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 April (New York , NY) on 11/06/2008
★★★★★
I'm a 33 year old woman and I've had two yeast infections in my entire life. The first was when I was 19 and the second was just recently. I got my period and shortly after it started, I started to get symptoms of a YI - itching, soreness around my vulva, swelling, burning. I figured this infection was triggered by extremem stress and the fact that I just got back on the Pill.
At any rate, this particular YI came back FULL FORCE! It was so bad I could barely concentrate. The itching was massively intense and I was so sore, I felt like I was walking funny. I was desperate and willing to try anything - and I did. First, I stopped using the tampons (since my period was on) and switched to pads. Then I went to the sore and got some Vagisil-1 (which really didn't work) and plain yogurt. I inserted the Vagisil and ate like 2 1/2 cups of the yogurt (which I sweetened with fresh berries). I gave it about 12 hours, and nothing! Finally, I decided to go to the internet and see what Earth Clinic had to offer. I had used the site previously for a case of Bacterial Vaginosis I had and the peroxide douche they recommended cured my BV!
I found lots of info on ACV but I was afraid to do the douche, so I did the bath with 1 1/2 cup of ORGANIC Raw ACV. I sat in the bath for about 20 minutes and it relieved my symptoms for about an hour but of course they returned. I had HAD IT! I was at the end of my rope and the itching was driving me crazy. I called my doctor and got an emergency prescription of Diflucan and took it that night. The Diflucan took forever to work and I really wasn't able to get much sleep that night but I was just relieved to have it in my system.
The next morning, I still had some itching but I could tell that the swelling and burning was subsiding. I was desperate and so I FINALLY decided to try the ACV douche. I got Summer's Eve that I had stashed away and poured it out. I filled the bottle with about 3-4 teaspoons of Organic Apple Cider Vinegar (try the organic isle in your grocery store) and the rest with warm water. I douched TWICE! I had to say, as graphic as it is, what came out of my vagina was disgusting. It looked like rotting flesh but I know it was yeast.
From that moment on, my itching was TOTALLY gone!!!! I don't know if it was the ACV coupled with the fact that I had Diflucan in my system, but the ACV douche seemed to be the ONLY thing that got rid of the itch, which I think is the biggest culprit of the YI!
Thanks so much Earth Clinic! I am totally hooked to this site for all my ailments. I can't tell you how much money I've spent on doctor's visits, prescriptions and stuff like Vagisil that don't work. My ACV was $3.29! This site not only recommends great advice but it's good to know that others are going thru similar experiences!
Hydrogen Peroxide
Posted by Kristine (Evansville, Ill) on 05/13/2011
I am 41 and I use to have them all the time the doctor gave me antibiotics and I was talkin to a friend and she use to also so she said change ur soap to antibactera dial I did that and had no more yeast infections try that it works also.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Sara (Lexington , KY) on 11/02/2008
★★★★★
I've been having a yeast infection for about a month. With all the usual symptoms -itching -dryness -some white discharge -no odor I've had yeast infections before, generally due to antibiotics. So, naturally, I tried to cure it via over-the-counter anti-fungal cream suppositories (I think it was Monostat). From my experience, I should feel relief after a day of using this treatment. I waited about 4 days, but the treatment didn't phase my symptoms. I tried it again, waited about 5 days, still no cure. I went into a walk-in clinic, they assured me I didn't have an STD (which I was afraid of) but a different type of yeast infection that the cream doesn't cure. So, they prescribed me Diflucan (spell check) with a refill just in case. I took the first pill, waited 2 days and took the second. This didn't help me either.
I went to my regular doctor, she took a culture to find out what type of yeast infection it is. The culture took 7-10days. After the 8th day my doctor called to inform me that I didn't have a yeast infection.
Now, it's my belief that doctors are idiots. Both doctors offices took cultures yet only one said I had a yeast infection.
So, I used the old Apple Cider Vinegar method. I ran a bath a little less than ankle deep and poured about 1 1/2 cups of Apple Cider Vinegar. This did not present immediate relief, but after soaking for 30mins, my symptoms had subsided. Thank you _____ for organic Apple Cider Vinegar and thank you to my ex boyfriend who left it at my house.
There are some draw backs to this remedy. The smell is not pleasant and it made my vagina very dry. So, I recommend some sort of women's lubrication (I used Vagasil 4day moist treatment). Don't use something that's not made for women because that can cause a ph imbalance (which leads to yeast infections). I had to use the Apple Cider Vinegar method twice, once in a day. And I also drank 2teaspoons of Apple Cider Vinegar mixed with 1 cup hot water and honey to taste. With enough honey, it tastes like Apple cider.
