What is Vaginal Yeast Infection?: Home Remedies and Natural Treatment for Vaginal Thrush

As per the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, almost 75% of all females suffer from vaginal yeast infection in their life time. Also referred to Genitovulvar candidiasis, the condition is associated with overgrowth of normal yeast found in the vagina. The condition is associated with several unpleasent symptoms and is often very distressing. Fortunately there are certain home remedies and natural treatment options that can be helpful.

Candida albicans

What is Vaginal Yeast Infection?

Candidia albicans is the microbe that is responsible for vaginal thrush/infection. The microorganism is normally present in our body in small, harmless proportions, in warm, moist areas; however, under certain circumstances, their population increases and they produce various yeast infection symptoms.

Commonly women complain of:

• White, or white-yellow, curd-like discharge. It may be smelly or odorless.
• Intense itching and burning around the vagina
• Redness of the external genital area.

What Causes Vaginal Thrush?

There are several factors that can contribute towards development of vaginal yeast infection. Some of these factors include,

•  When the normal balance of the yeast population gets disturbed or the pH of the vagina gets imbalanced, an ideal condition is generated which brings about a multiplication and proliferation of the yeast microbe. 
• Wearing tight jeans and nylon underwear is a huge contributing factor. 
• The risk of developing thrush also increases during pregnancy when hormonal changes occur. 
• Using contraceptives or spermicides is another significant cause. Use of HRT can also increase the risk of development of vaginal yeast infections
• Diabetes is a predisposing factor. 

Yeast Infection Cures At Home:Home Remedies

Fortunately there are certain home remedies that can help in the management of yeast infections,

Tea Tree Essential Oil
Fights Vaginal Thrush

1. Vitamin C: vitamin C is an infection fighter and immune system booster. You could take a vitamin C supplement twice daily for about a week. It will help decrease the symptom of candidiasis almost immediately. Also, ensure that your diet has plenty of bell peppers, oranges, limes, grapes, papayas and apples. These are generously loaded with the vitamin.
2.  Tea tree oil: the tea tree essential oil is infinitely beneficial for thrush symptoms. Tea tree is an effective anti-fungal and helps allay itching and burning around the vagina. Add 2 to 3 drops of the essential oil to a tumbler of water and use it as a vaginal wash daily.
3.  Echinacea: this herb stimulates the WBCs to destroy the multiplying yeast; it is a powerful immune system fortifier. Experts recommend that if you are prone to repeated yeast infections; take a supplement or tincture of the herb for 3 weeks. Thereafter stop the supplement for 1 week and restart for another 3 weeks. This will reduce the frequency and intensity of the symptoms of thrush.
4. Fenugreek seeds: fenugreek seeds are extremely beneficial for thrush. Soak about 5 spoons of the seed in water for half an hour. Then boil the same in a bowl of water for 20 minutes. Use this decoction as a vaginal wash daily for a month for quick and long lasting results.
5. Yogurt: nutritionists state that consuming a bowl of yogurt daily is useful for women who have a predisposition for yeast infection. Yogurt is packed with pro-biotics which reduce the incidence of yeast infections.
6. Garlic: garlic is another potent infection fighter. Consuming one flake of garlic diminishes the growth of Candidia albicans appreciably.

Vaginal Candida Natural Treatment 

In addition to the home remedies, there are certain tips that can be handy in managing yeast infection and preventing the recurrence of Vaginal candidiasis infection,

• Wear only cotton under wear. Stop wearing panty hose.
• Avoid tight jeans
• Don’t use deodorized tampons
• Use a mild soap to wash the genital area. Maintain strict hygiene levels.
• Limit your intake of starch and sugary foods; given that yeast feeds on sugar. 

A combination of home remedies, lifesytle tips and healthy diet can help in the effective management of yeast infection.