Many microorganisms inhabit the human body. A healthy vagina contains bacteria and a few yeast cells. However, when there’s an imbalance of yeast changes and bacteria, the yeast cells may multiply. This causes intense itching, swelling, and irritation.

Vaginal Infection (a most common form of Vaginitis, often considered Vaginal Candidiasis) is a type of reproductive tract infection (RTI). Candidiasis is a fungal infection caused by a yeast called Candida. 

It is recognized as a significant public health problem that causes various issues for women of different ages. Candidiasis can affect different body parts, including the mouth, ears, nose, nail folds, gastrointestinal tract, and vagina. It is caused by an alteration in the standard vaginal defence mechanism such as vaginal flora (Lactobacilli), vaginal pH, and vaginal squamous epithelial layer. Most Candida infections are temporary and can be quickly cleared up with home remedies and lifestyle changes. 

Symptoms of Vaginal Yeast Infection

The vaginal yeast infection symptoms in women include: 

• Respiratory system: The Candidiasis symptoms related to the respiratory system include rhinitis, sneezing, canker sores, sore throat, congestion, nagging cough, clogged sinuses, burning tongue, and white spots on the tongue and also in the mouth.
   
• Central nervous system: The nervous system symptoms of Candidiasis include mood swings, depression, memory loss, poor concentration, anxiety, irritability, panic, ‘spaced-out’ feelings, autism, hyperactivity, and attention deficit disorders.
   
• Skin: The skin symptoms include acne, athlete’s foot, eczema, psoriasis, and general itchiness.
   
• Urogenital problems: One suffering from candidiasis experiences urogenital issues like rectal itching, Impotence, Prostatitis, Vaginitis, kidney infections, bladder infections, urinary frequency (Polyuria), and urgency. 
   
• Menstrual abnormalities: Various menstrual abnormalities, including premenstrual tension, irregular Menstruation, Infertility, and Endometriosis, are also signs of yeast infection.
   
• Gastrointestinal system: Gastrointestinal symptoms of vaginal yeast infection include Constipation, Diarrhoea, Colitis, Abdominal pain, persistent Heartburn, Intestinal gas, Bloating, Nausea, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, and bad breath.
   
• Other symptoms: Along with these symptoms, patients with vaginal yeast infections suffer from various other issues that include headaches, eye disorders, muscle pain, weakness, joint pain, numbness in the face or extremities, tingling sensations, night sweats, extreme chronic fatigue, food allergy, or intolerances, bread or alcohol, sensitivity to perfume, and chemicals.

Causes of Vaginal Yeast Infection

Vaginal yeast infection can occur due to various causes that vary from woman to woman. Sometimes the causes are unknown and may sometimes occur due to other diseases.

Some common causes of vaginal yeast infection include:

• Use of antibiotics that destroy beneficial microorganisms in the body. This condition allows Candida to multiply in their place.
• A diet rich in sugar can depress your immune system, allowing the Candida yeast to multiply.
• Chronic stress depresses the immune system, raises blood sugar levels, and leads to Candida infection.
• Candida infections most often develop in people suffering from diseases such as cancer, AIDS, and STIs.
• Poor diets and lifestyle behaviours include consuming more sweet foods and no physical workout.
• Hormonal imbalance and irregular menstrual cycle.
• Candida infection can occur from sexual intercourse with an infected partner.

Ayurveda in Treatment for Vaginal Yeast Infection

According to National Institute of Health, up to 75 out of 100 women have a vaginal yeast infection at least once in their lifetime.Vaginal yeast infections are Kapha Dosha Pradhana or predominant causes in Ayurveda. Consuming Kapha increasing foods and lifestyle regimen aggravate Kapha Dosha in the body. It also adversely affects the vagina and causes itching, low-grade pain, and mucoid secretions. However, immunity (Oja) is a factor that provides the energy to fight against infections.  

The main cause of vaginal infection is Indigestion (Agnimandya). Due to poor digestive fire, the accumulation of toxins (ama dosha) occurs in the body, which causes the Infection. When these toxins enter the bloodstream, they cause toxicity and lead to disturbance of the system. Hence, accumulated toxins can weaken the Doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) and disturb their balance in the body, and cause infections.

Ayurvedic Medicines for Vaginal Yeast Infection

The Ayurvedic perspective of treating a vaginal yeast infection is entirely natural.

The following Ayurvedic medicines for a vaginal infection include herbs and Herbo-mineral formulations:

• Gandhak Rasayan: Gandhak Rasayan  has an antifungal property that stops the spreading of fungal infections.

          Dosage: 1 tablet twice a day with plain water.

• Panchanimbadi Vati: Nimba is a bitter-tasting herb with astringent, antiviral, and antiseptic properties. It also suppresses the growth of harmful bacteria in the vagina.

           Dosage: 1 tsp, twice a day with warm water.

