Coconut Oil For Yeast Infection
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Coconut Oil For Yeast Infection
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Beth Krietsch is a freelance health and food writer with a Masters's Degree in Public Health Nutrition. She covers wellness for Byrdie, with an emphasis on food and nutrition.
Medically reviewed by
Sara Twogood, MD
Sara Twogood, MD is an obstetrician-gynecologist at Cedars Sinai with a passion for educating the public about female health and wellness.
Anna Harris is an experienced fact-checker and researcher and a beauty writer and editor.
Felice Gersh , MD, is an OB/GYN and founder and director of the Integrative Medical Group in Irvine, California.
Kecia Gaither , MD, is double board-certified in OB/GYN and maternal-fetal medicine and director of perinatal services at NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln.
Byrdie takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.
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If you’ve never had a yeast infection , count yourself among the lucky ones. Yeast infections are a surprisingly common condition, affecting somewhere around 70-75 percent of women at least once in their lifetime. Unfortunately, 40-50 percent of women will go on to experience a recurrence, as well. If you’ve had a yeast infection, there’s a solid chance you were willing to try nearly anything to alleviate the itching, burning, and other uncomfortable sensations that came along with it.
So if someone told you (i.e., TikTok) that coconut oil could be used to treat a yeast infection, would you try it? There are some rumors out there that coconut oil can do just that. So, to get to the bottom of this mystery, we reached out to two OB/GYNs, Dr. Felice Gersh and Dr. Kecia Gaither. Keep reading for more on using coconut oil to treat or even prevent a yeast infection.
Even though there are a number of over-the-counter yeast infection treatments available, yeast infections can still be tricky to get rid of. And for some women who have a particularly delicate vaginal microbiome , some of the more conventional yeast infection medications might even promote bacterial vaginosis and other conditions, leading to a tricky cycle of illness and infection.
Within a healthy vaginal ecosystem, there’s a balanced mix of bacteria and yeast, though this balance can be thrown off from things like the overgrowth of certain types of fungus, or when the fungus moves deeper into the vaginal cell layers. This can happen for all sorts of reasons, ranging from taking antibiotics, to pregnancy, increased estrogen levels, or even a weakened immune system.
The reason coconut oil has been suggested as a yeast infection treatment is that coconut oil is known to have antifungal properties. This is promising given that most vaginal yeast infections are caused by a fungus called Candida albicans. There isn’t a ton of research available that looks into the effectiveness of coconut oil in treating yeast infections, but in one study, coconut oil was shown to be effective as an antifungal agent against Candida albicans. Further research is needed before we can definitively say coconut oil can be effective in treating yeast infections.
Gynecologists have differing thoughts as to whether coconut oil can be used to treat a yeast infection. According to Gersh, coconut oil can kill yeast and can be used to treat vaginal yeast infections.
“Coconut oil is a fatty acid that has powerful antimicrobial, antiviral, anti-parasite, and antifungal properties,” she says. “In other words, it can kill various bacteria, viruses, parasites, and certain species of yeast.”
But Gaither isn’t so sure coconut oil is effective in this way. “There is no known confirmatory research indicating coconut oil as an effective methodology for treating vaginal yeast infections,” she says.
She explains that while yes, coconut oil does have antifungal properties, the strength of its antifungal properties may not be enough to eradicate a vaginal yeast infection. She adds that coconut oil could also alter the vaginal microbiome in a way that increases someone’s risk for other vaginal infections.
“It’s best to consult your health provider to verify that a yeast infection is the correct etiology, and prescribe effective antifungal treatment to eradicate the monilial infection,” she says.
Gersh also cautions that coconut oil shouldn’t be used to treat a yeast infection among women who are pregnant, as there isn’t sufficient safety data available on this. Additionally, she says coconut oil shouldn’t be used for recurring yeast infections, and that you should always confirm that you have a yeast infection before using this treatment.
If you have a yeast infection and want to give coconut oil a try as a treatment, you have a couple of different options for going about this. Gersh recommends applying coconut oil to a clean tampon and then inserting it into your vagina. Alternatively, “it can also be rubbed into the tissues with fingers.” She suggests using coconut oil this way at bedtime until your symptoms resolve.
There are many different ways to treat or prevent a yeast infection. For prevention, Gaither suggests methods like increasing your intake of yogurt, taking probiotics, and taking acidophilus tablets. These "may be effective in reducing the chance of acquiring a yeast infection, by increasing the concentration of Lactobacilli in the vagina" she explains. "Lactobacilli help to prevent Candida from growing out of control." Other recommended treatments including showering and changing after exercise rather than remaining in the same clothing, not using scented products (including scented soap) in your vaginal area, keeping your vaginal area dry and clean, and avoiding douching.
Here are a few ways yeast infections can be treated, according to our experts:
Keep in mind that you should always speak to your health care practitioner before using any of these methods.
