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.
Acidophilus
Posted by Ann (toronto, Canada) on 07/05/2007
★★★★★
I have had a yeast infection for the past 5 years. I tried EVERYTHING. The apple cider vineger douche worked for a couple of days but the infection returned. Then I tried a cure I found for candidia, which I think I have/had, do to the other side effect of dandruff. I ate a section of a garlic clove and took acidophilus tablets. I was on the tablets, 3 a day for about 4 days, then I took a section of garlic before I went to bed on the fourth day. The next day I found that the white discharge I had been used to in my underwear was not there! Gross I know-- but think what a relief that was after 5 years of it.!! I will continue with the tablets and garlic to see if my dandruff clears up. Also I have found since taking the garlic that my tounge getting less of the white stuff (another sign of candidia). Try it! Hopefully it help someone else!
Boric Acid
Posted by Caren (New York, NY) on 05/03/2007
★★★★★
I had a yeast infection for a whole year, and took Monistat, which didn't work. Then was told by a girlfriend to go to DuaneReade and buy Boric Acid powder. Then go to a health food store or order online to try to find empty caplets. You put the powder in the individual capsules, which is tricky to do, but so worth it. Then I insert it with finger as far up as I can, and try to do this quickly, because if the capsule gets wet and soft, it's harder to do. Your vagina needs to be a certain ph level in order to be healthy. Using the boric acid restores it to normal levels again. Anytime I feel a yeast infection coming on, I put a capsule in. It's worked for me every single time. And if I still feel the yeast infection, I will use a capsule the next day as well. It's good to put it in at night time, so that it stays in there, doesn't fall out. Maybe you could also use vitamin C in the same way? I'm not sure, I will have to look into this. The last time I had a yeast infection though, I stupidly did a vinegar douche, and gave myself Bacterial Vaginosis. I forgot to do the boric acid. I probably forgot because it's been a whole year since I've had one! Anyhow, usually a vinegar douche does the trick, but they warn you right on the box that douching can bring on infections, and sure enough it happened to me. So be careful with douching. Better to insert an acidic capsule, because douching will remove all yeast, from your vagina, as well as remove all bad bacteria - and all beneficial bacteria as well! So it can set the stage for more infections! Another problem with douching is that it can push bacteria up into your uterus. This is bad.
Boric Acid
Posted by Randi (Altamont, UT) on 03/30/2007
★★★★★
After taking birth control pills for 2 month I ave suffered with Chronic Vaginal Yeast infections for 7 years. I have found that diet is the most important. No sugar, and avoid yeast products, and dairy. I take very high quality essential oil. Don't take low quality because they can really hurt you. I use oregano oil and put about 5-6 drops in a capsule and take it orally. It kills candida. I also put 6 drops of coriander oil in a capsule and take it internally, because it cleanses out the mercury toxin. I put rosemary oil, frankisense oil, and hellicrism oil in a capsule and stick it right up in the vagina. It works amazingly fast. I will also use Boric acid in capsules and insert it vaginally to balance ph levels there. I have tried many many different things for the past 7 years, that have helped but this has worked better than anything else. Adding grapfruit seed extract capsules will really help also.
Boric Acid
Posted by Brandy (BV GONE, USA) on 01/17/2007
★★★★★
Buy some boric acid from the pharmacy and fill two size 00 gelatin cps, insert into vagina every night for 7-10 days, works like a charm! I have suffered for 7 months until now!
Apple Cider Vinegar and Salt
Posted by Sally (North Port, Fl) on 03/29/2014
★★★★★
First of all, boo to Monistat. I tried it for 3 days and it didn't touch it. So this morning when I woke up and still had a full blown yeast infection, I started researching and came across this site. I found this cure and several others so I thought I'd give it a shot. First, I decided to try the salt only method. I made sure my finger was wet, then salted it and put it where the infection was (even inserted up into). Wow, that burned insanely bad but I just distracted myself by folding laundry and hanging up clothes. After about 15 minutes, I peed and washed it all off. Felt better and continued on. I then took a tampon and soaked it in ACV for about 10 minutes. Then, I tried the salt/ACV bath. This is what really helped. I poured 1 cup of ACV and 2 cups of salt into a very warm bath, sat there for about 30 minutes while I studied. This totally worked! No more redness, no more itching, I feel awesome. Thank God for this website!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Jennifer (Philadelphia, PA) on 07/16/2006
★★★★★
I just put two tbl spoons of vinegar in a cup of water and drank it. Then i douched. i put one cup of vinegar in the bottle and filled the rest up with warm water. it burned, but the symptoms went away in 5 mins.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Christine (Florida) on 05/13/2006
★★★★★
Just about 2 hours ago I was going out of my mind from the uncomfortable feelings that go along with yeast infections. I have always had luck with the 1 Day Monistat, but not this time, feeling confused and ready to spend another $18, I decided to google some natural cures & found this site. What amazing people you all are for sharing your experiences so openly, it gave me the push I needed to drink a glass of water mixed with 2 tbl, of Apple Cider Vinegar & within 2 hours, my symptoms have gone away. Not sure if it's cured, but I do know I'm not itchy right now!! Yeah! Good luck to you all my fellow female friends.
Boric Acid
Posted by Lorelei (Utah)
★★★★★
After suffering for months with recurrent infections (yeast and/or BV) after every single period, I started using "Yeast Away" Boric Acid suppositories (you can order them thru Amazon). They also have calendula and oregon grape root in them. I just use one every night of my period. I haven't had any problems since. The great thing about boric acid is it helps both conditions, so if you're misdiagnosing yourself with a yeast infection, it doesn't really matter. Also, just like recurrent antibiotic use leads to resistant bacteria, recurrent monistat (or whatever brand) use leads to resistant yeast infections.
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.
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.
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!!
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.
