Vaginal yeast infections send 1.4 million women to the doctor’s office every year and will affect 75% of women at some point in their lifetime. Also known as candidal vaginitis, this common infection is caused by a type of fungal yeast called Candida.
While Candida is normal to the body and commonly found in the gut, throat, mouth and vagina, Candida can overgrow under certain circumstances and turn into an infection.
Symptoms may include vaginal itching, soreness, redness, swelling and abnormal discharge, as well as painful sex or urination.
Many common things can exacerbate a yeast infection, including antibiotic use, oral contraceptives, steroids, hormone therapy, weakened immunity, pregnancy, diabetes, poor diet and emotional stress.
Other contributing factors include washing the vagina with soap, wearing tight clothing made from synthetic fiber, excessive sweating or dampness near the vagina, and sex with a partner who has a yeast infection.
Conventional treatment includes medications, such as Fluconazole, Monistat, Nystatin, and Clotrimazole, as well as natural home remedies, like boric acid, tea tree oil, oil of oregano, coconut oil, garlic, apple cider vinegar and more.
Beyond these common approaches, here are some additional options to consider:
Candicid Forte is a unique blend of nutrients, botanicals, essential oils and fatty acids designed to support the microflora of the gastrointestinal tract. This gentle yet effective formula inhibits the growth of yeast and disrupts Candida’s ability to proliferate.
Yu Dai Wan is a popular Chinese herbal formula commonly used to treat damp-heat and stop vaginal discharge that is profuse, viscous, fishy-smelling and either yellow or red-and-white in color.
Biocidin offers a unique blend of herbs and botanicals that are naturally antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal and anti-inflammatory, as well as supportive of detox pathways. Biocidin capsules can be taken orally one to three times daily and may also be used as a vaginal suppository once daily.
Yin Care herbal wash is a blend of Chinese herbs in liquid form that can clear heat and dampness. Mix a 10% dilution in high-quality water using the included applicator and rinse inside the vagina twice a day for 3 to 6 days at the onset of yeast infection symptoms.
Zhi Bai Di Huang Wan is a Chinese herbal formula from 1584 that clears heat from the lower body and nourishes yin, making this formula likely to be more helpful for women with chronic vaginal infections, low estrogen, dryness, irritation, night sweats, hot flashes, dry mouth and low back pain.
Neem Oil has been found in clinical study to help treat and prevent yeast infection when introduced intravaginally. Using a vaginal applicator, inject two milliliters inside the vagina once daily and five minutes before sexual intercourse.
Wan Dai Tang is a Chinese herbal formula invented in the 17th century and used to treat profuse vaginal discharge that is white or pale yellow in color, thin in consistency, not particularly foul-smelling, and usually continuous.
Vaginal Probiotics can help support a healthy vaginal flora. Place a probiotic suppository capsule inside the vagina before bed every evening and let it dissolve overnight. This will help populate the vagina with a beneficial microbiome and prevent yeast infection.
All of these products are available through my Wellevate supplement dispensary. Click on the “Supplements” tab of my website to open a free account. You’ll receive 15% off every purchase and free shipping on orders over $50.
Food is always the most important medicine and in the case of treating and preventing yeast infections, it is recommended to remove all sugar, alcohol, gluten, grains, dairy, caffeine, chemicals, vegetable oils and processed or packaged food from the diet.