Coconut oil is known to have antifungal properties. It may be effective at treating some yeast infections, though there isn’t much research available right now to prove its efficacy in this way. If you decide to try using coconut oil to treat a yeast infection, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional first. And don’t forget to confirm you definitely have a yeast infection before trying this, too.
Zeng X, Zhang Y, Zhang T, Xue Y, Xu H, An R. Risk Factors of Vulvovaginal Candidiasis Among Women of Reproductive Age in Xi'an: A Cross-sectional Study . Biomed Res Int . 2018;2018:9703754. doi:10.1155/2018/9703754
Cleveland Clinic. Yeast Infections . Updated October 26, 2019.
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How to Use Coconut Oil to Kill Yeast Infection (Candida) – The Ultimate Guide was last modified: February 18th, 2019 by Jenny Hills, Nutritionist and Medical Writer
Do you suffer from red itchy skin, thrush, fatigue and low energy or persistent bloating? These are just some of the signs of a yeast infection and you may be interested to know that you can use coconut oil for yeast infection. Read on to find out how to use coconut oil to prevent and treat yeast infections.
Yeast is a type of fungi which lives in our bodies and just as there are ‘good’ and ‘bad’ bacteria, so there are good and bad types of yeast. The scientific name for yeast is Candida and it usually lives in our digestive system.
Usually, a healthy immune system keeps yeast in its place, doing the functions they are supposed to do. However, certain medications and health issues can cause more yeast multiply, especially Candida albicans , resulting in a condition called Candidiasis ( a fungal infection caused by yeasts that belong to the genus Candida) . This can cause great discomfort and, if left untreated, can develop into a life-threatening condition.
Let’s have a look at the symptoms and causes of yeast infection and how to use coconut oil to treat yeast infection.
Yeast is found in very small amounts in our bodies. To keep yeast under control, we need a proper balance of bacteria in our digestive system. However, when something happens in the body to upset the delicate balance of bacteria, yeast can break through the intestine walls and get into the bloodstream.
This can cause fungal infections on the skin, in the mouth, and in the vagina. Vaginal yeast infections are very common in women and they can cause great discomfort. Commonly, it is referred to as thrush.
There are various factors that can cause yeast infections in people. The most common reason is taking medication which can interfere with healthy bacteria in the body. For example, antibiotics usually disrupt the digestive system and because of this yeast infections can spread (and in this regard read my article about the 3 things you should do after taking antibiotics to restore healthy intestinal flora ).
However, birth control pills, stress, alcohol, and/or eating too much sugar in your diet can also bring on yeast infections.
A yeast infection in the mouth (sometimes called oral thrush) will show up as white spots inside the mouth and on the tongue (see the 8 warning signs your tongue may be sending ), and a person will usually experience a sore throat and redness in the mouth.
Usually, the symptoms of vaginal yeast infections are severe itching in the genital area , swollen labia , vaginal discharge , and pain when urinating. There could also be pain when having intimate relationship.
Yeast infection (Candida) has to be treated with antifungal medications and it is also important to make diet and lifestyle changes. It is also necessary to take probiotics so that you build up a number of good bacteria in your body.
Let’s have a look at all the reasons why coconut oil is an excellent treatment for yeast infections and how to use it.
The way to kill off yeast infections, stop it spreading further and to make sure it doesn’t become a life-threatening condition is to administer antifungal treatments. However, the antifungal drugs that are usually prescribed can cause side effects and the yeast can become resistant to them.
There have been many studies carried out into coconut oil for treatment of yeast infection and scientists have found that it contains powerful antifungal properties which can be useful in treating yeast infections, including Candidiasis. What’s more, the fungus doesn’t build up a resistance to the antifungal properties of coconut oil.
When using coconut oil for yeast infection, make sure you use unrefined virgin, preferably organic, coconut oil.
Study #1 – coconut oil for Candida albicans
In 2015, an extensive study was carried out into the effect that coconut oil has specifically on the type of yeast called Candida albicans ( C. albicans ). The study , published in the American Society for Microbiology , examined the amount of Candida albicans in the gastrointestinal tract of mice and how coconut oil affects it. 1
It was found that when coconut oil was introduced to the diet, the amount of C. albicans was significantly reduced.
The study also showed that coconut oil actively reduces C. albicans colonization on the gastrointestinal tract (GI). It was also noted that coconut oil also contains medium-chain fatty acids, which also play a role in reducing C. albicans. They concluded that coconut oil “could become the first dietary intervention to reduce C. albicans GI colonization.”
Study #2 – coconut oil against all strains of candida
This study confirms the results of another study published in the Journal of Medicinal Foods that examined the antimicrobial properties of coconut oil on Candida albicans . 2
The study showed that coconut oil was effective against all strains of Candida species and was more effective at killing fungi than fluconazole. Fluconazole is one of the most popular drugs used to combat Candida infections. The research concluded that “coconut oil should be used in the treatment of fungal infections in view of emerging drug-resistant Candida species.”
