What are Yeast Infections?

Yeast infections are infectious diseases that originate from the fungal class of the microorganism. Yeast, or fungi organism, is present as part of the normal microorganisms in the human body. Under healthy conditions, they do not infect the body and in fact, protect the body from another invading organism. Yeast infections usually occur in case of weakened immunity such as the long-term use of antibiotics or in association with other diseases, including Diabetes Mellitus. They can present anywhere in the human body with the common areas including the skin, mouth, and the vagina.

Yeast infections can be of various types, depending upon the type of infecting species, such as candida infections, which is the most common yeast infection to occur in the body. The condition in which a person is infected by Candida species is known as candidiasis. Fungal infections can be treated with the use of antifungal drugs and creams and home remedies. One of the most effective remedies is the use of coconut oil.

Use of Coconut Oil for Yeast Infections

Over the years, a number of different and effective benefits and uses of coconut oil have been discovered and include boosting the metabolism and help in digestion. With the increasing use of antibiotics over the years, resistance has been rapidly developing against bacterial and fungal species, which cannot be countered with the development of new drugs. Therefore, natural remedies are very important to combat these infections, amplifying the benefits of coconut oil.

1. Oral Yeast Infections

To treat yeast infections originating in the mouth, the coconut oil needs to be heated first, since it is solid at room temperature. Warm the oil in the microwave, and test the temperature to avoid burning the mouth. Take a sip of warm coconut, gently swish it in the mouth for at least 30 seconds, and then spit it out. For effective results, do not eat or drink anything for at least 1 hour.

2. Dermatological Yeast Infections

If you have never used coconut oil for a yeast infection on the skin before, then you need a patch test first. Apply the coconut oil to an area of healthy skin and wait a minimum of 24 hours in order to check for any adverse reaction to the oil. If there is no reaction after 24 hours, then you can apply it to the skin without worry. Before applying the oil to the infected area, thoroughly wash and gently dry the area.

To use coconut oil, apply a thin layer to the affected area and leave on for 24 hours. If there is no reaction or any other side effects, then you can apply it to the rest of the affected area. It will help in relieving the pain and itching, as well as reducing the inflammation. If it does not relieve the symptoms, then adding ozonated olive oil to the coconut oil can help relieve the symptoms to a greater degree.

3. Vaginal Yeast Infection

Coconut oil for vaginal yeast infections might not prove as effective as with oral and dermatological yeast infections and, therefore, it needs to be enforced with ozonated olive oil before use. This makes it safer and more effective. For vaginal infections, coconut oil can be applied in different forms, such as a topical application or application through tampons and suppositories.

Create a mixture of ozonated coconut oil as mentioned above, wash the area, and gently apply it. When using a tampon, lightly dip it into the mixture and insert it into the vagina. Keep in for 1 to 2 hours and then remove it. If there is any reaction to the mentioned 2 hours, immediately remove it, wash the area, and consult the physician.

Precautions and Warnings

Before using home remedies, always consult your physician and test patch it first. If you face a reaction, immediately wash the area and visit your physician. For effective treatment, choosing the right oil is very important. Plain coconut oil can be beneficial for oral and dermatological infections, but for vaginal infections, it needs to be enforced with ozonated olive oil. Image

Certain people should avoid using coconut oil for yeast infections and they include those on certain medications, such as the antifungals or other drugs. Sometimes, using a certain method for application of coconut oil should be used or avoided depending on other factors, such as the use of other medications, type, and severity of infection, etc. Do not use home remedies if uncertain of the existence of the fungal infections or if the yeast infection is persistently occurring or resistant to any home remedies.

During treatment, avoid eating foods rich in sugars and containing naturally high content of bacteria, such as yogurt, as it provides further fuel and a breeding ground for more severe infections. If the infection is very severe or persistent, then it needs more treatment than home remedies alone can provide. Consult a physician so that you can start on an antifungal treatment. It can be in form of oral drugs, creams, or suppositories in case of vaginal infections.

Conclusion

Yeast infections are very common, especially in women. The main factor for its growth is a weakened immunity. In order to overcome this fungal infection, try using coconut oil as an effective remedy. Not only does it work, but is also very safe to use. Before using any remedies, consulting your physician is always recommended.