Highlights:
A healthy vagina is essential for your sexual life, pregnancy, and overall health. You can eat healthily and practice good vaginal hygiene, but you can go a step further. There are occasions when women experience vaginal dryness or discomfort. In such instances, simply bathing your private area with water will not be enough. There are over-the-counter medications available, but you can also try some vaginal home remedies.
- Various herbs such as golden sage, Shatavari, and neem are recognized for promoting vaginal health
- Herbs offer anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, and moisturizing properties beneficial for vaginal care
- While herbal remedies can provide holistic care, they should be used with caution, especially among pregnant or nursing women
Herbs that Boost Vaginal Health
Many plants are usually connected with promoting vaginal health. While their effectiveness varies from person to person, here are some plants to try:Golden sage
Goldenseal is an antibacterial herb that is commonly used to treat stomach issues and colds (1✔ ✔Trusted Source
Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis L.) and its active constituents: A critical review of their efficacy and toxicological issues
Go to source). According to Dr. Chetna Jain, Director Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Cloudnine Group of Hospitals, Gurugram, some women use it as a vaginal wash.
Everything You Need to Know about Vaginal Health
How much do you know about vaginal health care? Find out everything you need to know about the most common vaginal problems and how to have a healthy vagina.
How much do you know about vaginal health care? Find out everything you need to know about the most common vaginal problems and how to have a healthy vagina.
‘Unearth nature's treasures for optimal vaginal wellness! Dive into time-tested herbal remedies, from rejuvenating Shatavari to soothing aloe vera. Always prioritize well-guided, holistic care for your feminine needs. #herbalhealth #vaginalwellness’
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Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus)
Asparagus racemosus is well-known for its revitalizing effects and is frequently used to enhance female reproductive health (2✔ ✔Trusted Source
Impact of stress on female reproductive health disorders: Possible beneficial effects of shatavari (Asparagus racemosus)
Go to source). Dr. Smita Naram, an Ayurvedic physician and pharmaceutical herbalist, says it can help balance hormones and relieve vaginal dryness. Hormonal imbalances can cause irregular menstruation, vaginal dryness, and other problems, and these herbs can help you get rid of them.
Neem
Because of its anti-bacterial and anti-fungal characteristics, neem is a common ingredient in many anti-acne medicines. When administered externally, it may also aid in the treatment of infections and the maintenance of vaginal hygiene. The anti-bacterial and anti-fungal qualities can aid in the treatment of vaginal infections and the prevention of the growth of hazardous bacteria and fungi (3✔ ✔Trusted Source
Neem in Dermatology: Shedding Light on the Traditional Panacea
Go to source).
Manjistha
Manjistha can cleanse the blood and aid in detoxification. A healthy bloodstream can help with general health, including vaginal health.
Can Probiotics Boost Vaginal Health?
Probiotics do not enhance unhealthy vaginal flora when administered vaginally in a daily capsule to patients for ten days before fertility therapy.
Probiotics do not enhance unhealthy vaginal flora when administered vaginally in a daily capsule to patients for ten days before fertility therapy.
Amla
Indian gooseberry or amla is high in vitamin C and antioxidants, therefore it helps to support the immune system, which is important for preventing infections in the private region (4✔ ✔Trusted Source
Clinical evaluation of Emblica Officinalis Gatertn (Amla) in healthy human subjects: Health benefits and safety results from a randomized, double-blind, crossover placebo-controlled study
Go to source).
Lodhra
Lodhra is recognized for its astringent characteristics and is used in Ayurveda to treat problems with female reproductive systems, especially vaginal health (5✔ ✔Trusted Source
A comprehensive analysis on Symplocos racemosa Roxb.: Traditional uses, botany, phytochemistry and pharmacological activities
Go to source).
Bacteria Play a Major Role in Vaginal Health
Bacterial vaginosis is an enigma and most commonly seen among women of childbearing age. Veillonellaceae bacteria family contributes to an increase in inflammation and cell death and alters the acidity of the cervical microenvironment.
Bacterial vaginosis is an enigma and most commonly seen among women of childbearing age. Veillonellaceae bacteria family contributes to an increase in inflammation and cell death and alters the acidity of the cervical microenvironment.
Chamomile
According to Dr. Jain, it is anti-inflammatory and can be used as a herbal wash or bath to calm sensitive skin in intimate areas (6✔ ✔Trusted Source
Chamomile: A herbal medicine of the past with bright future
Go to source).
Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera is frequently used to treat minor wounds and skin dryness because of its soothing and moisturising characteristics. When administered externally, it may help reduce vaginal dryness and discomfort, according to Dr. Naram (7✔ ✔Trusted Source
Aloe Vera; A new treatment for atrophic vaginitis, A randomized double-blinded controlled trial
Go to source).
Key Marker of Vaginal Health During Menopause Discovered
Bacterial genus Lactobacillus is linked to a lower risk for HIV acquisition, bacterial sexually transmitted infections, and persistent HPV infection in premenopausal women.
Bacterial genus Lactobacillus is linked to a lower risk for HIV acquisition, bacterial sexually transmitted infections, and persistent HPV infection in premenopausal women.
Yashtimadhu
Yashtimadhu, also known as licorice, contains anti-inflammatory qualities that may aid in the reduction of inflammation and discomfort in the vaginal area (8✔ ✔Trusted Source
Impact of Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice) vaginal cream on vaginal signs and symptoms of vaginal atrophy in postmenopausal women: A randomized double blind controlled trial
Go to source). Inflammation in the vaginal area can be uncomfortable and contribute to illnesses such as vaginitis.
Calendula
Because it is anti-inflammatory and antibacterial, it can relieve irritation and inflammation in the vaginal area (9✔ ✔Trusted Source
The effect of Calendula officinalis versus metronidazole on bacterial vaginosis in women: A double-blind randomized controlled trial
Go to source).
Herbal Remedies for Vaginal Health: A Natural Approach with Caution
For calming and moisturizing properties, herbs can be blended into oils or creams and applied topically to the vaginal area. According to Dr. Naram, you can even add herbs to a warm bath to assist reduce discomfort and boost overall vaginal health. Some herbs can be brewed into tea to help with internal health and hormonal balance.However, not everyone should use herbs for vaginal health, especially if they are not well-guided. Pregnant or nursing women, as well as individuals with allergies, should avoid using these herbs except under the supervision of a professional.
References:
- Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis L.) and its active constituents: A critical review of their efficacy and toxicological issues - (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32683037/)
- Impact of stress on female reproductive health disorders: Possible beneficial effects of shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) - (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29635127/)
- Neem in Dermatology: Shedding Light on the Traditional Panacea - (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35283494/)
- Clinical evaluation of Emblica Officinalis Gatertn (Amla) in healthy human subjects: Health benefits and safety results from a randomized, double-blind, crossover placebo-controlled study - (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31890983/)
- A comprehensive analysis on Symplocos racemosa Roxb.: Traditional uses, botany, phytochemistry and pharmacological activities - (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26851499/)
- Chamomile: A herbal medicine of the past with bright future - (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2995283/)
- Aloe Vera; A new treatment for atrophic vaginitis, A randomized double-blinded controlled trial - (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33383112/)
- Impact of Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice) vaginal cream on vaginal signs and symptoms of vaginal atrophy in postmenopausal women: A randomized double blind controlled trial - (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32257873/)
- The effect of Calendula officinalis versus metronidazole on bacterial vaginosis in women: A double-blind randomized controlled trial - (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29441319/)
Source-Medindia
