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
Posted by Jenn (Queens, Ny) on 12/14/2009
★★★★★
THANK GOD FOR THIS SITE!!!!!!!! Im 28 yrs old and I found this site about a week ago in search of relief for a yeast infection. Sorry if this is TMI, but if this helps another person then so be it!...I had extreme itching accompanied by sore rawness after that would just not go away. This went on for about 3-4 days progressivly getting worse. I used OTC Monistat 'one day treatment' that is supposed to be cleaner,faster working, and all together conveient, hense the title. Well i had relief, but only for 'ONE DAY'! The next morning I woke up itching again, so I googled the heck out of finding a natural remedy and found this amazing site.
I chose to try the ACV that the site recommended and just picked it up at my local grocery store.I also picked up a bottle of Acidophilis capsules. The first night I honestly didnt even measure the first amount of ACV i diluted in a glass of water, as I was just desperate for something to work. Then I took a Acidophilis capsule following the drink. Maybe it was just mentally expecting a difference but within about 30 minutes I felt like the itching decreased. So I drank another glass of AVC (minus the acidophilis) before bed (this time i measured about 2 tbsp in 8-10oz water)and by morning I was still slightly itchy but had decreased about 85%! On a side note my menstral cycle had been extremly off for a few months, as this had been a high stress year for me, but my last period was in mid October. Well that day, mid afternoon I began spotting. Did I kill 2 birds with one stone? lol...Now I don't know if the AVC induced my period or if I got it reguardless, but I will say that when I was a few hours late of taking my ACV I began to feel 'itchy' again, as I was taking the same dose (2 tbsp ACV in 8-10 oz water) once nightly.
It has been almost a week of the regimen Ive been using and had had my period full blown for about 4-5 days now. I am almost 100 % comfortable, but the very minor itching can also be caused by the blood alone...I will definatly keep you posted. I am now a believer in ACV! It has also regulated my BM's too...I never realized how good ACV was good for you..if you look at other ailments on this site you'll find ACV pops up quite a bit as a #1 remedy!
THANKYOU EARTHCLINIC :):):)
Hydrogen Peroxide and Acidophilus Douche
Posted by Notagain (Levittown, Pa) on 11/15/2009
★★★★★
okay, I happy to say that I have found something that works for me. I have been battling BV and Lucky me Yeast infection at the same time. This is what I did, I empty a bottled water bottle and add half peroxide and half distilled water, then I add 1 acidophilus caplet to the mixture. Once the caplet dissolves I use this mixture as a douche for 5 days........works wonders. oh, I also take the probiotic pills ____ one daily. Hope this helps and please share with if it does.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Gail (Toronto, Canada) on 02/06/2011
★★★★★
For almost a week now ive had itchy, sore, annoying, vaginal annoyance. Some nights I cant take it. Tonight I had enough and thought I would read through this once more. I havent had a yeast infection in a while, and im pretty sure thats what it is.. Somehow the itch feels different.. But I couldnt take it! It was driving me absolutely mad!!! Normally every month before my period I get some sort of vaginosis.. Im sure my hormones throw it off. ive noticed the past few months its been really bad, since I gained weight.
anyhow.. tonight I grabbed a clean rag, dumped about 3 tbsps of Apple Cider Vinegar on it, ran water on it, and put it against my vagina. I felt a little bit of relief after a few mins.. but after about 5 mins, I thought I would try again with more acv.
after about a minute, it started to super sting. I suffered through it for another minute or two.. Removed the rag.. And theres no more itch. Thank heavens. I think I can go to sleep now.
Boric Acid
Posted by Pneumatikos (Carmel, Indiana) on 06/27/2010
★★★★★
Boric Acid has been recommended by doctors for years and has worked well for me. I bought the medical grade powder from a seller on Ebay and used a teaspoon in 8 ounces of water for douche. It does have a drying effect so I use virgin coconut oil to keep moist because it is antifungal.
Boric Acid kills roaches because it dehydrates them when they ingest it. Since I'm not eating or drinking it, I don't see a problem.
