Among all the popular natural remedies out there to treat yeast infection, tea tree oil is gaining popularity among many people. Tea tree oil is a powerful natural antifungal due to the presence of terpinin-4-ol. It helps lower the yeast count in skin and soft tissue of the body. This article outlines how this natural remedy works and how you can use it, along with helpful tips about tea tree oil. Read further to learn more about how tea tree oil can help with yeast infections. 

How Does Tea Tree Oil Work for Yeast Infection?

Studies show that tea tree oil for yeast infection may work by reducing yeast levels in the body. It does this by stopping Candida from reproducing itself, closing up the membranes of Candida's cell walls, and prevents the fungus from attaching itself to the surface of the body's cells. This is a powerful threefold action that has the potential to be very effective in the battle against yeast infections.

Tea tree oil also has anti-inflammatory properties to reduce redness and itching that goes along with the infections. It also helps to cleanse the skin and prevent further infections due to its antiseptic properties. People who scratch and open the skin during yeast infections may be susceptible to secondary bacterial infections. Tea tree oil may be effective in lowering the inflammation that leads to itching, reducing large amounts of yeast cells, and preventing secondary bacterial infections.

Keep in mind that tea tree oil is mainly for external use only and large amounts should not be ingested orally. Side-effects of topical use are mild and may cause dermatitis or redness.

How to Apply Tea Tree Oil for Yeast Infection 

When you apply tea tree oil, it is best to use a formulation that works for the area that is infected. Yeast can invade the oral areas, the skin, the feet, and the genitals. The following formulations give you a number of remedies that work well with each of these areas: 

1. Tea Tree Oil and Chamomile Tea 

This mixture works well to use in the vaginal area to relieve the inflammation, itching, and pain that goes along with yeast infections. 

How to Use:

• Boil 3 cups of water and steep 2 chamomile tea bags for 5 minutes.

• Take tea bags out and toss. Add 6 drops of tea tree oil, 1 drop of thyme oil, and 5 drops of lavender oil. Stir well.
• Allow to cool to just above room temperature. Test before using.
• Pour into a reusable douche bag.
• Douche with this mixture up to twice daily.
• You can also dab this solution to affected skin areas or the feet.

2. Tea Tree Oil Mixed with Acidophilus and Apple Cider Vinegar

Tea tree oil for yeast infection mixed with apple cider vinegar and acidophilus can help balance the pH levels and reduce the growth of yeast.

How to Use:

• Take 1 cup of water and add 10 drops tea tree oil. Stir well.

• Add 2 tbsp. L. Acidophilus and stir.
• Mix in ½ cup apple cider vinegar.
• Add to bottle with dropper.
• Insert dropper into vagina and squeeze dropper.
• Lie flat for 5 minutes.
• May be repeated once daily.

3. Tea Tree Oil with Carrier Oil Dilution

Tea tree oil mixed with a carrier oil is for skin use only. It can be massaged into the skin and even left on overnight.

How to Use:

• Take 1 tbsp. olive oil, castor oil, or coconut oil and add 3 drops tea tree oil.
• Mix gently.
• Massage into affected areas and allow to stay on skin up to 12 hours.
• Shower off and pat skin dry.
• You can use this daily.

4. Coconut and Tea Tree Oil Suppository

Coconut oil can be melted down and then cooled to a suppository that can be inserted into the vagina.

How to Use:

• Take 1 tbsp. coconut oil and melt down to liquid form.
• Stir in 3 drops of tea tree oil.
• Allow to cool in refrigerator until solid.
• Insert into vagina and allow to remain for up to 3 hours.
• You may want to wear a panty shield as drips may occur.
• Douche with fresh water.
• You can use this method once daily.

5. Tea Tree Oil with Coconut Oil Pulling Solution for Oral Use 

Oil pulling has been found to be great for oral health. Using coconut oil mixed with tea tree oil can help rid the mouth of impurities, while healing a yeast infection in the mouth, "thrush."

 How to Use:

• Warm 2 tbsp. coconut oil and stir in 3 drops tea tree oil.
• Place in mouth and swish for 10 minutes.
• Spit out solution and rinse mouth with fresh water.
• Do this treatment 3 times daily.

6. Tea Tree Oil Mixed with Garlic

Tea tree oil mixed with garlic can be used externally for skin infections and athlete's foot. For best results, mix it up fresh and use immediately.

 How to Use:

• Take one clove of garlic, peel and crush it.
• Apply 1 to 2 drops of tea tree oil into the garlic.
• Place on a sheet of gauze and cover affected area.
• Leave on skin for up to 15 minutes.
• Rinse with fresh water and pat dry with soft towel.
• You can use this once daily.

Tips for Using Tea Tree Oil for Yeast Infection

• Ask your doctor before using tea tree oil.
• Tea tree oil should not be used in children under the age of 6.
• Discontinue use if irritation develops.
• Try a "patch test" of tea tree oil on your arm to check if you are allergic.
• Never swallow tea tree oil. Always rinse after use.
• If accidentally swallowed, watch for adverse effects like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
• Try to find 100% tea tree oil with no additives and water soluble for easier mixing.
• Try to reduce sugar in your diet. Yeast feeds on sugar.
• Wear loose clothing and 100% cotton.
• Increase fluids during yeast infections.
• Never use undiluted tea tree oil on your bare skin.
• For dandruff that is caused by yeast on the scalp, just add a few drops to your shampoo.