Vaginal Infections (Vaginitis)

Summary

Vaginitis, more commonly known as a vaginal infection, is a condition in which the vaginal tissue becomes infected by bacterial microorganisms or other toxic irritants.

Types

There are various types of vaginal infections, most which can safely and effectively be treated, using the natural cures outlined below. There are several different types of vaginal infections including vaginosis, which is acquired through a bacterial infections. Candidal Vaginitis is caused by a type of candidiasis, or fungus located in the genital region. Hormonal Vaginitis, typically occurs in women who have already been through menopause. After menopause, the vaginal cells are far more susceptible to infection and discomfort.

Symptoms of Vaginal Infection

The two main symptoms of all types of vaginal infections are pain and or itching in the vaginal area. Symptoms can often be severe, with a thick, milky, vaginal discharge resembling curds.

Causes

The most typical causes of vaginal infections are antibiotic use, bacterial infections, candidiasis (yeast overgrowth), parasitic microorganisms such as trichinosis vaginalis, hormone imbalances, and unsafe sex.
Other causes include poor hygienic habits, irritants such as chemical or perfumed vaginal products, and wearing undergarments that are too tight with synthetic irritants, such as pantyhose.

Prevention Guidelines

To avoid vaginal infections, take the following precautions:
Shower or wash at least once per day to keep the vaginal area clean.

After showering or even bathing, properly dry your vaginal region.

Avoid wearing pantyhose, particularly nylons brands, and wear white 100% cotton underwear.

Avoid using perfumed or chemical douches, and any other products that may cause vaginal irritation.

Make sure your partner uses condoms during sexual intercourse.

When using the restroom, ensure that you are wiping front to back.

Natural Cures

Diet: Healthy eating is very important. Drink plenty of purified water and increase your intake of fresh, organic fruits and vegetables, complex whole grains, and organic, free-range beef, chicken, and fish.
Avoid all commercial, processed, and non-organic food. Stay away from alcohol, espresso, sugars, sugar substitutes, preservatives, food dyes, whole wheat and whole wheat products, and delicate carbohydrates. Avoid most dairy products with the exception of plain, natural yogurt, which has been shown to prevent vaginal yeast infections. When choosing cooking oil, select from, virgin coconut butter/oil, extra virgin olive oil, high lignin flax seed essential oil, and unrefined hemp seedling, walnut, and sunflower oils. Avoid all hydrogenated or even partially hydrogenated fats and oils.

Nutrition and diet are key factors in healing diseases and removing medical imbalances. Check out the Whole Foods Diet for a complete whole foods eating plan. In many cases, consuming a raw foods diet can be extremely beneficial. For more information read the Uncooked Diet or print this article for a simple reference.

Herbal treatments: Useful herbal treatments for dealing with the symptoms of vaginal infections include the following tincture combination: two equal parts Echinacea and goldenseal combined with one part phytolacca
Herbal treatments can be placed within a douche, to cleanse the vaginal region and destroy harmful microbes. Herbs used for this type of treatment include calendula, comfrey leaf, Echinacea, garlic, goldenseal, plantain, and St. John’s Wort.

For healing candidal vaginitis, gently rub the genitals with an extract of gentian violet. For general vaginal infections, dark walnut or pau d’arco can be applied topically.

Homeopathy: Useful natural homeopathic remedies for vaginal infections include belladonna, cactus root, and sepia.

For vaginal infections related to candidiasis, these remedies may help: Aconite, arsenicum, berberis, caladium, calcarea phosphorica, cantharis, chamomille, chelidonium, graphite’s, kali bichrom, kreosotum, lilium, lycopodium, mercurius, natrum muriaticum, natrum phosphoricum, nitricu, acidum, petroleum, pulsatilla, sulphur, and thuja.

Nutritional Supplements: Helpful nutrients include vitamin A, beta carotene, B-complex vitamins, vitamin C, vitamin E, and zinc oxide, as well as acidophilus bacteria (which can be used orally or as a douche) and the amino acid lysine.

Other Treatments: Both douches and suppositories are effective ways of treating genital infections. In addition to the remedies mentioned above, you can also add two tablespoons of organic apple cider vinegar to one quart of filtered drinking water to create an herbal douche.

Tori Hudson, MD. reports that a suppository consisting of powder boric acid mixed with berberis, calendula, as well as goldenseal, placed in the vagina, is highly effective for eliminating vaginal bacterial infections.
Topical Solutions: Vitamin E lotion, and diluted tea sapling oil applied topically have been shown to speed healing time.

Optional Professional Treatments

The following expert therapies efficiently treat vaginal infections: Acupuncture, Detoxing Therapy, Power Medicine, Environment Medicine, Magnet Therapy, Naturopathic Medicine, Air Therapy, as well as traditional Chinese Medicine.