Grapefruit Seed Extract
Posted by Eh (Atlanta, Ga) on 09/08/2009
★★★★★
Grapefruit Seed Extract is an awesome product that I came to discover when I developed a terrible yeast infection from taking 2 rounds of antibiotics in one year, about 5 years ago. My docs could not even diagnose it, because it was what I would call "atypical yeast" -- not the typical symptoms, but rather an intense irritation and burning on the outside skin of my genitals. Anyway, I finally figured out that's what it was and went looking for natural treatments. BTW: you can do a search on GSE on the web and there are several websites that sell it, AND give VERY specific instructions on how to take it. But this is what I did: 10 drops GSE (in a empty capsule) 3 times/daily. (Be prepared to experience "detox" symptoms -- but mine were just a runny nose and a little headache). You could also douche with 5 drops/quart water. That is also recommended -- I did not, because my problem wasn't in my vagina, but on the outside. Since then, though, I have had "flare ups" with it again (got reinfected from my husband, actually, I think), and have used the douche - it gives almost instant relief -- a few times will almost cure it. But continue to use it -- I used it (decreased to 2x daily and then 1x daily) for months, for fear it it coming back. You can use it long-term without worring about it killing the good bacteria (or so they say), but I used a pro-biotic along with it (once/daily - spaced out 2 hrs between - very important!) You do not want to kill the good bacteria with the GSE... too expensive to do that! :o) Hope this helps! Oh! and the pet thing -- you can put it in their drinking water -- it is bitter so it may be difficult. But just give it maybe 2-3 drops and do it long-term... hopefully that will work. GSE has powerful anti-viral, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties. I have used it for many applications, after reading all that you could use it for on a website. It really is amazing. Hope this helps you guys!
Tea Bags
Posted by Leah (Friendswood, Tx, United States) on 09/06/2009
★★★★★
There is one remedy I know of that works for yeast infections and doesnt burn like acv. It is regular tea bags. I dont know it stops the itching and irritation, but I m not sure if it cures it, I did this when I was on antibiotis and it worked. I wanted to take acidophillus, but I didnt know how it would interact with the antibiotics. What you do is:
1) boil some tea bags, black tea or chamomile, or whatever tea bags you have. I used Lipton and chamomile.
2) Get a douche bottle
3) Take the tea after it has cooled down and place it in the douche bottle, then douche.
4) After that, pack the tea bags into the vagina lips, not into the canal (DO NOT WRING THE BAGS OUT)
5) Get a maxi pad and place it in your panties so you dont leak, that would be embarrassing. It discreet enough that no one would know that you have them in there.
When you think the bags are drying out, replace them, of course wash up before doing this and after just in case of contamination. Oh yeah, and get a new douche bottle everytime or boil the one you have, although, I dont know if it can stand the boiling water, and not melt. Good luck, try this, it does work!
Coconut Oil
Posted by Laura (Ventnor, Nj) on 08/10/2009
★★★★★
I get yeast infections like crazy- I'm definitely a candida ridden person. My diet isn't terrible, yet I always get them! It may be related to my IUD- I think it gives me bartholin cysts from time to time too. I've tried all of the remedies listed here- the garlic, the yogurt on a tampon, ACV douches, peroxide douches, and everything else. The only, only thing that works for me is this: Coconut oil. I ingest a bunch of it (I eyeball it) approx 2-6 teaspoons. Over the course of about two days it's gone. It's the caprylic acid in the coconut oil. It kills yeast on contact. You can also apply directly to the source and it stops the itching and kills the yeast that way too- but definitely ingest it as the main yeast fighter. I use organic coconut oil, not the virgin one. The regular coconut oil works wonders on me, where the extra virgin coconut oil is only so-so. I put the oil in my coffee to mask the oilyness, and just drink it up. It's easiest that way. You can also put it on toast, or cook your food in it.
