Safe and Natural Home Remedies for Vaginal Itching
Do You Have the Itch?
Vaginal itching is generally caused by bacteria or perhaps fungus that become trapped in the vagina. With layers of clothing, especially if they are tight or made from nonporous fabrics, the well-sheltered vagina becomes a haven for bacteria and fungi to flourish. While there are always a blend of microbes in the genital area, when the immune system is down, when hygiene is poor, or simply when there isn’t enough air flow then problems such as vaginal itching and yeast infections can occur. A reaction to synthetic douches, feminine deodorants, and even latex condoms can also cause irritation. Other possible factors include the presence of a sexually transmitted disease or a thinning of the vaginal wall due to menopause. If a STD is possible, be sure to see your doctor. Otherwise home remedies for vaginal itching can relieve the irritation naturally.
Eliminate Potential Causes
To treat vaginal itching naturally it is important to first eliminate potential causes. Synthetic douches, feminine sprays, scented or colored toilet paper, creams, condoms, fabric softeners and detergents can all cause irritation. If synthetic compounds or latex rubber are not the problem then take a look at your clothing. While treating vaginal itching wear loose clothing, change your clothing often, and go for natural fabrics such as cotton, bamboo, linen, and hemp. Another potential cause of irritation and even yeast infections is the use of antibiotics, oral contraceptives, and corticosteroids which can suppress the immune system or upset body ecology.
Taking a Sitz Bath
A simple, effective home remedy for this problem is a sitz bath. Fill the tub with warm water, using enough water to reach the abdomen. Add one to two cups of natural apple cider vinegar to the water. Soak in the water for about twenty minutes, allowing the water to enter the vagina. Instead of apple cider vinegar you can also use one-half cup sea salt.
Herbal Remedies
There are several herbs which can be used to remedy vaginal itching. Try drinking a herbal infusion that will help to boost the immune system and fight the bacterial infection. Pau d’arco, barberry, and echinacea are all excellent herbs to use. Use two teaspoons total of the dried herb or
herbs and steep in one cup of boiling water for ten minutes. Drink one to three cups daily. Another option is to use a herbal douche made from garlic, calendula, or tea tree oil. Aloe vera gel can be used as a topical application to relieve the itching and irritation while also helping to speed healing.
Diet and Nutrition
To treat an infection try adding a few immune-boosting foods and nutrients to the daily diet. Eat a cup of yogurt every day. Make sure it is rich in live yogurt cultures. Garlic is another important food to treat vaginal itching as it has powerful antiseptic properties. You can eat raw garlic or simply supplement with garlic capsules three times a day. Other beneficial supplements include the B complex vitamins (women who are prone to bacterial and fungal infections tend to be deficient in the B vitamins), vitamin C with bioflavonoids, and zinc.
Avoid white flour and sugary foods as well as alcohol, fermented foods, and gluten products while treating the itching. Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, brown rice, oat bran, and purified water.
If home remedies for vaginal itching do not have any effect within three or four days be sure to see your doctor. A bacterial infection in most cases will clear up on its own, with natural treatment methods bringing relief and a speedy recovery. On the other hand, if health and body ecology are not addressed repeat infections are likely or the infection can spread, making a simple bout of vaginal itching a more serious health concern. Also, it is possible that irritation is due to a greater problem which needs to be addressed.
References
WebMD https://women.webmd.com/vaginal-itching-burning-irritation
Mother Nature https://www.mothernature.com/Library/Bookshelf/Books/16/254.cfm
Balch, Phyllis A. “Prescription for Nutritional Healing.” Fourth Edition (Penguin Books, 2006).
photo by Iburiedpaul (CC/flickr) https://www.flickr.com/photos/roeshad/2625408149/
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