This was the only treatment that worked for me. And after a month of being uncomfortable and itchy down there, I think all the women here knows what kind of relief it brings feel normal again.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Cailin (Philadelphia, PA) on 10/31/2008
★★★★★
I love my crazy mother. The random remedies that she recommends always seem to be nonsense at first, but they work EVERY time!!! I have been a huge fan of earth clinic since my mom introduced me years ago when I was a very very poor college student. ACV basically works for everything. Clears up your skin, good for your insides - outsides, and apparently yeast infections. I also have been adding it to my dogs water bowl and it has cleared up her horrible skin (which i have spent HUNDREDS of dollars at the vet's office trying to cure). I have been in AGONY the past 24 hours with this horrible yeast infection. I get one atleast every other month and I always use that stupid, expensive monistat or vagisil. They are messy and unsuccessful in easing the pain. This morning I hopped on earth clinic, and sure enough ACV was the cure. I put some on a wet washcloth and held it on my lady area for about 3 minutes. It burned like hell at first, but it worked!! I'm going to soak in the bath now, as I'm sure that will be much relief as well. I have had problems with 'yeast' since I was a teen. I have been on those "Nature's Cure" yeast pills, but they aren't really helping. I'm going to start taking acidophilus pills cause I heard that they are great. I love you earth clinic!!! i just want to smother you with hugs and kisses!! thank you so much for the relief.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Amanda (Atlanta, Georgia USA) on 10/04/2008
★★★★★
i suspected i might have a yeast infection or some sort of imbalance in bacteria. it has been burning and itching for days! i just got out of the bath and cant believe how calm it feels 'down there'. i put 1 3/4 cups of apple cider vinegar (the store brand) into a tub of warm water and let my body soak for a good 30 minutes. i also put in 3/4 epsom salt. i feel so much better because i had been in pain for days. i feel like i can walk normally now! i also have severe total body eczema so it helped calm the itching quite a bit. ladies just give it a try!
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, H2O2, Castor Oil
Posted by Eleny (Graham, WA) on 09/25/2008
★★★★★
My son recently had a horrible yeast infection on his bottom. I did not notice it right away because it was right on the outside of his anus. The reason I did not notice it right away is because he had not been passing regular bowel movements and I had no need to wipe him there. I was giving him his bath and wiping him when I first noticed it. At first I thought it was feces but it would not come off and when I looked he had what looked like a horrible case of acne that was about to pop. Initially I thought it was a diaper rash but soon realized it was not. I took him to the doctors office the following morning and the doctor said that he had a yeast infection and prescribed some ointment. I was honest and told the doctor that I would not try the ointment until I tried a natural alternative first. I then went home and applied diluted _____'s Organic ACV on a cotton square and wiped him and also put some H202 on another cotton square and applied that to the infected area. I then decided to use Castor oil because of the many health benefits it has when applied to the skin onto the yeast and I kid you not within a 24 hour period the infection was COMPLETELY gone! And believe it or not since I have used the Castor Oil on his bottom he has been passing bowel movements regularly. Check out this great article on the wonderful benefits of Castor Oil when applied to the skin
http://www.electroherbalism.com/Naturopathy/Therapies/Diet/FatsandOils/CastorOil.htm
Apple Cider Vinegar and Salt
Posted by Lisa (Colorado, US) on 01/19/2015
When you can say you've been completely symptom free for at least 2 weeks, after all of your treatments have stopped, then maybe you've cured the yeast problem. Just because you feel better soon after a treatment of any kind, doesn't mean you've cured it! Until then, it just means something is helping temporarily.
Apple Cider Vinegar and Salt
Posted by Ash (Idaho) on 11/30/2017
This is an important point. A treatment may be successful in killing the majority of yeast, but it may also cause a disruption in pH or an imbalance in the vaginal microbiome (making it possible for any living yeasts to come back with a vengeance).
I have experienced this thanks to a yeast infection during pregnancy. Yeast infections are SO HARD to get rid of because the body is producing excess estrogen and sugars in the vagina. It's been hell.
A treatment might work and give me relief, but within 1-3 days the yeast would be back. Maybe even worse than before.
So far, I've tried garlic cloves as suppositories, coconut oil and oregano essential oil bulses, baking soda, salt, and ACV. It was after the majority of these treatments that work I read that prenatal yeast infections are so tough they are prescribed a full week of the toughest antifungal possible. I was focusing on treating with a remedy for maybe three days like my previous infections when I wasn't pregnant. Perhaps my treatments would have worked if I had stuck with them for a full week. Who knows.
Right now I'm trying whey from plain yogurt. It's easy for me to insert versus yogurt (the downstairs is always compact and engorged at 38 weeks so actual yogurt is almost impossible to stuff in there).
I'll see how it goes.
Apple Cider Vinegar and Salt
Posted by Sarah (Woodstock, Ga) on 05/25/2010
I have not tried the baking soda myself, but I would be cautious about that since it is very alkaline, and thus would create a good environment in the vagina for the yeast to grow. The reason ACV is so effective is because it changes the pH of the vagina back to acid, where the yeast cannot survive.
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 !!
Avoid Spermicides
Posted by Shelley (Los Angeles, California) on 06/23/2008
★★★★★
After years of crying in the doctor's office trying to figure out why I was getting recurring yeast infections, I read a small study done about the added spermicide in condoms. As soon as my boyfriend and I stopped using the condoms with spermicide I never had another yeast infection. It's been 4 years. When I asked my doctor about this, he made me think it was a crazy idea. I was tired of paying so much money on doctor visits and so much money on otc yeast infection remedies. A simple change solved everything.
