Can natural supplements help yeast infections?

Be wary about do-it-yourself miracle cures. There are scores of natural products and alternative therapies on the market today that claim to fight yeast infections. Some may help, while others will only help empty your wallet.

While many products proclaim that they will do away with yeast infections, most have not been proven to be effective. Natural supplements and home remedies that have not yet been shown to help yeast infections include:

  • tea tree oil
  • garlic

Acidophilus, the same friendly bacteria that's in yogurt, are available in pill, powder, or liquid form. However, they can be expensive and may not contain enough active Lactobacillus acidophilus to be effective. Currently, there is not enough evidence to show that acidophilus, taken by mouth or as a vaginal suppository, is effective for treating or preventing yeast infections.

Boric acid administered as a vaginal suppository may be effective for treating yeast infection for some women, but more research is needed. When used as a vaginal suppository, boric acid may cause skin irritation. Boric acid may be fatal if swallowed – keep it out of the reach of children and do not use it if you are pregnant.

Talk to your doctor or health care professional about what supplements they recommend. And remember, natural supplements can have side effects just like medications, so you should always consult your doctor before using them.

All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2023. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/healthfeature/gethealthfeature/Yeast-Infections-Fact-vs-Fiction