Home/Herbal Remedies/Top 5 Natural Remedies for Yeast Infection

Top 5 Natural Remedies for Yeast InfectionWe all have yeasts, the micro-organisms, present in our bodies but in smaller amounts. Sometimes, due to certain medical conditions and even due to certain medicines like antibiotics, the yeast in our body grow to such a level that it leads to infection, mostly in warm and moist body areas. This is known as Yeast Infection whose medical name is Candidiasis. By now you know that it results from the overgrowth of a type of yeast. This yeast is known as Candida (Candida albicans.) So, our mouths, throat, skin under arms, skin folds like those under breasts or inside elbow or knee area and more commonly genital areas can easily get yeast infection. They all are, however, differentiated with individual names. For example, it is called Thrush when we get it in mouth or throat. When it affects genital area, it is called Yeast Infection. Babies get Diaper Rash on their bottoms, which is nothing but this yeast infection. And when this infection affects our bloodstream, it is called Invasive Candidiasis or Candidemia. Because we are talking about yeast infection, well here concentrate on the home remedies for this infection which is caused in genital areas.Vaginal and Penile Yeast InfectionGenital yeast infection is more common in women. Men too suffer from penile yeast infection but not as often as women do. When there is extreme itching in the vaginal area accompanied with soreness and redness there, a woman should get alerted as she might have caught vaginal yeast infection. If so, she might also experience white clumpy vaginal discharge along with pain during intercourse and urination.As far as men are concerned, yeast infection is more likely in those who are not circumcised. They may have red rashes on their penis under the foreskin along with itching or burning sensation on the tip of the penis. Whether men or women, it is essential to cure yeast infection either through home remedies or through medicines because when one gets it, he or she may pass it on to his or her sexual partner.Home Remedies for Vaginal Yeast InfectionWhen the level of acid responsible for keeping yeast in check, decreases, you might get a vaginal yeast infection. There are certain conditions when this level of acid goes down more often like pregnancy, menstruation, diabetes and also when you are regularly taking oral contraceptive pills. Even douching or irritation due to inadequate vaginal lubrication may lead to yeast infection. Apart from maintaining basic hygiene and keeping your genital area clean and dry, you may use the below home remedies for yeast infection to get relief from pain, itching and also to cure your infection.1. Yogurt Remedy for Yeast InfectionYogurt, not the sweetened one but plain yogurt with active cultures, can not only soothe your itching and burning but can also cure your infection. The friendly bacteria in yogurt inhibit the growth of yeast.Yogurt has Lactobacillus acidophilus which promotes colonization of friendly bacteria in the rectum and vagina along with your whole internal system.

( Photo Courtesy: Flickr ByKris Miller)Do this:1. Eat plain yogurt daily.2. You can also apply yogurt locally in and around your vagina.0. Get a cotton ball1. Soak this in yogurt.2. Now apply this yogurt all over your infected area.3. Leave for 20-30 minutes4. Wash off with water. Dont forget to pat dry.You may also drink a glass of buttermilk twice a day if you do not like to have yogurt, Buttermilk has the same effect as yogurt has on your yeast infection.2. Coconut Oil Remedy for Yeast InfectionMany studies worldwide have established that the medium chain fatty acids in coconut oil can, in fact, kill candida yeast. William Crook, M.D. Who has written The Yeast Connection says that many physicians have used caprylic acid with success for yeast infections. This acid is especially beneficial for the patients who report adverse reactions to antifungal drugs. This caprylic acid, along with two more medium chain fatty acids, is found in coconut oil and is capable of killing Candida albicans. Thus, you can take advantage of the natural antibacterial and antifungal properties of coconut oil to treat your vaginal infection.

