Certain herbs may be helpful in treating your bacterial vaginitis, or bacterial vaginosis. According to the Family Doctor website, bacterial vaginitis is a mild infection in your vagina caused by a certain type of bacteria. If you have bacterial vaginitis, you may experience vaginal discharge that is clear or colored. Before taking herbs to help treat your bacterial vaginitis, talk with your doctor about possible side effects, proper dosage and potential drug interactions.
Goldenseal
Goldenseal, also known as Hydrastis canadensis, is an herb that may be helpful in treating your bacterial vaginitis. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, goldenseal, a member of the buttercup family, has been used to help treat many health conditions, including vaginitis, colds, respiratory tract infections, infectious diarrhea, eye infections and, in some instances, cancer. Goldenseal, a perennial herb native to southeastern Canada and the northeastern part of the United States, has a bitter, astringent taste and possesses cooling and drying tendencies. The root of the plant is used medicinally. Dr. Sharol Tilgner, a naturopathic physician and author of the book, "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," states that goldenseal is an antimicrobial that is used to help treat vaginitis, middle ear infections and other mucous membrane problems. Meet with your doctor before taking goldenseal to discuss possible side effects, proper dosage and potential drug interactions.
Echinacea
Tilgner states that echinacea, a member of the aster family, is an antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antifungal and antibacterial that enhances your immune system's resistance to invaders and has been used to help treat infectious conditions. Echinacea, also known as Echinacea purpurea, may be helpful in treating your bacterial vaginitis, colds, influenza, wounds, swollen glands and gum disease. A perennial herb native to the midwestern part of the United States, echinacea has a sweet and pungent taste and possesses stimulating tendencies. When taken by mouth, echinacea may cause temporary numbing and tingling on your tongue. Practitioners of botanical medicine use the root, seeds and flower of the plant medicinally, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center. The active constituents in echinacea that are responsible for its therapeutic effects on your health include polysaccharides, glycoproteins, volatile oils and flavonoids. Consult your physician about appropriate dosage, potential side effects and possible drug interactions before taking echinacea to help treat your bacterial vaginitis.
Yarrow
Yarrow is a flowering plant that thrives in warm, sunny climates and can reach a maximum height of about three feet. Yarrow, also known as Achillea millefolium, is often found in meadows, along roadsides and on dry, exposed slopes. A member of the aster family, yarrow has a bitter and pungent taste and possesses cooling and drying tendencies. The flowers and leaves of the plant are used to help treat many health problems, including your bacterial vaginitis. Ed Smith, an herbalist and author of the book, "Therapeutic Herb Manual," states that yarrow is an astringent and antiseptic vulnerary, or a substance that promotes the healing of your irritated tissues. According to Tilgner, yarrow is an anti-inflammatory that is used to help treat your vaginitis, especially when your vaginitis is accompanied by decreased vaginal tone. In some cases, yarrow can cause vomiting and stomach cramps, cautions Tilgner. Before taking yarrow to help treat your bacterial vaginitis, talk with your physician about proper dosage, potential drug interactions and possible side effects.
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