The natural and organic lifestyle is growing.
More and more people are opting for natural remedies like essential oils to treat common infections and diseases that are not fatal.
Natural remedies for infections are both safe and effective, although clinically unproven. On the other hand, prescription drugs are clinically proven to work but are not always safe.
Using essential oils for yeast infection is one of the best home remedies.
What Is Yeast Infection
A yeast infection is a fungal illness caused by an overgrowth of Candida albicans, a type of yeast. Candida infection occurs mostly in the vagina.
Yeasts are eukaryotic, single-celled microorganisms classified as members of the fungus kingdom.
Different species of yeast reside in both flora and fauna, including humans.
Natural yeasts from flora, such as baker’s yeast, are commonly used to make food and drinks ferment.
However, pathogenic yeasts like Candida albicans residing in the human body are responsible for the affliction of candidiasis, which may take many forms.
According to some estimates, 75% of adult women get a vaginal infection caused by yeast overgrowth at least once.
Another familiar type of yeast attack is oral thrush, which produces inflammation in the mouth and throat.
Common variants of yeast disease that afflict the human body are:
- Candida,
- Bacterial vaginosis,
- Chlamydia,
- Trichomoniasis,
- Viral vaginitis,
- Gonorrhea,
- Reactions or allergies (non-infectious vaginitis).
Candida is normally held in check by the populous and benign bacterial residents of our mucous membranes and skin.
Proper hygiene and a healthy immune system also help reign in pathogenic yeasts in the human body.
Causes of Yeast Infections
In small numbers, yeast is naturally present in the enclosed, moist environment of body parts like the vagina, beneath the skin folds, or in the gum lining of the teeth.
Candida results from an overgrowth of pathogenic yeasts in the body.
Overgrowth of yeast happens because of a shift in the bacterial ecosystem.
Normally, the Lactobacillus acidophilus bacteria are responsible for suppressing the growth of pathogenic yeasts in the body.
When the Lactobacillus acidophilus population declines too much, yeast overgrowth commonly occurs.
The unchecked growth of Candida albicans (yeast) in large numbers causes infections in the area of the body where they are growing.
Some of the common factors that diminish the natural bacterial and fungal balance in the body are:
- A weak immune system,
- Allergies,
- Medications like steroids, birth control pills, and some prescription medicines,
- Poor diets,
- Toxins in food, drink, and environment,
- Parasites,
- Chemical sensitivities,
- Stress,
- Chlorine in tap water.
Common yeast infection symptoms are:
- Itching
- Burning sensation
- Chronic pain
- Acid reflux
- Thick white discharges from the vagina
- Joint pain
- Constipation, diarrhea
- Mood swings
- Skin infections
- PMS
- Food allergies
- Smelly vaginal discharge
Fortunately, yeast contagion is curable with prescription medicines, OTC medications, the Candida diet, and natural remedies.
Home remedies like essential oils for Candida infections are gaining popularity these days because of their rapid effects and lack of side effects.
Do Essential Oils Help Yeast Infection
Essential oils may eliminate fungal strains because they have antifungal and antibacterial properties.
EOs can also produce soothing effects in areas afflicted by inflammation. They reduce pain, itching, and irritation caused by fungal infections like Candida.
Essential oils, when used topically, quickly penetrate the cell walls and tissues. The soothing effects come into action within a few minutes after applying the EOs.
All EOs are not equal. Only a few have potent antifungal properties capable of fighting Candida effectively.
It would be best if you also used the best-quality, pure EOs to get the best results. Go for trusted brands of EOs acclaimed by customers.
You can get rid of yeast affliction fast with EOs, especially when combined with Candida diets and good hygiene practices.
It is also good to use EOs simultaneously with antifungal drugs like clotrimazole, fluconazole, or itraconazole to achieve faster healing and soothing effects.
Best Antifungal Essential Oils For Yeast Infection
Essential oils that contain good antifungal properties are best to treat a yeast infection.
Tea tree oil and oregano oil are our top two choices to fight candida albicans because they both have powerful antifungal agents.
Several other oils, such as lavender, lemongrass, thyme, geranium, orange, and cinnamon, work well for managing candida overgrowth and thrush.
A combination of olive and cinnamon oil is a powerful remedy for suppressing the growth of yeast and fungi.
Here are the best 7 essential oils worth using for fungal infections of all kinds:
1. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree essential oil is the strongest antimicrobial essential oil that is proven to work well for fungal and bacterial infections.
Using tea tree oil for yeast infections is proven to be very effective.
If you opt to use essential oils for fighting Candida, TTO should be your first choice over the other oils.
This oil is strictly for external use only; ingesting this oil can cause serious repercussions on your health.
This oil contains a powerful chemical concentrate that can cause burns and irritation on the skin if used without dilution in a carrier oil.
Apply a few drops of tea tree oil diluted in virgin olive oil or coconut oil to the infected area.
For vaginal infections, apply the oil mixture to a tampon and insert the tampon into the affected region for a topical effect. Remove the tampon after two hours and repeat the treatment twice a day.
For women with vaginal candidiasis, the yeast infection treatment option includes administering the medication through a vaginal suppository.
2. Oregano Oil
Like tea tree oil, oregano essential oil is also exceptionally good for eliminating infections like Candida.
For its highly potent antifungal properties, oregano oil for yeast infections is truly worth trying.
According to the Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry study, origanum oil at 0.25 mg/ml was found to inhibit the growth of C. albicans in culture.
You can dilute a few drops of oregano oil in one tablespoon of olive oil and apply this mixture to the affected area of the skin two times a day.