( Photo Courtesy:vegan-baking)Do this: Take a cotton ball and soak it in coconut oil. If its winter time, you may need to heat the oil a little as coconut oil becomes solid in low temperatures. However, the oil melts without trouble when you take it in your hands, of course, due to your body heat. (so, you may well apply the oil with your clean fingers too). Wipe gentle the infected area with the cotton soaked in coconut oil. Do this twice or thrice a day. If you feel sticky, wipe the oil dry with a soft cloth after about 20-30 minutes.3. Garlic Remedy for Yeast InfectionGarlic, one of the super foods of our times, can also come to your rescue when it comes to killing the yeasts causing infection. How does garlic help in yeast infection? Well, there are two components of garlic that give it anti-fungal and antimicrobial properties- Allicin and Ajoene. A whole clove of garlic, however, do not contain allicin. Allicin is created only when one of the other components of garlic, alliin, gets combined with the enzyme alliinase, also present in garlic. And how does this happen? Simply by crushing the garlic clove.A word of caution: Garlic, however, may affect with the working of certain medication that you are taking. Also, using garlic along with oral contraceptive may lower the effectiveness of these birth control pills. As per the U.S. National Library of Medicine, some birth control pills have the hormone estrogen, which a womans body naturally breaks down. Taking garlic may increase the rate at which the hormone estrogen breaks down. Many people also advise against taking garlic as a remedy for yeast infection because it can burn the mucous membrane of vagina leaving sores that are tough to heal properly. If your skin is sensitive and you can cure your infection with other remedies, its better not to use garlic in vagina even if many women have experienced positive results. However, you can use garlic paste for other non vaginal yeast infection.4. Grapefruit Seed Extract for Yeast InfectionMany natural health practitioners recommend grapefruit seed extract to cure yeast infection including that in vagina. It has natural antibiotic and antifungal properties that kills the growing yeast along with a wide variety of other pathogens. However, it has to be accompanied with a cleansing diet a diet which is low in sugar, starches, fermented foods, coffee, cigarettes, alcohol and high in fiber, low starch vegetables, proteins, complex carbohydrates and fruits. If you are ready, you can make a grapefruit seed extract rinse to cure vaginal infection.

