Discover the Power of 10 Home Remedies for Thrush

Cinnamon has been used medicinally for centuries—and for good reason. It’s packed with antioxidants and compounds that help fight inflammation and support the immune system. Some studies suggest cinnamon may slow or prevent the growth of Candida, making it a helpful dietary addition for those managing recurring thrush. Sprinkle it into smoothies, stir it into oatmeal, or brew a cinnamon tea to reap its benefits.

Cranberry juice is best known for supporting urinary tract health, but its benefits extend beyond that. When consumed without added sugars, it can help acidify the mouth’s environment, making it less hospitable for Candida to thrive. It’s also rich in antioxidants and vitamins that support overall immune function. A glass of unsweetened cranberry juice daily may help reduce the frequency or severity of oral thrush flare-ups.

Fermented vegetables like kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled beets are loaded with probiotics—beneficial bacteria that help restore microbial balance in the body. These foods can support gut health and bolster the immune system, both of which play key roles in managing fungal overgrowth. Including small servings of fermented vegetables in your daily diet may help curb Candida and reduce the recurrence of thrush.

Salt is a simple, natural remedy that can ease the discomfort of oral thrush. Rinsing with warm salt water may reduce inflammation, soothe irritation, and create an environment that’s less favorable for Candida growth. For vaginal thrush, adding natural sea salt or Himalayan salt to a bath may offer similar relief. Avoid using highly processed table salt, which lacks the beneficial minerals found in natural salts.

Unsweetened probiotic yogurt can help restore healthy bacteria in the mouth and digestive tract, making it harder for Candida to flourish. For oral thrush, try eating plain yogurt daily or applying a small amount directly to the affected areas in the mouth, letting it sit briefly before rinsing. Be sure to choose varieties with live active cultures and no added sugar, which can feed the fungus.

Coconut oil has a powerful ability to fight microbes and can even kill the fungus responsible for thrush, thanks to the combination of lauric acid and caprylic acid. Candida does not grow very well in an acidic medium. When the mouth becomes more acidic, Candida finds it hard to grow. A recent study comparing coconut oil to a common antifungal drug found that coconut oil is effective in preventing the overgrowth of candida. Coconut oil also has antioxidant effects and can help in maintaining a clean oral cavity. Add it to your food, or apply it inside your mouth.

Apple cider vinegar helps fight a Candida infection by resetting the pH inside the mouth to its normal levels. It can also strengthen the body's natural defense systems to fight the harmful fungus. The Journal of Prosthodontics published a study in 2014 that showed the antifungal effects of apple cider vinegar on Candida infection. Baking soda is a cheap and available remedy for killing the fungus that causes thrush. The Brazilian Oral Research Journal published a 2009 study showing that a 5 percent mixture of sodium bicarbonate was effective in fighting Candida. Baking soda generally helps to maintain a normal pH inside the mouth as well.

Clove oil is useful in fighting Candida. The journal Microbiology recently published a study that found that clove oil was just as effective as a commonly used antifungal medication called nystatin. Oregano oil can rapidly kill bacterial and viral infections, and some studies show that it also has powerful antifungal abilities. When combined with sodium fluoride, a component of toothpaste, myrrh oil shows powerful antifungal activity, boosting the immune response and helping in the reduction of inflammation.

Tea tree oil also has excellent antifungal effects in healing oral thrush caused by the Candida fungus. A 2004 study in the Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy showed that tea tree oil has a significant effect on Candida albicans and a more general antifungal effect as well.

Sugars and plaque may build up on your dentures, so it is important to maintain good denture hygiene and wash them regularly. Take dentures out at bedtime, and soak them in vinegar or a natural cleaner to help the lining of your mouth recover more rapidly.