3. Thyme Oil
The compound thymol in thyme is an oil that fights yeast infections and boosts the body’s immune system.
The antifungal properties of thyme oil inhibit the growth and spread of Candida albicans.
You can apply about 5 drops of thyme oil diluted in 1 tablespoon of jojoba oil to the infected area. Use a tampon treated with this oil mixture to manage the yeast infection in the vagina.
4. Lemongrass Oil
Lemongrass oil contains antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. It is beneficial for treating a variety of microbial infections.
Applying this oil eliminates the fungus and speeds up the healing of inflammation.
You can put a few drops of diluted lemongrass oil on the area of the body that has fungus.
5. Lavender Oil
Lavender oil is used for many different treatments. It is very good at healing microbial infections that cause many common diseases, such as Candida.
The antifungal properties in this oil actively eliminate the yeasts causing Candida.
This oil provides a soothing effect on inflamed tissues by reducing pain and itching.
People with highly sensitive skin should use lavender oil, which is mild and gentle on the skin, unlike other essential oils.
This oil can also be used with other herbs to create a comprehensive herbal treatment.
You can have a warm bath with lavender oil-treated water for Candida treatment. It is also good to apply a few drops of lavender oil directly to the fungus-infected area of the body.
6. Geranium Oil
Geranium oil is known for its powerful antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties.
This oil can stop the yeast from growing too much and make a candida infection less painful and itchy.
You can dilute 5 drops of geranium oil in one tablespoon of water to douche the infected areas of the vagina. After an hour of oil dousing, you can take a warm bath to soothe the inflammation.
7, Clove Oil
Eugenol and carvacrol are two important chemical properties in clove oil that are beneficial for suppressing the overgrowth of yeast fungus when topically applied.
This oil also helps inflammation caused by a fungal infection heal faster because it has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Clove oil is a well-known folklore remedy for treating thrush and vaginal yeast infections.
A blend of lemongrass and clove oil produces fast results in controlling yeast infections.
You can apply a few drops of diluted clove oil to the fungus-infected areas of the body to get rid of the infection.
How To Use Essential Oils
For treating microbial infections, use the EOs diluted for external application.
Essential oils must be diluted in good carrier oils like olive, coconut, jojoba, or almond oil. A minimum of 1 tablespoon of carrier oil is required to dilute up to 5 drops of EO.
Treatment with EOs must be done 2-3 times a day until the infection is completely removed.
Soaking your body for half an hour in a bathtub filled with EOs treated with warm water is beneficial for getting fast relief from inflammation caused by a yeast infection.
For women with yeast infection in the vagina, it is best to douche the infected area with water containing diluted essential oils.
Inserting an EO-soaked tampon is another effective method to treat vaginal yeast infections.
Side Effects And Precautions
Using therapeutic oils for fungal disease is an easy fix to manage the infection.
All EOs are not equal. You must choose pure oils to get the best benefits from essential oil treatments.
EOs contain powerful chemical concentrates that can cause burns and irritation on the skin. For this reason, do not apply directly to the skin but always dilute the oil before use in carrier oil or water.
Suppose the fungal infection does not subside after a week of using the plant oil therapy. In that case, you should stop using the therapeutic oil and talk to a doctor for advice and medicine.
If you have a severe infection, your doctor will need to take care of you in a very serious way.
In pregnant women, yeast infection is very common. A pregnant woman’s use of EOs should be done in consultation with her physician.
Many organic oils contain harmful ingredients that should never be ingested. Restrict the use of plant oils for external applications and aromatherapy.
Other DIY Solutions for Candida
There is no doubt that EOs for yeast infections work great.
You can achieve faster results in managing Candida infection when EO treatment is carried out along with any natural remedies for Candida.
Here are some popular natural remedies for yeast infections that you may try along with EOs.
Coconut Oil
This oil contains natural antifungal and antibacterial agents. Eating coconut oil improves the body’s immune system agents. Eating coconut oil improves the body’s immune system. It is a good carrier oil that can be used for diluting EOs.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Strong disinfectant properties in ACV help prevent and heal the infection caused by fungus. You can use it in your bath, topically apply it, or consume it internally.
Cranberries
If you drink cranberry juice or take it as a supplement, it can kill bacteria and fungi in your body.
Probiotics
Eat probiotic foods like kefir, kimchi, yogurt, and sauerkraut to nourish beneficial bacteria in the gut. Good bacteria in the gut help keep the yeast fungus in check.
Garlic
The antibiotic and antifungal properties in garlic help get rid of Candida. Use garlic in your cooking or as a supplement.
Honey
When applied locally, honey’s antibacterial and antibiotic properties promote inflammation healing.
Boric Acid
It is a natural antifungal and antiseptic chemical useful for treating yeast infections. Boric acid ointments and lotions are available as OTC products.
Proper Diet and Workouts
Antifungal diets and regular exercise help prevent microbial infections like Candida.
Wear Loose and Breathable Clothing
Wearing loose clothing helps prevent Candida by not allowing moisture and warmth into the skin folds and vagina.
Maintain Hygiene And Healthy Habits
Always keep your body clean and hygienic to prevent the growth of microbial organisms that cause infections. Use only unscented, natural hygiene products. Using scented chemicals in hygiene products can upset the pH and bacterial environment of the vagina, which leads to the overgrowth of yeast fungus.
The Final Thought
The scientific community is still skeptical about using natural remedies like essential oils for yeast infections.
However, in recent times, many studies have tested and verified the effectiveness of plant oils in dealing with microbial infections.
Unlike prescription medicines, herbal remedies are healthy and free of side effects.
Essential oils are viable alternatives to prescription medicines to eliminate candida or yeast infections.
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