Vaginitis, often referred to as bacterial vaginitis or BV, is caused by inflammation of the genital tract in women. BV creates a thick, foul-smelling and white discharge from the vagina. The infection is typically caused by an overpopulation of bad bacteria in the vaginal tract that alters the pH levels of the area. While you can purchase over-the-counter treatments in the drug store, you can also use home remedies for vaginitis to help clear the infection.
Remedies
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is naturally acidic, which can aid in the healing of your vaginitis. Part of the reason why bacterial vaginitis develops is because of a change in pH in your vagina. The acidic nature of apple cider vinegar helps to regulate your pH levels and restore your body’s natural balance. Once your pH levels return to normal, the growth of good and bad bacteria will be regulated properly.
To use ACV to treat your vaginitis, create a douche with three tablespoons of raw ACV and two quarts of water. Douche twice per day with the mixture using a douching kit. If you prefer not to douche, you can pour this solution into a sitz bath and soak for 30 minutes twice per day.
Acidophilus
Acidophilus is a species of beneficial bacteria and is considered a probiotic. Probiotics help keep the body functioning properly and restore the balance of good and bad bacteria in the gut. Acidophilus in particular is especially effective at eradicating bad bacteria and repopulating the good bacteria colonies in the body. At the same time, the bacteria gives off hydrogen peroxide, which alters the pH levels in the vaginal tract and creates an inhospitable environment for bad bacteria.
Acidophilus is available in capsule, granule, tablet and powder form. You can also use suppositories that contain the bacteria. For best results, make sure that each dose contains one to two billion organisms.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is an old home remedy for vaginitis. As a natural disinfecting agent, hydrogen peroxide helps destroy bad bacteria in the body and inflammatory agents. Both of these things contribute to the development of vaginitis.
Make sure that you use a solution of 3% hydrogen peroxide to equal parts water. Any other ratio could cause additional drying and irritation in the vaginal area. You can use this solution as a douche, or you can soak a tampon in the solution and insert it directly. Avoid keeping the tampon inserted for more than 30 minutes. Continue treatments until the odor subsides.
Yogurt
Yogurt is one of the most common remedies and tends to be most effective. The good bacteria, or probiotics, in yogurt help regulate and eliminate bad bacteria in the gut. Just make sure that you choose a yogurt with live active cultures. Greek yogurt is easier to work with and may contain higher amounts of beneficial bacteria.
To treat your vaginitis, soak cotton plugs in the yogurt and insert them into your vagina. You can also apply the yogurt directly to the vaginal area. In addition, you should also consume a bowl of yogurt each day to speed up the healing process. Continue this treatment until your symptoms disappear.
Garlic
Raw garlic has long been used to treat infections because of its antibacterial properties. Garlic can also be used to treat vaginitis. You can purchase it in capsule form, or you can apply raw garlic directly to the vaginal area. Another option is to wrap a peeled garlic clove in gauze and insert it into the vagina. Repeat the treatment every three to four hours to reduce the infection.
Neem Powder
Neem has exceptional antibacterial properties, and is an excellent herb to use for dermatological conditions. Neem can help eliminate bacteria from the vaginal area.
There are two ways to use neem to treat vaginitis. You can purchase capsules and follow the recommended dosage instructions, or you can drink neem tea. Neem oil is available on the market, but it’s important not to take the oil internally unless it is designed for such use. Neem tea and the capsules are designed to be taken internally. Neem oil is designed for topical use only.
Vegetable Juice
Vegetable juicing can help give your immune system a boost while providing your body with the vital nutrients it needs. Try juices that contain parsley, garlic, ginger and green vegetables. Juicing can also help reduce the itching and pain associated with the infection. Consume the juice daily until the infection clears.
Healing Bath
Bathe daily in hot water with sea salt and essential oils, such as tea tree oil, thyme, cedar wood, manuka and leleshwa. This will relieve some of the itching and help speed up the healing process.
Healing Tips
-Do not wear tight clothing
-Drink plenty of water
-Make sure that your bathtub is especially clean if you plan on bathing
-Wipe from front to back to avoid passing more germs into the vaginal area