Yogurt
Posted by Lorelei (Austin, TX) on 07/02/2009
★★★★★
Once I started taking the birth control pill, I started getting fairly regular yeast infections. The over the counter remedies are messy and expensive and I was tired of it. I found many sites (including this one) that recommended using yogurt to cure the infection. I bought a 6oz cup of plain, unflavored, nonfat yogurt with live cultures. As soon as I got home a applied a little to the outside of my vagina and my vulva and the itch stopped immediately. I then made a frozen insert to use that night by using a plastic tampon applicator, filling it with yogurt, and freezing it. I inserted it right before bed and put on a pad to catch the melting mess. There really wasn't much at all - nowhere near as messy as the over the counter chemical/medicinal stuff. I felt totally cured the next morning, but continued use for another day just to be sure. Cheap, easy, and it WORKS!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Brigitte (Evanston, IL) on 06/16/2009
★★★★★
Hello, ladies! The apple cider vinegar does work better than or at least as well as over the counter remedies. I was taking antibiotics and became itchy and irritated in the vulva area. My external vagina was extremely sensitive and was so raw in between the folds of skin that rubbing it with a cotton swab actually produced a bit of blood! I was mortified at the sight of that and instantly had the creeps. I'd already been reading about acv and it's health benefits so I decided to give it a try. I just dipped the tip of a cotton swab into the vinegar and dabbed it directly on the irritated skin. It burned like crazy for a few moments but then quickly subsided, within a few minutes I felt relief! Less itching and irritation. Later on that evening I did it again after my shower. The next morning when I wiped myself I was 95 percent better! No itching, no discomfort NO drops of blood. I decided to do it one more time just to be certain that it was gone and walla! I only used the Q-tip dipped in apple cider vinegar with no dilution! That may be a bit too harsh for most women so I recommend that they dilute with a bit of water. I'm sure that it will still have the same benefits in a weaker version. Thanks to all the people who took time to post result and testimonies! That is always appreciated by those that are indecisive about trying home remedies. I'm totally satisfied with my results and have now encouraged my daughter to try it. If it works for her then I will post again. Here's to a happy and healthy vagina!
Hydrogen Peroxide
Posted by Michelle (Jackson, Mi) on 09/07/2009
I just wanted to mention that hydrogen peroxide works on so much more that just bacteria. Just check out the hydrogen peroxide section on this site. I know from experience that it works on many other ailments including many skin rashes, canker sores and even athletes foot. I don't know personally if it works for yeast infection, but I don't think it's out of the question.
Athlete's Foot Fungus Cream
Posted by Anita (Iceland) on 04/06/2016
In Iceland, this athlete fungus creme is prescribed for yeast infection :)
Boric Acid
Posted by Allie (New York, New York) on 01/20/2009
★★★★★
I used to take antibiotics orally for 3 years as part of an acne regimen. Now when I need antibiotics, they don't work for me. I came back from a 4 month trip to the carribean with a raging yeast infection that nothing would help. I also had a kidney infection at one point and everyone refused to see a connection. With the help of doctors who actually listen, I found a plan that WORKS.
First, birth control contributes to yeast. If you take it, get off of it, at least for a few months. Antibiotics will not work for yeast! Yeast is fungal, antibiotics kill bacteria, not fungi, and there is a huge difference. Maintaining a diet that is high in vegetables and low in or void of bread and sugar. Yeast survive on what you put into your body. They looove sugar and bread. This includes alcohol, too. Alcohol turns into sugar... Finally, BORIC ACID capsules saved my live! By maintaining a yeast free-sugar free diet and using boric acid vaginal suppositories for 2 months, I am 95% clear. Talk to a doctor about using boric acid. It is safe, natural, and won't affect the balance of your body's natural good bacteria.
Fixing this problem is about restoring a balance of healthy bacteria in your body, not killing all of them with antibiotics. I took 4 rounds of antibiotics for treatment and it only made my symptoms hide for months! If you are headstrong and willing to get rid of this forever, change your diet and use boric acid!