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!
Hydrogen Peroxide
Posted by Carla (Media, PA) on 12/11/2007
★★★★★
re: Yeast Infection -- bathing in water and apple cider vinegar and then cleansing with the peroxide/water solution gave me immediate relief
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!
Hydrogen Peroxide
Posted by V (Panama, Florida) on 11/13/2007
★★★★★
I don't normally give comments back, but I am going to this time. I have had a yeast infection or BV for 4 days and thinking yeast first, I treated it with Monostat 1. It did not work, on the 4th day I was more miserable than I was on day one. I do not know how ladies put up with such a nasty condition for so long. Anyway, I dislike going to the doctors very much. I found this site and read your antidotes, then I found a medical site that backed the information about using a certain kind (that most people do not have) of H202 internally. I only have the 3% at home and that is what I used. The medical site does not recommend it for internal use. I do not own a baster or anything else like that. I used a tampon which I tried to soak with a solution of 50% bottled water and 50% H202, but I found it expanded too much in the applicator. In my frustration, I removed the tampon from the applicator and drenched it with straight H202 and used my fingers to push it up into my vaginal cavity. It was messy and a lot of liquid just came dripping back out. I also took paper towels and soaked them in staight H202 and methodically cleaned the entire external area from inside thigh to inside thigh and from start of pubic hair well past the anal opening. I let myself air dry then put on clean cotten underwear with a pad, and went to make a phone call, I talked for 67 minutes. During that time expanse there was a bit of a warm sensation that I felt and a bit of pain (like a cramping pain). After my call was over, I pulled the tampon out, then I literally dumped some more H202 over the entire external area and left myself air dry again. I woke this morning and have checked 3 times so far. No external cheesy stuff, no internal excessive white stuff, no musky smell, and I am pink again. I am going to the store to get some folic acid today also, but I did want to let you know of my success. P.S. I already eat Breyers probiotic yogurt daily regardless of state of health.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Posted by Jaydene (Kngston, Jamaica) on 09/28/2007
★★★★★
Hydrogen Peroxide worked instantly for the itching caused by my yeast infection, even though it stung a little bit initially. But the relief was worth the use I'm definately sticking by this one. Thanks for the info on the site, it was really helpful.
Boric Acid
Posted by Laine (Edmond, Oklahoma) on 08/25/2007
★★★★★
My daughter suffered yeast infection off and on from the time she was a baby. One night when she was red, irritatted and not wantting to urinate because of the burn, I remember and article I had read about boric acid. At seven she didn't like the cream monostat because it felt "yucky". I filled my old sitz bath wth warm water. I disolved two tsp boric acid in a cup of boiling water from the microwave. I dumped it in the water along with about a 1/3 cup withc hazel (for discomfort). Within about 3 minutes she was feeling relief and wanted to go to bed. I did this the next three nights and she is now 13 and has not been bothered with yeast there since, PTL.
For myself and boric acid I do something easier than capsule, I take a soda straw and and shuff it down in the boric acid and drop it in the end of an old applicator I keep along with a little cortizone for quick relief and easy application. Also, did you know that athlete's foot cure is also either miconsole or chlortiromozol as AF is a yeast infection. It's also cheaper to buy than the packaged vaginal yeast infection cure.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Posted by reina (orlando, US) on 08/09/2007
★★★★★
I started having a terrible itching two days ago. This had never happened to me so I didn't know where it came from, especially now that I am on a good diet. It may have been the bath that I took, and many other things. Anyway, the itching started being unbearable, last night I couldn't sleep at all so I started reading the cures on these site. I did the folic acid, garlic softgel and hydrogen peroxide. The itching really as subsided. Hopefully it goes all away. The hydrogen peroxide seemed to help a lot.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Keys (Fremont, CA) on 08/01/2007
★★★★★
I got this yeast infection a month ago right after my period. I started feeling itchy before my period and I believe period made it worse. It was itchy, burning and red. This was my first time and I went to see a doctor. She said its external and prescribed a cream that I applied for 7 days but didn't help. It spread internally and I went to see another gynec who confirmed that this was internal moderate Yeast infection. He gave me two pills to take 3 days apart. I took it, it cured my internal but I still had external infection. After a month I got tired and yesterday I was searching online for home remedies and came acrosss this site. I ran to a store and bought the following: Apple cider vinegar, Iodized sea salt, craneberry juice, Acidophilus, cotton balls and a yogurt with living culture. I drank one glass of craneberry juice, took one acidophiuls pill, drank 2table spoon ACV and a glass of water, ate one cup of yogurt and took a hot bath for 30 minute with 1 cup of ACV and 2 cups of iodized sea salt. Also at night drank another glass of ACV and water , took 2nd acidophilus tablet and damp some ACV/water on the affected vaginal area. Today morning i woke up and I felt amazing. Finally after a month my burning is gone and I can walk freely. My symptons are almost gone. I am going to continue doing this for couple of days. This is great !! Thanks to all of you who shared their experience.
