Essential Oils for Yeast Infection – Candida – Thrush

By Caryn Gehlmann
Yeast infections are very common and affect both women and men. The good news is that taking a comprehensive, holistic approach to treatment, and making some simple changes in your diet and/or habits can help. There are also a number of recommended essential oils for yeast infections. (If you’re new to using essential oils, be sure to download our free ebook, Listen to Your Nose – An Introduction to Aromatherapy.)

If you suspect that you have a candida overgrowth it is important to first consult with your healthcare provider to explore all possible treatment options. They may recommend changes to your diet, as well as natural antifungals or probiotics (“friendly” bacteria) to improve the body’s ability to keep candida in check. We find many people are looking for complementary and alternative therapies to either treat or prevent yeast infections. (We found this post by St. Luke’s hospital to be informative.)

Many studies support the use of essential oils in treating candida. Below you will find suggested essential oils for yeast infections, candida, and thrush as well as simple recipes you can use. But first, let’s do a quick overview of what candida is and why it can be a real problem to our overall health and wellness.

What is Candida albicans?

Candida albicans lives on the skin, the mucosal lining of the mouth, digestive tract, urinary tract, and genitals. Candida, along with a variety of other friendly microorganisms, is part of the normal bacterial population, “microflora”, of the intestinal tract. However, when our bodies become out of balance due to diet, prolonged stress, illness, antibiotic use, hormonal shifts, some birth control pills, obesity, disease, or certain cancer treatments, an overgrowth of Candida can occur resulting in a condition called candidiasis, or in the most severe cases candidemia. The most common form of candidiasis is called thrush, affecting the mucosal membranes of the mouth and vagina but can also show up on areas of skin (usually in folds of the skin such as in the groin or under breasts).

An overgrowth of candida weakens the intestinal wall and allows the fungus to enter into the bloodstream. The bloodstream then carries the toxic byproducts of candida (i.e. acetaldehyde) throughout the body. These byproducts can cause damage to tissues, organs, and cause the immune system to become compromised. Acetaldehyde promotes free radical activity in the body and is converted into ethanol by the liver creating the common “hungover” feeling and extreme fatigue often experienced by those with candidiasis.

Essential Oils for Yeast infection – Candida overgrowth

Here are the most commonly recommended essential oils for yeast infections, candida, and thrush. We wanted to make it possible for you to select your favorite 3 and make your own customized Restore Balance Essential Oil Kit. It’s the most economical way to get the essential oils you need to use our candida recipes and recommendations below.

Chamomile German Matricaria chamomilla
Cinnamon Leaf Cinnamomum zeylanicum
Clove Eugenia caryophyllata
Eucalyptus Radiata Eucalyptus radiata
Fennel Foeniculm vulgare
Geranium Pelargonium gravelolens
Lavender Lavandula angustifolia
Melissa Melissa officinalis
Niaouli, MQV Melaleuca quinquenervia
Palmarosa Cymbopogon martinii
Patchouli Pogostemon cablin
Petitgrain Citrus aurantium
Pine Pinus sylvestris
Sage Salvia officinalis
Tea Tree Melaleuca alternifolia
Thyme ct. linalol Thymus vulgaris
Thyme ct. thymol Thymus vulgaris

Essential Oil Mouthwash Recipe for Oral Thrush

This recipe utilizes tea tree oil, which has antifungal properties. In one study, it was effective in treating oral thrush when used as a mouthwash. Tea tree oil is toxic if swallowed, and should only be used as a mouthwash, if you remember to spit it out!

Oral Thrush Mouthwash Recipe

2 drops Tea Tree oil
½ cup of water
Swish and spit out after every meal. PLEASE REMEMBER NOT TO SWALLOW.

Essential Oil Recipes for Vaginal Candida

The following (*) recipes are from Valerie Ann Worwood, The complete book of essential oils and aromatherapy

Chamomile, Lavender and Tea Tree Yogurt Vaginal Cream *

• 5 drops of Chamomile German
• 5 drops of Lavender
• 5 drops of Tea Tree
• 4 ounces of yogurt. Use plain, whole-milk yogurt with live cultures.
• Combine all ingredients.
• Wash your hands and use your fingers to apply the yogurt mixture to the interior of your vagina. Use once a day.
  (alternative application: Soak or apply mixture to a tampon and insert tampon)

Geranium, Marjoram and Patchouli Douche *

• Dilute 3 ounces of yogurt with 1 ounce of warm spring water.
• Add 3 drops of Geranium
• 2 drops of Marjoram Sweet
• 1 drop of Patchouli
• Put the yogurt mixture into a douche and irrigate your vagina twice a day.

