Yeast infections are one of the most common and troublesome health issues that one can experience. They’re difficult to get rid of and they reoccur if not properly treated. Witch hazel has proven to be one of the most effective home remedies for yeast infection treatment.
How witch hazel used and why it works
Witch hazel is a home remedy that is used for quite a few different medical conditions. One such condition that it treats is yeast infections. It is used by applying the extract directly to the area affected and helps heal the infection. In case of oral and vaginal yeast infections it can be used internally, however, it might cause an upset stomach.
The reason that witch hazel works so well for yeast infections is that it contains tannic acid which dries the skin out. Witch hazel also has anti-oxidants in it which can kill of bacteria along with yeast. This is very effective especially since a lot of the time yeast infections co-exist with bacterial infections.
Types of yeast infections
Before discussing how to use witch hazel, first, familiarize yourself with the different types of yeast infections so that you can seek treatment accordingly.
Many people are under the misconception that only women get yeast infections, but men can get them too. Yeast infections can occur in these parts of the body and affect each part differently:
- The most popular yeast infection is a vaginal yeast infection
- Yeast infections in the skin/nails- causes rashes and itching
- The most serious type is a yeast infection in the bloodstream. This is extremely dangerous and even life-threatening
- Thrush/ yeast infection in the mouth
- Thrush that’s spread in the esophagus
How to use witch hazel to treat the different types of yeast infections
Vaginal Yeast Infection
Symptoms of vaginal yeast infections include itching, strong odor, white cottage cheese like discharge and sometimes a burning sensation when peeing.
To treat a vaginal yeast infection, mix plain low-fat yogurt with witch hazel in a cup. Take a clean tampon and dip it in the mixture, so that it can absorb well. Once the witch hazel and yogurt has absorbed insert the tampon in the vagina. The yogurt helps relieve itching and burning.
Nail Fungus
You might not have known this, but nail fungus is associated with candida. Sometimes the body’s immune system is weak and cannot combat the overgrowth of yeast. This overgrowth in yeast leads to toenail fungus.
To treat nail fungus use some witch hazel extract. This works well because of its hemostatic and astringent properties. Apply witch hazel to a cotton ball and apply directly to the affected nail every day.
Skin Yeast Infection
The skin can also experience yeast infections and they can occur in places where the skin tends to fold. Areas such as the breast, groin, underarms and between the legs are likely to get this infection. Excess sweating and moist areas are also the main culprits of this issue, however as we have previously mentioned, yeast infections are all caused by an overgrowth of yeast.
To ease symptoms and help treat this, purchase a witch hazel ointment or cream and apply to the affected areas. Another way that you can use witch hazel is by adding it to your bath and soaking in the water for around 20 minutes.
Oral thrush
Oral thrush too is caused by an imbalance in the body and overgrowth of yeast. A thick white coat is formed in the mouth and it starts becoming a severe problem when it overproduces. This leads to it forming in the throat and gums, which worsens the situation.
Witch hazel can be used to help treat oral thrush by gargling once a day with it. Make sure not to swallow the witch hazel, as this might cause nausea and vomiting. It’s best to dilute the witch hazel with distilled water and swirl in the mouth for 30 seconds before spitting out.
The causes of yeast infections
There are a good few causes of yeast infections. If you suffer from yeast infections then try and get to the root of the problem by going through each of the causes.
- Yeast infections are caused by unbalanced fungus in the body known as candida.
- One major cause could also be hormonal
- Diabetes and insulin resistance
- Poor immune system- your body is unable to fight the overgrowth of yeast.