Vaginal yeast infections are a common affliction for women, causing irritation in and around the vagina. Yeast infections can be treated using a variety of medications, both over the counter and by prescription. Stinging nettle tea is purported to have some ability to help soothe and treat yeast infections. However, the scientific evidence to support this claim is inconclusive.
Yeast Infection
Yeast infections are a fungal infection that afflicts the vagina and vulva, which is the outer area surrounding the vagina. Yeast infections occur when there is too much growth of the fungus Candida albicans. Around three-quarters of the female population will experience a yeast infection at some point in time, and almost half of women will experience a yeast infection more than once.
Symptoms
Symptoms of a yeast infection include extreme itchiness in and around the vaginal area. This symptom is generally the first indication of a yeast infection. Other signs include a burning sensation in the vulva and vaginal regions; redness and swelling of the same regions; pain during urination and sex; soreness; a thick, white, cottage-cheese- or curdlike vaginal discharge; a rash in the vagina and vulva area. You may not experience all of these symptoms at once, and they can range in intensity from mild to severe. Consult your doctor for an accurate diagnosis of a yeast infection.
Stinging Nettle
Stinging nettle is also known as nettle or as Urtica dioica. It is a leafy plant that produces clusters of green-white flowers. The leaves of the plant are pale green and have stinging needles or hairs on them, thus the reason for the name. When consumed internally, stinging nettle can be used to treat a variety of conditions, including infections of the urinary tract, excess menstrual flow and vaginal yeast infections. However, the effectiveness of nettle in treating any of these conditions remains unproven.
Treatment
When using stinging nettle as a treatment for vaginal yeast infections, you can consume the nettle supplement as either a tincture, a capsule, an infusion or a tea. The dried leaves, stem and roots of the plant are used in all four of the preparations. The efficacy of nettle as a treatment for yeast infections remains unsupported by current scientific research. Yeast infections can also be treated with over-the-counter antifungal medications that come in cream, tablet or ointment forms. Prescription treatments for vaginal yeast infections are also available. Consult your doctor for the treatment option most suitable for your needs.
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