Natural remedies and treatment for oral thrush and vaginal thrush

There are two types of thrush oral and vaginal thrush.

Oral thrush is also known as oropharyngeal cancer. This is a type of yeast infection that develops on your tongue and inside your mouth. We know that a small amount of Candida albicans fungus is normally present in our mouths. When our immune system cannot maintain its natural defense against this fungus, and it grows out of control, then oral thrush is happening.

This infection leads to slightly raised creamy–white lesions which are usually on your tongue and inner cheeks. If you do not control this infection at the time, then it can spread to the back of your throat, to the roof of your mouth, gums, and tonsils.

Also, there are other signs and symptoms in your mouth, which include loss of taste, difficulty swallowing, a cottony feeling, soreness, and redness. Every single person can develop this condition, but it is more common in infants, elderly people, those who wear dentures, and those who have a weak immune system.

People who have cancer, a vaginal yeast infection, or diabetes are also more prone to it. Vaginal thrush is a type of infection from which most women suffer from. This infection affects up to three out of four women at some point in their lives. There are some women who have experienced this infection in more than one episode of it.

Vaginal thrush is also known as candidal vulvovaginitis or vaginal yeast infection which occurs due to excessive growth of candida (yeast) in the vagina. When there are normal circumstances, your vagina has a balanced mix of yeast which includes candida and bacteria. The bacteria produce acid, which prevents yeast overgrowth. When the balance between the naturally occurring yeast and the good bacteria is disrupted, then this causes a yeast infection.

8 Home remedies for thrush

Baking soda

This is a very effective home remedy for oral thrush. Baking soda can kill the yeast which causes this infection. There was one study in which is shown that 5% sodium bicarbonate is effective against Candida Albicans [1].

Also, it can help maintain good pH levels in your mouth by neutralizing acids. You should mix one to two teaspoons of baking soda with enough amount of water to form a paste. You should use a cotton ball to apply this natural cure on your inner cheek area and your tongue. You should wait for a few minutes, and then you should rinse your mouth with warm water. You should follow this natural treatment two or three times per day for a period of a few days. Also, you should dissolve ½ teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of water. You should use this natural treatment two times per day until you get rid of this problem.

Salt

This is the best natural treatment that you can use for treating oral thrush [2]. This natural cure creates an inhospitable environment for the fungus. Also, it can help you to get relief from the symptoms in a very quick way.

In one cup of warm water, you should mix ½ to one teaspoon of salt. You should use this natural cure to gargle thoroughly, and then you should spit it out. You should repeat this natural treatment a few times per day until you are satisfied with the results.

Also, you can sprinkle some amount of salt on your tongue and the inside of your mouth. Then, you should rub it gently with your fingers for a few seconds. You should rinse it out thoroughly with warm water. You should use this natural treatment two times per day for a period of a few days.

Tea tree oil

This is also a very effective home remedy for oral thrush. It has powerful antifungal properties which can help you to control the growth of yeast, and also they will give you a quick recovery. There are some studies in which is found that the antifungal effects of tea tree oil and its components on Candida Albicans are very effective [3].

In one cup of warm water, you should add four to five drops of tea tree oil. You should use this natural treatment to gargle for a couple of minutes. You should use this natural cure two times per day until you have noticed that the infection has improved.

Don’t ingest tea tree oil because it can cause you side effects.

Oil of oregano

This is a very effective home remedy for vaginal thrush. It has two naturally occurring antimicrobial agents – thymol and carvacrol which can help dehydrate and kill candida yeast cells. Oregano oil is antifungal, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties.

There was one study in which was shown that oil of oregano either stopped or slowed down the growth of yeast which depends on the dosage used [4]. You should dilute oregano oil with an equal amount of olive oil and apply it on your vagina topically two or three times per day for a period of one week.

Also, you can take one or two capsules of oregano oil two times per day for a period of one week. Oil of oregano is a natural blood thinner, so if you have blood clotting issues or you take blood thinners. Also, if you are a pregnant woman should avoid using this home remedy.

Aloe Vera

This natural cure has amino acids, enzymes, and vitamins that can help you to inhibit the growth of candida. Aloe Vera has antifungal, anti-irritating, and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help you to treat and control vaginal thrush.

