Caused by the fungus candida, a yeast infection may strike anyone at any time, although women, infants, patients taking antibiotics and those with impaired immune systems are at an increased risk of developing the disorder. The Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine reports that more than 1 million women in the U.S. suffer from a vaginal yeast infection every year. Although traditional medications are available for treating yeast infections, many without a prescription, some patients may benefit from natural methods of fighting the infection.
Thrush
Thrush, the oral form of yeast infection, may cause white patches on the tongue and on the insides of cheeks. Babies and those with reduced immunity are most likely to develop this type of yeast infection.
Yogurt, with live culture, may repress the growth of the yeast, easing the symptoms. For older children or adults with thrush, gargling with a mouthwash that contains tea tree oil may help. Additional natural remedies include eating fresh garlic, taking grapefruit seed extract supplements and consuming fresh thyme.
Nursing mothers of infants with thrush should treat themselves to prevent the yeast infection from passing back and forth from mother to baby. Infants too young to treat with yogurt must see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
Vaginal Yeast Infection
A vaginal yeast infection is so common in women that most grocery stores carry over-the-counter vaginal creams and suppositories to them. You may also treat this type of yeast overgrowth at home.
In addition to consuming extra garlic and eating yogurt, use plain yogurt as a douche, inserting it into the vagina while lying down for 10 minutes. The Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine also recommends peeling a clove of fresh garlic and wrapping it in clean gauze for insertion into the vagina. Wear the garlic clove suppository as you would a tampon, changing it for a fresh garlic clove at least twice a day.
A vaginal douche, with the addition of tea tree oil, may act as an anti-fungal in the vagina, killing the yeast.
Additional Herbal Remedies
MotherNature.com recommends additional herbs with the potential to reduce the symptoms of yeast infections. The body's white blood cells work to remove yeast organisms, and Echinacea may increase their effectiveness. Sipping goldenseal tea may also reduce yeast organisms, and tea or a douche made from goldenrod or sage may reduce the symptoms. Other potentially beneficial herbs include spicebush, ivy and purslane. Consult a qualified herbalist or a doctor of naturopathy for the best combination of herbs and dosage amounts for your condition.
References
- "Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine, Volume 4"; Jacqueline L. Longe; 2005
- Medline Plus: Yeast Infections
- MotherNature.com: Yeast Infections