Information
Posted by Rob (San Fernando, California) on 06/19/2011
I have had a Eureka moment about this issue that I would like to share with you. I have noted that when women performed oral sex and intercourse followed right after, a yeast infection on the women followed soon. But when I changed that pattern and washed the penis after oral sex preceding intercourse, there was never a yeast infection. So my advise is to have the male wash his penis with soap and water after oral sex when intercourse is to follow. This is not a cure but a very powerful prevention tool. There may be other causes of yeast infection, but I've found that this was a major one.
Apple Cider Vinegar and Salt
Posted by London (Sandusky, Ohio ) on 10/13/2008
★★★★★
You know, I was skeptical about using ACV in the tub, but I was so desperate last night at 2AM, (couldn't sleep cuz of the itching), I tried it. Every time I clean the area with just plain old water when I have a yeast infection, I feel better for about an hour, and than the itching returns. I figured people were saying ACV in the bath works, because, they are washing the area and of course it's going to feel better afterwards. But, after trying it last night, I swear to God, it did something, because it has been 24 hours, and the itching and discharge has apparently ceased. I soaked with a quarter cup iodized salt and a cup ACV, and filled the tub up to wear my legs were submerged. I was concerned the vinegar may be too diluted. There was a distinct smell to the water, so I figured I put enough in there. It worked. I'm going to do it again tonite. Thanks Guys!!!
Boric Acid
Posted by Lorena (Santiago, Chile) on 09/29/2008
★★★★★
I've been suffering with yeast like for 5 months..been going to doctors all this time.. they keep prescribing OTC yeast infection remedies and diflucan even after i told them they wont work.. so finally I decided to try this Boric acid supossitory.. and it's onle been three days and I just cant belive how good I feel..it's truly amazing.. I read about this cure from a Doctor who treats people with chronic or recurrent yeast infections and vulvodynia with this protocol to acidify the vagina.. im doing exactly as he says.. the first week one suppository in the evening and one in the morning, the next week just at bedtime.. and then one every two days...I highly recommend this..!!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Glitterberries (Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA) on 12/09/2012
★★★★★
I was on antibiotics for strep thoat. They of course gave me a killer yeast infection. I tried diflucan, which usually works but it didnt this time. I started having to use anti itch creams and finally bought a monistat 1 day ovule and some external cream. The cream would work randomly and I felt like I was always putting it on. 2 days into that cream I had such a burning itch it was unbearable. I decided to finally put in the ovule and still no relief 2 days later. I came to this site and read about using apple cider vinegar and I figured why not try it. I tried it about 2 hours ago, I drank 2 table spoons in water and sat in a bath for a half an hour with a cup of it mixed in. I got the kind from trader joes since the health food stores that sell the completely organic kind are closed on sundays. All I can say is it is a MIRACLE!!!! For the last week I have had to live with cream on 24/7 and still have no relief. I can happily say that I have not itched at all since I drank it and took the bath. Its saying alot because I literally have not had to put any cream on either for this since I took the bath. I hope this keeps working because that was horrible!!!!! I even dabbed a little diluted ACV on the outside, even though it burned a little it feels sooooo much better. I reccomend this if everything else is not working for you!! Wish I would have known about this a week ago!!!
Yogurt, Garlic, ACV
Posted by Bill (San Fernando, Luzon, Philippines) on 05/02/2010
Hi Hank...I had bad tinea cruris(jock itch) for over 7 years and, like you, all the antibiotics, lotions and drugs I tried couldn't make a dent. This rash covered both inside thighs right round to the buttocks and around my rectum -- like a big, bright red welt of skin.
For 7 years nothing worked, until I tried Milk of Magnesia. Here is my simple remedy:
After my shower at night -- and just before bed -- I would use my hands and just smear the liquid MoM all over the affected area (Don't forget to shake the MoM bottle first). I would then let it dry and then simply go to bed. MoM just dries to a pale white dust. Bye the way, MoM is also very cooling and soothing. In the morning I would just have another shower and wash it all off. Repeat this the following evening until the yeast is gone.
If you have sensitive skin(I don't) then perhaps it's better to apply the MoM just twice a day for 30 mins until it dries to a white dust and then wash it off. Then apply a moisturizer like jojoba or cocao butter to rehydrate the skin.
