If odor, discharge and dryness were not enough to deal with, another common trouble that haunts many women is yeast infections.
Known as candidiasis or vaginal thrush, yeast infections are caused by an overgrowth of naturally occurring fungus. The most common fungus that affects about 75 percent of all adult women at least once in their life, Candida albicans is characterized by extreme symptoms such as itching, burning, pain and sometimes a white, thick discharge. While prescription antifungal medicines help stop its growth, they can cause an imbalance in the healthy gut bacteria and aggravate the symptoms.
However, several natural remedies packed with antibiotic properties can eliminate nasty yeast infections without any side effects. One such natural ingredient that can stop and prevent yeast infections is garlic.
Garlic For Yeast Infections
Oozing with natural antifungal and antibacterial properties, garlic not only helps clear yeast infections, but also protects your lady parts from several other infections. [1] A small study published in the Iranian Journal of Nursing And Midwifery Research found that a vaginal cream containing garlic and thyme was as potent in treating vaginitis as a standard clotrimazole antifungal cream. [2]
How To Use It
- Add garlic to your meals generously. Finely chop raw garlic cloves and add to salad dressings, soups and other foods.
- Alternatively, crush about two garlic cloves and boil them with a glass of milk. Drink this twice a day to obtain relief from vaginal thrush.
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Read More:
Ayurvedic Remedies For Yeast Infections
Pain In & Around Your Vagina? You Could Have Vulvodynia
What’s Up Down There: Are Yeast Infections Dangerous For The Baby?
References:
1. Lemar KM, Turner MP, Lloyd D. Garlic (Allium sativum) as an anti-Candida agent: a comparison of the efficacy of fresh garlic and freeze-dried extracts. J Appl Microbiol. 2002;93(3):398-405. PubMed PMID: 12174037.
2. Bahadoran P, Rokni FK, Fahami F. Investigating the therapeutic effect of vaginal cream containing garlic and thyme compared to clotrimazole cream for the treatment of mycotic vaginitis. Iran J Nurs Midwifery Res. 2010 Dec;15(Suppl1):343-9. PubMed PMID: 22069409; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC3208935.