Coconut oil for yeast infection – more studies
Other studies have shown that coconut oil is just as effective as ketoconazole, another antifungal drug which is prescribed for yeast infections. 3 Also, combining coconut oil with other antifungal and antibacterial drugs can make them more effective.
For example, clotrimazole is an antifungal drug used for the treatment of vaginal yeast infection. When clotrimazole was combined with coconut oil it was more effective in treating vaginal yeast infections. 4
It is clear that coconut oil can play an important role in treating yeast infections. It can be used on its own to kill off yeast infections, or it can be combined with medication to make it more effective, thus reducing the dose a person has to take.
The powerful antifungal properties of coconut oils are effective when it is taken internally and also when used as a topical application .
You can use virgin coconut oil to clear up a yeast infection by incorporating it into your diet.
First of all, it is good to know that as far as fats go, coconut oil is classed as a healthy fat. Although it contains saturated fats, these have been proven to actually lower bad cholesterol (LDL) and raise good cholesterol (HDL). 5
Also, the medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) in coconut oil is quickly turned into energy, rather than being stored as fat and this is one of the reasons for using coconut oil for weight loss .
In the study mentioned previously into the effect of coconut oil on Candida albicans, it was noted that consuming larger doses of coconut oil as a short-term measure shouldn’t have any long-term cardiovascular effects. 1 However, you should remember that, as with all fats, coconut oil is high in calories.
To get the antifungal benefits of coconut oil, you should take between 3-5 tablespoons a day. Here are some ideas how you can incorporate it into your diet:
You should always start out with smaller amounts of coconut oil and then gradually increase your daily intake.
Virgin coconut oil is also a very effective antifungal topical treatment for Candida. As the studies mentioned have shown, coconut oil is just as effective as many antifungal medications that doctors provide.
Here are some ideas how you can use coconut oil as a topical treatment for yeast infection:
To make a topical treatment of coconut oil for Candida, do the following:
Coconut oil and Essential Oil Treatment for Candida
I’ve already written in great detail about the health benefits of cinnamon oil . By adding cinnamon oil you can increase the antifungal properties of coconut oil.
Studies into cinnamon oil have shown it to have anticandidal properties. 6 Another study has shown that cinnamon oil together with clove oil is an effective combination to kill yeast. 7
To use coconut oil together with essential oils for antifungal activity against Candida, you can do the following:
Coconut oil and tea tree oil for yeast infection
Another essential oil which has proven antifungal activity is tea tree essential oil. 8 And indeed tea tree oil is one of the natural remedies that I’ve mentioned for yeast infections .
You could add some tea tree oil to the above recipe and apply to the affected areas.
There has also been research which shows that tea tree vaginal suppositories are effective in preventing and treating acute vaginal candidiasis. 9
Tea tree oil can also increase the effectiveness of traditional antifungal drugs and this can be especially useful for yeast infections that are difficult to treat. For example, diluted tea tree oil can be added to fluconazole to increase its effectiveness. This can also help in reducing the dose of fluconazole to reduce the side effects and avoid developing drug-resistance. 10 But remember that you should always use diluted tea tree oil especially if you have a sensitive skin (add a few drops of tea tree oil to 1 tbsp. of coconut oil).
Coconut oil treatment for oral thrush
If you have oral thrush, then you should mix 1-2 drops of clove or cinnamon oil with one tablespoon of coconut oil. Swishing this around in your mouth for several minutes will help you to treat the thrush and it also has other health benefits . Don’t swallow any of the liquid.
After that spit all the oil out (it is recommended not to dispose the oil in the sink drain or the toilet, as the oil accumulates and can clog the pipes).
After spiting all the oil, rinse your mouth thoroughly with water and brush your teeth as usual and floss. After this is done, you can drink and eat as usual.
I have other natural remedies for yeast infection – read our article on how to identify and treat yeast infection naturally .
You can also use yogurt for treating yeast infection . Raw plain yogurt contains certain “good” bacteria that can be useful for treating various yeast infections. For more information and for step by step instructions, please read my article on how to use yogurt as a natural home remedy for yeast infections .
Using more coconut oil in your daily routine is also one of the 70 habits featured in my e-book 70 Powerful Habits For A Great Health which will guide you how to take positive steps to improve your wellness and overall health.
I could only find coconut oil that was in its solid form and did not know how I could apply it. Instead I opted for a proprietary thrush remedy with fractionated coconut oil and east cape manuka oil. Admittedly this is far more expensive but it does last ages and I didn’t mind spending on this as it was for the good of my health after all. I have been called thrifty in the past and friends teased me for splashing out on this. I had the last because now some of them have followed my lead and bought it.
Hi Jemima, coconut oil is solid under 24 degrees Celsius, so to make it easier to apply you need to put the coconut oil jar in a small bowl with hot water and leave it for few minutes. Sometimes you can just break a small piece of coconut oil with a spoon, and it quickly melts in your hands due to the warmth of the body.
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