A vaginal yeast infection is usually caused by a fungus called Candida albicans which is normally found in small amounts in the vagina.

It's estimated that three out of four women will have a yeast infection in their lifetime. Factors that contribute to vaginal yeast infection include pregnancy, diabetes, and the use oral contraceptives, steroids, and antibiotics. Yeast infection is also more common after menopause due to declining estrogen levels, which thin the vaginal walls.

Most women are bothered at one time or another by vaginitis -- the itching, burning, pain, and discharge that comes with a vaginal yeast infection. Yeast infections can be caused by a number of organisms, many of which inhabit the healthy vagina. One of the most common causes of vaginitis is the fungus Candida albicans. The annoying symptoms can include itching, discharge that has a "baked bread" odor, and reddening of the labia and, in some cases, the upper thigh.

Yeast Infection Home Remedies

Dip a tampon in yogurt and insert in the vagina. It is an effective remedy for vaginal yeast infection. Do it two times in a day. This remedy should be continued even one or two days after the symptoms subside.

Garlic is known to be the most powerful home remedy that you can use for a yeast infection. What you do is take a garlic clove and insert it into your vagina every couple of hours. The result will be a soothing relief and very possible a bye bye yeast infection.

Tea tree oil is a known natural antifungal. The essential tea tree oil, diluted and applied topically to the vaginal area, has shown some potential as a natural home remedy for yeast infection. Tea tree oil must be diluted before applying it to the body. Full strength tea tree oil should never be applied to the vaginal area.

Make a good mixture of a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, 2 cups of normal water, and 1 clove of garlic. Leave it for sometime and then apply it to the infected part for getting the best results.

You may also try inserting one or two capsules of boric acid into the vagina. Keep it there overnight for several nights. This works, however some women feel discomfort or burning using this option for the first few days.

Buttermilk: This doesn't cure yeast infection, but reduces its probability. So, drink at least two glasses of buttermilk daily, whether infected or not. And also make curds a part of the daily diet.