10 home remedies for yeast infections

In this article:

• Effective home remedies
• Ineffective home remedies
• When to see a provider
• Can a yeast infection go away on its own?
• FAQs

In this article

• Effective home remedies
• Ineffective home remedies
• When to see a provider
• Can a yeast infection go away on its own?
• FAQs

Home remedies may help relieve mild yeast infection symptoms, but not all natural treatments are supported by evidence. Here’s what research says about nine common remedies, which ones may help, which ones to avoid, and when prescription treatment is the better choice.

Efficacy of home remedies for yeast infections*
Remedy	Evidence	Is it safe?	Recommended?
Boric acid	Moderate	Yes (with guidance)	Yes, in some cases
Probiotics	Limited	Yes	Maybe
Coconut oil	Limited	Yes	Maybe
Garlic	Very limited	Oral only	Limited
Apple cider vinegar	Weak	Diluted orally only	Limited
Tea tree oil	Limited	Use commercial suppositories only	Limited
Yogurt	Limited	Eat only	Limited
Hydrogen peroxide	Poor	No	No
Douching	Harmful	No	No

*Consult a healthcare provider before using natural remedies internally, topically, or orally.

10 ways to treat a yeast infection at home

There are natural ways to try to treat yeast infections. These home remedies for yeast infections are convenient for those wanting to go a more natural route.

Disclaimer: Do not use these treatments internally without the guidance of a healthcare provider. 

1. Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) has been found to inhibit the growth of Candida albicans, the strain of fungi that typically causes yeast infections.

To use this natural remedy, mix 1 spoonful of ACV into a glass of water and drink every morning.

Never use apple cider vinegar at full strength. Always dilute apple cider vinegar before using it. Do not apply ACV to the vagina, though, as it can cause burning and irritation and may increase the risk of infections.

2. Boric acid

Boric acid vaginal suppositories may help remedy yeast infections because of boric acid’s antiseptic properties. While research supports using these suppositories, it concludes that they should only be used for recurrent and hard-to-treat yeast infections. Because boric acid is so potent, milder treatments should first be used.

3. Coconut oil

Coconut oil, drawn from the flesh of coconuts, has naturally occurring antifungal properties. Some research has found coconut oil can help inhibit the Candida fungus that causes yeast infections, but these studies were done in labs rather than in people. It is always a good idea to consult your healthcare provider for medical advice before applying coconut oil to the affected area.

4. Cranberry juice or pills

In lab studies,  cranberry has been found to help prevent the formation of Candida albicans (the fungus that causes yeast infections). While studies have not shown its ability to help cure Candida albicans in the vagina, some women claim to have results.

Cranberry juice and pills are also very high in vitamin C, which can also help prevent infection. To try it, look for unsweetened cranberry juice or a cranberry supplement (added sugar can feed yeast and work against you). Try drinking about 8  to 16 ounces of unsweetened cranberry juice a day, or follow the dosage on a cranberry pill’s label.

5. Garlic

Garlic and garlic oil are well-known antifungal agents. Studies have even found it to have antifungal activity against Candida albicans. While more traditional approaches may recommend inserting the garlic clove directly into the vagina, a safer and less invasive approach is by adding more fresh garlic to food and incorporating it into more meals, although there is no evidence that this will cure a yeast infection.

6. Probiotics

Probiotics contain live bacteria, such as the bacteria Lactobacillus acidophilus, which helps foster a healthy balance of bacteria in the vagina. Oral probiotics may help treat or prevent bacterial vaginosis, urinary tract infections, and yeast infections.

You can buy probiotic supplements at your pharmacy or online from a reputable retailer. Some women have also used vaginal suppository probiotics. Eating plain regular or plain Greek yogurt (with live and active cultures) is another good way to increase probiotic intake.

However, like many natural remedies, there is a lack of evidence that probiotics cure yeast infections, and research is ongoing. That said, many doctors recommend taking one whenever an antibiotic is prescribed, as yeast infections are a possible side effect of antibiotics.

For a closer look at strains and brands, see SingleCare’s guide to the best probiotics for vaginal health.

RELATED: Learn which probiotics are best

7. Tea tree oil

Tea tree oil is an essential oil with antifungal properties that some people claim to cure yeast infections. It works by killing the cell walls and membranes of the yeast. While more studies are currently needed, one study found that vaginal suppositories containing tea tree oil could work as a fungicidal agent, thereby killing Candida albicans.

You can purchase vaginal suppositories with tea tree oil online, but check with your healthcare provider first. Do not apply undiluted tea tree oil products directly to the affected area.

