Do effective home remedies for yeast infection of the vagina really exist? The answer comes in two parts. Yes, there are homes remedies that will act on most of the symptoms associated with vaginal yeast infections when selected and applied correctly. However, no home remedy will by itself permanently resolve yeast infection, because whether this affects the vagina or other parts, yeast infection is a complex phenomenon caused by multiple elements. Yet, for short-term results that can be astonishing, the correct choice and safe application of the right home remedy can be a boon for the majority of sufferers.

Vaginal candidiasis or vaginal Candida infection as yeast infection of the vagina is also called, is the result of Candida species multiplying out of control. Candida is the fungal microorganism that occurs naturally in the human organism. It is mostly to be found in warm, dark places such as the mouth, the genital areas and the intestines and it feeds on proteins and sugars. Under normal conditions, Candida is of no harm, because its numbers are limited by beneficial "guard" bacteria that also live in the human organism and contribute to the defense system to keep away infections by viruses, parasites and bacteria, while also aiding digestion.

Candida can also penetrate the bloodstream and in turn provoke the all too well known candidiasis symptoms. When Candida is transported like this by the blood circulation to different parts of the body, the symptoms then become systemic, and not only local. There are several conditions contributing to Candida overgrowth, including lengthy use of antibiotics, substandard food habits, stress at an emotional or mental level, and pregnancy.

This very uncomfortable condition can, if neglected, become yet more painful and serious with the passage of time, the negative effect extending to a wide range of body areas. Characteristic signs include discharge with odor from the vagina, pain in the vulva, vaginal itching and diverse levels of burning, rawness, redness and stinging. The most commonly encountered local subtype of yeast infection is that of vaginal Candida. Up to 7 or 8 of every 10 women will have to endure this once or more in their lifetime.

Successful application of home treatment can be done for the greater part of all instances of vaginal infection. With the right decision and natural methods, tens of home remedies exist to effectively help candidiasis victims. Simple and safe applications at home against yeast infection include the following three examples:

1. Eating garlic on a daily basis together with the external application of garlic (insert chopped garlic into a cheesecloth and put this into the vagina for about 120 minutes). The characteristics of garlic make it an effective probiotic, antiseptic agent, acting against bacteria and fungi, which brings Candida back down to limited numbers and assists beneficial bacteria in getting back into action.

2. External application and daily intake of plain, sugar free, sheep or goat's milk yogurt, which should be unheated and preferably organic (applied by squirting into the vagina for at least an hour).

3. With excessive acidity in the genital and intestinal parts, or the bloodstream, Candida is encouraged to multiply. This over-acidity often finds its sources in medications used over a long duration, mental depression and/or bad diets. Nevertheless, organic apple cider vinegar has an alkalizing characteristic that allows it to limit Candida's activity and restrict its multiplication. It is different to most other vinegar types, in that it contributes to the reduction of the degree of acidity in the body, and the restoration of the right level to balance with the alkalis. To use it effectively, make a solution of 2 tablespoons of organic apple cider vinegar per a quart of clean water to apply as a douche to the vagina, or take a bath, using half a cup of this vinegar for each bath.

Note that the internal problem still needs to be resolved if you are to accomplish a true long-term solution to the challenge of yeast infection. As a comment, although the home remedies that we have just described can be very helpful for reducing vaginal candidiasis symptoms, they are not a full holistic method and do not handle the underlying causative factors that would then allow the curing and the prevention of more pronounced cases.

Were you aware that an all-natural holistic therapy could start working today to remove vaginal yeast infection symptoms while also bringing a long-term and permanent solution?