• Abhayarishta: it helps to reduce inflammation, fever, and gastric disorders. Abhayarishta improves overall health like Piles, Anaemia, Candidiasis, skin condition, and constipation.

          Dosage: 2 tsp, thrice a day. 

Natural Home Remedies for Vaginal Yeast Infection

Along with the Ayurvedic treatment for vaginal Infection, there are various home remedies. These vaginal infection remedies are also quite easy to prepare in no time. 

Following are some home remedies for vaginal yeast infection:

• Yoghurt: Yoghurt is a natural probiotic; the yoghurt bacteria builds immunity, maintains PH balance, and prevent yeast growth in the vaginal area. It is also very effective in restoring the body’s natural flora to normal.

How to use: Apply yoghurt directly onto the affected areas for 5- 10 minutes and then wash off with cool water. Do this at least twice a day.

• Tea Tree Oil and Honey: It is potent in antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral properties. The oil obtained from Tea tree leaves has high significance in soothing the dry, chaffed, and inflamed skin. Honey moisturizes the inflamed skin.

How to use:

• Mix 2-3 drops of tea tree oil in lukewarm water.
• Add a spoon of honey to it.
• Dab it over the infected part using a cotton ball once a day.
   
• Aloe Vera: Fresh Aloe Vera gel scraped out of the aloe leaves has incredible soothing and moisturizing properties that relieve irritated, inflamed, itchy skin. It also has antimicrobial properties, restricting the growth of bacteria or fungi.

How to use: Apply a thin layer of the freshly extracted aloe gel onto the affected part to relieve inflammation. 

• Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV): ACV has strong antibacterial and antifungal properties, which helps treat the Infection internally and externally. In addition, the bioactive ingredients fight toxins and soothe the vaginal area from fungus and bacteria that cause Infection.

How to use: Drink a spoonful of apple cider vinegar with a glass of lukewarm water or add half a cup of ACV into a bucket of lukewarm water and wash the vaginal area regularly to treat the Infection. 

• Virgin Coconut Oil: It is antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral; this oil is obtained from fresh coconut and is useful in Vaginitis. It not only stops the growth of fungus or bacteria in the vaginal area but also soothes dry, inflamed, and irritated skin.

How to use: Gently massage the affected area with coconut oil and leave it on for 30 minutes. After that, wash off with cool water. Do this twice a day.

Diet Modifications for Vaginal Yeast Infection

Ayurveda recommends that the person suffering from vaginal yeast infection do slight modifications in their diet and Ayurvedic medicine for vaginal Infection for better and long-lasting results. A healthy diet and Ayurvedic medications or natural remedies will help get rid of the Infection and help improve the overall health of the body.

 Diet Modifications include:

• Minimize or avoid Kapha Dosha aggravating foods with high sugar content like sweet fruits, white bread, white rice, pasta, etc.
• Avoid salty and sour foods.
• Avoid alcohol, tea, and coffee as they are heat-inducing ingredients.
• Eat green leafy vegetables, whole grains, beans, and fruits like apples, papaya, guava, and orange.
• Include mint, fennel, cumin, cardamom, cinnamon, and coriander in your diet.
• Liquids to be taken an hour before and an hour after the meals increase the digestive power.

Lifestyle Changes

A healthy lifestyle works wonders in treating vaginal yeast infections. In addition, it helps maintain the overall health of an individual and keeps one away from various other disorders. 

The lifestyle changes recommended in Ayurveda for treating yeast infection include:

• Avoid stress: Physical and mental stress should be avoided because it aggravates Candida.
   
• Good sleep: Good sleep can help treat Candida, and disturbed sleep can worsen. Thus, it is important to maintain a healthy sleep pattern.
   
• Regularize some moderate exercise: Some moderate exercise, Yoga, and Pranayama are essential for relaxation and stress relief. It also helps in boosting the immune system.
   
• Avoid allergens and immune weakening products: Some substances like soaps, body wash, and cosmetic products act as allergens. In addition, disinfectants, alcohol, and smoking weaken the immune system and lead to Infection.

Also Read:  Overcome the challenges of Urinary Tract Infection with Herbal Remedies.

Conclusion

Vaginal yeast infection or Candidiasis is a common disorder in gynaecology. It carries an increased risk of mortality as well as morbidity. However, if it is properly diagnosed and appropriate management is instituted, it can be reduced. Proper evaluation and management can result in a favourable outcome. Ayurveda offers excellent remedies that are safe, naturally available, and improve overall health. Hence, Ayurvedic management should be encouraged so that an alternative safe mode is available to treat Vaginal Candidiasis. Find lifestyle tips and Ayurvedic products at HealthyBazar. All the products on site are genuine, and one can also consult Dr. Aklaq, a well-known Unani expert with 45 years of experience in female and male sexual issues.