Natural treatments for vaginal thrush have been shown to be as effective as prescription medicines or over-the-counter preparations. This condition can affect women from infancy to old age. Techniques to prevent or treat it without resorting to drugs have been around for generations.
Holistic solutions to illnesses seek to address the cause of problems as well as the obvious symptoms. Medicine often suppresses symptoms without addressing the underlying condition that gives rise to them. In the case of yeast infections, symptoms include intense itching and burning as well as thick discharge. The cause, however, begins with an overgrowth of yeasts in the digestive tract, which occurs when beneficial bacteria which colonize the intestines are too few to keep things in balance.
Another thing that helps to control candidiasis - the formal name for a yeast infection - is wearing cotton underwear. This material is more absorbent than many man-made fabrics. Keeping the vaginal area dry and allowing as much air circulation as possible helps, so sleeping without underwear is recommended.
Unsweetened yogurt is recommended as part of the diet, to get beneficial lactobacillus into the digestive tract. It can also be used topically to soothe itching and burning. A tampon dipped in plain yogurt and inserted will introduce friendly bacteria into the vagina.
Vinegar, which promotes the slightly acidic environment that helps control yeasts, is also helpful. Either white or apple cider vinegar is helpful when added to bathwater or used as a dip for tampons. Avoid oranges during an attack of candidiasis, since they make your system more alkaline. Surprisingly, baking soda is another treatment that has proved its worth when used in the same way as vinegar. While mild alkalinity favors yeast, the more intense level caused by bicarbonate of soda will inhibit its growth.
Garlic has clinically proven immune system boosting properties and also acts as a fungicide. It is good to eat both as a preventative and as a restorative. A peeled garlic clove inserted in to the vagina brings the herb's anti-fungal effects directly to the source of discomfort.
There are many other herbs that can help when natural treatments for vaginal thrush are needed. Pau d'arco and calendula are only two of the dozens that can be used. The medicinal use of herbs is well documented in books and online. Brew them as teas to drink or for use as topical washes. Homeopathic remedies, either single or in combination, can also speed recovery from a yeast infection.
Holistic solutions to illnesses seek to address the cause of problems as well as the obvious symptoms. Medicine often suppresses symptoms without addressing the underlying condition that gives rise to them. In the case of yeast infections, symptoms include intense itching and burning as well as thick discharge. The cause, however, begins with an overgrowth of yeasts in the digestive tract, which occurs when beneficial bacteria which colonize the intestines are too few to keep things in balance.
Another thing that helps to control candidiasis - the formal name for a yeast infection - is wearing cotton underwear. This material is more absorbent than many man-made fabrics. Keeping the vaginal area dry and allowing as much air circulation as possible helps, so sleeping without underwear is recommended.
Unsweetened yogurt is recommended as part of the diet, to get beneficial lactobacillus into the digestive tract. It can also be used topically to soothe itching and burning. A tampon dipped in plain yogurt and inserted will introduce friendly bacteria into the vagina.
Vinegar, which promotes the slightly acidic environment that helps control yeasts, is also helpful. Either white or apple cider vinegar is helpful when added to bathwater or used as a dip for tampons. Avoid oranges during an attack of candidiasis, since they make your system more alkaline. Surprisingly, baking soda is another treatment that has proved its worth when used in the same way as vinegar. While mild alkalinity favors yeast, the more intense level caused by bicarbonate of soda will inhibit its growth.
Garlic has clinically proven immune system boosting properties and also acts as a fungicide. It is good to eat both as a preventative and as a restorative. A peeled garlic clove inserted in to the vagina brings the herb's anti-fungal effects directly to the source of discomfort.
There are many other herbs that can help when natural treatments for vaginal thrush are needed. Pau d'arco and calendula are only two of the dozens that can be used. The medicinal use of herbs is well documented in books and online. Brew them as teas to drink or for use as topical washes. Homeopathic remedies, either single or in combination, can also speed recovery from a yeast infection.
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