Many women prefer candida natural treatment for yeast infections over traditional over-the-counter treatments. In fact, if traditional yeast infection cream is used when a yeast infection is not present, it can actually make your next yeast infection more difficult to treat.

DISCLAIMER: The information in this article is NOT medical advice. These treatments should be considered to be stories, “old wives’ tales,” or whatever you like, until you do your own research or discuss these with your own doctor.

Plain Yogurt

Believe it or not, plain yogurt, applied directly to the yeast infection (about one teaspoon, using an applicator), is a favorite remedy of some people. According to them, the yogurt should be plain, unflavored, no sugar added, and must contain active yogurt cultures of L. acidophilus, which keeps Candida albicans under control. The yogurt can also be eaten, but good results have also been reported by applying the yogurt directly.

Garlic

One woman’s favorite remedy is – get this – raw garlic. That’s right. She actually peels a clove of fresh garlic, wraps it in cheese cloth or gauze, ties it up with unwaxed dental floss as a removal string, and places it in her vagina. She even has been known to place the garlic in directly, with no removal mechanism, which obviously makes for a tricky removal (which might require a doctor’s help, if it gets stuck).

Teatree Oil

Teatree oil has also been used, supposedly quite extensively in Italy. The suggested method is to coat the tip of a non-applicator tampon with lubricant (like K-Y), then apply a few drops of teatree oil, and insert. Apparently, an applicator tampon can also be used, by simply removing the applicator, applying the lubricant and teatree oil, replacing the applicator, and using it that way. This helps prevent contact between the oil and the vulva, which is said to possibly sting a bit.

Boric Acid

A rather amazing, and somewhat strong suggested candida natural treatment is to load boric acid into two size 00 capsules from a pharmacy, and insert them into the vagina every night for a week. It’s reported that some discomfort or additional discharge may occur, so it’s probably not best to do this if you experience any burning. Sounds a little crazy, but it has been used with some success, apparently.

WARNING: Boric acid is poisonous if taken internally or inhaled in large quantities.

Potassium Sorbate

Potassium sorbate, in 3% solution (1 tablespoon per cup of water) has also been used, usually in conjunction with a tampon, either soaking the tampon before insertion, or inserting the solution after the tampon.

Cranberries

Cranberries can help lower the pH of your urine and prevent the urine from sticking to the urinary tract, so they may help in reducing the irritation on the vaginal wall from urine that comes into contact with it. There’s pure cranberry juice, and even cranberry pills are available, which bypasses the bitter taste of natural cranberries.

Once again, you should consult with your doctor or do your own research before using any of these treatments, and do so at your own risk. If you have chronic yeast infections, you may need prescription medication or some lifestyle changes to make a serious impact on your condition.