Recipes for treating thrush with herbs
Various herbal preparations are effectively used to treat thrush (celandine, chamomile and calendula flowers, birch buds, lingonberry leaves, sage, juniper cones, St. John's wort, etc.).
- St. John's wort is brewed as a decoction (2 teaspoons per glass of boiling water). The resulting mixture is simmered slowly for 15 minutes. Used for douching and washing.
- Take chamomile flowers (2 tablespoons), dry collection of mantle (1 spoon) and mix with 0.7 liters of water. Boil in a water bath for 20 minutes, cool and strain. The resulting decoction can be washed and douched 2 times a day.
- Cinquefoil (2 tablespoons) is poured into 0.5 liters of boiling water and boiled for 30 minutes over low heat. Stir the mixture constantly and at the end of cooking, add 0.5 tablespoons of dry nettle to it. Cool the solution, filter and apply wet compresses and applications to the inflamed area.
- Mix yarrow, calendula and sage in equal proportions. Take 1 tablespoon of the mixture, combine with 2 cups of boiling water and leave covered for 20 minutes. Next, the solution should be strained and used for douching and washing for 3 days.
Be sure to store the prepared decoctions in the refrigerator for no more than 2 days.
What procedures are recommended by traditional medicine to get rid of thrush?
The principle of action of the compositions is to change the acidity of the vagina and independently stop the development of the fungus when it comes into unfavorable conditions. Also, medicinal plants used in recipes promote the regeneration of tissues of the female genital mucosa and their rapid recovery. They do not act directly on the fungus and do not cause its death. How are folk remedies used? There are several main types of procedures:
- Washing using specially prepared compounds.
- Taking herbal formulations internally.
- Wiping the genitals with solutions.
- Douching with solutions containing herbal ingredients.
- Laying tampons soaked in folk remedies.
- Laying ice candles.
Washing
This procedure is carried out twice a day or more often (up to 5-6 times, if hygienic conditions allow). The technique does not differ from ordinary hygienic procedures; there is no additional need to try to insert a finger into the vagina and treat the inner walls. Washing is the safest method among those listed, and can significantly alleviate the unpleasant symptoms of thrush. During pregnancy there are practically no contraindications, but you should not get carried away with the procedure, as you can disrupt the acidity of the mucous membrane and provoke the development of a bacterial infection.
Most often, treatment is carried out using formulations based on herbal components that have an antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antipruritic or astringent effect. Mono collections (consisting of one medicinal plant) or multicomponent formulations are used.
The base is almost always chamomile, calendula or oak bark. You can combine these components (calendula with chamomile, oak bark with chamomile, calendula and oak bark, or all three components), changing their proportion in the finished solution. Additional ingredients are also used:
- Juniper cones.
- Birch buds.
- Celandine.
- St. John's wort.
- Nettle.
- Knotweed.
- Cuff and others.
The main condition is a weak solution. You can prepare a concentrated decoction (infusion) from a medicinal herb (pour a glass of water into a couple of tablespoons of the mixture, or a separate herb), infuse it and later bring the volume to a liter using boiled water. The temperature should be comfortable for the mucosal surface. It is also not recommended to press your hand too hard on the skin - too much pressure can seriously injure it. Movements should be directed from front to back so as not to transfer microorganisms living near the anal area to the vaginal area.
Treatment can also be carried out with soda. To do this, soda is diluted in water (you need to take one tablespoon per liter), and the resulting solution is also used for washing. During pregnancy, such a procedure will not harm the baby; it is often prescribed by gynecologists as an addition to medications for thrush. You can also add a couple of drops of alcohol tincture of iodine to the finished composition.
In some sources you can find a solution of potassium permanganate as a recommended remedy for thrush in pregnant women. A very weak solution is needed - slightly pink, otherwise the mucous membrane may be very damaged. A chemical burn will cause even more discomfort and increase the risk of developing a bacterial infection.
Ingestion of herbal decoctions and infusions
When used orally, plant components affect the entire body, including through the blood they penetrate the placenta and affect the baby. Many medicinal herbs have mildly toxic properties (all types of wormwood, for example), others have not yet been sufficiently studied. Preference should be given to preparations whose packaging states “during pregnancy”, “for pregnant women”, etc. Otherwise, the use of such compositions is not recommended.
