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Should I Use Garlic for Yeast Infection?

Sara Schmidt
Sara Schmidt
Sara Schmidt
Sara Schmidt

Using garlic for yeast infection treatments is a very simple process. By eating a full fresh clove of garlic daily, or applying a clove of garlic directly to the infection, the fungal invasion can be cured. Consuming garlic regularly may also have a preventative effects against yeast infections.

Garlic has been used as an antibacterial and anti-fungal treatment for many years. If used in the early stages of infection, garlic can quickly clear up different types of yest infections. Raw, fresh garlic is typically hailed as the best herbal remedy for this problem. A full garlic clove can be eaten and washed down with a glass of water for a quick daily treatment.

Tea tree oil may be helpful in treating yeast infections.
Tea tree oil may be helpful in treating yeast infections.

If chewing garlic for yeast infection treatments proves to be unpleasant, it may be ground into a juice if desired. The garlic can be finely minced before being added to water or juice. It can also be quickly swallowed and followed with a quick drink to wash the taste away.

Different types of yeast infections can be relieved with garlic. Vaginal yeast infections can be treated by inserting a garlic clove, or garlic tab, directly into the vagina every few hours. To make this process more comfortable, the cloves can be wrapped in a small piece of gauze and lubricated. Inserting such a poultice overnight can help rid the body of a yeast infection quickly. One to two nights of application are typically required for a successful treatment.

Head of garlic.
Head of garlic.

For skin outbreaks, a direct application of garlic for yeast infection treatment is often recommended. This process can be a simple as rubbing the affected area gently with a fresh clove of garlic. Though this application is not conducted orally, many people still report tasting the garlic following the treatment.

People who do not enjoy the flavor of the herb may purchase supplements of garlic for yeast infection instead. The supplements should be used as directed. Some people may insert the capsules vaginally; however, many opt to take them orally with water.

Plain yogurt works in place of garlic as a yeast infection treatment.
Plain yogurt works in place of garlic as a yeast infection treatment.

Many other natural and food-based remedies can be used to treat early yeast infections as well. Plain yogurt, tea tree oil, and several different herbs can provide effective relief from a yeast infection. Like garlic, these remedies often have no side effects, are less expensive to use, and are often easier to apply than some prescription medications.

Garlic can be wrapped in gauze before it is used as a yeast infection treatment.
Garlic can be wrapped in gauze before it is used as a yeast infection treatment.

Should symptoms persist, or if severe discharge occurs, a physician should be consulted. Recurring yeast infections can be a sign of another underlying health issue. A doctor can accurately diagnose and treat yeast infections that frequently reappear.

How To Use Garlic for Yeast Infection

With the majority of women experiencing a yeast infection at some point in their lives, having a natural remedy on hand can be a necessity. Yeast infections are notoriously itchy and inconvenient, and many women find them embarrassing to discuss. If you would like to try to find a discreet and natural way to rid yourself of Candida, exploring garlic-based products or do-it-yourself mixtures is a great starting point.

Garlic Clove in Vagina

Eating garlic daily may help prevent yeast infections.
Eating garlic daily may help prevent yeast infections.

You may decide to insert the garlic clove directly into the vagina as a poultice or suppository, but it should be noted that there is a risk of burning or further irritation. The vaginal area is sensitive, and each person experiences different degrees of sensitivity based on their individual body. Some women may have no issues from a garlic clove suppository, while others find their symptoms to be worsened. If you decide to go with this route, it is smart to do a small patch test with a clove in an area around the vagina and see if any irritation occurs. In general, many garlic creams will be targeted toward external use, so you shouldn't be inserting them fully into the vagina.

Recurring yeast infections may require treatment from a medical professional.
Recurring yeast infections may require treatment from a medical professional.

If you experience irritation with garlic but still would like to try a natural remedy for your yeast infection, you can also make a mixture with tea tree oil. Tea tree oil has antifungal and antibacterial properties that make it an effective agent when combating Candida overgrowth, and it can be easily applied to the vagina after mixing it with a carrier oil. Popular carrier oils include coconut, jojoba, or olive oil; creating a mixture will reduce the chance of irritation and enhance the benefits of both oils.

