Yeast infections are one of those things almost no one wants to talk about, yet nearly every woman will experience them at some point.
The itching, burning, and general discomfort can throw off your whole day, or even your whole week.
While antifungal creams and prescriptions are widely available, many people prefer to start with home remedies for yeast infections that are gentle, affordable, and already sitting in their kitchen or bathroom cabinet.
Here’s the thing: not all remedies work for everyone, and they’re not a replacement for professional medical care.
If symptoms persist or worsen, it’s always best to see a doctor. But if you’re looking for natural relief, these remedies are worth considering.
1. Coconut Oil – Nature’s Antifungal Hero
Coconut oil has built itself a reputation in the natural health space, and for good reason.
It contains caprylic acid and lauric acid, both of which have antifungal properties.
These compounds make coconut oil a simple yet effective option for managing candida growth.
- How to use it:
- Apply a thin layer of organic coconut oil to the affected area.
- For extra strength, mix it with a drop of diluted tea tree oil.
- You can also cook with it or add it to smoothies for overall health.
A lot of women like that coconut oil doesn’t just fight yeast—it also soothes irritated skin. It’s gentle enough to reduce that raw, burning sensation without making things worse.
Try: Organic Virgin Coconut Oil on Amazon
2. Apple Cider Vinegar Baths
If there’s one pantry staple that always pops up in natural remedies, it’s apple cider vinegar (ACV).
Yeast thrives when the vaginal pH is off balance, and ACV’s acidity can help restore that balance.
- How to use it:
- Add 1–2 cups of ACV to a warm bath.
- Soak for 15–20 minutes.
- Repeat a few times a week if needed.
One important thing: never apply raw vinegar directly to sensitive areas—it’s too harsh and can cause more irritation.
But when diluted in bath water, it can offer quick relief from itching and discomfort.
Try: Bragg Organic Raw Apple Cider Vinegar
3. Greek Yogurt – Probiotic Power in a Spoonful
Yogurt isn’t just good for your gut, it can also help restore vaginal balance. The live cultures, especially Lactobacillus acidophilus, are known for fighting yeast by keeping the vaginal microbiome in check.
- How to use it:
- Eat a serving of plain, unsweetened Greek yogurt daily.
- Look for options labeled “live active cultures.”
- Some women apply it topically, but for many, eating it regularly works just as well.
Here’s a quick tangent: probiotics in general are having a moment, from kombucha to kefir, and it’s not just hype.
When your gut bacteria are happy, it often translates to fewer yeast flare-ups, too.
Try: Probiotic Yogurt Capsules (with Lactobacillus acidophilus)
Garlic – Old-School Natural Antifungal
Garlic has been a go-to remedy for centuries, long before modern antifungals existed. It contains allicin, a sulfur compound with well-documented antifungal and antibacterial effects.
While the smell can be off-putting, its benefits are hard to ignore.
- How to use it:
- Add fresh garlic cloves to your meals daily.
- Use garlic supplements if you can’t handle the raw taste.
- Garlic-infused oil (applied externally) can soothe itching.
Now, some sources mention inserting raw garlic cloves vaginally, honestly, that’s not recommended.
It can cause burns or more irritation. Stick with food or safe topical oils.
Try: Garlic Extract Supplements
Tea Tree Oil – Potent but Handle with Care
When people talk about natural antifungals, tea tree oil always comes up. It’s extremely potent against candida, but it also requires careful handling.
Undiluted tea tree oil can burn delicate skin, so always mix it with a carrier oil like coconut or olive oil.
- How to use it:
- Mix 2–3 drops of tea tree oil with a tablespoon of coconut oil.
- Apply gently to the external area for relief.
- Never insert full-strength oil internally—it’s far too strong.
It’s one of those remedies where “less is more.” Done correctly, it can help with itching, odor, and fungal overgrowth.
Try: Tea Tree Essential Oil (100% Pure)
Boric Acid Suppositories – For Stubborn Infections
If yeast infections keep coming back, boric acid suppositories are often the next step in natural treatment.
