Bacterial vaginosis is a form of vaginitis, or vaginal infection, caused by an imbalance of the bacteria that are normally found in your vagina. The overgrowth of one or more bacterial strains can cause inflammation, bleeding, a grayish-white discharge, odor, itching and pain. If you have multiple sex partners or use an intrauterine birth control device, you may be more at risk for this disorder. Herbs may help the infection and reduce the symptoms naturally. Consult your healthcare provider before starting herbal treatment for bacterial vaginosis.
Herbal Actions
Herbs for bacterial vaginosis work in several ways. Anti-inflammatory herbs help reduce inflamed tissue and alleviate pain. Antibacterial and immune-stimulant herbs will help your body fight the infection naturally. Check with a knowledgeable practitioner for advice about dosage and preparation of these herbs.
Pale Purple Coneflower
Pale purple coneflower, or Echinacea pallida, is a North American plant with a long history of medicinal use. Herbalists use the roots to treat many types of bacterial and viral infections. The plant is rich in polysaccharides, alkylamides and caffeic acids, and has potent immune-stimulant action. In their 2000 book, "The Herbal Drugstore," Dr. Linda B. White and medicinal plant expert Steven Foster state that if vaginal infection is acute, echinacea will help the body mobilize its immune response. However, do not use echinacea if you have an autoimmune disorder.
Oregon Grape
Oregon grape, or Berberis aquifolium, is a thorny shrub with purple grape-like edible berries. Traditionally, healers use the bark and root for stomach problems, liver disorders, and kidney and urinary infections. The main ingredients are the alkaloids berberine, columbamine and jatrorrhizine, and the plant has antibacterial action. Dr. Linda B. White and Steven Foster report that Oregon grape is one of the best botanicals for infections. For vaginal infections, they recommend using suppositories and creams made with the herb. Do not use during pregnancy.
Pau d'Arco
Pau d'arco, or Tabebuia impetiginosa, is a South American evergreen with pale pink flowers. Healers use the inner bark to treat fungal and bacterial infections, venereal disease, cancer, rheumatism and eczema. The bark is rich in a chemical called lapachol, which has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and immune-stimulant properties. In their 2000 book, "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," Dr. James F. Balch and Phyllis A. Balch, CNC, recommend using pau d'arco as a douche or taking it in capsule or tea forms. Do not use during pregnancy, and discontinue use if you have nausea, diarrhea or internal bleeding.
References
- "The Herbal Drugstore"; Linda B. White, M.D., Steven Foster; 2000
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC, and James F. Balch, M.D.; 2000