Garlic for Candida

The main ingredient in garlic is a property called allicin, which has been scientifically proven to prevent the growth of Candida. Candida is the fungus responsible for yeast infections, so while it has not been determined with certainty whether garlic can clear up yeast infections on its own, it has been shown that the properties of garlic are able to prevent further growth.

Over the Counter Options

If trying natural remedies like garlic has not been effective, it may be time to try an over-the-counter treatment like Monistat. Antifungal cream treatments are known for being quick to tackle the issue, even if they can be a bit of a mess to insert. Most treatments are split into 1, 3, and 7 days, depending on the degree of the infection.

Another option is following a Candida diet, which is a series of foods aimed at combating the fungus. Garlic is a staple in the diet, along with yogurt and probiotics. Women on the diet are advised to reduce their sugar intake as well, as that can fuel the growth of Candida. No matter what method you choose, you will want to deal with it as soon as possible in order to prevent your body from being prone to reoccurring yeast infections.

Sara Schmidt
Sara Schmidt

A graduate of Southeast Missouri State University, Sara has a Master’s Degree in English, which she puts to use writing for TheHealthBoard and several magazines, websites, and nonprofit organizations. She has published her own novella, and has other literary projects currently in progress. Sara’s varied interests have also led her to teach children in Spain, tutor college students, run CPR and first aid classes, and organize student retreats.

Learn more...
Sara Schmidt
Sara Schmidt

A graduate of Southeast Missouri State University, Sara has a Master’s Degree in English, which she puts to use writing for TheHealthBoard and several magazines, websites, and nonprofit organizations. She has published her own novella, and has other literary projects currently in progress. Sara’s varied interests have also led her to teach children in Spain, tutor college students, run CPR and first aid classes, and organize student retreats.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon994754

It will take longer to have an effect on vaginal yeast infection if garlic is taken orally. I was so desperate due to yeast infection that I tried inserting a garlic clove in my vaginal with a string tied to it (sewn) so I could get it out. I am a virgin and never had anything up there, but I was desperate. So far I did it for three days and I am taking a break. It's too early for me to say much on it since mine seems to be advanced. But I do feel there is an improvement for now. I will post an update on my progress when I get a chance.

anon346218

I have used garlic for vaginal yeast infections in the past and it works very well. I didn't believe it until I was desperate and was willing to try anything. To my surprise, I felt relief over night. I wrapped a clove in gauze and attached a string and put it in over night for about a week and it worked. I only had to do it at night.

ysmina

@simrin-- Eating garlic is okay, although I have my doubts about it. We don't even know how much garlic is needed to treat a yeast infection and I kind of doubt that someone can eat enough garlic every day for it to be effective.

Some women actually put a clove of garlic inside their vagina to treat a yeast infection. I think this is a terrible idea, I personally would never do that. It doesn't seem safe at all.

Plus, there are many other remedies for yeast infections out there like tea tree oil for example.

ddljohn

@simrin-- My sister used the garlic method for a yeast infection once. She was pregnant and wanted to treat it with natural remedies. It worked for her, but I'm not sure if it will work for everyone.

As far as I know, she ate garlic and also applied the garlic topically. I think you should at least cut the garlic before swallowing it so that it's easier to digest. I don't think you have to chew it. And you should continue doing this until all your symptoms are gone.

SteamLouis

I have a hard time believing that the garlic is a cure for yeast infections, but I'm willing to try it because I'm desperate. Do I have to chew the garlic? Can I just swallow it whole?

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    • Tea tree oil may be helpful in treating yeast infections.
      By: Lucie Říhová
      Tea tree oil may be helpful in treating yeast infections.
    • Head of garlic.
      By: tospark
      Head of garlic.
    • Plain yogurt works in place of garlic as a yeast infection treatment.
      By: Colinda McKie
      Plain yogurt works in place of garlic as a yeast infection treatment.
    • Garlic can be wrapped in gauze before it is used as a yeast infection treatment.
      By: picsfive
      Garlic can be wrapped in gauze before it is used as a yeast infection treatment.
    • Eating garlic daily may help prevent yeast infections.
      By: Leonid Nyshko
      Eating garlic daily may help prevent yeast infections.
    • Recurring yeast infections may require treatment from a medical professional.
      By: Andres Rodriguez
      Recurring yeast infections may require treatment from a medical professional.