It only took me 2 days too get rid of the awful red welts, healthy skin again -- after 7 years !!.
MoM -- usually just a solution of Magnesium Hydroxide -- works in 2 ways to kill yeast, fungus, bacteria and viruses. First, MoM has a pH of 10 -- strongly alkaline -- no microbe can survive in this pH. Second, MoM is hydrophobic -- drives out or sucks out moisture wherever it is applied -- thus also killing the yeast/microbes by dehydration as well.
It also does not matter if the MoM has Aluminium Hydroxide in it, since both Magnesium Hydroxide and Aluminum Hydroxide are very badly absorbed by the body.
And it's really cheap too !!
Yogurt
Posted by Amanda (San Francisco, CA) on 07/09/2008
★★★★★
Plain yogurt dipped on a tampon and inserted for a few hours works like a charm at curing impending yeast infections. Additionally, the yogurt is very soothing, not harsh in any way. Also, a tip about avoiding yeast infections: don't have sex using a flavored condom!
Boric Acid
Posted by Sara (New York, New York) on 05/22/2008
★★★★★
I suffered routinely with debilitating yeast infections every month prior to my period, and nothing, including expensive otc creams and prescriptions, seemed to work. I tried boric acid suppositories after reading a rave about them in a diy health guide. I used 600 mg gel caplets and filled them with boric acid (cheap!) I obtained from an out of a way drug store. I used one every morning and evening for two weeks. I couldn't believe the difference. While creams and prescriptions took forever and sometimes made me feel worse, boric acid provided almost instantaneous relief and cleared things up right away. I highly recommend!
Boric Acid
Posted by Sylvia (Los Angeles, California) on 12/03/2007
★★★★★
I try a lot of holistic/natural remedies and can't say that they all work - however - Boric Acid to cure vaginal yeast infections really works. I've had yeast infections that were never cured with otc medications. In desperation I tried boric acid capsules and it worked. Now it is all I use. Much cheaper than otc meds and it works much better! It's kind of a pain to put the capsules together every night, but it's worth it. You'll have to find the boric acid at the drug store and then 00 capsules at the health food store. Insert every night for two weeks. Do the full course otherwise your infection might come back. Just wanted to share because this is a natural cure that really really works!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Chrissy (Akron, Ohio) on 06/16/2007
★★★★★
I get bacteria vaginitis like no other, or so I thought. So when my body started discharging in abnormal ways, I freaked out b/c it has never been like this before. I go to the doctor at least 3 times every 3 months for b.v. After doing some research I figured out it was a yeast infection. I didnt want to use the otc medicines b/c I have a sensitive body. I dont know how but I ran across this website and found the cure Apple cider vinegar. All I did was put about a 1/4 cup in warm bath water, and stayed in the tub for about 20 min. When I got out, I felt so much better, the itch (it was killing me) was gone and the discharged stopped. It is such a blessing to finally find something that got rid of this, and the natural way. I plan on doing this again tonight. I love this website, it is so amazing. Thanks!!!
Boric Acid
Posted by Karen (Wakefield, MA) on 01/12/2007
★★★★★
After 3 months of burning inside my vagina, with no other symptoms. Went to my dr. he did all the paps & test. I hav BV put on flagly. I worked for the first treatment. As soon as I went of the burning came back. Back to the dr. gave me a second round of flagly. I didn't finish and the burning came back. A third trip back and all tests were negative. Dr. thinks yeast is to blame. Sent me home with Difulcan ( l day pill) every three days. That did nothing. Now I'm three months and still burning, losing my mind. I start researching home remedies. Boric acid really worked. It didn't work until day four. But I woke up and no burning. Right now day 7 still no burning. I'll you keep posted. I was losing my mind. This is amazing!!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Sophie (Portland, Oregon) on 04/21/2012
★★★★★
I had itching yeast infections following antibiotics I ran a warm bath and pour in 1 cup of Natural Apple Cider Vinegar ( health section of the store ) and THEN I just relaxed for thirty minute , ACV is amazing it works so fast and in cooling and soothing the body it is wonderful in healer.
