A yeast infection is a fungal infection on your skin. You can get it in your mouth, the skin areas or the vagina. Vaginal yeast infection is the most common of all.
According to, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 75% women around the world suffer from a vaginal yeast infection.(2)
Certain medications, high estrogen level, and a weak immune system may lead to the overgrowth of Candida albicans fungus in your body resulting in yeast infection (3).
If you do not treat a yeast infection, it will pose a lot of discomforts, fatigue, pain, and itching.
There are many antifungal creams, tablets, and pessaries to deal with fungal infection.
But, these traditional medications may come with adverse side effects. (4)
Using coconut oil for yeast infection is a safer option to inhibit candida overgrowth and relieve its symptoms.
Many scientific research shows that coconut oil may be an ideal cure for this fungal skin disease. (1)
This article reviews the potential benefits and methods of using coconut oil for vaginal, oral and skin yeast infections.
Coconut Oil for Yeast Infections: How It Works?
Coconut oil comes from the kernel of coconut. It is an essential oil with versatile practical and health benefits. The lubricant comprises of 90% saturated fat. But coconut oil fat is not harmful to your body. (5)
This fat is different from animal-based fat such as; butter, lard, red meat, etc.
Your body doesn’t have an inflammatory response to this oil. (6)
Reasons to use coconut oil to treat yeast infections:
- Coconut oil is anti-inflammatory
Coconut oil is full of natural antimicrobial, antiviral, and fungicidal properties. Lauric, caprylic, and capric acids are three essential components of coconut oil. These can prevent the growth of yeast population in your skin. (7)
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- It boosts the immune system
Coconut oil is a generous source of vitamin K, E, and various healthy minerals. You can add this nutritious oil to your diet. It will strengthen your immune system. It can battle against the invasion of yeast infections on your skin. (8)
- Coconut oil is safe
Coconut oil comes from the edible, dried kernel of coconuts. In many tropical islands and coastal areas, people use coconut oil for cooking.
According to a study, these people enjoy excellent health compared to others. (9)
This natural oil is non-toxic, and its saturated fat isn’t harmful to your body either.
Allergic reaction to coconut oil is rare. It is very gentle and safe on tender and sensitive skins.
- It is easily available
Coconut oil is cheaper and available compared to other natural oils in the market. It’s like icing on the cake because of the extraordinary health benefits of this miraculous oil.
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Coconut Oil for Vaginal Yeast Infections
If you have a vaginal yeast infection, you’ll experience itch, pain and a burning sensation in your vagina. You will suffer the most while urinating and having sex.
You may also observe a white and clumpy discharge from your vagina. (10)
Try the coconut oil home remedies that I have discussed below to cure a vaginal yeast infection.
1. Direct Application
This method refers to the direct application of coconut oil on the infected area.
How to use coconut oil for yeast infection:
Wash the infected area with lukewarm water and pat dry using a soft towel. Pour a few drops of coconut oil and spread it on the affected area like a layer. Or, massage the infected area with coconut oil for 5 minutes.
Repeat the process thrice daily until you see the excellent results.
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2. Coconut Oil Tampon
Many health experts suggest using a coconut oil tampon to fight vaginal yeast infection. In this method, the oil can reach vaginal walls and give comfort from the itch and burning sensations. (11)
Learn how you may use coconut oil tampon for vaginal yeast infection:
Coat an organic tampon with coconut oil for 5 minutes. Remove it from the oil and insert it into your vagina. Let it be there overnight or for 8 hours. Remove the tampon and wash off the area.
Dry off the affected area with a soft towel. You can repeat the method daily for a week.
3. Coconut Oil Suppositories
This method can give you a speedy recovery from a vaginal yeast infection. It is like tampon method. It will give you greatest comfort from the pain and irritations of yeast infection. (12)
Try coconut oil suppositories for vaginal yeast infection:
In this method, you can add coconut oil to a couple of other essential oils to boost up the healing process.
Add 2 tbsp. Of coconut oil to 4 drops of lavender oil and oregano oil each. Pour the oil solution into a stick-like mold and put it in the refrigerator. After 20-25 minutes the oil solution will solidify.
Cut them into suppositories.
Place a homemade suppository into your vagina when you go to sleep. Repeat the process daily until you are free from the infection.
Note: If you try this method make sure to wear a pad while sleeping. Otherwise, the oil suppository will melt down and make a mess with your clothes and bed sheet.
4. Coconut Oil Shower
In this method, you clean your vagina using a coconut oil solution. A coconut oil shower can stop white discharge associated with vaginal yeast infection.
Here’s how you may take coconut oil shower for vaginal yeast infection:
Mix 4 tbsp. Of coconut oil with 500 ml. Of warm water. Wash your vagina with the solution. Do the same until the yeast infection subsides.
