Yogurt
Yogurt contains good bacteria or probiotics and thus helps maintain the proper balance of good bacteria to keep yeast from overgrowing.
A 1992 study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine reports that daily ingestion of 8 ounces of yogurt containing Lactobacillus acidophilus decreased both candidal colonization and infection.
Another 2012 study published in the Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics found that the mixture of bee-honey and yogurt produced a high clinical cure rate and a reasonable mycological cure rate in patients with vulvo-vaginal candidiasis during pregnancy.
A 2003 study published in FEMS Immunology and Medicinal Microbiology reports that the combination of probiotic L. rhamnosus GR-1 and L. fermentum RC-14 is safe for daily use in healthy women and can reduce colonization of the vagina by potential pathogenic bacteria and yeast.
In a 2006 research review published in the Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, experts found that some probiotics, especially L. acidophilus, L. rhamnosus GR-1 and L. fermentum RC-14 may be effective against candida. However, more randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials with a larger sample size should be carried out for a proper conclusion.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil stands out as a natural remedy for vaginal thrush. It has effective antifungal properties that can kill the fungi responsible for yeast infections.
A 2007 study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food analyzed the effectiveness of coconut oil against a range of fungal organisms and found that the oil’s medium-chain fats were effective at killing 52 types of candida species.
Directly apply extra-virgin coconut oil topically on the affected area, 2 or 3 times a day until you see improvement.
You can also include it in your daily diet. Start with 1 teaspoon of extra-virgin coconut oil daily and gradually increase the dosage to up to 3 tablespoons per day.
Boric Acid
Boric acid has mild antiseptic and antifungal properties and is effective in treating vaginal thrush.
A 2007 study published in Diabetes Care reports that diabetic women with vulvo-vaginal candidiasis show higher mycological cure with boric acid vaginal suppositories given for 14 days as compared to single-dose oral 150-mg fluconazole.
A 2011 study published in the Journal of Women’s Health suggests that boric acid is a safe, alternative, economic option for women with recurrent and chronic symptoms of vaginitis when conventional treatment fails due to the involvement of azole-resistant strains.
Boric acid suppositories are very effective and can be easily made at home. To make the suppositories, fill “00 size” gelatin capsules with boric acid. Insert 1 capsule deeply into your vagina at bedtime, once or twice a week.
Alternatively, dilute 1 teaspoon of boric acid in a 2 cups of warm water. Apply the diluted solution on the vaginal area for a few minutes, then rinse the area thoroughly with water. Do this once daily for 2 weeks.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera contains vitamins, enzymes and amino acids that help inhibit the growth of candida. It also has anti-inflammatory, anti-irritating and antifungal properties that help control and treat vaginal thrush.
A 2012 study published Mycoses journal found that aloe vera fresh leaves plant extract can help reduce the growth and germ tube formation of Candida albicans.
Prepare aloe vera juice by blending together 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel and 1 cup of orange juice or just plain water. Drink this aloe vera juice once daily for a few days.
You can also extract the gel from an aloe leaf and apply it on the affected area a few times daily until the infection clears.