Yeast infection is a widespread fungal infection that can affect the skin, mouth, breast, or vagina. Research shows that coconut oil is among the most effective treatments to remedy this condition.
In this article, you will learn everything to know about how coconut oil can treat yeast infections. In addition, it will detail the possible causes of this medical condition and shed light on the specific aspects of coconut oil that make it an effective solution.
Coconut Oil for Yeast Infection
Coconut oil is a type of fatty oil that comes from the fruit’s pulp. Its popularity has soared throughout the years because of its numerous health benefits. Many consumers believe this super ingredient can boost the immune system, reduce the risk of developing heart disease, increase good cholesterol, and lessen belly fat.
Besides these advantages, many will endorse this product as a healthy treatment for yeast overgrowth infections mainly because of its antibacterial and antifungal properties.
Research and positive expert reviews can strengthen the argument that coconut oil is the best treatment for yeast overgrowth infections. Despite this, people need to practice caution still.
For instance, people allergic to coconut must not look into this method as this can lead to more harmful side effects. In addition, professionals do not recommend combining coconut oil with over-the-counter medications as the chemicals on both products can react differently.
As such, it’s highly encouraged for people to consult their doctor before applying coconut oil to affected areas.
Can Coconut Oil Cause Yeast Infections?
One of the downsides to using coconut oil products is that it has the potential to disrupt the balance of pH levels in the vagina. When this happens, it can lead to vaginal candidiasis.
The vagina has an acidic pH level. So, when people introduce substances like coconut oil (alkaline) with a high pH level, there is a possibility that they may upset the natural bacteria found in a woman’s genitals, which can give rise to different types of infection.
Does Coconut Oil Help Yeast Infections?
Different types of coconut oils are available in the market, which can be classified into two classes: refined and unrefined.
On the one hand, refined essential oils refer to products that have been heavily processed. As a result, some of the natural properties of the fruit are removed. Because of this, they may not be as effective in treating conditions like vaginal candidiasis. Instead, they may even cause it.
On the other hand, unrefined coconut oil refers to organic, natural, and pure products. This refers to those extracted directly from the fruit without going through processing. As such, it still retains its essential components.
Between the two variations, unrefined coconut oil is best for treating vaginal candidiasis. However, 100% pure coconut oil should contain potent antibacterial and antifungal properties to cure people suffering from this condition.
How Does Coconut Oil Work for Yeast Infections?
Alongside its antifungal and antimicrobial properties, coconut oil also contains a fatty acid called caprylic acid which can kill candida, the bacteria responsible for yeast overgrowth infections. This compound can infiltrate the yeast cell, rupture its walls, and destroy the cells responsible for the growth of the fungus. As a result, the damage can be contained and even reduced significantly. With continuous usage, coconut oil can remove traces of yeast-causing bacteria.
How to Use Coconut Oil for Yeast Infections
Depending on where the yeast infection occurs, the proper way to use coconut oil to treat them will vary. However, here are the methods for treating yeast infections with coconut oil:
Candidiasis in the mouth
If a person is treating this infection in their mouth using coconut oil, they should follow the steps below:
- First, microwave the coconut oil for a few seconds until completely melted.
- Once cool, swish the coconut oil in the mouth for around 30 seconds.
- Afterward, spit out the coconut oil.
- Don’t rinse. Let the coconut oil target the affected areas in the mouth.
- Finally, only eat or drink after 30 minutes for the best results.
Candidiasis of the skin
When treating candida infection on the skin, a person can apply coconut oil like they usually would a prescription cream. They can rub a small amount of the oil onto affected areas and let it sit a while until the skin absorbs it completely.
Vaginal Candidiasis
Compared to the previous two, treating vaginal yeast infections may be a little trickier. As a hard-to-reach area, a person may need to use an applicator to apply the oil. If not, they can coat a tampon with coconut oil and insert it inside their vagina. This should allow them to reach the affected area pretty easily.
After applying it to the affected area, it’s crucial to wash the vulva properly to avoid bacteria fermentation.
Can You Use Coconut Oil for Yeast Infection During Pregnancy?
There are several reasons why women experience yeast overgrowth infections, and pregnancy is one of them.
Once a woman conceives, her body undergoes several changes that may lead to hormonal imbalance. When this happens, the vagina’s natural pH levels can get affected, and she can develop a condition known as vaginal candidiasis.
To treat this issue, women can apply topical ointments like over-the-counter medication and coconut oil. However, a pregnant woman should avoid taking oral medications as doing so can increase the risk of complications and miscarriages. In addition, nursing mothers can use this oil to ease their baby’s diaper rash.
Since undiluted coconut oil is 100% natural, it’s safe for pregnant women. They need to make sure that they’re not allergic to coconuts. If they encounter discomfort, they should consult with their doctor.
Why Do People Use Coconut Oil to Treat Candidiasis?
Despite the availability of other treatment options, many people are drawn to using coconut oil for yeast infections because of its natural ingredients. In addition, it offers little to no side effects. Because of this, people gain peace of mind knowing that this is a much safer method.
How Much Time Does Coconut Oil Take To Cure Candidiasis
The average time it takes to cure vaginal candidiasis using coconut oil can range between three to seven days. However, depending on the severity of the condition and the type of product used, this timeline can extend to up to two weeks.
Using Coconut Oils as Natural Topical Antifungal
Besides yeast infections, coconut oil can be a natural topical treatment for many conditions and injuries. Thanks to its antibacterial and antifungal properties, it also offers several health-boosting and healing benefits to help people remedy many ailments.
Researchers have established that this product can fight against a specific type of bacteria known as candida Albicans. This fungi family is responsible for numerous infections, including candidiasis and ringworm.
Coconut Oil for Yeast Infection Reviews
Several studies point to the effectiveness of coconut oil for yeast infection. For example, in a 2007 lab report, researchers found that coconut oil was more effective than fluconazole, a common antifungal medication for candidiasis. Furthermore, their findings showed that a small amount of oil goes a long way. As such, they proved how powerful coconut oil is when treating conditions caused by Candida albicans.
Other studies suggest that coconut oil use leads to good clinical outcomes with no recurrence or adverse effects.
Coconut Oil as Lubrication
Through this article, it’s clear to see how coconut oil is an effective treatment for infections. But there’s more to it than that.
More than being used as a remedy for yeast-related conditions, coconut oil can also be used as lubrication during sexual intercourse. It has moisturizing properties that can make the sexual act more comfortable. Because of its texture, many people use it as a substitute for other mass-produced lubricants.
Frequently Asked Questions
To learn more about coconut oil’s effectiveness, some frequently asked questions are answered.
Yes, it’s completely safe. However, it’s important to practice extreme caution and moderation. Should discomfort occur, women are advised to seek immediate medical attention.
Around one to two tablespoons of coconut oil should cure yeast infection. This measurement can increase or decrease depending on how small or how big the affected area is. In any case, people should ensure that every section is evenly coated.
Besides coconut oil, there are other natural remedies to treat candidiasis. These include tea tree oil, apple cider vinegar, lauric acid, and boric acid. All of which have antibacterial properties that work incredibly well in treating fungal infections.
