This mild, noninflammatory condition is thought to be linked to a high pH level (low acid balance) in the vagina. It causes symptoms that include a gray-white discharge with a strong, fishy smell.



Treatment

Naturopathy Dip a tampon in live, natural yogurt and leave in the vagina for an hour.

Diet and Nutrition A tub of live, natural yogurt daily will help prevent further attacks. Take two capsules of Lactobacillus acidophilus daily.

Homeopathy Sepia and Kreosotum are both helpful remedies.

Thrush

Thrush is a fungal over?growth caused by the Candida albicans organism, which occupies the gut and vagina along with a host of other bacteria. Normally it is kept under control by "friendly" vaginal bacteria and does not cause any problems. If anything upsets that delicate bacterial balance (for example, antibiotics, stress, illness, poor nutrition) the yeast can start to grow out of control and eventually manifests itself as a fungal infection. Symptoms of the infection are a thick white curdy or watery discharge that resembles cottage cheese, together with itching around the vulva or the vagina. Sexual intercourse and passing urine may be painful.

Treatment

Naturopathy Itching can be eased by dipping a tampon in live, natural yogurt and leaving it in the vagina for an hour:

Diet and Nutrition Eat two or three tubs of live yogurt daily during an attack. Two capsules of Lactobacillus acidophilus daily will replenish vaginal bacteria and guard against future attacks. Cut out food that the yeast feeds on: sugar, refined carbohydrates, bread, mushrooms. Eat salads, fruit, and wholegrain cereals, and try to incorporate more garlic into your daily diet.

Aromatherapy Add drops of rose, lavender, and bergamot to 2pt/1l of warm water and use as a douche.

Herbal Medicine Tea tree oil applied topically acts as an antifungal. Make a compress from golden seal, myrrh, or camomile to relieve symptoms.

Homeopathy Helonias or Borax veneta may be helpful. If the problem recurs, consult a qualified practitioner.

Vaginitis

An irritation or abrasion of the vagina, often brought about by insufficient lubrication during intercourse, is the main cause of vaginitis, particularly after the menopause. The symptoms of vaginitis are vaginal itching, soreness, and dryness, and occasionally a blood-stained discharge.

Treatment

Naturopathy Bathe the vagina in a salt solution (1 teaspoonful salt to 1pt/500ml of warm water) to soothe inflammation.

Aromatherapy Lavender sitz baths can soothe itching, and jojoba oil is a good lubricant. As for the menopause, tea tree oil, diluted in a concentration of 1 to 3 percent essential oil to base, can help to eliminate vaginal dryness.

Consult a qualified practitioner/therapist for:

Homeopathy Treatment will be tailored to individual cases but may include Natrum Mur., Sepia, or Argentum nit.