Vaginal yeast infections arrive with symptoms of burning, itching and sometimes a discharge resembling cottage cheese. Highly uncomfortable, the infection is caused by an overgrowth of the fungus candida albicans in the vagina. Garlic cloves are a powerful remedy for vaginal yeast infections, especially when applied directly.
Step 1
Remove a clove of garlic from the bulb. Take care not to damage the clove while removing it. You may need to peel off the outermost layers with your fingers or a paring knife in order to separate the garlic from the clove.
Step 2
Carefully peel the clove with a paring knife and cutting board. Try to remove the entire skin without nicking the clove or cutting the clove in half.
Step 3
Wrap the peeled garlic clove in a length of clean gauze approximately three inches long. Cut four to six inches of clean, unbleached string and tie it to one end of the gauze. The finished product should look like a small, gauze-wrapped tampon. If you do not wish to use the gauze and string method, skip to the next step.
Step 4
Insert the peeled garlic clove, alone or in its wrapping, in the vagina, just as you would a tampon. Leave it in for six to eight hours. Repeat for up to six days. If you need a stronger dose, nick or slit the clove slightly to expose more of the inside.
Tips and Warnings
- In addition to inserting garlic, you can eat garlic raw, baked, or sauteed to gain some of its yeast-fighting benefits. Try crushing a clove of garlic into carrot juice to make it more palatable.
- Nicking or cutting the garlic clove too much may result in a burning sensation, especially on the sensitive tissues of the vagina. If the clove is uncomfortable, try inserting a clove that has not been nicked or cut. If your yeast infection does not improve or grows worse, visit a doctor.
Things You'll Need
- Fresh garlic cloves
- Paring knife
- Cutting board
- Roll of clean gauze (optional)
- 12 inches unbleached string (optional)
