Many individuals find that natural remedies for yeast infections can be far more effective than the common over the counter treatments.
They are often cheaper and far less messy.
Because a yeast infection is most often caused by the use of prescription drugs, many people find that there is a reticence to treat the infection through the use of more medication.
For this reason, an efficient natural remedy is often the ideal way to restore vaginal comfort.
Candida Albicans is the known name for the fungus that causes the vaginal yeast infection.
When this fungus grows unchecked the host begins to experience a vast array of uncomfortable symptoms.
The vagina can be red, inflamed and itchy and there is likely to be a copious amount of cottage cheese-like, white discharge.
It is usually uncomfortable to have sex during an infection and it often hurts to urinate as well.
When all systems are in order, the vagina is an environment that naturally regulates itself.
While there is Candida naturally present in the vagina there is also a host of beneficial or friendly bacteria that work hard to prevent an overgrowth of the fungus.
Taking prescription drugs can alter the number of friendly bacteria that are present and allow the yeast to grow unchecked.
Stress, diet and numerous other factors can wreak havoc and create conditions that are perfect for a yeast overgrowth.
One of the more popular natural remedies calls for the use of a probiotic supplement.
These are products that help restore the quantity of friendly bacteria that naturally exist within the body.
These help microorganisms play a crucial part in the fight to restore balance to the vagina by keeping the growth of yeast in check.
There are numerous oral supplements that can be taken, or probiotics can be introduced into the body using vaginal suppositories.
Both methods have performed well in independent tests.
There are several extracts that can be found at local health food stores or online that work against the overgrowth of yeast within the body.
One particularly effective extract is that of black walnut hulls.
This is typically taken orally, though there are some vaginal applications.
The key to getting the best results is to search for a supplier that offers pure, fresh products which tend to retain more of the natural healing properties of any plant that they are derived from.
Garlic can also be high effective to this end and has numerous anti-fungal properties which will prove beneficial.
This can be taken orally to supplement any other natural course that you use.
Powdered boric acid can be placed into store bought, empty gel capsule.
Once filled these are inserted into the vagina each day.
600 mg should be placed in each capsule and the treatment should run for no less than fourteen days.
Many studies of this method of self-treating have shown boric acid to be just as effective as any expensive store bought vaginal yeast infection medication.
There are a few things that you should always remember while you self treat a yeast infection.
Yeast thrive on what you feed them and they adore sugar.
It is always smart to avoid products that are high in sugar or other foods that quickly break down into sugar when you are trying to get rid of a yeast infection.
The infected area should always be clean, dry and you should only use undergarment that are made from materials that are natural such as cotton.