Drug-free way to nix yeast

For 70 percent of women, an overgrowth of the yeast candida causes persistent fungal infections in the vagina, skin and GI tract. But essential oils can help, say scientists in the journal BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine. They exposed three strains of candida to various essential oils and found red thyme and pine oil required the lowest concentrations to kill more than 90 percent of the yeast, making them more effective than some antifungal drugs. The authors credit the oils’ antimicrobial compounds, which are dispersed through the body when inhaled. To get the perks, add a few drops of either oil to an aromatherapy diffuser or into a bath twice a week.