( Photo Courtesy: Flickr ByJasleen Kaur)Do this: Add 5-10 drops of grapefruit seed extract to 2 cups of clean water. Shake this water well so that the extract gets totally dissolved in it. You may use a closed jar for the purpose. Wash your infected vaginal area with this water. You may also soak a cotton ball in the water and apply it on the infected area. Do it everyday for three days.A word of caution: If you feel any kind of irritation after using this mixture, you should discontinue its use. Also if you are pregnant or menstruating, avoid using this. Ask your physician before using any home remedy.5. Essential Oils for Yeast Infection RemedyThere are many essential oils that have strong anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, and anti-viral properties. For example, cinnamon oil in which yeast cannot survive. Tea tree oil, grape seed oil, coconut oil, all of them have such properties that can cure your infection. Here is a recipe to make a concoction using such essential oils along with a carrier oil so that you can get immediate relief from your infection.Get this: Grapeseed oil (carrier oil)- 2 tbsp Tea tree oil- 2-3 drops Cinnamon oil- 2-3 drops Oregano oil- 2-3 drops Peppermint oil- 2-3 drops Lemon oil- 2-3 dropsDo this: Mix all the oils. Store in a bottle. Using a dropper or soaked cotton ball, apply this oil on the infected area. Let it sit there for few minutes. Wipe off with clean soft cloth.Do this twice a day.Natural Remedies for Penile Yeast InfectionMale yeast infection, in its basic form, is not different from vaginal infection as it is also a result of uncontrolled growth of yeast. So, men may also apply the following on the infected area to get rid of yeast infection.1. Yogurt-Apply it or eat it daily.2. Coconut oil-Apply coconut oil on affected area.3. Tea tree oil-mix two drops of tea tree oil with 1 tsp of almond oil or olive oil and apply on affected area.4. Cranberry juice-Have cranberry juice twice a day to restore good acidophilus bacteria level.5. Apple cider vinegar-Dont apply it directly on your genitals. Add a half cup to 1 cup of ACV in your bath tub and sit in it for few minutes. You may also dilute tsp of ACV in 2 cups of water and wash the affected area.6. Oregano Oil- Carvacrol, the active ingredient of this oil is beneficial in treating infection but always dilute it before applying. Mix two drops of oregano oil with a tbsp of olive oil, coconut oil or water and then apply to the affected area.7. Harad herb- Siddha medicine talks about harad (terminalia chebula) remedy for male candidiasis problem.0. Mix 1 tsp of dried harad powder into a glass of water.1. Drink it before going to bed at night.2. Continue this for at least 3 days to get rid of itching and irritation due to yeast infection.3. It is, however, a mild laxative so do not have it in greater amounts.4. Dont give it to kids.Male Yeast Infection: Symptoms, Causes and TreatmentsContrary to the belief that only females suffer from yeast infections, men can also contact yeast infections, known as male yeast infection. They can be extremely painful and discomforting. Knowing the symptoms and causes can help them detect and cure the infection before it becomes worse.Many men are unaware of having a yeast infection as it progress in males in asymptotic form. Most men contract the infection from their partners, as women are more susceptible to develop yeast infections. In women, the condition is easily identifiable as a host of symptoms manifest within a brief period of contacting the infection. However, most men do not know they have it till they are either informed by their partners or through a medical examination. Male yeast infection is contracted through unprotected sex. This is the only method through which the infection can enter the body. Such infections can cause extreme discomfort and irritation. Therefore, it is important to realize that men too are prone to contacting yeast infections, contrary to the myth that only women suffer from this disease. Being knowledgeable about its symptoms and the available treatment options can help people be rid of this condition.Symptoms of Male Yeast InfectionUnlike a vaginal yeast infection, a penile yeast infection may not always have symptoms, especially during its progression stages. However, when symptoms start manifesting, they can be extremely discomforting. Some common symptoms of a penile yeast infection are, Burning sensation when passing urine. Sores on the foreskin of the genital organ. Irritation and itchiness. White discharge, similar to a vaginal infection. Discomfort during sexual intercourse. Redness and inflammation on top of the penis. Indigestion. Increased desire for sweets.Men with yeast infections may also experience mood swings and temporary lapse in memory. Furthermore, penile yeast infections can also cause problems with the prostate. Therefore any signs of penile yeast infections should be checked out medically as soon as possible.Causes of Male Yeast InfectionsIt is common for a healthy human body to have yeast present in their body. These organisms are part and parcel of the dermal structure and various bacteria in the body keeps these organisms under control. However, any changes to the immune system can result in an overgrowth of yeast. For example, HIV or AIDS patients or patients undergoing chemotherapy may be more likely to develop a yeast infection because of their weakened immune systems. There are several other factors that cause the growth of yeast in the body. Below are some of the key factors that can trigger off a yeast overgrowth, leading to an infection. Antibiotic use- Antibiotics are often prescribed by doctors for treating various bacterial infections. Long-term antibiotic use can destroy healthy bacteria, enabling yeast fungi to take over and grow. Diabetes- Yeast thrives on glucose. This is the reasons why men with diabetes may suffer often with yeast infections. The high glucose content in the urine makes the body an extremely suitable place for yeast to thrive. Mercury Poisoning- Yeast cells absorb its weight in mercury preventing harm to the body. However, yeast thrives in elevated mercury levels. Foods- Certain foods can also increase the growth of yeast. The typical American diet is quite susceptible to the overgrowth of yeast. For example, wheat, oats, barley and peanuts, corn and red apples encourage the growth of yeast in the body. Beer too encourages the growth of yeast.Treating Male Yeast InfectionsThere are various methods of treating male yeast infections. Considering some of these methods can help relieve the pain and discomfort associated with this condition. For example, there are various herbal antifungal remedies that cure yeast infections. These include Genetian Violet, organic coconut oil, and organic oregano oil, grape seed extracts and garlic and carrot juice. There are several over-the-counter and prescription drugs that can be purchased for treating this condition too. Nizoral and Diflucan are common medications for treating yeast infections. Apart from this, topical antifungal creams, such as, Clotrimazole, Miconazole and Isocanazole are also available for treatment. Fungi thrive in moist environments. Therefore, all men should ensure that they keep their genital areas as dry as possible. Removal of excess hair is also recommended as this cause dampness and propensity to create humid and sweaty conditions in which yeast colonies thrive.A male yeast infection is both unpleasant and embarrassing to the affected person. It can be extremely discomforting and painful. Understanding its causes and symptoms as well as treatment methods will help not only those already affected with yeast infections but for all men in general as it can help in prevention as well as diagnosis.

1.Treat a Dry Penis Caused by Psoriasis with Oregon Grape

Herbs can be effective in treating the symptoms of your dry penis butyou dont have to eat them. Oregon grape is a herb --- a cream madefrom the herb was tested on psoriasis and found to be helpful.

A 2006 study from the Dermatology and Cosmetic Center, Rochester,New York gave 200 people a cream with 10 percent Oregon grapeextract or a placebo cream to be used twice a day for three months.Those using the Oregon grape cream experienced greater benefits thanthe placebo group. Oregon grape in a cream is generally well-toleratedalthough it may occasionally cause a rash on your skin.

2.Aloe is a Remedy for a Dry Penis

Aloe vera is also a helpful remedy to counter psoriasis and may bebetter tolerated by your skin than Oregon grape cream. A 1996 studyfrom Malm University Hospital, Sweden found topical aloe vera creamapplied three times a day for four weeks was very effective againstpsoriasis and could be useful for treating dry skin on the penis causedby this condition.

3.Fish Oil Could Help Cure a Dry Penis

The scientific evidence for the power of fish oil in treating psoriasis,and dry penis caused by psoriasis, is incomplete. However, manyexperts believe fish oil can help beat this itchy condition.

