What drink kills yeast

How to get rid of a yeast infection

In many cases, yeast infections can be easily and successfully treated at home. This is done with either over-the-counter products or alternative therapies.

Anecdotal reports suggest that many women experience relief from such home treatments.

However, scientific evidence varies for the effectiveness of these alternative therapies.

1. Over-the-counter treatments

Antifungal treatments in the form of creams or pessaries can be purchased over the counter, without a prescription, to treat yeast infections.

Depending on the product, the treatment may be for external or internal use and treat the infection with:

• a single application
• a 3-day application
• a weeklong application

A 2020 study found that internal and oral antifungal medications are similarly effective in treating vaginal yeast infections. These contain powerful antifungals called azoles.

2. Boric acid

Vaginal boric acid capsules can work for women with a yeast infection. These may be especially useful for women with recurrent infections.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests a dosage of 600 mg of boric acid in a capsule inserted vaginally once a day for 3 weeks. This is known as suppression therapy. Before purchasing any suppositories, consult with a doctor.

A 2022 study found that 5% boric acid gel significantly reduced the symptoms of candida albicans in mice. It inhibited its growth, prevented vaginal lesions, and encouraged the production of certain immune system signals (Th1 and Th17 cytokines) that are helpful in fighting the infection.

3. Tea tree oil

Tea tree oil has long been prized for its antifungal properties. Indeed, recent research confirmed its ability to kill a range of yeasts and fungi including candida albicans.

Vaginal suppositories containing tea tree oil have been shown to treat vaginal fungal infections. Some women report relief from adding diluted tea tree oil to a tampon and inserting this into the vagina overnight.

Tea tree is an essential oil and, as such, needs to be mixed with a carrier oil. People can use 3-5 drops of tea tree oil in 1 ounce of warmed coconut oil to soak a tampon. It is important to change the tampon regularly.

People can be allergic to tea tree oil. Test the diluted oil on an area the size of a dime on the forearm, and if there is no reaction in 12 to 24 hours, it may be safe to use on the more sensitive genital area. However, a person should exercise extreme caution as the vaginal walls are particularly sensitive.

4. Probiotic supplements

Some probiotic supplements may offer a natural solution to yeast infection.

Some brands of probiotic supplements sell specially formulated products for female reproductive health. These aim to restore the balance of bacteria and yeast in the vagina. The supplements are taken orally or inserted vaginally.

In a 2012 study, women with chronic yeast infections inserted a specially formulated probiotic pill into the vagina. Nearly 87 percent reported an improvement in their symptoms. The treatment also had a long-term effect on the yeast responsible for the infection.

In the study, the women used one pill a night for a week. They then inserted one every third night for 3 weeks. After this, they used the treatment just once a week on an ongoing basis as a preventive measure.

A more recent review agreed that probiotic yeasts could be a promising, effective alternative or combination therapy for candida infections.

5. Natural yogurt

Natural, unsweetened, non-flavored yogurt contains beneficial bacteria called probiotics. These contribute to health and help restore the balance of bacteria and yeast in the body.

A 2006 review of research found that certain types of probiotics may combat some of the yeasts that cause vaginal yeast infection. While the reviewers flagged issues with several of the studies they cited, many people report relief from:

• eating yogurt
• applying to the vulva around the vagina
• inserting it vaginally

6. Coconut oil

Coconut oil has antifungal properties and has been shown to combat the candida albicans yeast.

Raw organic coconut oil can be applied internally or externally to ease symptoms.

Warmed coconut oil can also be used as a carrier oil for more powerful antifungal essential oils, including tea tree oil or oil of oregano.

7. Garlic

Garlic is a known antifungal and antibiotic.

A recent study found that pure garlic, when compared to onion and lemon juice extracts, showed a highly significant antifungal efficacy against candida albicans.

Also, a vaginal cream containing garlic and thyme was found to be as effective as clotrimazole vaginal cream in the treatment of yeast infection.

8. Oil of oregano

Oil of oregano made from the wild oregano, origanum vulgare, contains two potent antifungals: thymol and carvacrol.

Some research has found that wild oregano halts or inhibits the growth of candida albicans more effectively than any other essential oils derived from Lamiaceae plants.

Capsules containing oil of oregano may be inserted into the vagina at night. Alternatively, it can be applied to a tampon before insertion.

It is a good idea to test for allergies to oil of oregano on the forearm before use. Comparing different products is also recommended.

Essential oils should be mixed with carrier oils before use and never applied directly to the skin. People can mix 3-5 drops of oil of oregano essential oil in 1 ounce of warmed coconut oil or olive oil.

A tampon should be soaked in this mixture for a few minutes, then inserted and changed every 2-4 hours during the day. People should not leave a medicated tampon in for more than 6 hours.

When to avoid home remedies

Many home remedies are safe for most people with yeast infections. However, the following people should not try to treat themselves:

• pregnant women
• anyone who has been exposed to a sexually transmitted infection
• people with a recurrent yeast infection
• people who are unsure if their symptoms are caused by a yeast infection

Below are some commonly asked questions about how to get rid of a yeast infection.

Can a yeast infection go away on its own?

A mild yeast infection may go away on its own. However, this is rare.

It is always a good idea to treat a yeast infection, even if it is mild. Left untreated, a yeast infection carries the risk of leading to a systemic infection in which other organs can become involved.

Does cranberry juice help yeast infections?

Despite being a commonly held belief, there is no evidence that cranberry juice helps yeast infections.

