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Candida or yeast infection is common to both men and women and is caused by the Candida yeast, a microscopic fungus. This type of infection is mostly seen in the vaginal areas of women, lower abdomen, skin folds and nail beds and is known to breed in warm, moist and dark areas of the human body. The infection is known to cause acute itching and burning in the vaginal areas including the crotch and a number of ointments are available to alleviate their condition.

These ointments, however, offer only temporary relief and can be expensive for some patients also. Alternative medicines, in these cases, often work wonders in treating the condition and offer some very cheap and reliable alternatives and can be surely tried at home to get prompt relief. These alternatives are as follows:

• Water: Water is generally known to be a great remedy for any disease including Candida infection. Increasing the intake of water will only ensure that your body's toxins are flushed out and this is nature's way of keeping your system clean and free of unwanted biological debris. You need to consume on an average eight glasses of water per day and this will make you pass more urine, thereby flushing out the body's sugars which is a happy breeding ground for Candida yeast.

• Yogurt: Another proven home remedy for treating Candida infection is plain yogurt, known for containing probiotics or good bacteria which acts as a balancing factor for your body's yeast population. Try eating plain, sugarless yogurt as sugared yogurts will only encourage growth of Candida yeast. It is also advised to apply plain yogurt in the vaginal area as it has a cooling effect on the inflamed parts and acts as a healing ointment. Before inserting a tampon, dip it into yogurt to get relief.

• Garlic: Garlic, because of its huge medicinal qualities is known to be one of the prime ingredients of alternative medicine. It provides instant relief in fungal diseases and reduces inflammation considerably. If your itching and inflammation reach intolerable limits, try inserting a clean and washed clove of garlic into your vagina. The juice of crushed garlic also acts an effective lotion that can be applied. This of course, can be a trifle uncomfortable because of its sticky qualities and strong aroma. But this will provide instant relief from further irritation. Alternately, try eating it as well after crushing it along with water. In case you find the smell too strong, try garlic tablets of gel capsules. These work equally well.

• Apple-cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar is yet another time tested ingredient for treating a number of diseases, particularly in healing open wounds. It works just as well in treating Candida yeast infection and can be used either externally as a lotion or even drunk. However, direct application to the affected area is not advised and you may add a cupful to your bathwater to avoid the sting. In case, it is acute in some areas, direct application may also be done after diluting it with a little water.

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