Home Remedies For Yeast Infection In Women And Men

2. Garlic ( Even better than Yogurt, but ugh the garlic smell won't go away ! )

Since we are dealing with an infection by a pathogen here, garlic is the most suitable remedy. It is the most easily available natural antibiotic which works in killing pathogens. 

• Ingredients
  Garlic ( organic )
• Directions / How to use
  Peel of the skin of garlic. Now, take out a clove of garlic, slice it off at the ends so you get the inner flesh on garlic as a flat surface. Now, gently rub it on the skin where the yeast infection is ( like the tongue, armpit, groin etc ). It might irritate a bit because garlic is pungent. In some people, it stings a lot. In that case, you can use diluted garlic tea ( infusion in water ).  But, it acts as a nice remedy against yeast infection. Also drink ground garlic tea to aid the body in killing these organisms.
  The Garlic Bandage : This is an ingenious way to cure an infection with garlic. Take a bandage and add crushed garlic onto it. Add a little water and let it dry for some time ( 15 minutes ) in front a heat convector. Then apply this bandage on the skin. It burns a little but the pathogens would really crying inside. 
• Why it works
  Garlic is just so powerful, it kills most of the pathogens. Most people recover just by taking garlic on a regular basis for a few days. If your diet includes even a tiny bit of raw garlic, you become less prone to any kind of infection.

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3. Lukewarm Salt Water bath  ( Using common salt or Epsom salt )

This nice and comfortable procedure generally provides temporary but great relief from itching and burning sensation from yeast infection. So just take time out, set up some hot water at a bearable temperature in the bathtub, dissolve some salt and relax in it. 

• Ingredients
  Salt
  Water
• Directions / How to use
  Prepare warm water for your bath. When you have filled your bathtub with water, add 1 cup of common salt ( or Epsom salt ) and let it dissolve for some time ( 5 minutes ). Stir the water. Now, lie down in this water and relax. 
• Why it works
  Firstly, Epsom salt helps overcome the yeast infection. Not primarily because it works against the pathogens. Epsom salt is anti-inflammatory and anti-itching. It is a well known home remedy or muscle aches. It relieves the itching. Warm water bath provides the much needed relaxation from stresses of life and infection. According to studies, yeast infection worsens because of stress as the immune system is not able to combat them well. When you take such relaxing baths ( especially before sleep ), body's performance supercharges and you can recover faster. 

" If you are one of those persons who doesn't like a full body bath, then you can try a sitz bath. "

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4. Tea Tree Oil Massage

The oil of the tea tree plant is an essential oil. Just put few drops of this oil into a base oil like olive oil and then apply it over the skin. Let the skin soak it completely. It really helps in nearly all kinds of skin infections, like acne and of course yeast infection. Tea tree oil is known more for its potent anti-bacterial properties, but it kills some fungi too.

• Ingredients
  Tea Tree Oil ( essential )
  Olive Oil
• Directions / How to use
  As I said, add 10 drops of tea tree oil to about 250 ml of olive oil. Use this oil as a massage oil for the body. This helps to clear many kinds of skin infections, not only yeast infection. Both men and women can safely use this. If the oil stings a bit, you can dilute it further with olive oil.

" Do not ingest tea tree oil, it is only for topical purposes. "

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5. Oregano Oil from the Pizza Herb
We all know oregano as the "pizza herb" as it has been used in pizzas ever since they are popular, in fact, ever since they are made. Oregano is native to the Mediterranean region. It has very potent anti-fungal power and it zaps them out. Specially , if your yeast infection is caused the same old Candida, they are in for trouble, as oregano oil is very powerful against them.

• Ingredients
  Oregano Oil ( essential )
  Olive Oil ( as a carrier )
• Directions / How to use
  Put a few drops of oregano oil in 1 cup of olive oil. Now, prepare some warm bath water. Add this oil to the water and sit down in the water to have a bath. Do not use soap, cleansers, moisturizers etc.
• Why it works
  The oil is absorbed into the skin, then it goes into the bloodstream. Our blood receives powerful yeast fighting nutrients and it goes full throttle against the fungi.

" Do not ingest oregano essential oil ".

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6. Olive Leaf 
The leaf of olive is powerful antioxidant ( even more than green tea which is considered to be the most powerful antioxidant food among common foods) . Olive leaf , when used in one of numerous ways can help in getting rid of a yeast infection.  It often comes mixed with many soaps which contain olive oil. So, you can as well check that out and use such a soap on the skin for bathing. Olive leaf also comes as a herbal extract, but I wouldn't recommend using extracts for continued periods of time ( like for months and months ).
Another method to use olive leaf, if you have the leaves.
Prepare a herbal tea with weak infusion ( do not steep for more than 2 minutes in hot water ) of olive leaves. Then drink this tea.
Why it works ?
Olive leaf is one of the few immuno-modulatory foods out there. It wakes up your sluggish immune system so that it proactively kills the yeast residing in your body.

" The tea is really bitter , so you may add some cinnamon for sweetening. To make it even better, add a shot of lemon juice and some thyme in it. Thyme makes it more aromatic, so it smells great . "

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7. Onion
Onion is one of those foods which is probably the least thought of when it comes to home remedies, but it is very potent. Just like garlic, onion can also be used to relieve the distress caused by yeast infection and also eliminate these candida yeast. Another way to use an onion is to heat it. Onion starts to release some vapors which can be absorbed by the skin.

• Ingredients
  A fresh onion
• Directions / How to use
  Just gently heat onion pieces. Then, place the onion close to the skin area which is affected by yeast. Onion fumes reach the skin and start acting against the pathogens. You should also eat some onions as part of your diet.
• Why it works
  Onions are strong promoters of improved blood flow. It has been used in Roman times to rub the bodies with onion, as a way to promote strength of the muscles. It has slight anti-bacterial properties as well, which work topically as well as when ingested internally. It also promotes healing faster. Onion is specially rich in silica ( which yields silicon ) which may help with a fungal infection.

" You can also rub onion directly, but it is very pungent and some people would experience a burning sensation. Slightly smoking the onions helps to bring out its vapors. "

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8. Coconut Oil ( Very Powerful Against Candida and all other kinds of Yeast )
This took a long time coming. Coconut oil is perhaps the most potent anti-fungal on earth. That is why, I recommend using coconut oil for any kind of fungal infection, from athlete's foot to ringworm.

• Ingredients
  Organic coconut oil ( cold pressed, extra virgin )
• Directions / How to use
  For external infections, like on the tongue, armpits and reproductive organs, use some coconut oil and massage that region ( Yes, you can also rub it on the tongue )
  For internal infections, you can drink 1-2 tablespoon of coconut oil everyday, and be rest assured that the fungal infection will be eliminated.
• Why it works ?
  When fungi attack, go for coconut oil. Its remarkable.

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9. Swedish turnip 
Also known as Rutabaga, this turnip is regularly used in food in Scandinavian countries. It is a powerful anti fungal food which can be eaten to help the body reduce yeast infection.So, if you suspect a yeast infection, like candida, then walk down to the supermarket, buy some Rutabaga, wash it well and prepare some food recipe with it. Eating it raw is bitter, not a good way to take it.
Rutabaga is an anti-fungal. It slowly helps the body overcome a Candida infection. 

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10. Neem leaf paste
Neem is a tropical tree, very common in South East Asia, especially India, where it is highly valued. Ground neem leaf paste is excellent in treating yeast infection. One can apply this paste on the skin and leave it for some time before washing it off. It may burn, but just a bit. Neem oil can also be used on the skin, but it has a really awful smell, which may not even go away for days. So, just skip the oil. This bitter oil is more suitable for conditions like scabies.

