We’ve all been there… or have we?
Yeast infections are absolutely no fun. For those who may be wondering, “what is a yeast infection?” and/or, “how do I know if I have one?” here you go:
Candidiasis is an infection caused by a yeast (a type of fungus) called Candida. Candida normally lives inside the body (in places such as the mouth, throat, gut, and vagina) and on skin without causing any problems. Sometimes Candida can multiply and cause an infection if the environment inside the vagina changes in a way that encourages its growth. Candidiasis in the vagina is commonly called a “vaginal yeast infection.” Other names for this infection are “vaginal candidiasis,” “vulvovaginal candidiasis,” or “candidal vaginitis.”
Symptoms
The symptoms of vaginal candidiasis include:1,2
Vaginal itching or soreness
Pain during sexual intercourse
Pain or discomfort when urinating
Abnormal vaginal discharge
—Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
What to do, what to do? Luckily there is a very simple home cure that provides immediate relief and can totally turn your day around. I like to call it:
“The Garlic Tampon”
Garlic, coconut oil, and tea tree oil all have anti-fungal and anti-microbial properties. Combined together in this fashion they form a sort of holy trinity for vaginal health. Most yeast infections can be resolved in this fashion in about 3-5 days, with a fresh garlic tampon applied each day. This method is comfortable and effective, but don’t be surprised if you notice yourself smelling a little garlicky! Rest assured others won’t typically notice :)
Here’s how you do it:
Gauze, Floss, Garlic, Coconut Oil, and Tea Tree Oil Spell Relief.
Peel a couple small garlic cloves and smash them with the flat side of a knife. You want to make sure they’re crushed and somewhat juicy, but still whole.
SMash that garlic! Don’t put it through a garlic press though — that might be too potent.
Place your squashed garlics in the gauze, bundle and tie them up with the floss, and be sure to leave a long string attached for removal (just like a tampon!).
Place the garlic tampon in a small dish and drop 1-2T. coconut oil on top of it. Then add 1/8-1/4 t. Tea Tree oil, and mix it all up. The tea tree oil is a little subjective, since everyone can tolerate different amounts. Start with a smaller amount and see how it feels. If you’re feeling extra witchy, you could even throw in 2-3 drops of peppermint oregano, rosemary, or menthol essential oils.
Insert the tampon. Instant relief!
Be sure to put a pad or panty liner in your undies to catch any excess oil.
Repeat daily until your yeast infection is gone! Usually this takes about 3 days.
While you recover from your yeast infection, it’s important to take stock and ask yourself why you think you got the infection in the first place. Sometimes a new lover can introduce the candida imbalance, but usually too much wine, alcohol, beer, bread, and sugar are the culprits.
Been having too much fun? Nothing like a Yeast INfection to bring on A personal Prohibition.
If you’re really battling with your sugar cravings, consider taking some probiotics. My favorite probiotic for silencing the sugar demon in the mind is “Syntol” by Arthur Andrew.
Happy Healing :)
