Bacterial Vaginosis Natural Remedies
Bacterial Vaginosis, or BV is an infection caused by an imbalance of the normally occurring bacterial flora. While not to be confused with a vaginal yeast infection, BV is the most common cause of a vaginal infection. Bacterial vaginosis is generally characterized by an abnormal white vaginal discharge accompanied by an unpleasant odor (sometimes referred to as a foul fishy smell).
While not considered to be a sexually transmitted condition, there are several things that have been linked to the contraction of bacterial vaginosis. Among them, the wearing of thong underwear (because the cloth of the thong underwear comes into contact with both the vagina and the anus). Also, pregnant women and women who have sexually transmitted infections are more at risk to get BV. It can also affect women after menopause. Some studies indicate that bacterial vaginosis could be linked to an iron deficiency.
So, what can be done? Traditional medical treatments usually include the use of antibiotics, either orally or vaginally, but with these there is always a great chance of the condition re-occuring. To naturally prevent and eliminate bacterial vaginosis requires a re-examination of your lifestyle and diet. If you wear thong underwear, it might be a good idea to stop. And be sure to always wipe from front to back, rather than vice versa. If you have a diet that is low in iron, you might want to begin eating a diet that is rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, particularly leafy greens. Yogurt has also been shown to be a good source of good bacterial flora. Vitamin and mineral supplements are also a good option.
While BV may not seem that serious, if left untreated it could lead to more serious complications including an increased susceptibility to sexually transmitted diseases, or complications during pregnancy. To learn more about bacterial vaginosis and natural alternatives, please visit BVcures.com.
Vaginitis can be described as an inflammation of the vagina and vulva. It is a fairly common problem with women. This can be avoided by taking proper treatment in the initial stages itself. But women usually tend to hide this problem. Changes in the activity of the vaginal epithelium and in the vaginal secretion at different ages have a profound influence on the defense against vaginal infection. In the adult, the normal vaginal moisture or secretion consists of mucous and discarded vaginal cells. This discharge generally causes no irritation though the amount secreted and consistency vary. The variance is also due to the periodicity of the menstrual cycle and psychological conditions. Normal healthy women do not suffer from the sensations of the itching, burning, pain or irritation. In unhealthy women and in abnormal conditions, the resident organisms (bacteria) multiply rapidly and produce excessive waste products. It causes tissue irritation in this region leading to itching, swelling, and burning. There is increase in the frequency or discharge of urine which is accompanied with an unpleasant order.
Symptoms
The symptoms of vaginitis are feeling of heat and fullness in the vagina, a dragging feeling in the groin, increased urinary frequency and vaginal discharge, that is, leucorrhoea. The clear or white secretion becomes purulent and yellow. The severity of leucorrhoea depends upon the degree of bacterial infection.
Causes The main causes of vaginitis are irritation of vagina by external factors like cuts, abrasions in this region, constant wearing of tight-fitting clothes and wearing unclean clothes, using dirty or infected water and lack of hygiene. Certain medications and treatments can increase susceptibility to infection. These include the use of antibiotics, hormones and excessive douching. Susceptibility is greater in cases of
pregnancy, diabetes and certain psychological conditions as well as during the later half of the menstrual cycle. Irritation from contraceptive devices can also lead to this condition. Unhygienic conditions combined with wrong dietary habits increase toxemia thereby lowering body resistance. According to the nature cure philosophy, whenever the body is loaded with toxins or morbid matter, it tried to eliminate it through the eliminative organs. In women, this elimination is established in the form of profused discharge, that is leucorrhoea, initially, in later stages, the discharge can become offensive in cases of chronic inflammation.
Treatment
Maintenance of hygienic conditions is the most important factor in the treatment of vaginitis. It is only after disease achieved that morbidity and consequent inflammation and discharge can be prevented. Another important factor is diet. The patient should be made to fast for three or five days. Depending Ponte condition, the fasting period may be extended. During this period, she may take juices of lemon and other sub-acidic fruits. This will give the system an opportunity to divert its vital energies to check inflammation and infection. After the juice fasting, the patient may adopt restricted diet, consisting of raw vegetable salads, fruits and sprouts. This will ensure minimal mucous secretions. This restricted diet should be continued for 10 to 15 days. It will help reduce inflammatory conditions. Boiled vegetables which are easily digestible and wheat chappatis may be added gradually to this diet. Later, rice, dal, vegetable soup or butter milk may be taken for lunch and an uncooked diet for dinner. The patient should avoid coffee, tea and other stimulants as well as sugar, fried and refined foods.
