Under normal body physiological functioning, there is a balanced combination of the body natural vaginal flora that helps in eradication of harmful microorganism. However, when the flora is disturbed there are several medical conditions that might emerge as a result of an imbalance of these bacteria. One of the infections that are most likely to be experienced due to the imbalance is Bacterial Vaginosis, or simply BV. So as to manage the condition there are a number of home remedies for BV that one can opt for before seeking for advanced medical attention.
Bacterial Vaginosis Symptoms
The most common symptoms of BV include;
- Mild to excessive vaginal discharge
- Itching
- Foul vaginal odor
- Pain when passing urine
There is no clarity yet as to what causes bacterial imbalance, but the following factors have been hugely linked to the infection:
- Multiple sex partners
- New sex partner
- Douching
- Excessive smoking
- Prolonged use of antibiotics
- High level of yeast cells presence along the vaginal wall
Bacterial Vaginosis is often not a serious threat and eventually disappears on its own, but it is advisable to take care of it once symptoms have appeared. Some of the measures for curing it are simple and can be done right at home. They are:
1. Apple Cider Vinegar
This is a practical home solution for Bacterial Vaginosis because of its acidic properties. Apple cider vinegar assists in increasing acid in the vagina that in turn creates a conducive environment for good bacteria, and at the same time making it hard for bad bacteria to survive.
Instructions for use
- Add a cup or two of apple cider vinegar to bathing water.
- Sit in the bathtub for 15 to 20 minutes, with the vagina entirely submerged.
- Pat and dry the vaginal area gently.
- Repeat the same process at least once every day until the symptoms have disappeared.
2. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil does not only kill bacterial Vaginosis causing germs, but it also combats bad odors associated with the infection. This is because in its natural form it contains antifungal and antibacterial compounds.
Instructions for use
- Add only a few drops of the oil to a small amount of warm water and stir to mix.
- Rinse your vagina with the solution.
- Repeat the procedures daily for a month or until there are no more symptoms of Bacterial Vaginosis.
Tea tree oil can also be used together with white vinegar in bathing water where you should soak your vagina for at least half an hour. The procedure can be repeated long after symptoms have disappeared to eliminate any chances of dangerous bacteria surviving.
3. Yoghurt
Yogurt is one of the most known home remedies for BV. It contains bacterial elements known as lactobacillus that is beneficial in fighting off unwanted bacteria, and this helps in maintaining regular pH balance in the vagina.
Instructions for use
- Dip a soft cloth or a cotton pad in yogurt solution and apply it gently to the vagina.
- Leave it inside the area for approximately thirty minutes before washing the area thoroughly with clean water.
- For the best results, repeat this procedure three times a day until you can notice positive changes.
To make it easier, you may also use yoghurt-soaked tampons for a minimum of two hours. You may also take a cup of yogurt regularly. This will help in the restoration of healthy vaginal pH balance and the redundancy of dangerous bacteria.
4. Fenugreek
Fenugreek is a known immune system booster. In the treatment of Bacterial Vaginosis, it is used to boost the vaginal pH value in a speedy manner.
Instructions for use
- Leave fenugreek seeds soaked in two tablespoons of water overnight.
- Drink the solution in the morning before you taking anything.
- Repeat the same daily for a month or so, until symptoms have disappeared.
- Alternatively, mix a teaspoon of powder fenugreek in yogurt and take it twice daily until BV symptoms have healed.
5. Garlic
Garlic also contains antibacterial compounds that keep bad bacteria at bay. It is, therefore, used as a natural antibiotic in the treatment of Bacterial Vaginosis.
Instructions for use
- Crush a few cloves of garlic.
- Smear it on the vaginal area.
- Leave the smashed garlic on the affected area for at least 20 minutes before rinsing it off with clean lukewarm water.
- Repeat this procedure daily for eight weeks.
Eating raw or cooked garlic daily is also encouraged to manage the condition. However, if the taste makes you uncomfortable, there are garlic capsules that your doctor might recommend.
6. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil can also be used as one of the most efficient home remedies for BV in that it contains natural antifungal, antiviral, and antibacterial properties that kill germ-causing bacteria.
Instructions for use
- Apply coconut oil on the vaginal area thrice a day until there are no more symptoms.
- You may also soak a tampon in coconut oil before inserting it in the affected region. Leave the tampon there for several hours and rinse the area with fresh lukewarm water. This simple process can be done daily for several weeks depending on the intensity of the infection.
- You can also use coconut oil in your cooking as it has the qualities of boosting your immune system.
7. Tea
The uncomfortable burning sensation and the swelling usually experienced in the vagina can be soothed by tannins, an element found in tea, and known to be a rich astringent as well as antibiotic.
Instructions for use
- Get the tea bag soaked in warm water for 15 minutes.
- Freeze it in the refrigerator.
- Pass the tea bag over the surfaces of the affected area gently to relieve irritation and itching. This can be done at least three times daily until the infection has cleared completely.
8. Milk
Milk is a natural treatment for Bacterial Vaginosis because it contains lactobacilli bacteria. It is also a good immune booster in the body.
Instructions for use
- Soak a tampon in ice-cold milk and insert it into the vagina.
- Leave the tampon in the vagina for two to three hours before removing it.
- Doing this daily for several weeks will help in the treatment of BV symptoms
- You may also drink a solution of turmeric powder and milk once every day until all symptoms are gone.
You will notice that all the home remedies for Bacterial Vaginosis mentioned above are readily available materials. They are proven solutions for this irritating condition, but the cure can only be guaranteed through consistency. Instructions must be followed until all symptoms have been eliminated. Bacteria-related conditions have a tendency of hibernating, and this can happen when there is no consistency on your part. However, if these symptoms do not fade away after administering home made remedies for BV, it is advisable to seek professional intervention from your family doctor or gynecologist.
