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Yeast infections are gruesome. They cause irritation and make one feel extremely uncomfortable. Accompanied by itching around the female genitalia and vulva and white discharge, they are difficult to get rid of, especially when they reoccur.
Yeast infections are caused by fungus; therefore, antifungal treatments are one of the best options to cure them. Besides, witch hazel is also a powerful and effective home remedy for yeast infections.
Before discussing how witch hazel works against yeast infection, let’s know a little more about this awful disease and what causes it.
What Causes Yeast Infection?
Candida albicansis the fungus that causes yeast infections. They are the second most common cause of female genitalia inflammations (bacterial infections are the most common cause). Up to 75 out of 100 women have a female genitalia yeast infection at least once in their life.
It is one of the common infections that can infect both men and women; however, women are affected more than men.
How Does Witch Hazel Help In Yeast Infection?
Most cases of yeast infections get easily cured by witch hazel. It is a botanical astringent obtained from the plant Hamamelis virginiana and consists of antimicrobial, anti-toxin production, and anti-biofilm activities on pathogenic microorganisms.
Witch hazel helps eradicate the root cause of yeast infection and reduces the chances of reoccurrence.
Some properties of witch hazel that makes it effective against yeast infections are-
Tannins- Witch hazel bark is a rich source of condensed and hydrolyzable oligomeric tannins. The growth of many fungi, yeasts, bacteria, and viruses was inhibited by tannins, making it an effective remedy to cure yeast infections.
Antioxidant properties- Witch hazel was recently reported to have high polyphenolic contents and exhibit high activity in antioxidant assays. The astringent and antioxidant properties keep different skin troubles and yeast infections at bay.
Besides, it helps prevent widespread inflammation and neutralize free radicals, disease-causing compounds that can build up in the body.
Anti-inflammatory properties- Inflammation of the female genitalia area is one of the common symptoms of yeast infection. Since hazel is a potent anti-inflammatory agent due to the presence of gallic acid and tannins, it helps reduce the symptoms and clean the area.
Reduces skin irritation- As the skin gets tender and swollen due to yeast infection, witch hazel helps provide relief from irritated and inflamed skin. A study found that a topical preparation containing witch hazel was able to provide relief for sensitive or irritated facial skin.
Witch hazel has been a potent home remedy for different skin issues. It has been used traditionally for a long time.
How To Use Witch Hazel For Yeast Infection?
1. Direct application
Witch hazel can be applied directly over the yeast-affected areas to heal the infection. It can be done in the following ways-
- Take a few leaves of witch hazel and boil them in water for 10 to 15 minutes. It will allow the beneficial compounds to seep into the water.
- Let this mixture cool down completely.
- Pour the water into a bottle.
How to Use
- Wash the area thoroughly with clean water.
- Now use this mixture as a spray or dab in a cotton ball and apply it to the affected areas.
- Use it four to five times a day and continuously for at least a week to cure the fungal/bacterial yeast infection.
2. Witch Hazel With Yoghurt
Apart from the direct application, you can also use witch hazel by making its blend with low-fat yogurt.
As per one study, a mixture of yogurt and honey was more effective than an antifungal agent for treating female genitalia yeast infections in pregnant women. Participants in this study applied the yogurt and honey mixture at female genitalia area.
How to Use
- Mix witch hazel solution with plain low-fat yogurt in a cup.
- Take a clean tampon and dip it in this mixture.
- Let the tampon absorb this mixture well.
- Insert the tampon into the female genitalia.
Is It Safe To Use Witch Hazel?
Yes, applying witch hazel is completely safe and has no side effects. However, be cautious while applying it over the skin with cuts or burns, as the compounds of this plant can irritate such injured areas.
Although there are many other home remedies for witch hazel, like coconut oil, oregano oil, tea tree oil, and boric acid, witch hazel is also a safe and effective home remedy.
Final Words
While the major cause of yeast infection is a fungal imbalance, other factors like hormonal imbalance, diabetes, insulin resistance, and poor immune system may also result in it.
Therefore, maintaining the right hygiene practices and using antifungal treatments can help significantly. With its antiseptic, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties, Witch hazel can help eradicate the issue and is one of the best home remedies.
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