• Ingredients
  Neem leaves ( If you cannot get fresh leaves, you can buy powder or dried neem )
  Water
• Directions / How to use
  Prepare a slurry of neem leaves in a small amount of water. Crush the leaves and add a bit of water to form a slurry, like a semi-solid paste. Then apply it on the skin, wherever the yeast infection ( thrush ) is.
  Just do this once or twice only, not more than that. It can be easily washed with warm water.
  If you are using dried neem, make a strong herbal infusion in less water ( like 30 ml only ) and then apply this on the skin using a cotton ball.

In case you don't have that much time, you can use a neem based cream which you can easily get online, but you may have to do some searching in the supermarket.
" Do not ingest neem leaves or oil, as it can kill certain cells inside the body. Plus, it is disgustingly bitter, makes you wanna vomit. It has also been found to cause problems in couples who want to have a baby. "

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11. Cranberries
You thought it was just for the UTI, and now it has come up here too. You see, cranberries seems to have some affinity for the ladies. It is just so helpful for them, as well as for men. Just drink fresh or canned cranberry juice. It is not as powerful for candida, as it is for UTI, but it does work.

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12. Drink green veggie juices 
Vegetable juices are powerful in helping the body flush out toxins, charge up the immune system and go full throttle against the infection. Juicing is a better way to use them as you get more nutrients from the raw veggies.
Some of the juices that you can try - Spinach, Broccoli, Cabbage, Brussel Sprouts, Swiss Chard etc.
They are somewhat bitter and bland, so you got to put up with it. Ideal drinking amount is about 1 glass of veggie juice in a day, if you are a beginner to juicing. veggies juices are very powerful at eliminating constipation, so you may have to hurry to the toilet within minutes of drinking this.
Why it works ?
Green vegetables have cleansing ability. Your body cleanses out and feels fresh ( in just 1 day ). The body improves its functioning to clear up any infections. Plus, their bitter taste and special micro nutrients zap the fungi proliferating in the intestines.

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13. Coconut Kefir
This is one remedy that is gaining popularity. But, what is kefir by the way ? Kefir is actually a fermentation product. It is generally made out of milk, but for yeast infections, milk kefir is avoided as it contains lactose, which may feed the yeasts. So, if you can get hands on coconut water kefir, try that out.
Why it may work ?
Kefir of any kind contains probiotics - 'healthy for you kind of' bacteria and yeast. These compete with the 'unhealthy for you ' candida and other bacteria. It may not work so slowly, as gut flora takes a lot of time to change.

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14. Calendula ointment
Calendula is a herb which possesses anti-fungal property. There are many creams in the market which contains calendula extract ( some percentage ). You can use this cream to get rid of a nasty yeast infection.

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15. Apple Cider Vinegar or White Vinegar bath
It may not work for all, but some women seem to get relief using a vinegar wipe or bath. In my opinion, bathing is better as the contact time is higher.

• Ingredients
  Get some vinegar
  Warm water ( for bath )
• Directions / How to use
  Get the bath tub ready. Add a cup of Vinegar. You can add some lavender essential oil ( or lavender flowers ) for brilliant fragrance. Lavender is mildly anti fungal. Then take a bath in this water. You can rinse the water out and re - prepare the bath solution. Bathe again if you are feeling better. After you are done, wipe clean. Go to bed and keep a table fan or pedestal fan running right to the part of skin where itching is occurring. Let the skin dry out nicely. Air also heals a yeast infection.

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16. Stretch Yourself Up
Stretching exercises rev p the immune function because it stimulates the lymphatic system. This system is quite similar to our blood circulation, but it becomes sluggish more easily. So, when you are down sick but can work out a bit, you can do stretching for just 15 minutes. If you are a yoga practitioner, it is great as yoga is a wonderful exercise system ( well, it is much more than that ). This would help your body recover faster from a yeast infection, or any other infection.

                                                                                                                        ( Photo Courtesy: dwysiu )