Are Home Remedies for Vaginal Yeast Infections Safe? Here’s What the Science Says
Most women are familiar with the uncomfortable symptoms of itching and thick discharge associated with vaginal yeast infections.
Also known as vulvovaginal candidiasis, they're the most common type of vaginal infection after bacterial vaginosis. Health experts say about 75 percent of women will have a yeast infection at least once in their lives, while half will have two or more infections.
Vaginal yeast infections are the result of an overgrowth of the fungus Candida albicans, and less frequently other Candida species, such as C. glabrata, C. parapsilosis, C. tropicalis, and C. krusei.
Treatment of yeast infections typically requires killing the fungi with antifungal drugs called azoles, which can be purchased by prescription or over the counter (OTC). These include:
Common Questions & Answers
What is the most common type of vaginal infection after bacterial vaginosis?
Yeast infections (vulvovaginal candidiasis) are the most common type of vaginal infection after bacterial vaginosis.
How are yeast infections typically treated?
Yeast infections are typically treated with antifungal drugs called azoles, which can be purchased by prescription or over the counter.
Are natural remedies for yeast infections supported by rigorous clinical studies?
Most natural remedies for yeast infections are not yet supported by rigorous clinical studies.
What is the role of yogurt and probiotics in treating yeast infections?
Yogurt and probiotics are believed to restore the vagina's population of friendly bacteria and may help treat or prevent yeast infections, although the evidence is inconsistent.
Why should douching be avoided when dealing with yeast infections?
Douching may actually promote yeast infections by removing healthy bacteria from the vagina and may spread the infection to the cervix and uterus.
Despite the effectiveness of these medications, some people prefer to treat this ailment with natural or home remedies, such as yogurt, probiotics, and even garlic.
While there’s evidence that some natural remedies are helpful for yeast infections, it’s important to note that most are not yet supported by rigorous clinical studies. Here’s a look at what the science says so far.
Yogurt, Probiotics, and ‘Good’ Bacteria for Yeast Infection
The vagina is home to numerous beneficial microbes, which keep pathogenic (disease-causing) microbes, including Candida, in check.
The yeasts grow out of control when something — such as antibiotics, hormones, pregnancy, or health issues like diabetes and HIV or AIDS — disrupts that delicate balance.
Because of this, one of the most common natural remedies for yeast infections is aimed at restoring the vagina’s population of friendly bacteria, especially Lactobacillus acidophilus, by using yogurt or probiotics.
Overall, despite a host of research on the topic, the evidence for the consumption of healthy bacteria to treat or prevent yeast infections is inconsistent at best.
Some research has shown a benefit. For example, a study published in 2017 involved 200 women with vulvovaginal candidiasis, half of whom received standard medical treatment while the other half received 1 cup of sugar-free yogurt containing L. acidophilus every day for two weeks in addition to standard medical treatment. Those who ate the yogurt daily reported fewer symptoms, such as vaginal discharge, burning sensation during urination, vaginal itching, and swelling of the vulva, than those who received only medical care.
Similarly, a study published in September 2021 determined that a probiotic supplement in addition to fluconazole led to more improvement in symptoms of a yeast infection than fluconazole alone.
A research review published in January 2020 found that Lactobacillus strains helped treat bacterial vaginosis but had no clear benefit for yeast infections.
In addition, reviews have found that many clinical trials on the subject had methodological issues, making it difficult to draw reliable conclusions.
Either way, regular ingestion of beneficial bacteria poses very little harm, so you can try the remedies without worry.
Do avoid applying yogurt directly to your vagina. Despite any advice you may read on the internet, this may actually contribute to yeast growth and make the infection worse.
Boric Acid to Treat Yeast Infections
Research shows that boric acid suppository capsules are very effective against yeast infections, particularly for recurrent infections and those caused by non-albicans species.
A study published in March 2019 found that a boric acid insert led to a 92 percent cure rate of vaginal yeast infections, while a boric acid gel led to an 81 percent cure rate. Both products were safe and well-tolerated, the study authors noted.
Older research found that boric acid vaginal suppositories were more effective against C. glabrata infections in women with diabetes (diabetes is a risk factor for yeast infections) than an oral azole medication. And a review published in the Journal of Women’s Health found that it’s a safe alternative to azole medication for the treatment of recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (four or more infections in a single year) caused by non-albicans Candida.
But boric acid can occasionally cause vaginal irritation and burning or a skin rash, and should not be ingested. Consult your doctor before trying boric acid to treat a yeast infection.
Other Home Remedies and DIY Approaches for Yeast Infections
Garlic and tea tree oil have also been touted as natural remedies for vaginal yeast infections on the internet.
Garlic
Numerous studies have shown that garlic has antifungal properties. Research published in May 2023 found that in the lab, pure garlic worked very well against C. albicans when compared with onion and lemon juice extracts. But there are no scientific studies backing up its use to treat vaginal yeast infections, either orally or topically, so it's best to avoid this remedy.
Tea Tree Oil
Some women suggest applying diluted tea tree oil to the vagina using an applicator-type tampon. The essential oil is known for its antimicrobial properties, and research published in November 2021 confirmed that it’s effective against a range of yeasts and fungi, including Candida. But again, that was lab research: there’s no solid scientific evidence supporting its use to treat vaginal yeast infections.
Furthermore, applying tea tree oil or garlic to the vagina can lead to unpleasant side effects like irritation and burning.
Douching
Douching and yeast infections don’t mix. The cleansing may actually help promote yeast infections by removing healthy bacteria from the vagina. And if you already have an infection, douching may spread it to the cervix and into the uterus.
You can find numerous other natural remedies for yeast infections online with little to no scientific backing, including coconut oil, pomegranate gel, and echinacea purpurea liquid.
Before you try any alternative treatments, it’s best to check with your doctor.
Additional reporting by Ashley Welch.
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Everyday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our editorial policy. We use only trustworthy sources, including peer-reviewed studies, board-certified medical experts, patients with lived experience, and information from top institutions.
Sources
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