The permitted composition includes chamomile and other ingredients. Before purchasing the collection, it is recommended to carefully study the composition (if any ingredient causes concern, then you should refuse to purchase questionable raw materials). You can also use just chamomile tea, but in moderate dosage (the tea is slightly yellow in color, and only a few sips at a time). Treatment with folk recipes orally during pregnancy must be agreed with a doctor.
Rubdowns
More often, rubdowns based on Iodinol or brilliant green (brilliant green) are used - powerful antiseptics. A cotton-gauze swab is moistened with solutions (without dilution) and the outer surface of the genital organs of a pregnant woman is wiped. Then a new tampon is moistened and inserted shallowly into the vagina and, as it were, “scrolled” in the cavity to collect harmful microorganisms from the walls. Treatment can be quite painful; during its implementation (especially in the first days), significant tingling is possible if the mucous membrane is significantly damaged by the fungus.
Herbal infusions and decoctions can also be used: chamomile, oak bark and calendula are among the favorites in this procedure. Baking soda and soda solutions can also be one of the folk remedies for use when wiping the vaginal opening and labia of a pregnant woman.
Douching
The attitude of gynecologists towards douching is ambiguous. On the one hand, if the technique is followed, the procedure quickly brings improvement in the condition of thrush, on the other hand, the slightest deviation from the technology leads to the washing out of all microorganisms from the surface of the mucosa. Restoration of microflora is a rather long process, during which disturbances are possible. The consequence may be a bacterial infection.
It is necessary to maintain careful sterility of both the syringe and its tip, and the solution itself. The temperature of the liquid should be within the comfort zone of the pregnant woman. There is no need to squeeze the bulb too much; just a little pressure is enough, during which the contents will slowly fill the vaginal cavity. After administering the entire medicinal composition (about 250 ml), you need to lie down for 20-25 minutes. It is most convenient to douche in the bathroom or on the bed, with a waterproof diaper (veil) placed under the buttocks.
Decoctions and infusions of medicinal herbs (chamomile, calendula and other mono herbs and their combinations) are used; it is possible to use a solution with soda, iodine and other antiseptics. Combinations of medicinal herbs with honey, or just honey water are also used.
Recipes with honey are often criticized among health workers, although among women during pregnancy this is practically the first remedy recommended “in the kitchen.” Honey treatment can be looked at from several angles. Jars of honey do not mold; this is a signal that the substances contained in it do not give fungi a chance to develop. However, it contains fast carbohydrates, which can provoke even greater proliferation of fungi.
The decisive argument can be called the poor quality of the purchased product. In a jar of honey you can often find sugar as an additional ingredient, and this is a stimulus for the development of thrush. In this sense, soda or chamomile are much more suitable for treating a pregnant woman than a sweet treat. If the gynecologist does not object to recipes with honey, and you know where to get a product of proper quality, then you can try this treatment during pregnancy. Otherwise, it’s better not to take risks.
Tampons
The tamponing procedure during thrush allows you to deliver a working solution or ingredient directly to the fungal habitat - deep into the vagina. You can use purchased tampons (2-3 drops - they are smaller in size), or you can make them yourself from a roll of cotton wool and a bandage (a piece of gauze). In the latter case, you must remember to attach a “tail”, otherwise extraction will be difficult.
During pregnancy, you can use decoctions and infusions of herbs as a working solution for wetting a tampon (chamomile and calendula are also at the forefront of the ranking of popular plants). Compositions for subsequent tamponing may be slightly more concentrated compared to those for washing or douching. A combination of decoctions with chamomile and soda can be used. Only baking soda in solution can also be quite effective. Honey is often used, it is applied to the head of the tampon and inserted into the vagina. If the product is candied, you can warm it up a little in a water bath so as not to injure the vaginal mucosa.
Ice candles
They are easy to prepare at home from plain water; chamomile and soda can also be used in the form of infusion and solution, respectively. Cold can get rid of thrush, but this is a recipe for women with strong nerves (not everyone dares to do such an experiment). After inserting the suppository, you should lie down for a while so that it does not slip out of the vagina, and place a towel under the buttocks. You also need to make sure that the piece of ice you introduce does not have sharp edges (they can be easily smoothed with warm water).
In general, we can say that the leading position among folk remedies for thrush is occupied by recipes with soda and chamomile. Procedures using them have been tested for a long time and have virtually no contraindications. But in order to avoid unpleasant surprises, you should consult a doctor before using them.
