Combat vaginal odour

Let’s talk about the hush, hush topic – vaginal health and hygiene. This unpleasant odour emanating from the body can be really embarrassing, yet it is one of the very common problems women suffer from.

It is essential to understand that vaginal odour is completely natural and healthy, unless it makes people flinch.

Experts are still working on more factors that lead to the stench. But they tell us that the good bacteria – called lactobacillus – stays in the vagina to control the acidity level. During menstruation or when in contact with semen, the acid turns alkaline leading to bacterial growth and subsequent foul smell. WTN brings you some home remedies that will help you deal with the situation…

Home remedies

Fenugreek

The herb promotes hormonal balance and regulates menstrual cycle. Every night for two week soak 2 teaspoon of seeds in a glass of water and strain. Drink it every morning empty stomach.  You may also add crushed seeds to a cup of boiled water. Cover it for 15 minutes and drink it either hot or cold.

Apply: Boil one litre of water and 2-3 spoonfuls of seeds for 30 minutes. Allow it to cool and wash the groin 2-3 times a day.

Garlic

Garlic has anti-microbial and anti-fungal properties and fights yeast infection. 1-2 cloves consumed with a glass of warm water every morning helps remove the stench. It must be taken on an empty stomach.

Apply: Crush few garlic cloves and apply it on the groin for 10 minutes and rinse with tap water.

Yogurt

Rich in lactobacillus, yogurt has healthy bacteria which reduces yeast infection in vagina and kills the odour. Hence, consuming plain yogurt everyday is beneficial.

Apply: Dip a cotton pad in yogurt and apply it on the area. Wash it after 10 minutes with tap water. Repeat this 3-4 times a day.  Tampons soaked in yogurt also have miraculous results. Do not forget to wash once you remove it.

Apple cidar vinegar

The vinegar is antiseptic in nature, balances pH levels and fights vaginal foul odour. Drink a glass of water with two spoons of vinegar every day.

Apply: Soak yourself for 15 minutes in 2 cups of apple cider vinegar poured in bathtub. Repeat 3 times a week.

White vinegar

It neutralises smells by breaking the odour proteins.

Apply: Add a small cup of white vinegar in a tub and sit in it for 10-15 minutes. For better results use warm water and sea salt.

Cranberry juice

The acidic juice detoxifies the system by keeping the bacteria count low. It is a wonderful remedy for those suffering from urinary tract infections. Have plain cranberry juice to flush toxins.

Tea tree oil

It works well on germs and bacteria. But using it directly on the skin could cause irritation.

Apply: In a tub take 3-4 drops of oil and fill it with water. Sit in it for 15 minutes and wash with tap water. You can also apply diluted oil for 2-3 minutes in the groin if it does not burn.  Do not overdo it.

Baking soda

Baking soda is beneficial in balancing the pH level. Mix 1 spoon of baking soda with a glass of water and drink everyday till you feel the difference.

Apply: Mix little baking soda in a tub full of water and soak for 10-15 minutes. Wash yourself with normal water can pat dry.

Boric acid

Boric acid is mildly acidic and restores the right acidic levels.  Fill gelatin capsules with boric acid and insert one capsule once a week into the vagina.

Alum

Alum’s astringent properties curb bacterial growth in vagina.  Regularly drinking half glass of water with little alum power treats leucorrhoea and extra vaginal discharge.

Apply: Mix half teaspoon of alum powder and wash the affected area.

Indian gooseberry / Amla

Rich in vitamin C, amla is a natural blood purifier.  Make a paste of amla powder and honey and consume it twice a day or drink its juice (2 spoons) mixed with little honey

Guava/ neem leaves 

Guava leaves have anti-inflammatory properties and have several medicinal uses. Boil few guava leaves and drink half a glass every morning on empty stomach.  Similarly, neem is packed with health goodness and promotes immune response of white blood cells and kills bacteria.

Apply guava leaves: Boil guava leaves for 30 minutes and allow it to cook. Strain it and wash the area repeatedly. Rinse after 10 minutes. You may also soak yourself for 15 minutes twice daily.

Apply neem leaves: Roast neem leaves in a pan till it becomes crispy and pound it fine. Make a spoonful of thick paste by adding water to it and apply it on the groin and surrounding area. Repeat for a month. You may also boil neem leaves and either have a bath with it every day or sit in it for 15 minutes every second day.

Turmeric & milk

Antibacterial and antiseptic in nature, turmeric protects vagina against viral infections.  Drinking a warm glass of milk with turmeric powder everyday will help you get rid of the infection.

Some tips

·   Include citrus food in your diet

·   Wear fresh and cotton undergarments

·   Remain hygienic during menstrual cycle

·   Practice safe sex

·   Avoid tight clothes

·   Avoid caffeine, sugary drinks or anything that stimulates yeast production

·   Avoid scented products

Caution

·   Fenugreek may cause gastrointestinal discomforts like bloating, allergic reactions and nausea when consumed and rashes when applied on the skin

·   It may also lead to premature labour in expecting mothers

·   If allergic to dairy products, avoid yogurt

·   Never swallow gelatin capsules with boric acid

·   Pregnant women must not insert boric acid capsules

–windowtonews