They’ve been studied for their effectiveness against both Candida albicans and harder-to-treat non-albicans strains.
- How to use it:
- Insert boric acid suppositories vaginally as directed (usually 600 mg once daily for up to two weeks).
- Always use pre-made capsules; don’t try to make your own.
- Not recommended for pregnant women.
Women who’ve struggled with constant recurrences often say this is the one thing that finally worked for them. It’s not glamorous, but it’s highly effective.
Try: Boric Acid Suppositories with Applicators
Cranberry Juice – More Than Just for UTIs
Cranberry juice is usually linked to urinary tract health, but it has a role in yeast infection prevention too.
Cranberries contain compounds that stop bacteria and yeast from “sticking” to the lining of your urinary and vaginal tract.
While it’s not a cure, it can support your body in fighting off infections.
- How to use it:
- Drink a glass of unsweetened cranberry juice daily.
- Avoid sugary cranberry cocktails, as they can actually feed yeast.
- Combine with probiotics for even better results.
Women often mention feeling less irritation and fewer repeat infections when adding cranberries to their routine. It’s one of those “small change, big impact” habits.
Try: Lakewood Organic Unsweetened Cranberry Juice
Vitamin C – An Immune Boost You Can Taste
Sometimes the best defense against yeast infections is simply strengthening your body’s natural immune system.
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) does just that while also helping to lower vaginal pH, making it harder for yeast to thrive.
- How to use it:
- Eat vitamin C-rich foods like oranges, strawberries, and bell peppers.
- Add daily Vitamin C supplements if your diet isn’t enough.
- Some vaginal tablets with ascorbic acid exist, though most people find oral intake sufficient.
It’s not a quick fix, but over time, boosting your vitamin C can make your body more resilient against infections.
Try: Vitamin C Immune Support Gummies
Baking Soda Baths – Simple Relief When Itchy Becomes Too Much
Sometimes the worst part of a yeast infection isn’t the infection itself but the maddening itch.
This is where a baking soda bath can be your best friend. Baking soda helps neutralize acids, offering quick itch relief and restoring a temporary balance to the vaginal environment.
- How to use it:
- Add ½ cup of baking soda to a warm bath.
- Soak for 15–20 minutes.
- Repeat as needed, especially when itching is severe.
It doesn’t treat yeast directly, but it makes you feel human again while your body (and other remedies) work on the root cause.
Try: Arm & Hammer Pure Baking Soda
Aloe Vera Gel – Cooling Comfort for Irritation
When the burning and rawness hit, sometimes you just want something cooling and soothing.
That’s where aloe vera gel comes in. Known for calming sunburns, aloe can also ease irritation from yeast infections.
While it doesn’t directly kill yeast, it helps reduce inflammation and gives much-needed relief.
- How to use it:
- Apply a thin layer of pure aloe vera gel to the external area.
- Choose a gel without alcohol, dyes, or fragrances.
- Store it in the fridge for an extra cooling effect.
It’s simple, safe, and gives you that instant “ahhh” feeling when discomfort is at its worst.
Try: Organic Aloe Vera Gel for Skin & Hair
Oregano Oil – A Spicy Little Fighter
Oregano oil might remind you of pizza, but it’s also one of nature’s strongest antifungals.
The active compound, carvacrol, has been studied for its ability to inhibit Candida. It’s powerful, so it’s usually taken as a supplement rather than applied directly.
- How to use it:
- Take oregano oil capsules with meals.
- If using the oil, always dilute heavily in a carrier oil.
- Avoid internal vaginal use, it’s too harsh.
A side note: Oregano has long been part of the Mediterranean diet, often praised for overall health and longevity.
Maybe Grandma’s marinara sauce was doing more than just tasting good.
Try: Oregano Oil Capsules (with Carvacrol)
Hydrogen Peroxide – Old School But Effective
Hydrogen peroxide (3%) is one of those medicine cabinet staples that people forget about until they need it.