8. Vitamin C

Vitamin C boosts the body’s immunity, although there is no strong evidence that it can help the body fight off a yeast infection. If you want to try this vitamin to support your immune system, add more vitamin C by taking a supplement or eating vitamin C-rich fruits and vegetables like oranges and broccoli.

9. Yogurt

Yogurt (with live and active cultures) has a high probiotic concentration. As mentioned above, probiotics may help fight off Candida albicans. Another study found that ingesting yogurt that contains probiotics with Lactobacillus acidophilus helps suppress yeast growth. Choose plain, unsweetened yogurt, and do not put yogurt in or around the vagina.

10. Saltwater rinse

Rinsing the outer vaginal area with a warm saltwater solution, about ½ teaspoon of salt dissolved in a cup of warm water, may help soothe itching and irritation for some people, although it does not cure the fungal infection itself. Salt water is gentle enough for external use, but avoid rinsing inside the vagina, since that acts like a mild douche and can disrupt your natural bacterial balance.

Home remedies that don’t treat yeast infections

While the above tricks may help treat yeast infections, there are a few natural remedies you shouldn’t try.

Hydrogen peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is a strong antiseptic that has been found to kill yeast. However, it can also kill the good bacteria, putting you at risk for another yeast infection to set in. Healthcare providers do not recommend applying it to your skin or in the vagina.

Oregano oil

Oregano oil, also known as oil of oregano, or origanum oil, has been shown to inhibit the growth of Candida albicans. But, studies have been done in labs, not directly on women, so this is not a proven treatment.

Douching

Over-the-counter douches may claim to combat yeast infections and relieve inflammation and irritation. However, most studies show adverse effects, and healthcare providers recommend against douching.

When home remedies aren’t enough

If your symptoms don’t improve within a few days, or you’d rather skip the trial-and-error, an over-the-counter antifungal cream like Monistat (miconazole) or Gyne-Lotrimin (clotrimazole) can clear up a straightforward yeast infection. For recurring or stubborn infections, a healthcare provider can prescribe an oral option like Diflucan (fluconazole). Either way, a free SingleCare coupon can help bring down the cost at most major pharmacies.

See SingleCare’s guide to yeast infection treatments and medications for the full range of options, or compare Monistat and Diflucan if you’re deciding between the two.

Can a yeast infection go away on its own?

Sometimes, mild yeast infections can clear up without treatment, but that’s the exception, not something to plan on. While mild yeast infections might clear up on their own, it is most likely to return if not medically treated.

Some people choose natural remedies or over-the-counter treatments. However, others should see a healthcare provider as soon as symptoms develop. These patients include:

• Those who have recurring yeast infections (four or more times in a year)
• Pregnant women
• Those who were possibly exposed to a sexually transmitted disease (STD)
• Women who are unsure if their symptoms are from a yeast infection (for example, the first time the woman has symptoms that may indicate a yeast infection)
• Women who do not have success with home remedies or over-the-counter medicines
• Patients with uncontrolled diabetes or a weakened immune system due to certain medications or conditions, such as HIV

Frequently asked questions about yeast infections

Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about vaginal yeast infections.

How long does a yeast infection last?

A mild yeast infection may improve within a few days, but untreated infections can last longer or return. Over-the-counter antifungal treatments often work within one to seven days, while prescription medications may provide faster relief. If symptoms persist or return after treatment, contact your healthcare provider.

What is the fastest way to get rid of a yeast infection?

The fastest way to treat a yeast infection is with a prescription oral antifungal medication, such as Diflucan (fluconazole), or an over-the-counter antifungal cream. A healthcare provider can recommend the best treatment based on your symptoms. Home remedies may help some people but are not always effective.

What foods kill yeast infections?

No food has been proven to cure a yeast infection. However, some people include probiotic-rich foods like plain yogurt or foods containing garlic as part of a healthy diet because they may support a balanced vaginal microbiome. More research is needed to confirm whether these foods directly treat yeast infections.

How much water should you drink for a yeast infection?

Staying well-hydrated supports your body’s natural defenses, but there’s no research-backed water target specific to yeast infections. The general guidance of about 8 cups (64 ounces) a day is a reasonable baseline.

Which home remedies should you avoid?

Avoid using hydrogen peroxide, douches, or oregano oil to treat a vaginal yeast infection. These remedies may irritate vaginal tissue, disrupt healthy bacteria, or lack sufficient evidence to support their safety and effectiveness. If symptoms continue or worsen, consult a healthcare provider for appropriate treatment.

Lea este artículo en español aquí.