Also, there was one study in which it found that Aloe Vera fresh leaves plant extract can help you to reduce the growth and germ tube formation of Candida albicans [5].

You should prepare Aloe Vera juice by blending two tablespoons of Aloe Vera gel and one cup of orange juice, or you can add one cup of plain water. You should drink this Aloe Vera juice once per day for a period of a few days. Also, you can extract the gel from an Aloe Vera leaf, and you should apply it on the affected area a few times per day until the infection clears. Before you use Aloe Vera leaves, you should be sure that you have washed them very well. Also, you should not drink Aloe Vera juice in excess amounts because it can cause you gastrointestinal discomfort.

Apple cider vinegar

This natural cure has enzymes that control candida infection which means that it is an effective home remedy for oral thrush. It helps you to restore the pH levels of your body to fight the overgrowth of the infection which is causing yeast. It can boost your immune system, and also it can give you a strong defense against candida.

Also, it has antifungal properties, which can fight against candida species. In one cup of warm water, you should mix ½ teaspoon of salt and two tablespoons of raw and unfiltered apple cider vinegar. You should use this natural treatment to rinse your mouth several times per day until you notice improvements in your condition. Also, you should add a small amount of raw honey and two tablespoons of raw and unfiltered apple cider vinegar to a cup of warm water. You should drink this home remedy two times per day. [6]

Coconut oil

This is one of the best natural treatments for vaginal thrush. It has antifungal properties which can help you to kill the fungi which are responsible for yeast infections [7].

You should directly apply extra virgin coconut oil topically on the affected area. You should do it two to three times per day until you notice improvements in your condition. Also, you can include this home remedy in your daily diet. You should start with one teaspoon of extra virgin coconut oil every day, and you should gradually increase the dosage to up to three tablespoons per day.

Yogurt

This is the best natural treatment for vagina thrush. It has good bacteria or probiotics, and also it can help you to maintain the proper balance of good bacteria to keep yeast from overgrowing. There was one study that said that the daily indigestion of eight ounces of yogurt, which has Lactobacillus acidophilus, has decreased both candidal colonization and infection [8].

You should dip a tampon in yogurt and insert it in your vagina and let it stay there for two hours. When you have removed the tampon, then you should clean the area with lukewarm water and pat dry thoroughly. You should do this natural treatment two times per day. Also, you should include yogurt, which has live cultures, in your diet.

You should talk with your doctor if you want to start taking probiotic supplements. When you have a yeast infection, then you should only use unsweetened and plain yogurt. If you use any sweetened yogurt, then this can worsen your thrush condition.

References

[1] Najafi S, Yazdani R, Salari B, et al. Effect of sodium bicarbonate against Candida albicans in denture stomatitis: An in vitro study. Journal of Dental Medicine. 2016;29(2):92-100.

[2] Akpan A, Morgan R. Oral candidiasis. Postgraduate Medical Journal. 2002;78:455-59.

[3] Hammer KA, Carson CF, Riley TV. Antifungal effects of Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) oil and its components on Candida albicans, Candida glabrata and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy. 2004;53(6):1081-85.

[4] Rao A, Zhang Y, Muend S, Rao R. Mechanism of antifungal activity of terpenoid phenols resembles calcium stress and inhibition of the TOR pathway. Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy. 2010;54(12):5062-69.

[5] Nair GR, Naidu GS, Jain S, et al. Clinical effectiveness of aloe vera in the management of oral mucosal diseases- A systematic review. Journal of Clinical & Diagnostic Research. 2016;10(8):ZE01-ZE07.

[6] Mota AC, de Castro RD, de Araújo Oliveira J, de Oliveira Lima E. Antifungal activity of apple cider vinegar on Candida species involved in denture stomatitis. Journal of Prosthodontics. 2015;24(4):296-302.

[7] Ogbulo DO, Oni AA, Daini OA, Oloko AP. In vitro antimicrobial properties of coconut oil on Candida species in Ibadan, Nigeria. Journal of Medicinal Food. 2007;10(2):384-7.

[8] Madhu, Shiva Prakash M, Neetu. Yoghurt is excellent vehicle for travelling probiotics to public health. International Journal of Food and Nutritional Sciences. 2013;2(1):126-37.