Natural Yeast Infection Remedies: Herbal Solutions & Lifestyle Tips

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!

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 :)

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!!!

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!

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.

Hydrogen Peroxide

Posted by Megan (VA) on 06/13/2006
★★★★★

I tried this product for yeast infection, I used the plastic tube that the vaginal creme comes with and fill it with hydrogen peroxide put inside the vaginal areas for a couple of days and it worked like a charm. Also used it for a severe vaginal itch, (careful!! it may burn !! but not for long) all I know is the itching was gone.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by This Girl Over Here (O Town, New York) on 05/22/2012
★★★★★

I have been sitting here for about 3 hours with the absolute worst itching and burning sensation down unda complaining to my boyfriend (yes he is forced to listen and listen to me complain... Hes a peach). I was literally about to get a brillo pad and go to town cause I could not take the itching anymore until I finally googled some home remedies. ACV WORKS LIKE A GEM. I was skeptical about it at first and it weirded me out a little but it made everything feel FANTASTIC in 5 minutes. I soaked a tampon in half ACV half warm water and put it in for about 10 minutes. Then got a clean cloth and wiped around the goods. It burned for a bit right after I tried it but gee willakers do I feel better... My boyfriend is relieved too I finally shut up :)

Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Maria (Virginia) on 10/11/2012
★★★★★

Tears flowing down my face) I'm sorry but I had a yeast infection from hell tried monistat and it made it worse!! I was desperate so I looked on the web and found this and I am so glad I did it saved me a doctors visit and money went to the store and got some avc and some accidipholis douched first and then soaked in it let me tell u it worked thank u so much it really cleared up the next day feel 100% better :) who knew

Ted's Remedies Feedback

Posted by Tiffany (New Orleans, La)
★★★★★

NIACINAMIDE 500 MG PER DAY ..& MAGNESIUM CHLORIDE 200 MG PER DAY..CURED ALL OF MY VAGINAL PROBLEMS..AMEN..THANK YOU TED!!!!! NO BULL CRAP IT WORKS AND IS 1000 TIMES BETTER THAT BORIC ACID..TAKE MY ADVICE A SUFFERER OF OVER 10 YEARS...

Borax

Posted by RedCardinal (Minneapolis, MN) on 03/13/2025 5 posts
★★★★★

Raging yeast infection and super itch from strong antibiotics. Came here and read for hours. Nothing that gave me exact instructions so I am putting them here for you.

Wanted to use something I had in the house already, so I made borax suppositories and using 3 of them in 1.5 days, itching gone, relief. Continue 2xday for 3 days, then 1xday for 5 days.

3 oz coconut oil (gently melted in glass measuring cup inside water bath in pan on stove).
Add 2.5 tsp Borax, mix in
Cool to at least 100 degrees.

I added ... (optional)
5 drops Tea Tree EO
4 drops Vitamin E oil
5 crushed/motar-pestal Probiotic tablets.

Stir. The borax will settle but just stir as you go along filling.

What to put the liquid in?
I had some washed & sterilized applicators left over from previous cream. Also, I had some fat bubble tea straws (cut in half and fold on one end and stapled to hold the liquid).

To make it easier to fill, I used a large syringe (no needle). You want to use about 5 ml for each.

Use a small glass to stand up the applicators/straws and throw in frig to set. After set, you can put in a baggie or container. Left overs can be put in freezer for a later date.
I would take out one apx 10 min before use so it slides out easily. Of course, the applicator is easy to use. With the straw you can just squeeze it out and insert with your fingers, or, if you cut off the stapled part, you can use the wide end of the applicator to push/insert it.

In the meantime, if you severe itching I found Alka-Thyme or AlkaCare (and alkaline mouthwash) put on cotton pads and rubbed all around down there, will give immediate and lasting relief. It has many uses besides being a mouthwash, bug bites, sunburn, etc.

Also, after, might want to take probiotics orally and insert some down there.

Vitamin D, Probiotics

Posted by Miss Accel (Franklin, La) on 05/05/2018
★★★★☆

Getting partner treated by doctor helped cure my yeast infections. I got treated at the same time. I also took vitamin d 1000mg and probiotics. I suggest eating a mostly fresh vegetable low carb diet with little sugar.

Boric Acid

Posted by Shirleyann (Kent, Wa.) on 09/27/2020

What we eat and drink is 95% of the problem. Sugar causes yeast to GROW. Most carbs turn to sugar. I'm here to learn more from other's experiences.

Colloidal Silver

Posted by Martha (El Centro, Ca) on 09/23/2017
★★★★★

Yes! The colloidal silver seems to be doing the trick! Immediate relief upon applying! Many months of repeat flareups. And I believe a combination of things lead to the perfect storm. So am in the midst of many changes. Less sugars. Better eating. More exercize. No eating late esp sweets. Vit C. Calcium citrate. Probiotics. MSN. Sea Kelp (iodone - big help)). Air drying. But the flare seems to be quieted by the COLLOIDAL SILVER. Hope this proves to finally end the misery so will update at a later date. Now September 2017..

