Home Remedies for Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)
Bacterial vaginosis is a very common type of vaginal infection. Both the good and bad bacteria like Gardnerella vaginalis are present in the vagina. This is a kind of mild infection and it occurs when the balance between the good and bad bacteria becomes disturbed.
Common symptoms may exist are excessive vaginal discharge, somewhat like fishy odor and continues itching with a pain during urination.
It is still not confirmed that what causes the bacteria to get out of balance, but there are various factors that can increase the risk of vaginal infection. The factors may include having more than one sex partner, new sex partner, smoking hardly and douching. Bacterial vaginosis is not a big problem but it goes away on its own. But it would be good if you try to get rid of them using the natural home remedies instead of having allopathic treatment. The following simple remedies will definitely give you relief and you can get rid of this problem very soon.
1. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar remedy is proved to be an excellent remedy for bacterial vaginosis. It contains acidic nature therefore it helps in increasing the vaginal acidity so it becomes difficult for the bad bacteria to survive and creates a better environment for good bacteria.
- In the bath water, add two cups of apple cider vinegar.
- Sit in the bath tub for about 20 minutes.
- Pat dry the vaginal area.
- Do this remedy until you see the improvement.
2. Yogurt
Yogurt is also a very good remedy for bacterial vaginosis. Yogurt includes good bacteria called as lactobacillus that help fight against the bad bacteria and helps in maintaining the healthy vaginal pH balance.
- Take a cotton pad and dip it in the yogurt then apply on the affected area. Leave it for half an hour then wash it thoroughly with fresh tap water. Repeat three times daily.
- You can also dip the tampon in the yogurt and put in in the vagina for two hours. Repeat the remedy for two times daily until you see the symptoms are disappeared.
- Eat two cups of yogurt regularly as it will help in restoring the vagina’s normal pH balance and minimize the growth of bad bacteria.
3. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil has natural antibacterial and antifungal compounds that will kill the germs responsible for bacterial vaginosis. It will also fight against the bad smell.
- Take a small bowl of water and add few drops of tea tree oil and stir it well. Use this solution to rinse off your vagina every time. Do this remedy daily for four weeks.
- Another thing you can do is add three drops of tea tree oil and three cups of white vinegar in the lukewarm bath water. Soak your body in that water for about half an hour. Follow the remedy every next day for two months.
4. Garlic
Garlic gives a natural relief very quickly because it has antibacterial properties that will keep the bad bacteria far away.
- Take three to four garlic cloves and crush them. Smear the mashed garlic on the affected part then leave it for 20 minutes. After that rinse off the area with lukewarm water. Follow the remedy once daily for several months.
- In gauze, wrap one garlic clove and put it in the vagina. Leave it for not more than half an hour because, if you keep it inside for a long time, it can cause soreness. Use this treatment only one time daily for several days.
- Also, add garlic in your daily cooked meal or you can eat the whole clove while eating a meal. You can also take garlic capsules after consulting your doctor.
5. Fenugreek
Fenugreek contains high beneficial properties for treating the bacterial vaginosis. It helps in improving the pH level in the vagina and boost up the immune system thus speed up the healing process.
- Soak about two tbsp. of fenugreek seeds in one glass of water overnight. Drink it in the morning on an empty stomach. Do this remedy daily for at least a month until you see any improvement.
- In a cup of yogurt, mix one tsp of fenugreek powder. Eat this mixture twice daily for certain days.
- In a cup of hot water, steep one tsp of fenugreek seeds for about five minutes. Strain the solution and add a little honey and drink this tea three times daily.
6. Milk
Milk has lactobacilli bacteria that make it good for treating the bacterial vaginosis. Milk helps in strengthen the bones.
- In chilled milk, add tampon then insert in into your vagina. Keep the tampon in one or two hours and then remove it. Do this once daily for several days to relieve the symptoms.
- Optionally, add one tsp of turmeric powder to a glass of warm milk. Drink this mixture once daily until your condition is settled down.
7. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil has natural antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal properties that kill the germs causing bacterial vaginosis and prevent it from recurring.
- Apply directly an organic coconut oil on the affected area three times daily.
- Alternatively, soak a tampon in organic coconut oil and insert in the vagina. Leave it for a couple of hours then rinse the area with lukewarm water after removing the tampon. Do this once daily for several days.
8. Indian Lilac
Indian lilac is also known as neem or margosa. It has natural antibacterial property that help in reducing the itching and inflammation to kill out the germs that are the cause of spreading infection.
- In a pan, heat a handful of margosa. You do not need to add water or any other kind of liquid content in that.
- Allow the leaves to cool and then grind them like a fine powder.
- Mix two tsp of the powder in a little water to make a paste.
- Apply this paste in and around the vagina then leave it for half an hour and then rinse it off with lukewarm water.
- Do this two times daily until you see the symptoms are gone.
9. Tea Bags
Tea contains a compound called tannins which have antibiotic and astringent properties which help in soothing the burning sensation and inflammation including the swelling.
- Soak a tea bag in a warm water for 15 minutes.
- Put in in the refrigerator for few minutes to chill it out.
- Apply the tea bag externally on the affected area to relive the itching.
- Follow this remedy three to four times daily for few weeks to clear the infection properly.
10. Oregano Oil
Oregano oil contains antibacterial and antifungal properties due to which it can be useful for killing the germs responsible for bacterial vaginosis. It can also effectively prevent the infection. For treating the bacterial vaginosis, use the oregano oil that does not contain alcohol.
- Mix three drops of oregano oil and one tbsp. of olive oil. Apply it on the affected area then leave it for two hours. Do this once daily until you see any improvement.
- Alternatively, mix three drops of oregano oil in a glass of lukewarm water. Drink it two times daily and continue this treatment for two months.
Using these simple and effective remedies, you can easily control the symptoms of bacterial vaginosis. If you do not see any improvement within two weeks, you can immediately seek a doctor.
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