What Is A Vaginal Yeast Infection
The human body is home to millions of yeast organisms, many of which are considered good as far as our health is concerned. Consider this: Mushrooms and the type of yeast used to make beer and bread both have beneficial roles, improving our immune systems and helping produce food, respectively.
The species of yeast responsible for causing yeast infections is a strain called Candida albicans, which can lead to an overgrowth known as candidiasis. All strains of yeast are types of fungi, which technically arent plants at all because they dont use chlorophyll . Yeast and fungi are also unique and different from plants because they can actually make their own food, which is precisely how they multiply and spread within the body.
Some women struggle with chronic vulvar pain known as vulvodynia. While this condition can be aggravated by yeast infections, and is sometimes mistaken for a yeast infection, it is a different condition that causes redness and burning of the vulva. The cause of vulvodynia is not well-understood, but there are treatment options available.
Essential Oils As Home Remedies For Yeast & Other Infections
Essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts containing active chemicals that offer many health benefits.
Aromatherapy is an alternative medicine and holistic healing treatment that uses essential oils for therapeutic purposes.
Research shows that certain essential oils can help boost the immune system and offer antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral, and antiseptic properties making them effective natural options for treating and preventing infections.
What Is The Difference Between A Yeast Infection And Bacterial Vaginosis
One of the differences between BV and a yeast infection is that BV produces a foul-smelling, fishy odor, while a yeast infection produces no vaginal odor. Additionally, a yeast infection may cause redness and inflammation of the vulva, while BV doesnt produce such symptoms.
To determine whether a vaginal infection is BV or a yeast infection, a doctor may:
- ask about your medical history, including previous vaginal infections, which may have been sexually transmitted
- perform an examination to look for signs of infection and vaginal discharge
- take a sample of the discharge for analysis to see whether overgrowth of harmful bacteria or fungi is present
- test the pH of the vaginaa pH of
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Chemical Identification And Quantitative Estimation
Chemical components were identified by co-gas chromatography of the oil, adding pure substances and comparing their spectra with those of the NIST/EPA/MSDC Mass Spectral database, and considering their retention indices . Quantitative data were based on peak area normalization without use of correction factors.
How To Use Essential Oils
All of these oils are for external use, but can be applied in different ways.
To apply directly to a skin rash, first mix a couple drops of your choice of essential oils into a carrier oil, such as coconut or jojoba oil, in order to dilute the strength so that your skin wont become more irritated. Coconut oil is also antimicrobial, so it will help prevent the spread of the infection. Then apply the mixture to your rash 2-3 times a day.
For a full-body treatment, add essential oils to your bath water. Because the oils will be greatly diluted in a full bathtub of water, this is best for only mild infections.
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How To Use Your Essential Oils
You will likely need to dilute the oils you end up using, in a carrier oil or other substance. One great idea for using essential oils, is to put them in a carrier oil that has anti-fungal action. One oil, that can stop Candida, is coconut oil. Coconut oil is comprised of several fatty acids that can inhibit Candida. Aside from oil, honey makes another great substance you can use topically to treat Candida by itself. Yes, externally, honey can stop yeast from growing. So, if you mix some powerful essential oils into honey, you will have an even better natural remedy on your hands. One caveat with honey: dont eat honey in an attempt to reduce a gut yeast infection. Honey only works when it is not diluted much and, in your stomach it will be mixing with liquids you drink, and other gastric fluids, and become a food for Candidano longer being of therapeutic value. For more information about honey or coconut oil, consider checking out the in-depth sections on Candida Hub that cover the information regarding these natural remedies:
Essential Oils For Yeast Infections
Apart from the traditional anti-fungal medications there are a range of natural remedies that you could try to help clear up your infection quickly and safely. The advantage of natural remedies is that they are safer than the chemical laden pharmaceutical options while often being just as effective.
One remedy that you could try at home is treating your condition with essential oils. A number of these natural oils have proven, powerful anti-fungal effects which can help treat your symptoms safely and naturally. You can read a full review of the best anti-fungal oils here.
Here are some of the best essential oils that you can use to treat your yeast infection.
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How To Treat Vaginal Yeast Infections
1. Keep Your Skin Clean and Dry
Make sure to wash the genital area with soap every day and dry off the area well after showering, since fungi are most commonly found in moist environments . When you go to the bathroom, you can decrease the risk for spreading germs by wiping from front to back .
Following sexual intercourse, make sure to wash the genital area. Its possible to spread yeast infections during sex from person to person, and even though women are much more likely to carry yeast infections, men can develop yeast infections in the genital area too. Always practice safe sex by using condoms, and abstain from sex altogether if you or your partner have an active infection.
2. Wear Clean Clothes
Make sure to wear clean underwear and, ideally, choose cotton underwear or another breathable fabric. Allowing air to reach your genitals helps stop moisture and warmth from developing, which worsens yeast growth.
You might also want to wear looser-fitting clothes and avoid stockings, tights or bathing suits if youre prone to getting infections since these all increase body heat and retain moisture. When you do wear a bathing suit, try not to stay in one for too many hours, especially if the suit is wet or dirty.
3. Boost Your Immune System with a Nutrient-Rich Diet and Probiotics
4. Rule Out Allergies
5. Consider Other Medical or Hormonal Problems
6. Fight Yeast with Supplements and Essential Oils
How Is A Yeast Infection Treated
Women who have previously had a yeast infection and therefore recognize their symptoms can actually treat themselves at home provided they are not pregnant. Anti-fungal creams and suppositories to treat yeast infections are available over the counter without the need for a prescription. Anti-fungal tablets are also available.
The condition is usually easy enough to treat, should clear up fairly quickly and does not cause any long term effects.Women who are pregnant should not use any medicines for their yeast infection without consulting their doctor first.
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Gas Chromatography And Gas Chromatographymass Spectrometry
Gas chromatography was performed using a Perkin Elmer AutoSystem with two fused-silica SPB five columns , mounted in parallel in the same oven, with two detectors: FID and TurboMass Mass Spectrometer . The carrier gasses were oxygen and moisture-free helium, obtained with a SUPELCO High Capacity Heated Carrier Gas Purifier, equipped with an OMI-2 indicating tube, at an average flow rate of 1 ml/min. The oven temperature program was as follows: 60°C for 4 min, followed increasing by 2°C/min to 180°C then by 3°C/min to 250°C. The detector and the injector temperatures were 280°C. The injected volume of essential oil or pure substance was 0.1 µl, and the split ratio was 1:50. Two distinct data systems were connected to the GC-FID or GC-MS: Turbochrom and TurboMass Analytical Workstation Software with NIST/EPA/MSDC Mass Spectral database, respectively.
Home Remedies For Oral Thrush
Things you likely have at home or can easily buy may help treat a case of oral thrush or at least help you feel more comfortable until you can see a doctor.
Keep in mind that while they are natural, at-home therapies for yeast infections can still cause side effects.
So its best to talk to a healthcare provider before trying any of these home remedies, especially if you have any underlying health conditions that may be contributing to your candida infection.
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Essential Oils For Yeast Infections: 2 Diy Recipes
Its important to always dilute your essential oils with a carrier oil like coconut oil when applying them topically.
An added bonus of coconut oil is that its antifungal and antimicrobial which will enhance the efficacy of the oils.
Here are two DIY recipes for vaginal yeast infections:
Honey, Lavender, & Yogurt Tampon
A 2015 study published in the Global Journal of Health Science found that using a mixture of honey and yogurt proved to be more effective than the antifungal medication Clotrimazole at relieving vaginal candidiasis symptoms. The treatment was applied daily for seven consecutive days.
This recipe is based on this research.
Raw manuka honey has antifungal and antimicrobial properties, and unsweetened raw yogurt made with live cultures is rich in good bacteria that can help restore balance to the vaginal microbiome.
*Note: Do NOT use if youre pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or postpartum.
Thoroughly mix the essential oils with the yogurt and honey in a clean, sterilized glass bowl.
Leave it in for no more than 6-8 hours.
An optimal time to apply this is right before bed.
Remove the tampon in the morning.
Apply this mixture daily for seven days for best results.
*Make sure the yogurt is made with live cultures and contains no preservatives or additives. This is very important.
Lavender, Tea Tree, & Coconut Oil Suppositories
These suppositories are easy and quick to make.
Mixture:
- 7 drops tea tree oil
- ½ cup of coconut oil
How To Use Tea Tree Oil For Yeast Infections
Tea tree oil for yeast infection is administered through a vaginal suppository . You can purchase premade tea tree oil suppositories at a drugstore, natural health food and supplement store, or online.
Never try to make your own suppository. Also, essential oils can be irritating to the skin if not properly diluted and can be dangerous when not used appropriately.
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How To Use Essential Oils For Yeast Infections
Aromatherapy oils are highly concentrated plant extracts, and people can address infections with them. Choosing the ideal oil combination and application method is necessary for effective treatment. The most common methods include inhalation, skin application, or shower accessories.
Inhalation
The simplest way to use any essential oil is to inhale it. To do this, users should open a bottle of pure essential oil, keep it about two inches below the nose, and breathe a few times deeply. Its crucial not to let it touch the skin.
There are other enhanced inhalation methods, like using diffusers, humidifiers, or soft fabrics.
Skin Application
The first reminder in essential oil application is not to apply it directly to the skin. These oils may be natural, but they can also be harmful, like poison ivy. As they are concentrated solutions, they may cause extreme reactions, such as burns and rashes.
For any essential oil to work through skin application, its crucial to use it with a carrier or lotion. This process helps the skin tolerate the mixture better.
Shower Accessory
People with skin infections can add different oil types to their shampoo or body wash. They can also dilute a few oil drops with a carrier oil and mix them with the bathwater.
Peppermint Oil And Candida Biofilm
Biofilm is a sludge that some microscopic organisms can form to cover themselves. Candida cells produce this sludge from metabolic and decomposition products. Candida cells also can grow in layers, and the layers of these cells are part of the biofilm as well. Essentially, the production of biofilm can grant microorganisms protection from their environment, metabolic cooperation, more nutrient availability, and can help them acquire new genetic material .
