Garlic is a common natural remedy that yeast infection sufferers turn to because it will soothe the symptoms as well as giving relief from tthe infection itself. Eat it raw, or alternatively it can be used like a suppository – wrap it in gauze or cheesecloth and insert it into the vagina. It will help kill the fungus that causes the infection.

Yoghurt is very popular because it introduces good bacteria back into the body which help stop the growth of the fungus. Make sure you use plain yoghurt that has no added sugar or fruits. It can be applied directly to the area or use a tampon dipped in it and then insert it.

The essentail oil Tea Tree oil can be used by diluting it first (because as a complex compound it should not be used in its natural form) and apply it to the infection. It has a soothing effect.

Apple cider vinegar is another but this one can not be applied directly to the infection as the previous ones can. Mix a cup in your bath water and soak in it – remember to use the Apple cider vinegar not white vinegar as that will feed the infection not inhibit it.
Grapefruit is another natural cure as is honey. Honey can be applied outside the vagina but do not let it enter it as it will feed the yeast (the fungus loves all things sweet!)

All of these methods have been proven to work so choose one and give it a try, or choose a couple so you have better odds!

The symptoms of genital yeast infection are itching that can get to be very severe and makes normal life difficult. Also there can be a burning feeling, penile or vaginal discharge that is white or yellowish, redness and pain during sexual intercourse.
Symptoms of oral yeast infection, Thrush, are white crusts in the mouth and on the lips below which are lesions that bleed if the white comes off. It is painful and you can also have bad breath.

The cause of yeast infections is when the Candida fungus grows more than it should. Normally it is present but controlled by the body and good bacteria. When an imbalance happens, the good bacteria are depleted or hormones etc the fungus has a growth spurt and leads to the yeast infection. So to stop the yeast infection you need to know why in your body the fungus is over growing.

The more common treatment for yeast infections are antifungal medications. There are also very effective natural remedies. These give a very fast relief but really only of the symptoms not the root cause of your infection. This means it will keep coming back until you deal with the cause. Since different people have different reasons for their problem this is something you need to look into.

First try to make changes to your diet. Cut out sugar as it is a main food for the yeast so it promotes its growth. Also avoid carbohydrates, yeast and fermented products.

After washing make sure you really dry your skin well. The fungus loves a moist and warm environment. Also when swimming, sunbathing or using a hot tub, try to change out of your wet clothing as soon as you can.

Your clothing needs to be loose and preferably underwear should be made of a breathable fabric like cotton. Tight, synthetic clothing makes you sweat thereby creating that wet and warm environment the yeast loves.

A couple of excellent home remedies if you have a yeast infection are garlic and yogurt. Do not worry, I am not saying you have to eat garlicy yogurt! To use garlic, peel a clove and wrap it in cloth and insert up the vagina. To use the yogurt smear it on the infection or use a tampon dipped in olive oil then yogurt and then insert.

Garlic works because of its antifungal and antibacterial properties which attack the yeast and yogurt works becasue of the good bacteria in it that kill the yeast. It replenishes any good bacteria you are missing that would have kept the fungus under control in the first place. Make sure the yogurt is sugar and fruit free! You want plain live or probiotic yogurt, there are plenty out there. Of course you can eat lots of both too to get the benefits internally.

But what causes them? There are a number of situations that can cause chronic yeast infections. Often the symptoms are treated but the root cause has not been. Diabetes can cause it as this is an illness all about sugar, and excessive amounts of sugar in your diet encourages the infection to come back, as it feeds on it. Too much alcohol and carbohydrates are also reasons for chronic yeast infections. If your clothing is always tight, particularly your underwear, this gives the fungus the perfect dark, moist environment in which to grow. Not cleaning the area and drying it carefully, sores and douching can all also be contributing factors.

Obviously should you have a yeast infection, you want to know how to deal with it effectively. Diabetics need to make sure their glucose levels are under control. Avoid wearing wet suits, or bathing suits for a long time. Switch to loose cotton underwear. There are anti-fungal items that can help fight it. You may need to switch treatments until you find one that works as all bodies are different and there are various yeast strains. One prescribed treatment that works is Nystatin and it is one of the few with less side effects.

Natural treatments are also out there that work. Garlic is anti fungal and can be eaten or fresh cloves can be inserted directly into the vagina. Grapefruit seed extract can be diluted in water, as well as olive leaf extract. Avoid processed foods such as white flour, white rice, white bread and white pasta. Cut out mushrooms and vinegar.

Using these tips you can easily manage a chronic yeast infection; don’t forget – the key is to go for the cause and not the symptoms.