A Single-cell organism – yeast- is the reason why people suffer from various types of thrush, as it can live out in any harsh environment. However, our body is capable enough to deal with this type of fungi without any difficulties. But, when our body fails to combat this fungus, we may contract thrush. Thrush is considered one of the most common diseases, and it can get to anyone. Overgrowth of Candida fungus is the main reason why we develop thrush.
It is one of the most annoying problems, generally, they are very common in children as they have a weak immune system. Among various types of thrush, oral thrush is the most common, and people who have a weakened immune system are at a higher risk of developing it. If you are suffering from a severe thrush problem that is not going away even after weeks then, it is time for you to visit your doctor. However, there are some effective home remedies to relieve thrush that can help you treat it in the initial stage.
You need not worry too much about the condition as there are many treatments available for you, including some self-administered home remedies. But first, let’s see what the reason behind developing this condition is.
What Causes Thrush?
Commonly, a small amount of Candid fungus can be found in most people’s mouths, digestive tract, and skin. However, our bodies’ other bacteria and microorganisms fight and keep them in check. When you suffer from illness, stress, or take medications that imbalance, the fungus will grow out of control and cause thrush.
What follows are medications that can cause thrush:
- Corticosteroids
- Antibiotics
- Birth control pills
Yeast infection is more likely to develop along with:
- Uncontrolled diabetes
- HIV
- Cancer
- Dry mouth
- In pregnancy, due to hormonal changes
- Smoking
- Ill-fitted dentures
Symptoms Of Thrush
This disease can develop suddenly and may catch you off guard. Creamy white, slightly raised lesions on your tongue or inner cheeks are the common symptoms of oral thrush. You can see these lesions on the roof of your mouth, gums, tonsils, or back of your throat too.
Other symptoms include:
- Redness inside and at the corner of your mouth
- Loss of taste
- A cottony feeling in the mouth
These lesions can be painful and may even bleed a little when you brush your teeth. In severe cases, these lesions can spread into the esophagus and can cause:
- Pain
- Difficulty swallowing
- You will feel like food is stuck in the throat or mid-chest area.
- If the infection spreads beyond the esophagus, then you may suffer from fever.
Thrush is not limited to the mouth as it can spread to other body parts such as the lungs, liver, genital area, and skin. It is widespread in people who have cancer, HIV, or other immune system-weakening conditions.
Also Read: Effective Home Remedies To Relieve Yeast Infection!
Best Home Remedies for Thrush
Thrush should not be overlooked as it can spread in your body very quickly and cause other problems. You can take prescribed antifungal medications in the form of pills, mouthwash, or tablets. Mild cases of thrush can go on their own.
However, you should try these home remedies for thrush as they can reduce the risk and prevent the growth of Candida yeast.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is considered one of the most beneficial liquids as it can help you deal with thrush and alleviate various health conditions. Additionally, apple cider vinegar effectively reduces the growth and spread of the Candida Albicans, the fungus, which causes thrush.
However, make sure you don’t use the original, intense version of ACV, as it can be harmful to sensitive skin areas. The undiluted version can kill the healthy bacteria along with the harmful bacteria and fungi responsible for thrush. So, always use a diluted version of ACV.
Oral thrush is a prevalent problem people face with installed dentures as they are adamant about cleaning. This unclean environment is a favorite of Candida to thrive and spread the thrush infection in your mouth. It is known as denture stomatitis.
According to various studies and researches, apple cider vinegar is considered one of the most effective home remedies for thrush and people with denture stomatitis.
To use ACV:
- Take a cup and pour water into it.
- Then, take a spoonful of a raw and unfiltered version of ACV.
- Now, add this spoon of ACV into the water and pour it into your mouth.
- Swish the water-ACV mixture in your mouth for 5 seconds.
- Rinse and spit it.
- Repeat this process until the thrush is eliminated from the mouth.
Oregano Oil
Oregano oil is made using the wild oregano; the origanum vulgare is useful. It is filled with thymol and carvacrol – two of the most anti fungal solid components. However, you will need to make sure that you don’t buy the oregano oil made from common oregano called origanum marjoram, as it is not as effective as its wild version.
The wild oregano can halt and even hinder the growth of the Candida Albicans. There are capsules present in the market. These capsules contain oregano oil, and you can insert these capsules in your vagina at night to deal with the vaginal thrush. Suppose you don’t want to insert a capsule, no worries. Apply the oil on a tampon before you insert it into your vagina. You can also use it the same way as you use other essential oils. All you need is a carrier agent like coconut or olive oil. Mix oregano oil with one of these carrier oils and apply it to the affected area.
Due to its antimicrobial and antifungal properties, this oil will prove to be the best home remedy for thrush, be it oral or vaginal.
To use oregano oil:
- Pour water into a cup.
- Then add a couple of oregano oil.
- Now, pour this water-oregano oil mixture into your mouth and swish it.
- Spit out and rinse your mouth.
Note: DO NOT use a refined version of oregano oil orally or topically.
Tea Tree Oil
Just like other essential oils, tea tree oil is also brimming with antiseptic properties, and due to that, it can help you deal with thrush. It is considered a natural healer, and if you have oral thrush, you are in for a surprise. Rinsing your mouth with tea tree oil and water mixture can treat it effectively and eliminate the infection.
Tea tree oil is eligible to eliminate a range of yeast and fungi and hence, known as one of the best home remedies for thrush. However, take extra care as it can irritate the skin and cause damage to the sensitive parts of the genitals.
Salt Water
There is nothing more effective than a simple mixture of salt and water for treating oral thrush. All you need to do is mix a little salt with water and see your oral thrush running away from your mouth. Additionally, it is effective for oral thrush as you can use it to treat other body parts too. To use this method, soak the infected area in saltwater-dipped cloth for a few minutes, then wash it thoroughly and see improvements.
Saltwater is full of antiseptic, cleansing, and soothing properties. All of these properties will help you combat and ward off any type of thrush. No wonder why it is called one of the most common natural home remedies for thrush.
To use this remedy for oral thrush:
- Take ½ a spoon of salt and a cup of warm water.
- Mix them rigorously to dissolve the salt.
- Take that salt and water mixture, pour it in your mouth, and swish it around in your mouth for 20 seconds.
- Spit it out and then rinse with warm water for better results.
- Follow this process twice a day until the thrush is gone.
Over-the-counter Medications
OTC medicines are one of the home remedies for thrush as they can help you deal with any type of fungal infection, including yeast infection. From pills, topical creams, ointments to suppositories for vaginal thrush – you will find plenty of home remedies to get relief from various types of thrush. If you are suffering from a chronic thrush problem, you can ask your doctor to prescribe some medications. Additionally, if these home remedies for thrush won’t work or show no improvements, ask your doctor for OTC medicines.
However, make sure that you follow all the instructions given on the label. These medicines can have different kinds of strengths and side effects. So, you need to make sure that you follow the delivery methods for the anti-fungal medications you have been prescribed. You can buy some creams or pessaries without any prescription online, or you can buy them from your nearby pharmacies, drugstores, or grocery stores.
The results are impressive, too, as women who used these types of creams show more than 70 percent improvement in vaginal thrush. So, if you are still looking for home remedies for thrush, try these OTC medicines.
Also Read: Home Remedies For Tooth Infection – Proven & Must Try!
Final Words
These natural home remedies for thrush will only help you relieve the symptoms, but they may not cure the infection. These home remedies are meant to support and not replace the prescribed anti-fungal medication.