Hydrotherapy
Treatment through water plays an important role in overcoming vaginitis. The patient should be given an enema with lukewarm neem water to cleanse the bowels and prevent the constipation which increases the toxemic condition, inflammation and infection in the genital organs. For general cleansing and elimination of purulent vaginal discharge, neem water vaginal douche at 35 o C - 40 o C followed by cold douche will be highly beneficial. In persistent cases, cold vaginal irritation provides relief. This treatment is best administered with a fountain syringe, containing water. The syringe should be placed two or three feet above the patient and water injected into the vagina. The patient should lie upon her back , with hips elevated and water should flow out of the vaginal canal. A decoction of the herb chebulic myrobalan has proved very useful for vaginal irritation and inflammation. It should be used as an external douche to wash the vulvar parts. When there is a thick white discharge, washing the part with decoction made with neem leaves and chebulic myrobalan fruits will greatly help. A moderately prolonged cold hip bath accompanied with a hot foot bath is also helpful. The level
of cold water must be 34 inches in height. The patient should sit in the tub in such a manner that legs remain out of the tub. This bath can be given for 20 to 30 minutes.
Another mode of treatment considered beneficial is the wet girdle pack for about an hour. For this treatment, a thin cotton underwear and another thick or woolen underwear are required. The thin underwear should be wrung in cold water and worn by the patient. The thick dry underwear should be worn above the wet underwear. If the patient feels chill, she should be covered with a blanket. This treatment helps reduce inflammation.
A cold douche on the perennial region for 10 to 15 minutes twice a day helps reduce vaginitis. A mud pack on the abdomen for 10 minutes twice daily also helps reduce inflammation. Chromotherapy can also be used to treat this complaint. Blue light treatment given to the afflicted region for an hour accompanied with vaginal irrigation using green coloured charged water helps reduce the infection. After recovery, it is essential to adopt correct eating habits and hygienic living conditions. Proper rest and exercise are also important.
Here are a few of the most popular herbs used in herbal therapies:
Echinacea: This has been claimed to boost the body's immune system to help fight off infections. It has been widely used to treat the symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections
Goldenseal: This is typically used as an antibiotic. It is often used in conjunction with Echinacea to ward off the common cold or the flu.
Rose Hips: This is a good source of vitamin C.
Chamomile: This is often used for calming overly stressed nerves, relieving stomach pain, preventing ulcers, and fighting infection.
Garlic: This is known to be a potent natural antibiotic, with natural anti-viral properties. It aids in the reduction of cholesterol and prevents the formation of internal blood clots that trigger heart attacks.
Slippery Elm Bark: This is helpful for soothing sore throats, coughs, and stomach disorders.
Ginseng: This is used to help stimulate the immune system. It aids protecting of the liver from toxic things. And it has widely been used to increase stamina.
Dandelion: This is helpful in relieving premenstrual bloating.
Feverfew: This has been used to aid in the prevention of migraine headaches.
Raspberry Leaf: This is popular in the treatment of morning sickness and uterine infection. It has also been known to aid in the prevention of miscarriage.
Spearmint & Peppermint: These are typically used in the treatment of indigestion.
Comfrey: This is often used in the treatment of cuts or bruises.
Senna: This is a very powerful natural laxative.
Uva Ursi: This is used as a natural diuretic. It is also known for its urinary antiseptic effects.
Ginger: This has been used to help prevent motion sickness. Also used in the prevention of internal blood clots that trigger heart attacks.
Licorice: A digestive aid. Also good for soothing sore throats and treating ulcers.
Remember, before starting any kind of herbal therapy, learn as much as possible about any contraindications, or any allergies that you may have. And you may want to consult with a reputable herbalist to help with your individual needs.
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