Garlic Cure for Yeast

Garlic has been used for hundreds of years to treat a wide variety of ailments. Its antifungal and antibacterial properties have been applied to cures for snake bites, athlete's foot, lacerations and other ailments. It's so widely used that scientists have begun to study its medicinal effects and are discovering that there's truth to claims of this folk remedy's efficacy. Because of its antifungal properties, garlic is an especially effective remedy for yeast infections.

When to Use

• According to Judy Slome Cohain, CNM and writer for Midwifery Today, it's best to use garlic for yeast infections at the onset of symptoms. The earlier treatment begins, the more effective it is. This means beginning the garlic regimen at the first signs of itching or burning, well before thick white discharge begins. While this is the ideal time to treat, garlic can be used at any point of the infection.

Treatment Guidelines

• To use garlic, remove one clove from the head and peel away the papery exterior. For a mild infection, place a clove of garlic into the vagina overnight, removing it in the morning and inserting a fresh clove in the evening. If the infection is more advanced, cut the clove in half. This will expose the vagina to more of garlic's antifungal properties. It's common for you to taste garlic while the clove is in your body. Some women find it helpful to tie a string around or through the clove for easier removal.

When to Seek Other Methods of Treatment

• Cohain says that more advanced yeast infections that persist for more than few days can still be treated with garlic, however, she recommends seeking over-the-counter or prescription treatment at this point. It may also be beneficial to seek other forms of treatment if the labia are so red and swollen that insertion of garlic irritates and burns already inflamed skin, causing pain and discomfort.