A bacterial infection due to candida albicans is known as yeast infection. Candida albicans actually is a type of yeast or fungi which resides naturally on our bodies in negligible amounts. Yeast infections are quite common inside the vagina of women. Some of the symptoms associated with a vaginal yeast infection are:

• A thick, odorless, whitish discharge through the vagina.
• Itching as well as a burning sensation.
• A burning feeling at the time of urination.
• Discomfort and pain at the time of sexual intercourse.

Men also do suffer from yeast infections. In most cases, it is women who transmit this condition to men through sexual contacts. Yeast infections can occur on different body parts like around dentures, below the breasts, beneath nails, and also under skin folds like in the area of the lower abdomen. However yeast mostly thrives in a moist and dark environment like a woman's vagina.

Lot of women as well as men who suffer yeast infections take the help of medications in the form of creams, suppositories or oral tablets. These medications unfortunately only have short term effects. Certain natural remedies and home treatments can often prove to bring in effective long term results.

• Yogurt: Yogurt is a good choice in treating a yeast infection. The presence of a bacterium called Lactobacillus Acidophilus within yogurt makes it an ideal agent for combating yeast infection. Lactobacillus Acidophilus basically is present in natural course in a normal, healthy vagina. Yogurt effectively eliminates yeast by the formation of hydrogen peroxide. You can make use of a tampon applicator to rub in some yogurt. With this applicator you can then gently rub over the region of the vulva as well as go about inserting the same inside the vagina. You may repeat this process two times daily until all symptoms disappear. If the yeast infection happens in some other areas of the body, you may directly apply yogurt on the surface keeping it for ten or fifteen minutes daily.
• Garlic: Garlic is another wonderful home remedy for yeast infection. It possesses antifungal properties which help in eliminating yeast. A clove of fresh garlic is to be taken and its peel to be removed. The garlic is swathed in cheesecloth or gauze to form a tampon – like thing. The ends are to be tied off with dental floss which is non – waxed. Some floss is to be left with it for hanging out from the vagina to help you take the garlic tampon out later on. The garlic tampon is best left overnight and used regularly until the symptoms of infection appear to fade away.
• Tea Tree Oil: This is a very efficient form of treatment for curing a yeast infection. You may buy a small bottle of this liquid from a health food shop. Without using a lubricated applicator, you may put some tea tree oil drops on to a tampon. It is then injected inside the vagina. The process is to be repeated till the symptoms gradually vanish. Another alternative is to go for douche treatment with tea tree oil to cure a yeast infection. You may blend one teaspoonful of tea tree oil with another teaspoon of rubbing alcohol or isopropyl alcohol. The solution which will appear milky white is to be stored in a dropper bottle. The douche is to be prepared by adding ten drops of the mixture to water (which is about a pint). You have to rinse your vagina using the douche at least for seven days, once daily. However, if you are pregnant and suffering from yeast infection, it is better to avoid using tea tree oil.
• Apple-cider vinegar: This has numerous other health benefits apart from aiding in the fight against a yeast infection. Direct application on the skin is not recommended since the product is extremely strong. For external application you may pour about a cup of the Apple – Cider vinegar into the bathwater. A hot, relaxing bath will help soothe your irritation at least temporarily. However make sure you do not go for white, normal vinegar which does not kill the yeast but actually nurtures it. Bragg's Apple Cider Vinegar, including the Mother is recommended.
• Water: Drinking eight to ten glasses of pure, filtered water each day helps flush out sugars from the body, on which the yeast feeds. This is the most natural remedy for yeast infections.
• Oregano oil: This is a wonderful herb which needs to be taken internally each day. The presence of high degree of carvacrol is effective in treating yeast infections.

For treating a yeast infection of the mouth, you have to consume cool liquids and rinse the mouth with salted warm water. It is best to avoid sugars. Follow these useful home remedies before resorting to medications.