Treating vaginitis the traditional way

A visit to the gynecologist is never an enjoyable one for the young or elderly. If children face problems, it is even more difficult to bring them to the doctor but such visits are a must, emphasizes Dr. V. C. Ajith Kumar, Director and Principal Consultant of Ayush Ayurveda, Singapore, Little India.

Ayush Singapore with a good team of gynecologists effectively treats girls and women of all ages for any problem, says a proud Ajith Kumar. Our approach towards the problems is a multidisciplinary one and the psychological and emotional needs of the patients are addressed simultaneously, adds the Ayurvedic doctor.

Causes of Vaginitis

“Females of all ages are affected by vaginitis (inflammation of the vagina) at some time or other in their life. The infection causes itching, pain, and discharge from the vagina,” explains Dr. Ajith Kumar. Imbalances in the vaginal bacteria and menopause (reduced estrogen levels) are some of the causes of vaginitis, adds the doctor.  

Throwing light on the subject, the doctor says that there are different types of vaginitis. The infection may be due to bacteria, yeast, or a parasite. If bacteria proliferates randomly all of a sudden in the vagina, it immediately upsets the natural balance and causes an infection _ Bacterial vaginosis. The yeast infection is caused by a fungus called Candida Albicans and the parasitic one is called Trichomoniasis and this is a sexually transmitted one, concludes the doctor of Ayurveda.

Symptoms

Dr. V. C. Ajith Kumar says that you should never miss out on the symptoms of the infection as one needs quick relief. He lists out the symptoms:

• Change in odor and color of the vaginal discharge is one of the first noticeable symptoms of the infection
• Itching which can be an embarrassing one will trouble the patient much
• If the infection occurs at a sexually active age, sex will be painful  
• As the vagina turns sore due to itching, urination will be painful

Dr. V. C. Ajith Kumar stresses that the characteristic of the vaginal discharge is very important as it is an indication of the type of infection. The Ayurvedic doctor explains that a grayish-white, foul-smelling discharge points to bacterial vaginosis. The odor, especially after sex will be fishy.

The doctor of Ayurveda points out that if the infection is due to yeast, then it is an itchy one. The discharge in this case will be a thick, white one. The same will be greenish-yellow if the infection is Trichomoniasis.

Having learned the symptoms of the infection, we need to see a doctor before the condition causes discomfort. At Ayush, Singapore, our patients are treated holistically for the infection and it has given them great relief, reveals the doctor of Ayurveda.

Treatment with home medicines

Dr. Ajith Kumar describes how home medicines help to deal with vaginitis. One of the simple ways to bring down the pain is to wash the vagina with an ayurvedic concoction. The doctor directs the patient to add water to Triphala herb powder and mix the ingredients well. This mixture can be used to wash the vagina, he explains.  

Continuing on treating the infection, the Ayurvedic doctor says infections are due to the presence of toxins in the body. To get rid of the toxins we can make a drink by boiling dry cartilaginous tube herbs in water and drinking the same. “This herb is a very powerful medicine to free the body of toxins,” says Dr. Ajith Kumar, an Ayurvedic doctor.

“Margosa or neem (An important herb in Ayurveda) kills microorganisms and can be used to heal the infected area. It is very good for treating vaginal inflammation,” opines the doctor. Neem powder can also be used, quips the doctor. In vaginal infections, what is very important is making the canal acidic again. Only this will stop bad bacterial growth, explains the doctor. Citrus juices are the best option for doing this job, he adds.    

I would like to suggest a simple home remedy for the infection, explains Dr. Ajith Kumar. Let a bowl of yogurt be part of your everyday meal. It is also safe to apply this fermented food on the affected area, informs the doctor of Ayurveda.

Bacterial Vaginosis causes redness and swelling. Dr. Ajith Kumar says that this can be addressed by placing a cloth soaked in cold water on the inflamed area. Irritation, redness, and swelling will be addressed well by this method, assures the Ayurvedic doctor. Inflammation can be gotten rid of with garlic and turmeric and to fight infection inside the body, turmeric can be had orally.

Herbal medicines for Bacterial vaginosis

Dr. Ajith Kumar of Ayush Singapore, says that according to Ayurveda bacterial vaginosis is related to Kaphaja Yonivyapath. The imbalance of Kapha dosha is a reason. The doctor lists the medicines used in Ayurveda to expel the bacteria and keep the skin free of itches, irritation, and inflammation.

1. Neem is universally known as an immunity modulator and is considered an antioxidant. The doctor advises the patient to have one capsule of neem every day.
2. Pradrantak Churna is a herbal powder made of herbs like Lodhra (Symplocus racemosa), Ashok (Saraca Indica), Udumbur (Ficus glomerata), and Arjuna (Terminalia Arjuna). A spoonful of this should be had twice daily after meals to reduce itching, and foul smell, and discharge advises the Ayurvedic doctor.  

Nirgundi herbal oil which is prepared with Tila oil (Sesamum Indicus), Manjutha (Rubia Cardifolia), Haridra (Curcuma longa), Nirgundi (Vitex Negundo), and Kalihari (Gloriosa superba) can be applied over the infected area, instructs Dr. Ajith Kumar. The oil is said to have anti-fungal, anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties.

To flush out toxins, reduce inflammation, and for wonderful rejuvenation, Gandhak Rasayan should be used, informs Dr. Aith Kumar of Ayush Singapore.

Prevention of vaginitis

Don’t you think prevention is better than cure, asks the Ayurvedic doctor. He gives us some tips to keep the infection away:

• Wear breathable clothes that will not hold heat and moisture
• Avoid wearing damp or sweaty clothes for long.
• Limit your sugary foods and include probiotics in your diet.
• A strict no to perfumes, vaginal sprays, and douching.

Good sexual hygiene is a must.

Above all, a disciplined clean life will keep us free from infections and help to maintain good health, concludes Dr. V. C. Ajith Kumar, Director and Principal Consultant of Ayush Ayurveda, Singapore, Little India.