Treating Vaginitis With
Herbal Remedies
Some naturopathic doctors have described the vagina as its own kind of ecosystem, and this description is not too far off. The vagina contains many different strains of bacteria that help protect a woman’s body form ‘bad’ forms of bacteria and other potentially harmful organisms. Bad bacteria that invades the vagina can cause any number of very irritating symptoms, including irritation, redness, soreness, inflammation, burning, swelling, urinary discomfort, discharge, and pain during sex. Conventional Western medicine often tries to deal with these symptoms with prescription drugs and creams. Many of these prescription medications are necessary to heal severe or chronic infections. However, herbal therapy is often also used effectively. Alternative medicine practitioners often prefer to use herbal-based remedies to help improve the vaginal ecosystem. The goal of most alternative medicine treatments is to create an environment where the bad or harmful organisms simply cannot thrive. Many herbal therapies strive to restore the normal pH to the vagina, decrease irritation and inflammation, and get rid of infecting organisms. Much of the success of treating vaginitis depends on first correctly diagnosing the root cause of the problem. There are two main causes of most cases of vaginitis. Most problems can either be attributed to bacterial infections, or to the fungal yeast Candida albicans. Another common root cause is the protozoa Trichomonas vaginitis. Before beginning any kind of treatment, a diagnostic test should be realized in order to identify the infecting organism. In the meantime, patients with any kind of vaginal infection should avoid consuming excess sugar, refined carbohydrates, and alcohol. Here are a few of the most effect herbal therapies available for most types of vaginal infections. Garlic: Garlic is known as one of nature’s strongest fighters of infections. Garlic contains many important antibacterial and antifungal properties. Garlic can be used to effectively treat both bacterial infections as well as candidacies-based vaginal infections. Most naturopathic doctors recommend consuming a garlic supplement that is high in ilicit. Choose a supplement that contains about 5,000 micrograms of alliums, which is the chemical in garlic that contains the highest infection-fighting properties. It is recommended that patients consume one to two garlic capsules each day for until the symptoms subside.
An Interesting Herb FactThe Elder Plant: A Healing Herb for All SeasonsThe Elder plant is so highly regarded by traditional herbalists and naturopaths that it has gained a reputation as a sort of 'complete medical chest' because of its countless attributes and therapeutic qualities. There is a long history of folklore that has been attached to this very popular herb. For instance, Galen described the herb as both hot and dry, and in the 17th century the plant was a popular choice for treating problems of excessive phlegm. The herb was used alternately as a... Goldenseal: Goldenseal is another natural herb that is rich in immunity-boosting properties. Goldenseal is rich in a chemical called barbering, which is a chemical that has been shown to fight off bacteria and Candida fungus that reside in the mucous membranes of the vagina.
Most naturopathic doctors recommend taking two 500-milligram goldenseal capsules one or twice a day until the symptoms subside. Tracheal: This is a traditional Ayurvedic herb that is used to help move toxins out of the body. It is often used to restore a normal flow of bodily fluids.
Use this herb by soaking half a teaspoon of dried tracheal in one cup of hot water and then drink as a tea before bedtime. If the taste of tracheal does not appeal to you at all, you can also ingest this healing herb in capsule form. Take two 500-milligram capsules of tracheal before bed each day to treat the symptoms of vaginitis. |