Bacterial vaginosis is a type of vaginitis, or inflammation of the vagina, that occurs when the normal balance of vaginal bacteria is disrupted. Some cases can be asymptomatic, but if symptoms occur, they may include a white discharge, pain, burning and itching. Conventional treatment is an antibiotic like metronidazole or clindamycin, but these may have mild to serious side effects. Herbs offer an alternative treatment to fight the infection and relieve the pain, inflammation and discharge. It is important to consult a health professional before beginning herbal treatment.
Shiraz Oregano
Shiraz oregano, or Zataria multiflora, is a small, aromatic shrub of the mint family that is native to Iran and found throughout southwest Asia. Also known as Avishan in Farsi, the plant is used to treat back pain, toothache, arthritis and inflammatory disorders. The active ingredients in the essential oils are thymol and carvacrol, which are potent antibacterial and antifungal agents. A study published in the December 2008 issue of “Phytomedicine” compared a shiraz oregano cream to a metronidazole antibiotic gel. The study found that the herbal cream and the antibiotic gel had similar success in relieving the symptoms of vaginosis. This small study suggests that shiraz oregano may be a potential alternative treatment for vaginosis, but larger studies are needed to confirm these results and determine a safe dosage.
Purple Loostrife
Purple loostrife, or Lythrum salicaria, is a perennial herb with reddish-purple flower spikes. It is a folk remedy for treating diarrhea, dysentery, liver disorders, sore eyes and wounds. The plant contains potent astringent, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory constituents like ellagic acid, chlorogenic acid, orientin, p-coumaric acid and vitexin. Internally, astringent herbs help bind tissue and reduce secretions, as well as reduce inflammation and irritation. Herbalist David Winston notes that purple loostrife also has demulcent action, meaning it soothes irritated and inflamed tissue, and recommends it as a vaginal douche to treat leucorrhea and bacterial vaginosis. Studies are needed to test the efficacy and safety of purple loostrife.
Marigold
Marigold, or Calendula officinalis, is a perennial with bright yellow-orange flowers native to southern Europe. The flower heads are used externally for wounds, burns and skin disorders, and internally to treat digestive problems, oral inflammation, ulcers and menstrual disorders. Marigold contains potent flavonoids, saponins and triterpenes, which have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory actions. The plant also has astringent properties, which help reduce discharge. In an article published in the June 2008 issue of “Alternative and Complementary Therapies,” Dr. James Duke lists treating vaginosis as one of the uses for marigold. Phyllis Balch and Dr. James Balch also recommend suppositories of marigold and vitamin A as a soothing remedy for the inflammation and irritation of bacterial vaginosis. Marigold may be an allergen for people sensitive to plants of the Asteraceae family.
References
- “Phytomedicine”; A comparative study of the therapeutic effects of the Zataria multiflora vaginal cream and metronidazole vaginal gel on bacterial vaginosis; Simbar M, Azarbad Z, Mojab F, Majd HA; December 2008
- The American Extra Pharmacopoeia
- “Alternative and Complementary Therapies”; Pot Marigold: An Herbal Florin for Health; James A. (“Jim”) Duke; June 2008
- “Prescription for Nutritional Healing”; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC, and James F. Balch, M.D.; 2000
