Natural Herbal Remedies and Cures

What is bacterial vaginosis?

Also known as vaginitis, it’s a common vaginal infection observed among sexually active women of reproductive age.

More frequent and widespread than yeast infections, this condition occurs when healthy vaginal bacteria are replaced by an overabundance of harmful bacteria.

What causes it?

Factors appearing to favor the multiplication of the harmful vaginal bacteria include: The wearing of nonabsorbent undergarments, use of perfumed tampons which disrupt the normal pH balance of the vagina, and the use of unsterilized contraception devices. Failure to practice adequate hygiene contributes to the development of the condition, too. And although bacterial vaginosis is not a sexually transmitted disease, engaging in intercourse with an infected partner can cause symptoms, and frequent sexual activity further increases the risk.

What are the symptoms?

Vaginal irritation and itching, in some cases accompanied by redness, swelling, light bleeding, and a burning sensation during urination.

Bacterial vaginosis also raises the pH level of the vagina, altering the color and odor of normal discharge. In addition, it can increases the patient’s risk of acquiring sexually transmitted diseases such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, and HIV/AIDS. The infection creates complications during pregnancy in some cases, and if left untreated may eventually develop into more serious inflammatory pelvic disease.

Are there natural remedies available?

Though patients should see a doctor if the condition persists or if symptoms become unbearable, there are several easy-to-use natural remedies, too:

YOGURT, a rich source of “good bacteria,” can be applied directly to the affected region. Consuming yogurt in generous amounts also assists in treatment.

TEA BAGS, soaked in cold water and applied to the infected area, relieve itching and irritation.

And APPLE CIDER VINEGAR added to bath water, can help restore a normal vaginal pH level, and reduce discomfort.

There are herbal remedies for bacterial vaginosis, other than antibiotics. When bad bacteria invade a woman’s vagina, many irritating symptoms can result. For instance, a woman can suffer from soreness, inflammation, burning, swelling, smelly and unpleasant discharge, urinary discomfort, and experiencing pain during sex. Conventional doctors usually recommend prescription drugs and creams to deal with these symptoms. However, please know that these are not the only options available to you.

There are a few naturopathic doctors who described the vagina as having its own kind of ecosystem. Both good and bad bacteria can be found here. The good strains help your body from bad bacteria and other harmful organisms. Using herbal remedies for bacterial vaginosis can help create an environment where bad organisms find difficult to thrive. They help to restore the vagina’s normal pH, decrease irritation and inflammation, and do away with the infecting organisms. Still, the success here is dependent on correctly diagnosing the root cause of the problem.

Vaginitis can happen because of 2 main reasons. They are either from a bacterial infection, or they result from the fungal yeast Candida albicans. It is important that a diagnostic test be done to discover what type of vaginitis you have before you start on any form of treatment. You want to use the appropriate treatment to target the type of bacteria, yeast or parasite that is invading your body. In the meantime, refrain from consuming a lot of sugar, refined carbohydrates or alcohol.

Herbal remedies for bacterial vaginosis include:

1. Garlic can put up a very strong fight against infections. Garlic contains many important antibacterial and antifungal properties. This is why this is one of the best herbal remedies for treating bacterial infections such as vaginal infections. If you decide to take garlic in the form of a supplement, it should contain 5,000 micrograms of alliums (the compound in garlic that contains the highest infection-fighting properties ). Consume 1 or 2 garlic capsules per day until the symptoms subside.

2. Goldenseal contains immunity-boosting properties. It contains a chemical known as barbering. It is a chemical that has been shown to fight off bacteria and Candida fungus that reside in the vagina’ mucous membranes. Recommended dosage is about two 500-milligram goldenseal capsules once or twice a day until the symptoms subside.

3. Tracheal is a traditional herb that is used to help eliminate toxins such as bacteria or parasites out of your body. This is one of the herbal remedies that is used to restore a normal flow of bodily fluids. Simply soak one teaspoon of dried tracheal in 1 cup of hot water. Drink this as a tea before bedtime. If you do not like the the taste of this tea, by all means, consume two 500-milligram capsules of tracheal before bedtime daily instead.

