Natural Ways to Cure a Vaginal Infection

Although quite common in many women, vaginal infections can be of an annoyance at the best of times, as they tend to pop-up for no apparent reason at all. However, as with most things in life, there is usually a good explanation as to why they should appear in the first place. Causes - vaginal infections such as thrush (vulvovaginal candidiasis) are usually caused by a bodily imbalance of microorganisms (bacteria [friendly bacteria verses unfriendly bacteria]) that tend to affect the immune system. One common cause is antibiotic medicine used to treat infections, as it has the tendency to provoke the Candida albican yeast (microorganisms [part of the gut flora that live in the mouth and intestine]) to multiply and cause an infection. Due to this multiplication (overgrowth) toxins are produced in the body that can affect the immune system not just by causing an infection, but also by offering side-effects too (abdominal pains, depression, fatigue, and headaches). Other causes may include: pregnancy, diabetes, or when the body's defenses are low. It is also claimed that certain contraceptive pills and coils may also provoke vaginal infections, although there is no firm evidence to confirm that this is the case. Candida yeast (Candida albicans [a type of fungus]) can be categorized into three different types: oral, skin, and systemic, with those that affect the vagina resulting in a creamy (white/yellow) discharge that may also feel itchy or sore. Treatment - although vaginal infections are more commonly treated with anti-fungal drugs (over-the-counter, or prescription [containing the organic compound imidazole]) such as Canesten, some may also be treated at home. 1. Calendula Flowers - also more commonly known as "marigold flowers" have some very good anti-oxidants that can help with infections. Dried crushed leaves mixed with water and applied to the area of the vagina, or mixed with olive oil and taken orally (strain first) has a particularly good effect on vaginal infections. 2. Garlic - peeled and crushed into a paste and applied over the vulva (the external parts of the vagina), or a whole peeled garlic clove wrapped in muslin cloth and inserted into the vagina (overnight) have the effect of curing infections. This treatment should be repeated until signs of the infection disappear. 3. Natural Yogurt - applied over the vulva or onto a tampon before being inserted into the vagina and left overnight tends to works wonders. Yogurt contains "lactobacillus acidophilus" which regulates the yeast population within the body and helps to maintain a correct balance of alkaline-acid. 4. Lady's Mantle - should be added to rosewater and petroleum jelly (mixed well) and applied to the affected area of the vagina, once in the morning and then again before going to bed (leave for 15 minutes before washing off) to provide relief. Lady's mantle can be dangerous for babies and should not be used while pregnant. 5. Honey - should be applied directly onto the vagina and surrounding areas (leave for 15 minutes before washing off with warm water). Repeat the process once in the morning and then again before going to bed for best results. Honey holds many beneficial properties that can help cure vaginal infections. Other such treatments may include - cranberry juice (two glasses taken daily for one week), umeboshi plumb added to the bath (two 10-minute daily baths [water 6-inches maximum]) until symptoms disappear, diluted apple cider vinegar (used to wash the vagina, or mixed with honey and drunk several times a day), and grapefruit extract (ground grapefruit seeds mixed with olive leaf added to water and drunk). The same solution can be used to wash the vagina twice a day.