4 Home Remedies for Discharge (for Yeast Infections, BV & More)

Updated in January 2024
Scientifically proven

Home remedies for discharge, like tea tree oil and guava tea, can be used to naturally relieve vaginal discharge and other related symptoms. These are typically used as a complement to your doctor‘s treatment to speed-up recovery and relieve symptoms.

These home remedies are aimed at restoring normal vaginal flora levels and helping to reduce symptoms of conditions like yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, and trichomoniasis. Condoms should also be used during sexual intercourse while completing any home treatment for vaginal discharge.

Discharge that persists for over 3 days or is accompanied by intense burning, itching or pain should be assessed by your doctor. Keep in mind that you should speak to your doctor first before using these home remedies. 

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1. Guava tea 

Guava leaves, known scientifically as Psidium guajava L, are a great home remedy to stop yellow-greenish vaginal discharge with a bad odor, or milky white, cottage cheese-like discharge.

Ingredients

  • 30 g guava leaves
  • 1 liter (about 33 oz) of water 

How to prepare

Heat the water up until it boils, then turn off the stove. Add the leaves and allow to soak for 3 to 5 minutes. Then strain and take a sitz bath with this tea, carefully washing all the genital area. Repeat this procedure 2 to 3 times a day.

A guava leaf sitz bath is effective in treating vaginal discharge caused by Trichomoniasis which causes bacterial infections, and Candidiasis cells that causes yeast infections. This home remedy is safe and does not have any associated side effects. Learn more about what causes yeast infections and how they can be treated.

2. Guava and sweet broom tea

Ingredients

  • 1 handful of guava leaves 
  • 1 handful of sweet broom leaves
  • 2 glasses of water

How to prepare 

Place the guava and sweet broom leaves in a bowl and add boiling water. Cover and allow to soak until the water is cool, then strain.

Complete your usual hygiene routine and, when you are finished, wash the area with the infusion for a few minutes. Dry off with a soft, clean towel. You should repeat this every day for 1 week, before going to bed.

3. Garlic tea

Garlic has excellent antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties that can be used to treat yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis. 

Ingredients

  • 1 clove of garlic 
  • 1 cup of boiling water 

How to prepare

Smash or dice the garlic and add to the boiling water. Boil for 5 to 10 minutes. Then remove from heat and drink, while warm, twice a day. To improve the taste, you can add grated ginger, lemon drops or 1 teaspoons of honey. 

4. Tea tree oil

Tea tree oil contains antibacterial and antifungal properties that can be used to treat bacterial vaginitis, trichomoniasis and yeast infections. 

How to use: To use tea tree oil, mix 5 to 10 drops with sweet almond or coconut oil. Soak a baby wipe or piece of gauze in this mixture and apply to the external vagina. This can be used to relieve symptoms. 

Also recommended: Discharge Colors: What They Mean & How To Treat Them tuasaude.com/en/vaginal-discharge

Foods that help fight vaginal discharge

The sitz bath along with a healthy diet can help in the treatment of vaginal discharge. You should avoid processed foods as much as possible and eat foods such as fruits, vegetables, natural yogurt, chicory, cabbage, lemon, melon or pomegranate, for example.

These types of foods alter the pH level in your blood and genital area, promoting the restoration of normal vaginal flora. However, if the discharge continues for more than 3 days, even with home treatments, a medical assessment is recommended.