Treatment of thrush with oak bark
The healing plant ranks first in its effectiveness in combating candidiasis. Be sure to combine it with the main treatment therapy.
The bark has an excellent astringent, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps eliminate redness and itching, and heal ulcers. Also, a healing decoction creates a thin protective layer on the mucous membrane, which keeps fungal spores from penetrating deep into the tissues.
information Oak bark can be used for various purposes. Prepare a warm bath with finely chopped bark, in which it is good to soak the area for 15 minutes a day. Regular washing and douching also helps (for the latter, use a weaker solution). To treat advanced thrush, tampons soaked in a steep decoction are used. They are left in the vagina while you sleep at night.
How is thrush harmful to a child?
Women are interested in the question of whether it is possible to get pregnant with thrush and whether this will harm the fetus. It is better if the body struggling with thrush will devote all its strength to recovery, and not to bearing the fetus. When planning to conceive if you have an infection, you can ask your doctor whether it is possible to get pregnant with candidiasis at a specific stage. The doctor will suggest treatment and then plan conception.
But what should pregnant women who are sick do? Do not panic. Thrush at the beginning of pregnancy often occurs on its own and is easily treated if you consult a doctor in a timely manner. If the disease is neglected, thrush during pregnancy can cause infection of the fetus during childbirth. While passing through the birth canal, the baby can pick up harmful fungi on the skin and mucous membranes, as a result of which can develop: candidiasis in the mouth and stomach, thrush of the intestines, and respiratory organs.
The question of whether it is possible to get pregnant with thrush is clear. But is it possible to breastfeed? It is possible if you maintain hygiene by washing your breasts with a soda solution before each feeding.
Honey against candidiasis during pregnancy
The natural properties of the product allow you to actively fight various pathogenic microorganisms. The softening effect allows you to protect the mucous membrane from irritating fungal secretions and normalize the microflora.
Douching with honey solution is most effective for 1-2 weeks. To prepare, dilute honey with purified water (1:10) until completely dissolved. We treat the inflamed mucous membrane with the resulting solution 2 times a day. Tampons soaked in a honey solution are also useful. They are placed in the vagina for no longer than 30 minutes once a day. This will quickly reduce irritation and soreness.
Prevention of thrush
Considering the impact of thrush on pregnancy that can occur in the case of an advanced disease, all measures must be taken to prevent this. No one is immune from unpleasant infections, but preventing thrush during pregnancy can reduce the risk of its occurrence to almost a minimum.
Candidiasis did not occur during pregnancy, you need to maintain your immune system (correct daily routine, walks, good nutrition, no stress), replenish vitamin deficiencies as recommended by your doctor, and not self-medicate with antibiotics.
Refuse synthetic underwear in favor of natural ones. Try to treat chronic diseases before conception so as not to encounter unpleasant complications.
Zelenka against thrush during pregnancy
Surprisingly, budget and affordable brilliant green helps to perfectly clean the mucous membrane of fungal waste products. This will temporarily dull the symptoms until adequate treatment begins.
For use, we prepare a special infusion. Take 3% peroxide and purified water in equal proportions, add 4 drops of brilliant green to the solution. Next, wrap a bandage or gauze around your finger, dip it in the product and treat the vagina from the inside, removing the cheesy discharge. Repeat the procedure until complete cleansing 1-2 times a day.
The best helper is oregano oil
A pleasant and aromatic remedy for getting rid of candidiasis. Essential oil contains organic acids, phenols and vitamins, which together suppress the activity of Candida fungi. For example, the fungus has not developed immunity to carvacrol in the oil, but thymol is effective in combating chronic candidiasis.
information For treatment, purchase a special oil (carvacrol content of at least 50%). The product should be alcohol-free and used only in diluted form to avoid burns to the mucous membrane.
For external use, combine 2 drops of essential oil with 2 tablespoons of base oil (olive, flaxseed). Lubricate the genitals with the resulting product at night.
Tampons are used to treat acute thrush. Prepare a solution (50 ml of base oil and 2 drops of essential oil). We thoroughly soak small tampons with the product and insert them into the vagina for 8-10 hours. The course of treatment is 2 weeks.
