Active Cultures in Yogurt

• Treating yeast infections with yogurt`is probably the least-expensive home remedy. Heather Eisthen, a Michigan State University professor, recommends freezing plain (unsweetened, unflavored) yogurt into a tampon applicator, or the finger of a rubber glove, and then inserting it vaginally. These "yogurt pops" sooth the discomfort and provide active live cultures that literally "digest" the candida. Wear a menstrual pad to contain the discharge and use once or twice a day until symptoms go away.
  
  

Garlic is Antifungal

• Eisthen recommends inserting a fully peeled clove of garlic into the vagina at bedtime. It should work its way out by the morning but can be pushed out or manually extracted if necessary. The antifungal properties of garlic can also be obtained by inserting a dissolving garlic gelcap without the concern of having to remove it later.
  
  

Brewer's Method

• Beer makers use potassium sorbate to stop the growth of yeast. Add 1 tbsp. potassium sorbate to 1 cup water and dip a tampon (in the applicator) into the solution, then insert the tampon vaginally. Another option is to use cotton balls, or to squirt the solution into the vagina after the tampon is in, so that it absorbs the liquid and holds it in place. Potassium sorbate can be found in brewing shops, beer-making specialty stores and online.