The lactobacillus acidophilus cultures in yogurt are thought to be an effective way of removing the excessive yeast built up in the vagina. Medical studies have found using yogurt to treat yeast is more effective than a placebo. For those women looking for an alternative, yogurt should be at the top of your list.

Other alternative approaches include eating certain foods that encourages the growth of yeast in the vagina. Garlic is a known immune boosting food and often thought of to treat yeast infections. Taking garlic orally or using it intra-vaginally is an option for some women. The medical studies have not shown garlic to be a consistently effective treatment for a yeast infection but for those looking to try something non-prescription it may be worth a try.

Apple cider vinegar either by ingesting or soaking in it with bath water may help treat and prevent a yeast infection. Apple cider vinegar diluted in fresh water and used as a vaginal douche twice a day has been shown to be an effective treatment of yeast infections. Using the apple cider vinegar applied to the outside of the vagina has also been shown to relieve common symptoms of a yeast infections such as burning, itching and swelling of the outside of the vagina. If this treatment remedy doesn’t get rid of the infection it’s time to see your health care provider.

Baking soda with its alkaline base can help the vagina return to its normal acidic environment. Balance in the vagina is important and adding baking soda may help return the vagina to its natural environment getting rid of the yeast overgrowth. Baking soda is added to the list of natural treatment remedies for yeast infections. Some women drink it and some soak in it. Medical studies do not show that baking soda is a reliable or consistent treatment remedy.

Extra virgin coconut oil seems to be effective for just about anything these days. There is a new study suggesting that coconut oil may be an effective treatment for a yeast infection.

I am all for trying new alternative remedies for every day infection involving the vagina. If you try any of these more natural remedies and the symptoms don’t improve, I would suggest seeing your doctor for further evaluation and more traditional treatment.