Can Apple Cider Vinegar Treat Yeast Infections? Verywell Health’s content is for informational and educational purposes only. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional apple cider vinegar substitute advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Carrie Madormo, RN, MPH, is a freelance health writer with over a decade of experience working as a registered nurse in a variety of clinical settings.
Verywell Health articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and healthcare professionals. Medical Reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Meredith Bull, ND, is a licensed naturopathic doctor with a private practice in Los Angeles, California. Apple cider vinegar is believed to have both antimicrobial and antifungal effects. Apple cider vinegar has been found to lower the number of Candida yeast in a lab setting.
However, the safety and efficacy of using it for vaginal yeast infection have yet to be proven. Does Apple Cider Vinegar Kill Candida? Apple cider vinegar has been found to have both antifungal and antimicrobial effects. This means that it may be helpful against overgrowth of both yeast and bacteria in the body, although research is limited. There is little research examining the efficacy of apple cider vinegar in treating vaginal yeast infections, but it has been shown to be effective in helping with other fungal infections. A 2015 study found that after 30 minutes of exposure, apple cider vinegar has a fungicidal effect on dental stomatitis.
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Apple cider vinegar appears to inhibit Candida adherence to smooth surfaces as well. In a small case study, apple cider vinegar was used as an effective yeast infection treatment in a tough-to-treat infection that did not respond to traditional treatment. However, further research is needed to determine if apple cider vinegar can be used as a safe yeast infection treatment. Other studies have found that apple cider vinegar can kill harmful bacteria. However, compared to its effect on bacteria, apple cider vinegar is less effective at combating yeast overgrowth.
Taking apple cider vinegar by mouth has been shown to lower triglyceride levels and improve cholesterol in rat studies. It may also help decrease inflammation in the body and boost immune response, but this has not yet been studied in humans. Most studies have determined that apple cider vinegar has the potential to be used for medical purposes, but further research is needed to support these benefits. If you’d like to try adding apple cider vinegar to your health regimen, it should be taken by mouth. Using apple cider vinegar directly on the vagina has not been proven safe or effective, and may be harmful to the vaginal tissue.