Home remedies for vaginal thrush: Doctor explains what helps

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Medications, so-called antimycotics, act quickly and reliably vaginal thrush. But many women first want to try home remedies for vaginal thrush.

But is the help from nature really effective? We asked a specialist for advice.Dr. with. Constantine Wagneris a gynecologist andmedical influencer.

He took a close look at the best-known home remedies for vaginal thrush for us and checked their effectiveness.

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Below he explains which home remedies can help against vaginal thrush and which tips are pure nonsense.

Does a yogurt tampon help as a home remedy for vaginal thrush?

A popular home remedy for vaginal thrush: yogurt. It should be applied to the affected skin areas in the intimate area and provide relief. The lactic acid bacteria it contains would help fight vaginal thrush. It is also said to have a pleasantly cooling effect.

Is yogurt an effective home remedy for vaginal thrush?

Dr. with. Wagner:“The argument that dairy products contain lactobacilli, i.e. exactly the type of microorganism that is needed for healthy flora, is obvious, but it is only partially true.

“Yoghurt and quark contain lactic acid bacteria, but also other microorganisms that, in addition to the fungus, can also cause bacterial colonization.”

Yoghurt tampon for vaginal thrush: yes or no?

The popular home remedy “yogurt tampon for vaginal thrush” can lead to an infection because all kinds of bacteria and germs can live in yogurt. So it's better not to introduce it!

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Are honey, tea tree oil and coconut oil effective?

According to opinions online, honey, tea tree oil or coconut oil are also said to be effective home remedies for vaginal thrush. Honey and tea tree oil are said to have antibacterial effects, while coconut oil is said to make damaged, dry skin supple again.

Are honey, tea tree oil and coconut oil effective home remedies for vaginal thrush?

Dr. with. Wagner:“Honey, tea tree oil or coconut oil as home remedies for vaginal thrush cause little harm, but these home remedies have not been proven to help. The hygiene aspect should also be taken into account here, which is why we cannot advise using these home remedies.”

Unfortunately, acute vaginal thrush does not go away with home remedies such as honey, tea tree oil or coconut oil. However, once the infection has been overcome, you can care for your dry, cracked skin with coconut oil. But make sure you choose a product without artificial additives.

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Does apple cider vinegar help as a home remedy for vaginal thrush?

The natural environment in the vagina is acidic. This makes it difficult for pathogens and fungi to colonize. It makes sense that sitz baths with acidic additives such as apple cider vinegar can help defeat vaginal thrush, right?

Is apple cider vinegar an effective home remedy for vaginal thrush?

Dr. with. Wagner:“The home remedy apple cider vinegar is definitely not recommended, as vinegar has no place in such a sensitive area. Especially not if there is currently an infection.

Apple cider vinegar also prevents the growth of lactobacilli, which are important for restoring the vaginal environment. Applying vinegar to irritated and inflamed skin is definitely not recommended.”

How effective is chamomile as a home remedy for vaginal thrush?

Chamomile is also one of the home remedies for vaginal thrush recommended online. For many, the fragrant white flowers are part of their natural medicine cabinet. But is chamomile also recommended for vaginal thrush?

Is chamomile an effective home remedy for vaginal thrush?

Dr. with. Wagner:“Chamomile has been proven to have an anti-inflammatory effect without causing much harm. The warmth can have a soothing effect. “Unfortunately, chamomile is not a panacea,” says Dr. Wagner.

Chamomile sitz baths can provide relief, but this home remedy probably won't help definitively against vaginal thrush.

Chamomile is a proven home remedy for many ailments. A sitz bath can have a soothing effect on vaginal thrush.Credit:Getty Images

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Conclusion: Which home remedies help against vaginal thrush?

The effectiveness of home remedies against vaginal thrush is limited. But that's not all: using the tips circulating online can even be dangerous to your health.

Dr. with. Wagner:“In principle, any manipulation of diseased vaginal skin, especially the deep introduction of pungent substances such as garlic, vinegar, etc., is absolutely counterproductive,” says Dr. Wagner.

According to the gynecologist, only the home remedy chamomile is safe to use as a lukewarm sitz bath for vaginal thrush. But chamomile can't work miracles either. Only special medications reliably help against yeast infections of the vagina.

Instead of messing around with home remedies yourself, it would be better to introduce yourself to your gynecological practice. With the help of a swab, the doctor can immediately determine whether it is actually vaginal thrush or another infection and treat you accordingly.

Always treat vaginal thrush during pregnancy

While vaginal thrush is usually unpleasant but essentially harmless in non-pregnant women, pregnant women should not take the infection lightly.

If you are expecting a child and think you have vaginal thrush, you should see a doctor as soon as possible. Under no circumstances should you try to cure the infection yourself with home remedies, but always follow medical advice. The reason: There is evidence that vaginal yeast infections can increase the risk of premature birth and miscarriage.

If you want to know more about Dr. If you want to find out more about Wagner, you can check out his Instagram accountGynaeko.logicalor hisYouTube channel 'Really Pregnant'view. There, the gynecologist with his own practice provides answers to many questions about women's health and pregnancy.

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Important NOTE:This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace a medical diagnosis. If you have any uncertainties, urgent questions or acute symptoms, you should contact your doctor or ask for advice at the pharmacy. The medical on-call service can be reached via the nationwide number 116117.