Yeast infection occurs in the warm and moist areas of the body where the causative fungus C. albicans grow in large numbers, larger than how they are supposed to be. C. albicans is normally present in the body in smaller numbers. They tend to overgrow and cause infection if the body’s immune system is weakened. Also, they can cause infection if the skin is penetrated due to a cut or abrasions.
Yeasts commonly cause infection in the vagina (Candidiasis), the oral cavity (oral thrush), and the skin (skin/diaper rashes). For serious yeast infections, it is advised to consult with a doctor for proper treatment and anti-fungal therapy. For non-serious cases though, natural remedies to cure yeast infection are very effective. The following are some effective remedies for yeast infections:
1. Use of Probiotics
“Probiotics” is the term used to call live microorganisms in the body, which help prevent overgrowth of harmful bacteria. Probiotics can be found in the body’s digestive tract and reproductive areas. Yogurt for one is a product containing probiotics, specifically the Lactobacillus acidophilus. The Lactobacillus is naturally occurring probiotics in the woman’s vagina. It is the one responsible in making the vagina acidic, an environment where a fungus such as the C. albicans cannot proliferate in. Lactobacillus capsules are available in several health shops.
2. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is a herb popularly used as a remedy for a variety of infections, yeast infection included. To use tea tree oil, the oil should be mixed with water until diluted and then applied with massage on the vaginal area. It’s important that the oil is diluted because the full strength version can cause irritation and adverse reaction.
3. Oregon Grape
Oregon grape has an active compound effective in increasing the body’s normal flora of bacteria. This becomes effective because the yeast causing the infection will die as the naturally occurring and harmless bacteria takes over.
4. Over the Counter Medications
These are popular remedies for yeast infections. Some are cleverly formulated remedies containing herbs and other ingredients that effectively cure yeast infections in a matter of weeks. These products are applied in the mouth three times each day. It treats the infection from the inside out that’s why spraying the product in the mouth area is already enough to treat yeast infections in the vagina. Moreover, not only do they cure yeast infections. They also helps the body increase its immunity.