It’s naturally produced by lactobacillus bacteria in the vagina, which means your body already uses it to maintain balance.
A diluted rinse or external wash can help kill yeast and bring relief.
- How to use it:
- Mix equal parts 3% hydrogen peroxide and water.
- Use as a gentle external wash.
- Never use full-strength internally it can be too harsh.
This one tends to work best as a supporting remedy, paired with probiotics or diet changes. Think of it as a “helper” rather than the main solution.
Try: 3% Hydrogen Peroxide Solution (Household Grade)
Dietary Changes – Feeding or Fighting Yeast
Here’s a tough truth: yeast loves sugar. The more refined carbs and sweets you eat, the easier it is for candida to multiply.
That doesn’t mean you have to live like a monk, but small changes in your diet can make a huge difference.
- What to cut back on:
- White bread, pastries, and pasta (candida feasts on these).
- Sugary drinks, desserts, and processed snacks.
- What to add in:
- Leafy greens, lean proteins, and fiber-rich veggies.
- Fermented foods like kimchi, kefir, or sauerkraut (hello probiotics).
- Probiotic supplements if food alone isn’t enough.
You don’t need a “perfect” diet, but shifting toward foods that support balance rather than yeast growth can prevent those frustrating recurring infections.
Try: Sugar-Free Cookbook or Probiotic Supplements for Women
Lifestyle & Prevention Tips – Small Habits, Big Impact
Remedies help, but prevention is the real game-changer. A few tweaks to your everyday routine can lower your chances of yeast infections popping up again.
- Wear breathable cotton underwear (skip the synthetic lace for daily wear).
- Change out of wet swimsuits or sweaty gym clothes quickly.
- Avoid heavily scented soaps, sprays, or douches, they throw off your natural pH.
- Stay hydrated and manage stress (because stress really does mess with your immune system).
And here’s a fun tangent: those ultra-tight gym leggings we all love? They’re comfy but can trap heat and moisture, which yeast thrives on.
Balance it out by giving your body some breathable downtime at home.
When to See a Doctor
As empowering as home remedies can be, there are times when medical care is the best option.
If you’ve tried several remedies and the itching, burning, or discharge doesn’t go away, or if infections keep coming back, it’s time to see a doctor.
Other red flags include:
- Severe swelling or pain.
- Fever or chills.
- Symptoms during pregnancy.
Doctors can prescribe antifungal creams, pills, or stronger treatments that knock the infection out quickly.
Sometimes what looks like a yeast infection may actually be something else entirely (like bacterial vaginosis), so don’t hesitate to get checked.
Conclusion – Gentle, Natural Relief is Possible
Yeast infections might be common, but that doesn’t make them any less frustrating. The good news? Relief often starts with simple remedies like coconut oil, ACV baths, yogurt, and dietary tweaks, things that are accessible and natural.
It’s not about finding a “miracle cure” but about building balance: balancing your diet, your stress, and your body’s natural defenses.
And if one remedy doesn’t work for you, another might. Think of it as giving your body a toolkit for comfort and healing.
At the end of the day, you don’t have to suffer in silence. These home remedies are here to make you feel human again, so you can get back to living your life without constant discomfort.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is yeast infection treated home?
If your symptoms are mild, you can try over-the-counter vag suppositories, medications, or some home remedies to help with a yeast infection. These can provide relief until you can see a doctor.
What’s the fastest way to get rid of a yeast infection?
For mild infections, home remedies and over-the-counter treatments can work quickly. If your symptoms are severe or last more than three days, it’s best to see a doctor. They might recommend a stronger prescription medication.
Can yeast infections go away on their own?
Mild yeast infections might go away by themselves, but most don’t. Getting treatment is the best way to get relief from a yeast infection.
Can a yeast infection go away in one day?
Some medications come in single-dose forms. If you want to treat your yeast infection quickly, talk to your doctor about these options.
