8 Essential oils for Yeast Infection in Women

Get Rid of Vaginal Candidiasis with these Essential Oils for Yeast Infection!

Yeast infection is nasty, but there are essential oils for yeast infection you can use to fight this ugly fungal infection.

There are different types of yeast infection (oral, skin and vaginal), but this post is going to focus on essential oils for vaginal yeast infection.

Yeast infection is very common and research shows that about 75% of women have this infection at least once in their lifetime.

This infection is caused by Candida albicans. This fungus normally resides in our body without causing any problem.

However it becomes problematic when its population overgrows that of the good flora.

What Causes Yeast Infection?

As mentioned above yeast infection is caused by overgrowth of a fungus called Candida albicans.

Some of the things that trigger the overgrowth of this fungus include:

Medications: Some medications such as immunosuppressive drugs and antibiotics kill off of the good flora in the body thereby causing an overgrowth of the “bad guys”. You may be surprised to know that the antibiotics you take to treat that urinary tract infection also kill off the good bacteria in your body, thus causing the overgrowth of Candida albicans.

Sugar: Yeast feeds on sugar, so consuming a lot of sugar or sugary foods can lead to the multiplication of the fungi that cause yeast infection in your system

Diabetes: Diabetics have high blood sugar level and that also helps to feed the yeast in your body, causing them to multiply and cause an infection.

Stress: High stress level can kill off the good flora in your body, thereby leading to the overgrowth of Candida albicans.

Pregnancy: Hormonal changes in pregnant women can lead to overgrowth of Candida.

Oral Contraceptives: These may cause yeast infection in some people.

Symptoms of Vaginal Yeast Infection

Some of the symptoms of yeast infection in women include:

• Itching
• Irritation
• Burning sensation
• Redness and soreness in the vulva and vagina
• Cheese-like discharge

Best Essential Oils for Yeast Infection in Women

#1. Clove

Clove is used as spice for culinary purposes, but it can be used for much more than that. It contains Eugenol, a compound that has many healing qualities.

You may have heard that clove EO is great for treating toothache and gum disease. This is made possible because of its anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory and anesthetic properties. I personally use clove oil for oil pulling and my teeth and gums are happier for it!

Studies show that the eugenol in clove essential oil is a potent fungus killer and is particularly effective for treating yeast infection.

#2. Tea Tree Oil for Yeast Infection

Tea tree is one of the most popular essential oils for yeast infection. It has anti-microbial, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and antiseptic properties that make it an effective EO for a wide array of infections including vaginal candidiasis in women.

How to Use Tea Tree Oil for Yeast Infection

• 2 drops tea tree oil
• 1 tablespoon raw honey
• Rub on affected area at night; wash off in the morning

#3. Lemongrass

Lemongrass is another effective essential oil for yeast infection. This is due to its ability to penetrate the Candida biofilm.

The biofilm is a protective covering that Candida uses to protect itself from attack. And this is why most traditional anti-fungal drugs are often not effective.

Research shows that Lemongrass oil is able to break through the biofilm and destroy the fungus especially when combined with other anti-fungal essential oils.

#4. Thyme

Thyme contains thymol and carvacrol, both of which have anti-fungal effects. However, studies show that carvacrol is more potent than thymol in inhibiting candida albica.

There are also two varieties of thyme – Thymus pulegioides and Thymus vulgaris. And research shows that Thymus vugaris contains higher amount of carvarol than Thymus pulegioides. Thus, Thymus vugaris is considered a better choice for treating yeast infection.

#5. Oregano

Like thyme, oregano contains thymol and carvacrol, (two compounds that inhibit the growth of Candida albicans) making it an effective essential oil for yeast infection.

#6. Cinnamon

Cinnamon has been shown in a study to be an effective natural remedy for yeast infection. Cinnamon oil is known for it’s antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.

#7. Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus oil has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties that make it effective for many ailment including allergies and respiratory symptoms. It has also been found to treat vaginal candidiasis.

#8. Lavender

Lavender oil is rich in linalool and linalyl acetate. These chemical properties have been shown by studies to kill or inhibit the growth of yeast and fungi. A 2015 study showed that lavender inhibited the growth of Candida albicans.

How to Use Essential Oils for Yeast Infection in Women

There are several ways you can use essential oils for treating vaginal yeast infection (candidal vaginitis) and they include:

• Topical application – Add 2 drops of EO to 1 tsp carrier oil of choice, I prefer coconut oil because of its immense healing effects. Apply to the external affected area.

Not all essential oils are recommended for sensitive mucosa areas of the body. Clove, lemongrass, oregano, thyme and cinnamon essential oils can be very irritating. I recommend caution when using. Diluting is important, as well as, using very low concentrations. (0.7% maximum dilution is recommended for lemongrass)

The one oil considered the safest is tea tree oil. Always do a skin test before using any new essential oil! Discontinue use if burning or irritation occurs.

• Bath – Fill bath tub with warm water. Add 3 to 10 drops of essential oil (diluted with carrier oil) to the water. Relax in bath for 20-30 minutes
• Steam Method – Add a few drops into a bucket of hot water (half full). Sit over the bucket of hot water for 10-20 minutes.

The next two recommendations are not for every woman. If you have sensitive skin, or are allergy prone do not use them! Talk with your provider if you have any questions regarding!

• Douching – I recommend a water soluble tea tree oil. Look for one like Tea Tree Therapy 15% Water Soluble Oil. Mix a douching solution of one part water-soluble tea tree oil with seven parts purified/distilled water.

  (Douching is not always recommended for women. It can upset the vagina’s natural environment and possibly lead to further infection. Douching can make it hard for some women to get pregnant. For this reason I advice talking with your physician before trying this method)

• Tampon – Add 3-5 drops of tea tree essential oil (or 3 drops tea tree EO and 2 drops lavender EO) to 1 ounce unrefined coconut oil in a bowl. Be sure to use sterile mixing tools and containers and choose pure oils! Place tampon to soak in bowl with the oil mix. Let it soak up the oil mix. Insert. Leave it for 2-3 hrs maximum and remove. You can do this 2-3 times a day! Be sure and not leave a tampon in for an extended time – change tampons frequently!

If you prefer you can purchase an already made vaginal suppository like Tea Tree Therapy Suppositories to use. Just follow the instructions on the package.

Safety First When Using Essential Oils

The vaginal wall is very sensitive and prone to more allergic responses. Great care needs to be taken when using essential oils internally. Talking with a holistic or alternative medicine practitioner may be very helpful!

If you have never used a certain essential oil it is important to do a skin patch test prior to topically using! See my sections on topical use and other essential oil safety concerns:

• 8 Essential Oil Dangers and Risks
• How to Dilute Essential Oils for Topical Use
• Essential Oils that are Safe for Kids
• Essential Oils to Use During Pregnancy

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This article is for educational and informational purposes only and does not intend to diagnose or treat any disease. It is always recommended that you seek the advise of your private medical doctor.