Infections have plenty of symptoms and causes like germs, bacteria, or fungi. While some infections require medical attention, others heal just with a bit of care. You can slow down the development of some infections by staying hydrated, eating plenty of fruit and vegetables, and getting sufficient sleep. There are infections that can be naturally treated at home if you can spot the symptoms soon enough.
Yeast infection
Yeast infection is also known as vulvovaginal candidiasis. It is caused by the overgrowth of a fungus called Candida albicans. Rare cases are caused by other types of fungi, such as C. glabrata, C. tropicalis, C. krusei, or C. parapsilosis.
The most common treatments for yeast infections involve killing the fungi with antifungal medicines or natural herbs. Symptoms include irritation, itching, inflammation, and painful discharges. However, some of those symptoms can also reflect a kidney infection. Both yeast and kidney infections are very common conditions.
If you have previously had kidney issues, you should use other natural treatments than those that we will present below. So, if you are struggling with a kidney infection, beside consulting with your doctor, you can go on further reading on how to get rid of a kidney infection. There you will find more than a dozen all-natural home remedies for kidney infections and their likely causes.
Going back to yeast infection, if the condition is recurrent, you can treat it with the following natural remedies.
Boric acid: Boric acid is a strong antiseptic that benefits women who are resistant to other remedies. Although it is toxic in large amounts, boric acid also comes in the form of suppositories, which are effective for non-albicans species of fungi. Apply a small quantity mixed with water on the external skin around your vagina.
Yogurt: According to the Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, probiotics are very effective remedies for C. albicans fungus. Yogurt contains living Lactobacillus acidophilus bacteria that create a healthy environment into your vagina. Natural yogurt contains probiotics, but it should be sugar-free as Candida thrives on sugar. You should apply yogurt topically and let it work for a few minutes.
Oregano essential oil: Oregano or Origanum marjoram can be found in any grocery store’s spice section. However, you will need to buy wild oregano oil (aka Origanum vulgare) since the plant contains antifungals such as carvacrol and thymol. Oregano oil is a natural blood thinner that you should use diluted. Apply the oil to the skin and massage – but keep it far from your vagina.
Ear infection
Ear infections are common in both adults and children and are usually caused by viruses, bacteria, and sometimes yeast. Outer ear infections or otitis externa are also known as swimmer’s ear and are caused by a bacterial infection of the skin tissue that covers the canal. In other words, excess time spent in water can cause an ear infection. Middle ear infections occur behind the eardrum and commonly appear in children. Inner ear infections are rare and turn into inflammations of the ear structure.
The most common and easiest to treat ear infection is the middle ear infection, which doesn’t specifically require an antibiotic treatment. Its most common symptoms are fever, balance issues, and an uncomfortable feeling of fullness in the ear. Outer ear infections come with local itching and hearing difficulties, while inner infections imply nausea, vomiting, and Vertigo.
Garlic oil: Available in most local health stores, garlic oil is a powerful antiviral, antifungal, and antimicrobial agent. It also has beneficial effects on your overall immune system. Some even call garlic a natural antibiotic. If you want to avoid antibiotics, garlic oil does the job. Pour a few drops into the ear canal and let it work for a few minutes. Then, wash it off.
Vitamin D: Vitamin D boosts the immune system and minimizes the symptoms of ear infections. You don’t even need to purchase the vitamin as the body increases its serum levels of vitamin D through sun exposure. Increase your food intake of the Sunshine Vitamin and take supplements if you feel that the infection doesn’t go away as quick as it should.
Warm olive oil: Middle ear and outer ear infection symptoms can alleviate if you use warm olive oil. Olive oil has soothing effects. You need to drop a small amount of warm olive oil into the ear and let it work for three to five minutes.
Skin infection
Adults and children rarely develop skin infections as skin is the strongest barrier against environmental dangers. Skin infections are caused by bacteria that gets through the skin through injuries, parasites that lay eggs on your skin, viruses, or fungi that develop due to a poor hygiene.
Superficial infections can be treated at home, while the severe ones require medical attention. You can recognize an infection by the reddish bumps with yellow pus-filled crusts, sores that look like blisters, fever that occurs after an injury, wounds that fail to heal, any swelling around bumps or wounds, and pus or colored fluid that leaks from an open wound.
Turmeric: Turmeric’s main active agent is curcumin – an antifungal, antiviral, and antibacterial chemical compound that many people use to treat infections. You will need to mix a tablespoon of turmeric powder with a teaspoon of honey and make a paste. Apply it onto the ear and let it dry, then wash it off with warm water. Use this home remedy twice a day.
Activated charcoal powder: This powder sucks any toxins out of the ear, along with the harmful bacteria that caused the infection. Make a mix out of a bit of charcoal, a poultice of raw honey, and three-five drops of tea tree essential oil. Apply it onto the ear, let it dry, and wash off with lukewarm water.
Aloe vera: Aloe vera gel is a soothing natural agent that contains anthraquinones – ingredients with antifungal and antibacterial properties. Apply the gel to the affected area, let it dry for 10-15 minutes, and wash off with cold water. Use the remedy two-three times a day.
Chest infection
Chest infection is a contagious disease that doesn’t typically lead to complications if it is treated early. You typically get a chest infection because of fungi, bacteria, and viruses. The condition affects your lungs, so you might feel chest pain, persistent cough, and local pressure.
Chest infections can be controlled through a healthy, smoke-free lifestyle accompanied by a daily relaxation routine, exercising, and an eating schedule. Avoid alcohol and nutrient-poor foods that weaken the immune system. Meanwhile, you can boost the intake of vitamins C and E, selenium, and zinc.
Milk: Milk is a natural lung cleanser that can speed up lungs’ recovery process after quitting smoking. Take a glass of hot milk, add a pinch of black pepper powder, a spoon of honey, and half teaspoon of turmeric powder. Drink the milk while it’s still hot three times a day.
Thyme juice: Thyme is an intensive expectorant that helps you quickly eliminate mucus. The herb can treat excessive infections and kill any harmful bacteria in the lungs. Thyme also has an antispasmodic effect on lung tissue. Add a teaspoon of thyme juice to a glass of lukewarm water and drink it three times a day.
Eucalyptus oil: Eucalyptus or Nilgiri oil has strong antifungal and antibacterial properties that can get you rid of a chest infection within a few days. Add five to seven drops of eucalyptus essential oil in a bowl with steaming hot water. Steam is also beneficial as it clears your respiratory tract from any excess bacteria. Hold your face over the mixture and deeply breathe in the steam for seven to ten minutes.
Wrapping Up
There are some infections that can be naturally treated at home. You just need to pay attention to any symptoms and prevent them from developing into serious conditions. Home remedies typically derive from traditional medicine, so even those not tested in clinical studies seem to be effective according to online opinions. Just remember to follow directions and don’t overdo it with the quantity of the natural ingredients!