Causes of fungus in pregnant women
In a healthy body, thrush can exist without causing trouble. Candida fungi are normal for every person. But if the body is fighting an infection that weakens the immune system, or there was unprotected sexual intercourse, these are the main causes of thrush when the fungus begins to multiply.
Where does thrush come from in pregnant women if they do not suffer from infections and do not engage in promiscuous sex? The fact is that the pregnant woman’s body undergoes a restructuring of hormones, which is why there is a malfunction in the composition of the microflora. The number of estrogens increases, the immune system weakens. The acidity level in the vagina changes, and the number of beneficial bacteria decreases. These are the main causes of thrush.
Thrush in pregnant women is possible when treated with antibiotics. In addition to pathogenic bacteria, they also kill beneficial ones that fight fungi. Antibiotics are not prescribed to pregnant women, only in special situations when they cannot be avoided. Thrush during pregnancy occurs due to diseases of the thyroid gland, gastrointestinal tract, hormone intake, kidney and liver diseases, abuse of sweets and baked goods.
If hygiene is not observed correctly, thrush during pregnancy occurs often, as in ordinary women. You need to change your underwear, choose natural fabrics, avoid douching and using aromatic cosmetics for washing. Thrush in a pregnant woman occurs against a background of stress, negative emotions, and problems with the nervous system.
Treatment of candidiasis with tea tree essential oil
Antiseptic and antifungal properties contribute to the use of tea tree for the treatment of pregnant women. Buy only natural essential oil along with the base (olive, flaxseed, high-quality sunflower).
To use, combine 20 ml of base oil with 4 drops of essential oil. We can treat the vagina externally with the resulting solution, or we can use tampons for internal treatment. A similar product can be applied to the intimate organs under a film for 20-30 minutes to intensively fight bacteria. The course of treatment with tea tree oil is 1 week.
Salt-soda solution in the fight against candidiasis in pregnant women
Gynecologists often prescribe alternative treatment in the early stages of the disease or as an auxiliary therapy. A favorite remedy for doctors is a soda solution.
information To prepare, combine 1 tablespoon of baking soda with a liter of boiled water. Add 1 teaspoon of iodine to the mixture. Pour the resulting solution into a basin with warm water and soak the intimate organs in it for 10-15 minutes, washing. It is enough to use the bath once a day for 3-5 days.
Soda is an effective astringent, normalizes the acidity of the vagina and helps remove cheesy discharge. It also eliminates itching, heals ulcers and reduces pain.
The harm of traditional treatment for thrush during pregnancy
If the doctor’s instructions are followed and there is no individual reaction (allergy) to the components, home methods will become a good auxiliary therapy that eliminates unpleasant symptoms.
However, most “grandmother’s” recipes enhance the alkaline environment of the vagina, which, of course, is effective against fungus, but increases the risk of developing other bacteria, as well as sexually transmitted pathogens.
Also, folk remedies help eliminate symptoms, which means their effectiveness will be short-term. If treatment is canceled, the disease will return with renewed vigor.
important There is another pitfall - the aggressiveness of some folk remedies. The use of essential oils, alcohol solutions and herbal tinctures can lead to a chemical burn to the mucous membrane and further aggravate the disease. Many unknown herbs cause allergies.
To increase the effectiveness of folk remedies, use therapeutic pills and local medications that are safe for pregnant women. Self-medication without the supervision of a gynecologist is prohibited!
Symptoms of thrush
You don’t need any special knowledge in medicine to recognize the symptoms of thrush in pregnant women. The first signs are a cheesy discharge with a sour smell from the vagina. As for sensations, signs of thrush in pregnant women such as burning and itching in the genital area are clearly visible.
It is important to understand that itching does not only occur with thrush; it can signal the presence of infections. The girl must be examined by a doctor and take tests. During the examination, the doctor may see swelling and redness of the labia. The mucous membranes are irritated, so the symptoms of thrush during pregnancy are pain during urination, washing, and sexual intercourse.
Doctors recommend abstaining from sexual intercourse until all signs of thrush during pregnancy have gone away. It is advisable that the partner be treated at the same time to avoid re-infection. If the initial stage of the disease is diagnosed, and the partner is not sick, and thrush as a sign of pregnancy is mild, it is enough to use local medications to quickly recover.
In the evening and at night, the disease bothers women more, causing irritability and fatigue. To reduce the unpleasant symptoms of thrush in pregnant women, doctors recommend avoiding synthetic and tight underwear.
