Mild itching or slight discomfort around the vagina during menstruation can be normal. However, if the itching becomes frequent on regular days and is accompanied by pain and foul-smelling white discharge, it’s a sign that something is wrong. Women, do not ignore these symptoms—seek timely attention.
This condition is known as Bacterial Vaginosis (BV), a common vaginal infection. Home remedies can often help manage and relieve the symptoms effectively.
The vagina naturally contains both good and bad bacteria. When the balance is disrupted and the bad bacteria multiply excessively, it leads to bacterial vaginosis. This is one of the most common concerns among women, especially those in their reproductive years.
In addition to itching, pain, and unpleasant discharge, some women may also experience redness, swelling, or a burning sensation while urinating. Maintaining proper hygiene, avoiding smoking and alcohol, and practicing safe sex are important preventive measures.
While BV may not seem serious in the beginning, ignoring it can lead to complications over time.
Here are 12 effective home remedies to help treat bacterial vaginosis. Take a look:
# Yogurt:Yogurt contains beneficial bacteria that help restore the vagina’s natural pH balance and fight infection. You can eat yogurt regularly to increase good bacteria in the body, or soak a tampon in plain yogurt, insert it into the vagina for an hour, and rinse with clean water afterward.
# Apple Cider Vinegar:Apple cider vinegar’s acidic nature helps maintain healthy bacterial balance. Add half a cup of ACV to your bath water, or mix one teaspoon in a mug of water and use it to douche once a day. This can help clear the infection.
# Warm Water Bath:Bathing with warm water soothes vaginal tissues and may help prevent irritation or infection.
# Garlic:Garlic has strong antibacterial and antifungal properties, making it one of the most effective home remedies for bacterial vaginosis.
# Fenugreek:Fenugreek helps support the body’s natural ability to fight infections. Soak a teaspoon of fenugreek seeds in water overnight, strain, and drink the water on an empty stomach in the morning.
# Tea Bags:Soak a tea bag in water, refrigerate it for a while, and then place the chilled tea bag on the vaginal area for 10–15 minutes. This can help relieve itching and discomfort caused by infection.
# Turmeric:Mix a teaspoon of turmeric powder in a glass of milk and drink it every morning. Turmeric’s antibacterial properties help combat infections from within.
# Neem (Margosa) Leaves:Neem is a powerful natural remedy for bacterial infections. Crush a few neem leaves with water to make a paste, apply it to the vaginal area, leave for a few minutes, and rinse thoroughly.
# Lemon:Boosting your immunity helps prevent infections, and lemon—rich in vitamin C—strengthens the immune system effectively.
# Orange:Oranges are high in vitamin C and citric acid, both of which enhance immunity. Eating oranges or drinking orange juice regularly can help the body fight infections.
# Tea Tree Oil:
Add a few drops of tea tree oil to lukewarm water and use it to rinse the vaginal area. Known for its antibacterial and antifungal effects, tea tree oil helps reduce infection.
# Coconut Oil:Coconut oil has antiviral and antibacterial benefits that can help treat bacterial vaginosis. You can use it in cooking, or soak a tampon in coconut oil, insert it for an hour, and rinse well afterward.