However, it does appear to help lower the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs), which can cause symptoms such as pain, itching, and burning in the vaginal area.

Can drinking water flush out a yeast infection?

While hydration does help with managing overall vaginal flora and can cause a shift in pH levels, making it easier to decrease or eliminate yeast, drinking water alone does not usually flush out yeast.

Apple Cider Vinegar for Candida

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Apple cider vinegar has antibacterial and antifungal benefits. Consuming it could potentially make your body less hospitable to fungus. However, more research is needed to determine whether it can successfully treat yeast infections.

Candida are a group of yeasts that can cause fungal infections in different parts of the body. There are more than 200 different species of candida. Approximately 90% of the infections are caused by 5 species:

• Candida albicans
• Candida glabrata
• Candida tropicalis
• Candida parapsilosis
• Candida krusei

Candida normally live in the body without causing problems. They can be found in the intestines and on a type of tissue called mucous membranes, which line the vagina and mouth.

Candida are opportunistic fungi that can grow out of control in the right circumstances. An overgrowth of candida causes an infection with a variety of symptoms.

In the vagina, a candida infection is commonly known as a yeast infection. An infection in the mouth is called thrush. People with diabetes get yeast infections more often.

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is a scientifically proven antifungal. Laboratory research shows that it can inhibit the growth of candida cultivating in a petri dish.

According to research, ACV has benefits as an antibacterial and antifungal agent.

A 2018 study found that undiluted (or mildly diluted) ACV can prevent the growth of candida. The researchers discovered this effect in a candida culture, which is a small sample of these organisms.

However, more research is required to discover whether ACV works to combat yeast in the human body. It appears that this opportunistic fungus doesnt like ACV.

Consuming ACV could potentially make your body less hospitable to fungus, which means it wouldnt grow out of control and cause an infection.

You can use ACV to combat candida in a variety of different ways. You can take it to treat an overgrowth or incorporate it into your daily routine to prevent future infections.

Drink it straight

Apple cider vinegar can be taken straight, undiluted. Try taking 1 tablespoon twice per day. Follow it with a glass of water.

The taste of ACV can be quite difficult for some to tolerate. If you dont like the taste, try adding a drop of honey, or dilute it with juice or water.

Continue this routine daily until your candida infection clears up or for as long as desired. You might just want to add it to salads to get the benefits.

With any treatment, always seek out a physician first to determine underlying causes.

Gargle it

To treat an oral thrush infection, you can apply ACV directly to the infected tissue.

Mix 1/2 cup of ACV into 1 cup of water. Gargle and swish this solution around your mouth for 15 seconds. Spit and repeat for at least three minutes.

Repeat two to three times per day until the infection clears.

Add it to tea

Add 1 tablespoon of ACV to a cup of black tea. A 2009 study shows that the polyphenols in black tea work to slow the growth of candida. The flavor of the tea will also help mask the strong taste of ACV.

Drink this tincture twice per day to treat an infection and once per day as a preventative measure.

Use it as salad dressing

Apple cider vinegar makes a great salad dressing. Putting it on your salads is probably an easier way to incorporate it into your diet, because youll likely enjoy the taste. Mix ACV with olive oil for a quick-and-easy dressing, or get creative and spice it up with dried herbs or some garlic.

Mix it with coconut oil

To use ACV on your skin, mix it into some organic coconut oil. A 2007 study shows that virgin coconut oil may be nearly as effective as prescription antifungal medications. For the best results, buy coconut oil that is 100 percent pure.

Learn more about using coconut oil to treat a yeast infection.

Be aware that coconut oil can break down the latex in condoms, so youll need to abstain from sex while using this treatment, or use another method of birth control if you want to prevent pregnancy.

Add it to a smoothie

Hide the strong taste of ACV by mixing it into your daily smoothie.

Add 1 to 2 tablespoons to any standard smoothie. Try complementing the taste of ACV by adding apples, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

You can also make a green drink and mix in other natural antifungals like garlic, radishes, and cloves.

Use it in the bath

Many people find that mixing ACV into a warm bath helps sooth and moisturize the skin. It may also be an effective way to fight or prevent yeast infections. Bath water does make its way into the vagina. The tricky part is using enough ACV to make it effective.

Fill the tub halfway at most and add 2 cups of ACV. Soak for about 15 minutes. While youre in the tub, practice your Kegel exercises. This helps strengthen your pelvic floor muscles.

Apple cider vinegar has a very high safety profile.

Generally, there are no negative side effects associated with drinking it, although too much can create a burning sensation in your throat because its acidic. It may also erode your tooth enamel. Its best to dilute ACV before using it.

Little research has been done on the topical application of ACV, but most people dont have any problems with it. Discontinue use if you experience any irritation or odd side effects.

If your symptoms dont improve after one week, make an appointment with your doctor. Yeast infections share many of the same symptoms as more serious conditions.

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and bacterial vaginosis are often mistaken for yeast infections. Left untreated, these conditions can put you at risk of serious complications and increase your vulnerability to other STIs.

The only way to make sure youre treating the right condition is to get tested for yeast. Since there are many species of candida you want to make sure you know what you are treating.

If you test positive for a yeast infection, follow your doctors treatment recommendations. You can also ask your doctor about adding apple cider vinegar to your treatment plan.

ACV is thought to be natural and safe for people with diabetes who experience reoccurring yeast infections. Consider other treatments like coconut oil, over-the-counter suppositories, or prescription antifungal medication.