Even though bacterial vaginosis is a mild infection of the vagina, it is the most common type of vaginitis among women. Usual signs and symptoms can include things such as: A foul fish like odor with vaginal discharge, which is more powerful after intercourse, vaginal discharge that maybe milky white in color, or even yellow or a thin gray. Other symptoms can also include: Itchiness, burning while urinating and the area in or around the vagina maybe tender to the touch. Generally there are antibiotics that are available to help cure this form of vaginitis but there are also bacterial vaginosis natural remedies as well.

Bacterial vaginosis is caused by an overgrowth of bacteria that live in the vagina. Generally, there are several different types of natural bacteria that live in the vagina and researchers are unable to narrow it down to just one cause that is linked to bacterial vaginosis. What we do know is that when these bacteria becomes imbalanced, it can then cause signs and symptoms such as a foul odor from vaginal discharge, which is more powerful after intercourse. As well as vaginal discharge that maybe yellow, milky white or a thin gray color. It’s known as the most common type of vaginitis and due to some of its signs and symptoms, can often be confused with a yeast infection.

In the case of a doctor’s visit, he or she may ask you some quick routine questions and may take a sample of vaginal discharge to have it tested to be positive that you suffer from this form of vaginitis. If it’s proven that you do, you maybe prescribe with either an oral antibiotic or a vaginal antibiotic. However, there are bacterial vaginosis natural treatments that can be tried out as well. If you’re familiar with the signs and symptoms of this form of vaginitis, or it’s a reoccurring episode, then you maybe able to save yourself some time and money by using these natural remedies which can include: Garlic, tea tree oil and goldenseal just to name a few.

So if you’re familiar with the signs and symptoms of bacterial vaginosis or you are having a reoccurring episode, then try some of the bacterial vaginosis natural treatments. They may just save you a trip to the doctor’s. However, if this is your first episode, and you aren’t quite sure; consider consulting your doctor first. You don’t want to try and treat something, you don’t have.

Any woman can develop a case of Bacterial Vaginosis or BV. BV is not an infection. It is an inflammation which occurs in the vagina when there is an overgrowth of anaerobic bacteria and an organism called Gardnerella. If you are amongst the people who suffer from it, you may wonder what you should take to take away the irritating itch or the unbearable burning sensation or the unpleasant musky vaginal odor. Maybe you have tried every possible medical and prescribed treatment but you just can’t seem to find the right cure for it. Have you ever thought about the option of seeking natural cures for BV?

Here are some reasons why you should consider curing your BV naturally:

a) BV is conventionally treated with a prescription antibiotics taken either orally or vaginally and may include Ampicillin, Ceftriaxone, Clindamycin, Tetracycline or Metronidazole. These antibiotics tend to kill all the bacteria in the vagina including the good bacteria. While the initial success rates are pretty good for these antibiotics, there is approximately a 30% chance that it will have recurrence within six months of treatment. On the other hand, natural cures for BV which involved making some changes to one’s diet, the use of vitamin supplements, herbal products and home remedy methods have proven equally effective but with very few or no recurrence at all.

b) Repeated use of these antibiotics may cause the bacteria in the vagina to develop resistance to the drugs and this may give rise to some strains of highly resistant bacteria. Once this happen, the effectiveness of the antibiotics will be reduced and recurrence of BV will occur more frequently. This may subsequently cause more complications and even lead to infertility or into some other forms of more serious infection. Such scenario will not happen if it is treated using natural treatment, products or cure.

c) Medical treatment of BV, which normally includes the consultation, vaginal cream or gel, and antibiotic capsules, will cost you anything between $250 to $500 for a complete antibiotic treatment. This is not a small amount by any standard. Repeated treatments due to recurrences of the BV will further strained your financial situation. This situation will not happen if it is treated naturally. The herbal products and home remedy methods used to treat it will cost you only a few dollars to purchase or prepare.

BV affects between 10% to 64% of the female population at any given time. If it is left untreated, it can cause more serious symptom and even lead to infertility or a potentially serious condition called Pelvic Inflammatory Disease. Hence its is better for you to treat your Bacterial Vaginosis early than to regret later.