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Coconut Oil for Skin Yeast Infections
Skin yeast infection is also known as cutaneous candidiasis. There may be an outgrowth of candida fungus on any part of your skin. The moist and sweaty areas like armpits, breasts, and groins are prone to fungal infection.
The obese and diabetic patients are more likely to suffer from skin yeast infection. Its common signs are: red rashes with itch and scaling. (13) Try any of the following methods for a quick remedy for skin yeast infection.
5. Coconut Oil with Cinnamon Oil
Coconut oil for yeast infection treatment works better when combined with essential oil. In this process, you can pair coconut oil with cinnamon essential oil to prevent the fungi growth. It can also curb the painful symptoms of skin yeast infection. (14)
A simple way to use coconut oil and cinnamon oil for skin yeast infection:
Mix 2 tbsp. Of coconut oil with 2 tbsp. of cinnamon essential oil. Spread the oil solution on the affected skin area like a layer. Leave it on the skin to dry. Redo the process daily until you observe good results.
6. Coconut Oil with Garlic Oil and Vitamin E
You can achieve extra benefits from garlic essential oil and vitamin E oil. (15)
Vitamin E has the potential to reproduce new skin cells and rejuvenate your skin. Let’s learn the process.
Try this coconut oil, garlic oil & vitamin E mixture for skin yeast infection:
Mix garlic essential oil and vitamin E oil 4 drops each with 2 tbsp. of coconut oil. Apply the oil solution on the affected skin area. Allow the skin to absorb the oil. Redo the process daily to get rid of the infection.
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7. Coconut Oil with Oregano Oil
The research has shown that the phenolic components of oregano essential oil: carvacrol and eugenol are anticandidal. A bond of coconut and oregano oil can treat skin yeast infection. (16)
How to use coconut oil and oregano oil for skin yeast infection:
Add 4 drops of oregano essential oil to 2 tablespoons of coconut oil. Massage the oil solution in the yeast infected areas. Let it dry on the skin. Repeat the process until you are out of the infection.
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8. Coconut Oil for Pregnant Women to Get Rid of Skin Yeast Infections
For all the pregnant women out there, you don’t need to worry about your skin yeast infections anymore. Coconut oil is completely safe to be used on a pregnant woman as well.
The risk of yeast infections gets higher during the time of pregnancy. All the formed folds and fats are the ideal places for yeast infections.
Coconut oil remedy is among the safest option in this case. You can put a generous amount of this oil on your skin to get rid of the infection.
Coconut oil diminishes bacteria and fungus. It provides relief from all the irritation and sufferings. As a bonus, you can get rid of stretch marks as coconut oil reduces stretch marks and wrinkles on the skin.
Take a bath and apply a good amount of coconut oil all over your affected area daily.
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Coconut Oil for Oral Thrush
Candida outgrowth can happen on your tongue, the palates and the inner walls of cheeks as well. The medical term for this condition is oral thrush or oropharyngeal candidiasis. (17)
You may experience swelling, pain, and bleeding in the mentioned areas as a sign of oral thrush. Using coconut oil for yeast infection such as oral thrush is your ultimate solution to the problem.
9. Coconut Oil Pulling
Coconut oil pulling is an ancient oral hygiene method. This process can clear out the toxins and harmful bacteria from your body. (18) Follow the directions to get rid of oral thrush by coconut oil pulling.
Learn to use coconut oil pulling for oral thrush:
On a pot, warm up 4 tablespoons of coconut oil. When the oil is lukewarm, put it in your mouth. Swish the oil for 10 seconds and then spit it out. Redo the process every day for the best results.
Note: Make sure that you do not consume the oil while swishing. It is also advisable that you do not eat and drink for the next 30 minutes after doing this process.
Some Tips and Warnings
Coconut oil has the reputation of not causing any side effects. But, you should be aware of some precautionary elements before using coconut oil for yeast infection remedy. (19)
- There are a lot of coconut oil brands on the market. Sometimes the strong nutty smell of some of the branded coconut oil may deceive you. So, choose the right jar of virgin coconut oil.
- You can add coconut oil to your diet by using it as a cooking oil. Coconut oil has short chain fatty acids which are not harmful to your body. In fact, coconut oil can offer you a healthy skin, hair and immune system.
- Consumption of coconut oil may also cause your stomach upset and gain weight in the long run.
- Avoid coconut oil treatments if you are already on OTC medications.
- Children and pregnant women should consult a doctor before trying coconut oil for yeast infection.
When Should You See a Doctor?
Yeast infections may seem stubborn and difficult skin problems to get rid of. As the research suggests you may safely treat your vaginal or oral infection with coconut oil.
In case the infection is severe it’s highly recommended that you visit a doctor. Yeast infection is a serious matter and shouldn’t be taken lightly.
Besides, if you’re pregnant or have some other disease along with the yeast infection, you must see a doctor. He/she will diagnose the condition and prescribe proper medications.
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