Ladies, ladies, ladies, don’t be embarrassed. It’s simple science that yeast infections are common for 75% of women.
And while many deal quietly with the problem and purchase an over-the-counter remedy, some, it seems, take to more alternative advice.
The latter has created Chinese whispers of bad information, medically unsound advice and questionable behaviours. The latest is inserting garlic into the vagina.
See, this one actually comes from a place of science.
According to Dr. Jen Gunter, garlic has been used as a medicinal plant for centuries and does have antifungal properties. The process of cutting or crushing garlic released a volatile substance called allicin. Allicin is unstable and is converted quickly to diallyl disulfide (DDS) and diallyl trisulfide (DTS). Studies have proven that DDS and DTS can cross cell membranes and enter yeast cells and interfere with metabolism, thus killing the cell. It is also possible that garlic extract might stimulate the immune system to help the body attack yeast.
So yes, eating crushed garlic can decrease the likelihood of yeast infections.
However, this urban legend of a cure has been passed down and diluted so many times that women on multiple forums throughout internetland have been recommending that whole cloves be inserted into the vagina. This, unsurprisingly is a terrible terrible idea.
Dr. Gunter is frankly appalled.
“Putting whole cloves in your vagina will do nothing except expose your inflamed vagina to the possible soil bacteria (like
Clostridium botulinum, the bacteria that causes botulism) that still could be clinging to the garlic. Itis not easily removed with washing,” she says.
Dr. Gunter further confirms that garlic oil, crushed garlic and pretty much no form of garlic should be inserted.
“It is possible that one day a garlic extract could be used medicinally for yeast infections, but a lot more research is needed first.” Says Dr. Gunter.
“So please, don’t put garlic in your vagina,” she concludes.
