Vaginal itching can be caused by yeast and bacterial infections as well as hormonal changes related to menopause, irritation from dyes and perfumes and simple friction. The general term for vaginal inflammation of any sort is vaginitis. While prescription antifungal or antibiotic drugs might be needed to clear up an underlying infection, the symptoms of vaginal itching can be addressed with several herbal remedies. Some herbal remedies can also assist in fighting the infection itself. Herbal supplements are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration so you should always talk with your doctor before taking any herbal supplement.
Vaginal Douches
Women prone to vaginal infections are strongly discouraged from using commercial douches because their ingredients can irritate and inflame vaginal tissues. A gentle herbal douche, however, can be helpful in treating the itching that accompanies vaginitis. The book "Smart Medicine For Healthier Living" suggests a douche consisting of 40 drops each of echinacea, goldenseal and calendula extracts mixed with 2 tbsp. of aloe vera gel and 1 pint of water. The echinacea and goldenseal fight infections, while the calendula reduces inflammation and the aloe vera soothes tissues. The Vancouver Women's Health Collective suggests douching with comfrey root and marshmallow.
Herb Baths
Soaking in a warm bath can be effective in relieving vaginal itching. The addition of medicinal herbs improves the bath's effectiveness. Add about a dozen drops of tea tree oil and another dozen of lavender oil for a particularly soothing combination.
Herbal Suppositories
Some women use a peeled clove of garlic wrapped in gauze as a vaginal suppository to combat yeast infections. Alternatively, according to the website the Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook, you can soak a tampon in a combination of fresh garlic juice and yogurt. Another alternative is to use commercial tea tree oil suppositories.
Topical Applications
Some herbs can be applied topically to the vulva to relieve itching directly. Aloe vera gel can be effective at quelling itching. If you're using a commercial product, don't use any that contain alcohol, which will simply further irritate the area. You can also make a paste of slippery elm and water and apply it, or add slippery elm powder to your aloe vera gel. The Green Pharmacy herbal Handbook suggests an ointment made of lotion or egg white plus the contents of one vitamin E capsule and a few drops of comfrey tincture.
Oral Supplements
"Smart Medicine For Healthier Living" suggests taking oral supplements of cat's claw, 500 mg a day, for its antibacterial and antifungal properties. Garlic, too, can be taken internally, 500 mg three times a day. Yet another alternative is olive leaf extract, 250 mg four times a day.
References
- "Smart Medicine For Healthier Living"; Janet Zand, Allan N. Spreen, James B. LaValle; 1999
- MotherNature: Vaginitis
- Vancouver Women's Health Collective--Vaginitis