Colloidal Silver

Posted by Dave (Fountain Inn, Sc) on 11/21/2017

Hello Jennifer,

About your appreciation of colloidal silver; I completely agree. I have been using it for about 25 years, and within the past 3 years, I use it on a daily basis to keep overall viral load low.

One point you need to expand on; when you asserted that "less is more" ppm believing that 10 ppm is "smaller" than a larger ppm amount, like 50 ppm. But ppm has nothing to do with particle size. Ppm means that there are 10 parts per million of Ag atoms (atomic weight at 47). And if the atom is an ion, then the electron count is 46. So if a CS maker produced a product with 10 ppm, then the size of the atom is unaffected....there are just less atoms of Ag ions in the liquid.

Now there are many views of CS making, so if you would like to correct me, I am always open to new information. But it would be helpful to have a strong source for the assertion that "less" ppm means the size of the particle (atom) is smaller.

Boric Acid

Posted by Sunny (Pittsburgh, Pa ) on 11/30/2018

This post has been so helpful. I will try this remedy tonight. Fingers crossed. Thank you so much for sharing with us!!!! Have you tried this again since then?

Acidophilus

Posted by Winlovewomyn (Bc) on 09/08/2016
★★★★★

Every month, after I ovulate, I get unusual discharge that causes itching and all you need to do to cure this is stick one capsule of acidophilus up inside the vagina as high as you can (just use a finger) and it will take care of it (or repeat a day later for stronger infections). Brings the sex life back into action and relieves all discomfort!

Hydrogen Peroxide

Posted by Jb (Nyc ) on 09/08/2016
★★★★★

I have recurring BV and YIs constantly. Usually the diflucan works for me but recently I've been away from my doctor and don't feel like this warrants a trip to urgent care. So spent hours looking through the different home remedies.

I tried all the methods using apple cider vinegar (drinking it, bathing in it, douching, tampons, damp cloth) and nothing worked! I also used the tea tree oil and, it felt a lot fresher but ultimately overly dried me out. Finally douched with a 50%hydrogen peroxide 50% distilled water. Immediately after it was a little painful but after about a half an hour I felt SO MUCH BETTER. What a relief! I also take acidophilus and folic acid to try and keep my ph in check. The Hydrogen peroxide also works wonders for my BV as well.

This stuff the real deal. Stop reading and commence the healing!

Coconut Oil

Posted by Syrena (Pompano Beach) on 04/12/2016
★★★★☆

Still working on this with the coconut oil. I am using it twice a day. Instead of baggie in freezer, I am using a couple of plastic measuring spoons...the 1/4 tsp ends. fill them and put on a plate in the fridge. That makes the perfect sized suppository. I have only been doing for 2 days, this time around. Last time, I remember that it helped a great deal. But, am not sure why I have this flare up, as I wasn't on any antibiotics, recently. So, am not sure if I was ever cured. This time, I'm also working on healing the gut with a primal diet.

Coconut Oil

Posted by Sonia (California ) on 12/18/2016
★★★★★

This is a miracle remedy for me. I get repetitive infections and this cured me in three days of the coconut bullet recipe. Love this! Thank you to all who shared this!

Diagnosing a Yeast Infection

Posted by Konstantine (Canada) on 04/30/2015

I just wanted to add a note to this forum. If you are experiencing heavy discharge, with a foul odor (fishy) this is not a yeast infection. Mostly yeast infections have no smell, if any it would be almost sweet. If you have this odor it is bacterial vaginosis. I know from experience. I hope this helps someone.

Garlic

Posted by Thewind777 (Mesa, Az) on 03/03/2015

About inserting garlic into the vagina to get rid of vaginal yeast problems:

Just because I always like covering every base so nobody hurts themselves... make sure if you use an empty teabag to put the garlic clove inside that you remove the staple. There's generally a staple that connects the string to the bag. You will have to fish the bag and the garlic out of your vagina with a hooked finger if you do this, of course.

Some people find it hard to extract it with their own hand, for some reason (probably because it is hard to reach because of the angle your hand has to be in). If so, be prepared to have someone else take it out for you. It is very embarrassing to have to go to the doctors to ask them to remove a tea bag from your vagina.

Also, when I said to puncture 'it' with a needle a couple times, I meant the garlic clove - not the tea bag. That allows just enough of the liquid to leak out without making it too caustic so that it burns.

It is generally a thing people do just before they go to bed, so it does its action in the nighttime.

Make sure you take it out and replace it with a new clove of garlic and a new teabag every day if you do it for more than one day.

Don't mince the garlic, don't cut the garlic in half or chop it into pieces. Do remove the papery husk off the outside of the garlic clove before you put it into the teabag.

Realize that garlic irritates, and can burn some people. Others will have absolutely no problem with garlic burning them. Has everything to do with the person, and how old and fresh the garlic is.

If you eat a piece of the garlic and it is extremely strong - it will be more caustic. If it has turned a bit brown and is brown throughout the garlic it has 'aged' and is far less likely to burn (whether you eat it raw, or put it in your vagina).

Moral of the story, let garlic age in your fridge a couple weeks in a plastic bag until it turns a bit brown before you use it to either swallow, raw, or insert.