According to a study, published in the Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy , Candida biofilm can garner the yeast a great deal of resistance to antifungal drugs. The study states that Candida cells protected by biofilm had as much or more than 1024 times the resistance to antifungal drugs than cells that were not covered with biofilm. A quotation, taken from this research, describes biofilm further:
The majority of manifestations of candidiasis are associated in one way or another with the formation of Candida biofilms on the surfaces of inert or biological surfaces. Sessile cells display unique phenotypic traits in comparison with planktonic cells. The most notable of these is that sessile cells are notoriously resistant to antimicrobial agents and withstand host immune defences, and this is the main reason why biofilm-associated infections are frequently refractory to conventional antibiotic therapy.
Clair Goodall: Author & Nature Lover
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The Most Antifungal Essential Oils
Tea tree oil
Tea tree essential oil is a powerful antifungal and antimicrobial agent that can heal and guard against many different infections, including yeast infections like Candida Albicans.
- A 2003 study published in the Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy found tea tree oil to be effective against 14 different drug-resistant strains of Candida.
- A 2016 study published in the Journal of Applied Microbiology found that tea tree oil, oregano oil, lavender, and basil oil all inhibited the growth and the activity of Candida Albicans more effectively than the antifungal drug Clotrimazole.
MC Top Pick
- Not safe for babies under 6 months old
- Toxic if ingested
- May cause skin irritation
- Avoid contact with eyes and mucus membranes
Oregano oil
Wild oregano essential oil is rich in thymol and carvacrol, chemicals that contain potent antifungal properties.
Oregano is also a powerful antibacterial, antiviral, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory agent.
A 2017 study published in the Journal of Applied Microbiology found oregano oil to be effective at protecting against bacteria like E. Coli and fungi like Candida Albicans.
Oregano oil isnt safe for pregnant women, babies, and small children.
MC Top Pick
- Not safe for babies and children under 2 years old
- Not safe for pregnant and breastfeeding mamas
- Avoid if you are taking multiple medications
- May cause skin irritation perform a patch test.
Lavender oil
MC Top Pick
Essential Oils For Biofilms
Biofilms shield pathogens like candida and parasites, making them challenging to treat, even with powerful prescription antifungal drugs. Fortunately, lemongrass and clove essential oils are especially effective at busting through the tough biofilm that Candida hides behind, according to a 2012 study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology.
Small Intestine Support: This amazing blend supports the small intestine both energetically and physically. It contains Lemongrass essential oil, a powerful antiseptic, antidiarrheal, antifungal, and antibacterial essential oil can break up Candida biofilm and alter its cellular structures. The Journal of Advanced Pharmaceutical Technology & Research confirms the antioxidant, antidiarrheal, antifungal, and antibacterial properties of lemongrass. When the essential oil is vaporized, it can be even more effective in altering the cellular structures and surfaces of Candida. Lemongrass oil has direct aromatic applications for Candida and oral thrush to improve digestive health. Apply Small Intestine Support in a clockwise direction around the belly button to help eliminate yeast without affecting natural bacterial flora.
Parasympatheticcan also be added to 1-2 teaspoons organic coconut oil and swished around in the mouth as part of an oil pulling routine to alleviate oral thrush. Try to swish the oil for 15 20 minutes to help break down the candida biofilms and detox the mouth .
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Essential Oils For Yeast Infection Candida Overgrowth
Here are the most commonly recommended essential oils for yeast infections, candida, and thrush. We wanted to make it possible for you to select your favorite 3 and make your own customized Restore Balance Essential Oil Kit. Its the most economical way to get the essential oils you need to use our candida recipes and recommendations below.
Vinegar & Essential Oil Candida Suppository
Vinegar is known for anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties it can be used by dipping a tampon in a solution of vinegar, water & 2-3 drops of Lavender or Tea Tree essential oil. There is no need to absorb a large amount of the liquid. Insert tampon two times per day and leave in for at least one hour.
Essential Oil Candida Sitz Bath
Essential Oils For Candida Overgrowth And Yeast Infections
Candida is a strain of fungus that can cause an infection in the skin, among other locations. There are about 21 different types of candida that can cause a fungal infection, however, the most common is C. albicans.
At normal levels, the yeast is not problematic, but when overproduced, candida can penetrate the bloodstream where it will release toxic by-products into the body and cause candida infection and leaky gut.
Factors that can lead to yeast infections and candida overgrowth include emotional stress, diabetes, taking oral contraceptives, a weakened immune system, high alcoholic beverages intake, eating a diet high in dairy products, and taking antibiotics.
- flu-like symptoms
- skin problems, such as psoriasis, eczema, or acne
- nail or skin fungal infections
- unexplained exhaustion
- digestive problems, like bloating, gas, diarrhea, or constipation
- a white coat on the tongue
- developing new food intolerances, such as lactose intolerance
- poor concentration
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