The yeast infection is caused by a type of fungus. The vaginal yeast infections are very common among females. It is referred to as yeast vaginitis, candidal vaginitis or candidal vulvo vaginitis. It is mainly caused by a species called candida albicans. Candida glabrata is the more resistant strain of yeast. The symptoms include itching, burning, white discharge, redness, irritation and soreness of female genitalia/vulva, pain during urination and intercourse.
Boric acid (H3B03) is a white crystalline, oxygen-bearing acid of boron found in minerals and volcanic waters or hot springs, also known as hydrogen borate, boraic acid, orthoboric acid and acidum boricum. Boric acid has been used to treat vaginal infections. The anti fungal property works against both candida albicans and candida glabrata.
Here are some effective ways to use boric acid for yeast infection cure.(1)
Does Boric Acid Helps to yeast infection?
- The mild antiseptic, astringent, cleansing, antifungal and antiviral property helps in replenishing the normal vaginal acidity and hence maintaining the balance of vaginal flora / vaginal bacteria.(2)
Is boric acid safe?
- A lot of studies have found boric acid to be safe, affordable and helpful in the treatment of chronic or recurrent yeast infections. It may be more effective in diabetic people.(3)
How to Use Boric Acid for Yeast Infection?
1. Boric Acid Douche for Yeast Infection
Boric acid douche is recommended for vaginal yeast infection.(4)
Ingredients:
- Boric acid powder
- Warm water
Preparation time: 5 minutes.
Procedure:
- Make the douche using 1 teaspoon of boric acid powder.
- Boil the water for 15 minutes and make sure it is sterile.
- Dissolve this powder in a pint of warm water.
- Apply this mixture in the female genitalia.
How it works: This mixture helps in reducing sorness, itching, redness.
Repetitions: once or twice daily.
Best time to apply: At night, before sleep, Anytime of the day, but after application the subject has to lie down for a while.
Tips: Clean the female genitalia properly with warm water, pat it dry and then apply this mixture.
[ Read: How to use Apple Cider Vinegar for Yeast Infection ]
2. Boric Acid and Coconut oil for Yeast Infection
The coconut oil can act as carrier and also has antifungal action. Hence used along with boric acid for the treatment of yeast infection.(5)
Ingredients:
- Boric acid
- Coconut oil
Preparation time: 5 minutes.
Procedure:
- Take 1-2 teaspoon of coconut oil and warm it slightly.
- Add 1-2 teaspoon of boric acid to the warmed coconut oil and stir it well until it dissolves.
- Dab this mixture with help of cotton ball over the infected areas.
- Massage the area for about 15 minutes.
- Leave it for half an hour.
- Wash the area after half an hour.
How it works?
Benefits of Adding Coconut oil to Boric Acid are as Follows:
- It kills yeast infection, by detaching membranes of the yeast, hence killing them.
- It acts as effective sugar substitute, hence reducing the yeast infection spread.
- It strengthens immune system and prevents future occurrence.
- It forms a protective layer, hence preventing infections.
Repetitions: Once daily, Every alternate day till the infection subsides.
Best time to apply: Anytime of the day.
Tips: Clean the area thoroughly with warm water and pat dry and then apply the mixture.
[ Read: How to Use Coconut oil for Yeast Infection ]
3. Boric Acid Bath/Soak for Yeast Infection
Boric acid Sitzbath is proven to be safe for yeast infection.
Ingredients:
- ¼ cup of boric acid (60g) or 30g Borax
- Witch Hazel
Preparation time: 5 minutes.
Procedure:
- Fill the bath tub with warm water (5-10cms water)
- Dissolve the boric acid or borax in a cup of boiling water.
- Add the above mixture to the bath tub.
- Add witch hazel to the bath tub.
- Sit for 10-15 minutes in the bath tub.
How it works?
- Boric acid antifungal and antiviral properties help restore the acidic pH of the female genitalia hence killing the yeast.
- Witch Hazel has antifungal and astringent property as well. It dries the skin upon contact and hence kills the yeast.
Repetitions: Every day for about a week.
Best time to do: Every night before sleep.
Tips: Soak well in the tub, relax and make sure no open wounds are present. If pregnant please do not use boric acid inside female genitalia.
[ Read: How to Use Tea Tree oil for Yeast Infection ]
How Long to Use Boric Acid for Yeast Infections?
- It should not be used for more than 2 weeks.
Dangers and Aide Effects of Boric Acid for Yeast Infection
- Never to be used orally.
- Not to be applied on open wounds
- Not to be given to children
- Not to be used by pregnant women
- If boric acid gets on skin, wash thoroughly.
- If swallowed it will be cause death.
Side Effects include:
- Burning at the site
- Watery discharge
- Redness in vaginal area.
Boric acid has to be used with caution on the affected areas. Please consult a dermatologist if any side effects or any discomfort is seen.
Scientific Evidence:
- Boric Acid- https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Boric-acid
- Boric acid for recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis: the clinical evidence- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21774671/
- Treatment of vaginitis caused by Candida glabrata: use of topical boric acid and flucytosine- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14634557/
- Clinicians’ use of Intravaginal Boric Acid Maintenance Therapy for Recurrent Vulvovaginal Candidiasis and Bacterial Vaginosis- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6878170/
- In vitro antimicrobial properties of coconut oil on Candida species in Ibadan, Nigeria- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17651080/
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