been exacerbating her problem.
White Vinegar
Posted by Erica (Lemoyne, Pennsylvania) on 07/26/2012
★★★★★
I didn't beleive it at first, but I like most women was desperate. It was 2am and I was in pain like nothing before! I googled Yeast Infection treatments and Earth Clinic popped up with all of these women swearing by it! Well unfortunately I didnt have ACV but I had White Vinegar and It took the pain away after a few stinging minutes! Amazing what a simple household product can do! I finally got to sleep! TY to all who previously posted! For the non-believers this really does work! Im telling everyone about it!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Jessica (Oklahoma City, Oklahoma) on 07/12/2012
★★★★★
For external yeast infections, I put apple cider vinegar in a spray bottle without diluting it. Then, twice a day, I spray the area directly. Yes, it burns initially but then feels so much better. I do this for about 5 days.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Rebecca (Toronto, Canada) on 07/06/2012
★★★★★
I just did the following and got results in 30 minutes!
Now that I am in my 40s, I find that I often start to get the beginnings of a yeast infection on day 3 of my cycle. I assume it's got something to do with hormone levels... I'm looking into it as it's a bit annoying. Generally if I catch it soon enough, a regular application of lavender oil clears it up. (I put a few drops on my finger and insert). For whatever reason, this month, the yeast got the better of me. I was quite busy so initially opted for 1 day Monistat - which not only didn't work AT ALL - it actually caused me considerable discomfort. I decided to make time to deal with it the natural way. Here is what I purchased:
Boric Acid, empty 00 gel caps, Apple Cider Vinegar, raw organic coconut oil, raw organic Manuka Honey, FeminaFlora (this is a friendly bacteria suppository found at Health food stores in the refrigerator)
I immediately inserted ONE FeminaFlora and TWO capsules filled with boric acid. Then, while sitting on the toilet, I slathered on Manuka Honey, including coating my finger and inserting it a few inches up inside. Sat for 20 minutes - then rinced with warm water. (was already feeling relief from the burning/itching! ) Afterward - I put 1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar in a basin of warm water large enough to sit in and did a sitz bath for 10 minutes. I ended this all off by soaking an organic cotton tampon in coconut oil and inserting it. I left that in for two hours.
VOILA! The honey stopped the burn/itch right away. The coconut oil was very soothing internally, and is also anit-fungal. The apple cider vinegar helps restore pH. The boric acid kills the over growth of yeast. The FeminaFlora boosts the GOOD flora! I will continue with one FeminaFlora every night for 7 nights, and one boric acid insert along with it. Honey, etc as needed - but I don't think I'm going to need them.
Moving forward, I plan to go on a candida cleanse where I will eliminate sugar for awhile... And see my acupuncturist to address hormone fluxuations. I am also going to start taking B vitamins. Best of luck! This really DOES work, and it works FAST! I had never tried the HONEY before and was thrilled with the immediate relief.
Salt
Posted by Sophie (Dayton, Ohio, USA) on 04/01/2012
I have to disagree. There is nothing wrong with taking a bath in regular table salt, especially only 1-2 cups. Even though some salt is absorbed transdermally, the thing about that process is that your body will only absorb what it needs, and no more. Soaking in salt water is not the same as drinking salt water. Additionally, table salt is iodized, so really it may be the iodine in the salt that is responsible for the healing effects, more than the sodium chloride itself.
Boric Acid
Posted by Mechanoid Monster (San Diego, Ca) on 01/29/2012
That is so wonderful!! Congrats :)
I've had a yeast infection at least once a month for the past six months. I've used Monistat and Diflucan to get rid of the infection but they ALWAYS come back. It seems they started when I began the Depo shot in combination with cycling more than usual. I've gone off the Depo and the yeast infections are less frequent BUT still once a month. I don't use scented soaps and get out of my cycling/workout clothes immediately after.
SOoo I just bought some boric acid, hoping it'll cure this stupid infection that's inside me. My doctor mentioned boric acid to me as well but didn't give me any specifics. So yours told you to do one boric acid suppository then another three days later? I'm definitely trying that as soon as I get the boric acid in the mail.
Thank you!
Boric Acid
Posted by Soraya (Oakland, Ca) on 02/07/2012
I am totally hoping this works. I just ordered some from a company called vitanica. fingers crossed too. been having yeast infections for a long time tried most everything. taking a probiotic which helps with the yeast in my body (digestive system, etc), but need something stronger for the rest of me....
Tea Tree Oil
Posted by Latraveler (Los Angeles, Ca) on 06/12/2012
★★★★★
Ok after weeks of reocurring yeast infections/bv I am thrilled to report I found relief! I had been to ob gyn who prescribed difulcan but after 2 weeks symptoms returned. I read and tried a few of the remedies on this site and found a few to work for a day or two but the symptoms always came back. After 3 days of tea tree oil and no fabric softener I finally feel back to normal. I also cut back on all sweets and starchy foods. I will continue regimen a day or two longer but I already feel 95% better! Thank you for posting :)
Folic Acid
Posted by Andrea (Flint, Mi) on 07/04/2011
WOW! I am amazed. I stumbled across this website while doing research on my bv issue thats been ruling my life for months. Ive also had problems in the past with this infection but the docs always gave me the metrocondizole or however you say it. It would help for a short period of time but the problem would slowly but surely come back accompanied by a yeast infection. I was a my wits end and then I saw "Folic acid". Just so happens I had some sittin round the house and decided to give it a shot. Why not?? I took 3x the daily recomendation and went to bed... Woke up this mornin and checked things out.... AMAZING!! Smell=GONE, discharge=starting to normalize. I'll never see a doc about THIS problem ever again! I am FREE!