A 1993 study from Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield, UK looked at28 people with chronic psoriasis and found that patients taking fish oilcapsules every day saw significant improvements in itchiness, drynessand scaling.

Update:

Since 1993, numerous other studies have confirmed the effectivenessof omega 3 fatty acids, particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) , intreating psoriasis. A 2007 study which reviewed all other then-existingstudies on the subject, was conducted by doctors at Cardiff University,Welsh School of Pharmacy in the UK. That mega-study noted that,while EPA has been shown generally to have a positive effect onpsoriasis, not enough is known about the best way to deliver the oil tothe body--- in other words, should it be taken orally, applied to the skinor should some other means be used to achieve optimal results.

While scientists debate the best way to deliver omega-3 to treatpsoriasis, you can certainly increase the amount of EPA in your bodythe natural way --by eating more salmon, tuna, halibut, walnuts andother foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids.

Strive to eat fish two to three times a week to improve dry penis skin.(Read more abouthealth benefits of fish oil.)

4.Treat Dry Penis Caused by Eczema with Chinese Herbal Medicine

If your dry penis is caused by eczema, perhaps Chinese herbal medicinecan help. According to a 1992 study by the Royal Free Hospital andSchool of Medicine, London, UK a formula of Chinese herbs includingPotentilla chinensis, Paeonia lactiflora, Akebia clematidis, Rehmanniaglutinosa and Ledebouriella seseloides produced significant results asan eczema treatment compared to placebo.

5. Chamomile Cream for a Dry Penis

There are benefits from applying a soothing cream to your penis if youare suffering from dry and itchy skin. Chamomile has been shown tooffer soothing benefits to eczema sufferers. One 1985 study by ZHautkr et al treated 161 individuals with chamomile cream and foundthe remedy to be equally effective against eczema as 0.25%hydrocortisone cream. Chamomile cream is generally seen to be well-tolerated and suitable for the sensitive skin on the penis.

6.Licorice Cream Can Help Treat a Dry, Itchy PenisWhile youre looking at creams to ease the itch on your penis, considerlicorice cream. A cream made with 1 percent or 2 percent extract oflicorice was found to be more effective at treating eczema in a 2003study from Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran thanplacebo. The 2 percent cream was even better than the 1 percent.

7.Can Evening Primrose Oil Help a Dry Penis?

Evening primrose oil is a rich source of the essential fatty acid gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), as are borage oil and black currant oil. Experts sawevening primrose oil, taken in capsule form, is useful for treatingeczema.

Could it also help your dry penis caused by eczema? Maybe. A 1989review from the Efamol Research Institute, Woodbridge Meadows,Guildford, UK did find evening primrose oil reduced the itchingassociated with eczema over several months of use, but studies afterthis review have failed to find similar benefits.

One 1994 study from the University of Bologna, Italy found marginalbenefits but used very high doses of the supplement. One interesting2007 study from Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama City, Japanfound undershirts coated with borage oil reduced the symptoms ofeczema in 32 children. The effect has not yet been tested on underwear.

8.Change Your Soap and Underwear to Prevent Dry PenisThe simple remedies are often the best, and cures for jock itch and drypenis include switching your soap to a mild, soapless cleanser andgently washing the skin twice a day. Wear 100 percent cottonunderwear to avoid skin irritation and to keep sweat away from theskin. Switch your laundry detergent to a specialist detergent forsensitive skin and skip the fabric softener and bleach.

9.Keep Your Private Parts Dry to Avoid Penis Itch

You can also cut your risk of a dry and itchy penis, and clear yoursymptoms, by drying the genital area thoroughly with a clean towelafter showering and exercising.

Powder helps. You can use un-scented powder to get rid of moisture.These measures help cut down the risk of bacterial and fungalinfections that thrive in warm, moist areas. If you have athletes foot,treat it before it spreads to the groin and the penis.

10.Tea Tree Oil Can Help Prevent a Dry Penis

Tea tree oil is shown to be effective at treating athletes foot. When youtreat athletes foot you are less likely to pass the infection to your groinarea, where it can cause a dry and itchy penis.

A 2002 study from the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, NewSouth Wales, Australia tested 158 people with athletes foot with a 25percent tea tree solution, 50 percent tea tree oil solution or placebo.

In the 50% tea tree group, 64 percent of the patients were cured andin the 25% tea tree group, 55 percent were cured of athletes foot much better than placebo for getting rid of athletes foot that couldcause problems for your penis.