Coconut oil has shown to have a lot of benefits and is very versatile. It also acts as an anti-fungal and can be easily incorporated in the diet. You can replace your regular cooking oil with coconut oil or even take it as a supplement. It is very healthy and when you are choosing an anti-fungal, it can be your first choice. Coconut oil has 3 different types of fatty acids – caprylic acid, capric acid and lauric acid which are all effective against candida yeast.
Why Coconut Oil for Yeast Infections Is Effective?
Work as Natural Antifungal
Caprylic acid present in coconut oil, when comes in contact with yeast colonies, kills them. It is responsible for stopping the growth and replication of the yeast. The membrane of the yeast cells which are responsible for vaginal infection, thrush and jock itch, is broken down by caprylic acid. Most of the treatments prescribed by doctors for yeast are caprylic acid based.
Reduce the Food Access
The fungus feeds on sugars and this sugar can be substituted by coconut oil. It is a good sugar substitute because it is a natural sweetener and also provides energy needed, so requirement of carbs is cut down therefore cut down the food source for bad yeast and fungus.
Boost Immune System
Immunity is improved by the presence of caprylic acid and lauric acid both of which are also present in mother’s milk. The immunity of the body is also improved because vitamins and minerals are better absorbed in the body in presence of coconut oil.
Work as Barrier
Coconut oil has an ability to form a protective layer, which is non-irritating and also not as messy as white creams. When applied, it acts as a barrier which protects the sensitive and irritated skin that has already been damaged by yeast over growth.
Will There Be Die-Off When Using Coconut Oil for Yeast Infections?
Die-off occurs when the fungal organisms start to die and release toxins in the blood. This may worsen your symptoms, but it actually means that the treatment is working and you are getting better. The intensity of symptoms can vary in people; however, it does not last for more than a few days. Eating light food and drinking plenty of fluids in the initial days are beneficial.
How to Use Coconut Oil for Yeast Infections
Apply Coconut Oil on Skin
Ensure that the yeast-infected area is clean and dried thoroughly. Take a few drops of coconut oil and apply a thin layer on the infected area. Repeat 2 or 3 times in a day, once in the morning and once before going to bed. When done regularly, this will help in healing the infection faster
Add Coconut Oil into Diet
Incorporate around 3 to 5 tablespoons of virgin coconut oil in the diet. You can start off with smaller quantity of oil and then gradually increase.
Regular cooking oil, butter on the toast can be replaced with coconut oil. You can also add coconut oil into oatmeal.
Having a teaspoon of coconut oil prior to meals can help in boosting immunity, preventing diseases in the future and treating existing infections as well.
Coconut oil does not break down into trans fats as it is quite stable, so it can be used to substitute cooking oil and heated at high temperature as well.
Wash with Coconut Oil
Washing or douching with coconut oil regularly or once a day helps in preventing yeast infection. Just mix 2 quarts of warm distilled water with 3 to 4 tablespoons of coconut oil and then wash with it.
For vagina yeast infect, you should dip unbleached tampon in coconut oil and leave it in the vagina overnight or for 8 hours.
Take Coconut Capsules
Coconut oil capsules are also available which can be used substitute coconut oil. These should ideally be used at night. They will melt due to body heat and may leak during the night, so underwear and pads are recommended. The ideal dosage is 2-3 capsules every night, which will help in removing the yeast infection completely.
Other Ways of Using Coconut Oil for Yeast Infections
Another way of using coconut oil for yeast infections is by mixing it with cinnamon oil, garlic oil or vitamin E. It heals the infection faster and should be repeated regularly.
Equal quantity of coconut oil mixed with cinnamon oil and applied on infection part helps in controlling growth of yeast infection as well as preventing it.
A few drops of garlic oil and vitamin E should be diluted in coconut oil and applied on skin with yeast infection.
Other Remedies for Yeast Infections
Apple Cider Vinegar
The presence of some distinctive compounds in the vinegar helps control and get rid of yeast infection. 2 tablespoons diluted apple cider vinegar in a cup of warm water should be consumed twice daily. It can also be used in bath water which will relieve irritation and itching. When using vinegar for yeast infection, you should do it about 30 minutes.
Yogurt
Plain, unsweetened yogurt is beneficial as it contains friendly bacteria. Itching can be relieved by applying yogurt for 30 minutes or overnight on the affected area. Besides, yogurt can also be included in the diet. Tampon dipped in yogurt can be left in the vagina for 2 hours twice daily to rid of vagina yeast infection.
Tea Tree Oil
Due to the strong anti-fungal properties, it is an excellent remedy for yeast infections. When diluted with water, olive oil or almond oil, it can be applied on infected area, several times a day. This can also be used for vagina infection. Just put a few drops on a tampon and insert it in vagina for 2-3 hours twice daily. Please note that tea tree oil for yeast infection should not be used by pregnant women.
Olive Leaf Extract
This has antiviral, anti-fungal, anti-oxidant as well as anti-inflammatory properties. It helps in restoring the good bacteria in the body. Take chopped olive oil leaves in a glass jar, cover with vodka and store in dark place for 4 weeks. After straining, use the liquid on affected area around 3 times a day.
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