4 Steps to overcome a yeast infection – naturally
Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), or more commonly known as a yeast infection, is the second most common cause of vaginitis {inflammation in the vaginal area} in the US.¹
It’s caused by the fungus Candida albicans, however other species are becoming increasingly common.
The itching caused by this yeast can be annoying and very uncomfortable. Thankfully, addressing your gut health and introducing herbal medicine can reduce these symptoms and get you back to feeling well again – fast.
But, wait up.
There are two other types of vaginitis;
- Bacterial Vaginosis {vaginal PH<4.5}
- Trichomoniasis also causes itching and discharge {vaginal PH< 4.5}
- so you may want to see your doctor and get a fungal culture to make sure, especially if you are pregnant.
So, what are the symptoms you are looking for?
Yeast Infection Symptoms
- The smell of yeast may be the first indicator that you notice.
- Next may be mild to severe itching and irritation of the vulva area.
- You also may notice the vulva is red from scratching; which you want to try to avoid.
- Plus **two unique symptoms include:
- Craving for alcohol or sugar due to the yeast***
- Vestibulodynia is an inflammation in the vestibule due to an allergen!
Plus, you may notice one or more of these symptoms
- inflammation
- burning
- itching
- irritation
- swelling
- pain with urinating {Dysuria}
- thick, whitish, vaginal discharge
- yeast-like odor
- it started during menopause
- it happens monthly
- vaginal PH normal
Your gut health and digestion can also affect the number of yeast infections you have in a lifetime Click To Tweet
Yeast Infection Discharge
- Look for curdy, whitish-to-yellowish discharge
- You may have no order or smell similar to yeast bread
- You may have redness from itching
- If you were to test your PH, it would be normal
What causes these repeated infections?
Yeast Infection causes
-
- Repeated antibiotic use
- Diabetes mellitus
- HIV infection/AIDS
- Increase estrogen levels {HRT}
- Pregnancy
- Hyperglycemia
- Allergies
And.. anything that disrupts the vaginal flora such as:
- Antibiotics
- Use of tampons, sponges, douches, intrauterine devices, and sex toys
- Sexual practices or new partners
- IUD, spermicide
- Rise in PH
- Decline in lactobacillus
- Lack of hydrogen peroxide
- Hot tubs
- Sexual abuse
Are you ready to reduce your medications? Grab this FREE freebie; The 10 Botanicals for Women’s Health to heal your gut and reduce symptoms for years to come.
4 Step Yeast Infection Home Remedies
I like to take a four-step approach when treating a yeast infection. Follow these four steps to reduce the number of yeast infections you experience.
#1 Take an antimicrobial internally AND externally {see below}
Consider taking these herbs INTERNALLY to reduce infection and inflammation. You can purchase these as a tincture or supplement. I prefer the tinctures typically, but the supplement below is handy as it combines a variety of herbs together.
Dosing: 20-60 drops total 2-3x day
Look for these herbal tinctures:
-
- Echinacea
- Garlic
- Astragalus
- Goldenseal
- Oregano
- Thyme
- Various mushrooms like Reishi
Check with your doctor if you’re nursing and taking herbal remedies.
Look for the following herbs or take a blended formula like this one and take daily.<
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#2 Internally take an adaptogen to boost immunity and resistance
Adaptogens for Stress
- Eleuthero
- Ginseng
- Schizandra
- Ashwagandha
- Reishi
There are so many beautiful Adaptogen blends out on the market. This is a nice blend with Reishi.
Anything from Gaia herbs, Herb Pharm, or Herbalist & Alchemist is a good start.
#3 Internally address your gut health
Read this post on how I was able to eat gluten again because of the 4R approach: https://taragregorio.com/how-the-4r-approach-helped-me-heal-my-gut-allowed-me-to-eat-gluten-again/
Consider adding in:
- a probiotic daily or a spoonful of yogurt every day
- digestive enzymes- I love Enzymedica
- DGL- diglyceride licorice
- and drinking teas of Chamomile & Peppermint
#4 Externally apply botanicals to reduce inflammation.
DIY Yoni Wash Recipe
- Make a cup of strong Calendula tea
- Strain & Cool
- Add 1-2 drops of Lavender essential oil & 1-2 tsp. of tea tree essential oil
- Place in a Peri-rinse bottle like this one
- Rinse the vaginal area 2-3x a day
Optional: Apply a healing salve with Calendula if you’re feeling dry, red, and irritated.
How to use garlic for a yeast infection
Garlic is a wise woman’s popular herbal remedy.
How do you use it?
- Take a fresh, single clove-peeled
- Carefully insert nightly and leave overnight
- You could dip it into vegetable oil to ease insertion if you needed
Garlic is effective against the fungi E. coli, Proteus, Mycobacterium, and Candida species, but you may notice a garlicky smell!!
And…Watch for irritation or even chemical burns on sensitive skin.
Conclusion
Medications, antibiotics, and the use of tampons and vaginal lubricants can all affect the healthy flora in the vaginal area causing recurring yeast infections.
Addressing your gut health and integrating more natural products, could be the number one way to stop this irritating cycle.
Click below to see my favorite products to reduce yeast infections and urinary tract infections for years to come.
As UTIs and yeast go hand in hand, read this post to learn about natural remedies for a Urinary tract infection: https://taragregorio.com/5-steps-to-stop-a-uti-naturally/
xo Tara
P.S. Ready to overcome this naturally? Book a health consultation with Tara.
¹ Romm, Aviva; Botanical Medicine for Women’s Health pg. 258