Lavender, Rosemary, Tea Tree Vinegar Soak *

• 2 drops of Lavender
• 2 drops of Rosemary
• 2 drops of Tea Tree 
• Mix together: 2 tablespoons of vinegar and 2 1/2 cups warm distilled water
• Combine essential oils then add to vinegar mixture.
• Put the vinegar mixture into a douche and irrigate your vagina once a day, for three days.

Suppository

Essential Oil Candida Suppository Recipe

• Liquefy raw, unrefined coconut oil in the jar by placing it in a bowl of hot water; pour out desired amount into a clean glass bowl. As a reference, 1 oz (2 Tablespoons = 1 oz.) Coconut oil makes (10) 1 inch suppositories.
• Add essential oils, start with a 5-10% dilution of essential oil. 5% dilution would be 30 drops of essential oil per 1 oz coconut oil and 10% would be 60 drops essential oil per 1 oz. coconut oil. (Keep in mind that a maximum dose is 6 drops essential oil per suppository.) Use only mild & non-irritating essential oils for yeast infection:
  • Tea Tree
  • Geranium
  • Lavender
  • Petitgrain
  • Thyme ct. linalol (use 1-2 drops max per suppository combined with other essential oils)
  • Chamomile German
• Stir, then place in cool place to allow it to become semi-firm again.
• Once it is semi-firm consistency when stirred, spoon on to wax paper and fold in half.
• Form into a cylinder shape (this does not need to be perfect – about 1/4 inch diameter and 10 inches long per 1 oz. coconut oil. Place in the fridge until suppositories become solid. Cut into 1 inch sections and store in refrigerator in air tight container.
• Insert 1 suppository per day. Recommended use a panty liner after inserting suppository as some dripping may occur.

Vinegar & Essential Oil Candida Suppository

Vinegar is known for anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties; it can be used by dipping a tampon in a solution of vinegar, water & 2-3 drops of Lavender or Tea Tree essential oil. There is no need to absorb a large amount of the liquid. Insert tampon two times per day and leave in for at least one hour.

Essential Oil Candida Sitz Bath

• Fill bath tub with enough warm water to cover hips while sitting in the tub with your knees bent.
• Add ¼ cup raw apple cider vinegar to bath water and stir.
• Mix 6 drops of essential oil in 1 tablespoon of Vodka; add to water and stir again. Use only gentle essential oils such as Tea Tree , Chamomile German, Lavender, Geranium, Thyme ct. linalol and Petitgrain  (maximum of 1-2 drops per bath)
• Sit in the water for 15 minutes.

Essential Oil Body Oil & Body Wash for Men with Candida

Tea Tree and Patchouli Treatment for Men

Body Wash: Combine 5 drops of Tea Tree and 5 drops of Patchouli in a brown glass bottle. Add one drop of the oil mixture to eight ounces of warm water. Wash the penis and under the foreskin twice a day.

Body Oil: Combine 5 drops of Tea Tree and 5 drops of Patchouli in two tablespoons of carrier oil (Fractionated Coconut Oil, Jojoba) or lotion and apply to the penis and under the foreskin after each wash.

Niaouli, Patchouli, Tea Tree, and Lemon Body Oil

Body Oil: Combine 6 drops of Niaouli, MQV, 10 drops of Patchouli, 6 drops of Tea Tree,  and 6 drops Lemon in a brown glass bottle. Add 15 drops of this mixture to one tablespoon of carrier oil (Fractionated Coconut Oil, Jojoba) or lotion and massage into the affected areas of your body.

Are you unsure about which solution is best for you or on how to use e3’s Restore Balance Essential Oil Kit? At e3, we’re passionate about helping you find aromatherapy solutions that match your needs. Contact e3 customer support, we’re available to answer questions and help you make well-informed choices on the safe use of essential oils for your unique circumstances.

Recommendations in this post are intended for adult use only and are not a substitute for medical care. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These statements and products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease