About 70%
to 80% women are affected with yeast infection at least
once in their lifetime. Most among those affected get
repeat attacks. This is because they seek quick-fix
solutions which temporarily get rid of the infection but
not the cause of the infection. Homemade remedies for
yeast infection, on the other hand, are more
effective as they not only cure the infection but ensure
that the infections do not occur again.
The most
common cause of yeast infections is Candida albicans.
This is normally a part of the normal flora and its
number is kept in check by Lactobacillus acidophilus,
friendly bacteria present in the human body. An
imbalance in the numbers of these two organism leads to
yeast infection.
This
imbalance may be caused due to many
reasons:
1.
Indiscriminate
use of antibiotics, steroids, certain birth control
pills tend to destroy the friendly bacteria.
2.
Hormonal
changes during menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause
also contribute yeast
infection.
3.
Infections
like AIDS, cancer, disorders like diabetes lowers the
general ability of the body to fight infections,
resulting in yeast
infections.
4.
Wearing
tight clothes restricts air supply to the affected area
leading to infection.
Homemade
remedies for yeast infection are not
only effective bur are safer and much cheaper than
conventional treatment modalities using drugs. Some
well-known homemade remedies for yeast infection
are:
1.
Application
of apple cider vinegar to the area of infection. Garlic
may be added to reduce itching and water to dilute the
vinegar.
2.
Curds or
yogurt is one of the best homemade remedies. A tampon
soaked in yoghurt and placed in the infected region for
at least an hour two or three times a day is extremely
beneficial. The friendly bacteria in the yoghurt replace
the unhealthy yeast eradicating the infection.
Alternatively, capsules containing probiotic bacteria
are available which are just as
helpful.
3.
Drink at
least two glasses of buttermilk a day. Making curds a
part of the daily diet reduces the chances of yeast
infection.
4.
Mixture of
olive leaf extract with grapefruit seed extract in a
glass of water is a good tonic for yeast infection.
5.
Garlic is
an amazing drug in the treatment of yeast infections. It
may be eaten raw or in the form of pearls or
capsules.
6.
Oil of
oregano. Taken internally it is very potent against
yeast.
7.
Tea tree
oil is also said to be an effective natural medication
for yeast infections.
Using
homemade remedies for treating yeast infection is
just a small piece of puzzle of holistic medicine.
Holistic medicine restores the imbalance between the
internal and external factors which has caused the
infection in the first place. When balance is restored,
the yeast is kept in check.
