Natural Treatments For Vaginal Thrush

By Caroline Thorne


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.

Prevention is always good. Especially if you are prone to yeast overgrowth, you should evaluate your diet. Eating refined flours and sugars can trigger an abundance of yeast organisms, which are normally held in check by other, more beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract. Those who are sensitive to gluten may find that eating foods containing wheat can have the same effect. Yogurt containing live bacteria and foods rich in B vitamins should be part of your daily diet.

Do not over-use antibiotics. They are necessary at times, but are always hard on beneficial bacteria that keeps your digestive tract healthy. In addition, it is important to keep the vaginal area dry and allow as much ventilation of the area as possible. It is recommended that underwear be 100% cotton, which 'breathes' and is absorbent, and that women sleep without underwear. Sometimes these two steps are all that is needed to break a cycle of repeated infections.

Once the intense itching and discharge of this condition has begun, yogurt applied topically will soothe the area and combat yeast overgrowth. A tampon dipped in plain yogurt gets friendly bacteria into the vagina.

Yeast likes a slightly alkaline environment. To keep the balance on the acidic side, you can add white or apple cider vinegar to bath water or use either for a tampon dip. During an episode of thrush, avoid oranges because they make your system alkaline. However, a very alkaline environment is inimical to yeasts, so baking soda may be used in the same way as vinegar with good results.

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 anti-fungal herbs, such as pau d'arco and calendula. Tea made from these plants are helpful when used topically or drunk to combat internal yeast overgrowth. Homeopathy is another branch of medicine that offers safe, non-toxic, natural treatments for vaginal thrush. Information on single and combination remedies can be obtained online or at your local natural food store.




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