In the daily throws of life, it’s not unusual to feel less than fresh “down there.” Working out at the gym, trying new soaps/ body washes, wearing tight clothes; all of these are factors that affect the pH of vaginas everywhere. The popular remedy for this is to douche (as discussed here), but lately women are discovering that this method is quite unhealthy. Now, everyone is on the quest to find remedies that will maintain freshness in the most natural way possible.

A general consensus with the medical world shows that baking soda douches are a safe and effective way to treat many vaginal infections, including Candida (yeast infections) as well as Bacterial and Cytolitic vaginosis. Try this out once a week until symptoms disappear:

Baking Soda Douche:

Mix 1-2 tablespoons of baking soda with 4 cups of warm water. A
douche bag, which can be purchased at most pharmacies, is then
used to infiltrate the vagina with the solution. Or, you can
purchase baking soda douches over the counter at most
pharmacies.
– Douche twice weekly for two weeks.
b. Alternatively, if douching would be difficult due to lack of private
bathroom facilities, fill empty gelatin capsules with baking soda
and insert one capsule intravaginally, twice weekly for two weeks.

As discussed previously, all vaginas are different – which means specific treatments may work better than others for certain women. Another option is for Vaginitis relief:

Vaginitis Relief:

2 quarts of luke warm water

¼ cup apple cider vinegar or 10 drops essential oil of tea tree

Combine ingredients in a 2 quart douche bag and proceed as usual. Please visit your doctor if symptoms persist.

Vaginitis relief douche is good for external itching and burning and cleans excess vaginal discharge. Use no more than 1 to 2 times per week. This mixture takes approximately 2 minutes to make and it leaves the skin feeling fresh and clean.

Gelatin capsules can be purchased at health food stores.

Just want a little freshening?

Freshening Douche:

2 quarts water

2 tablespoons peppermint, rosemary or yarrow

Boil water and remove from heat. Next add your herb of choice, cover and steep for 2 hours. Strain and pour into douche bag. Proceed as usual.

The freshening douche is a good general cleanser and does an excellent job refreshing. Use no more than once per week. This douche takes a little longer to prepare than the vaginitis relief douche but the results will speak for them selves.

Try these natural remedies for a healthy alternative to the conventional douche. If you cannot get your hands on an actual douche bag, purchase a regular douche from any pharmacy or convenience store, thoroughly pour and wash the contents out – and replace them with your mixture.

If you are experiencing pain, irritation or unusual odor from your vaginal region, seek professional advice as soon as possible. 

Sources:

http://voices.yahoo.com/natural-herbal-douches-safe-effective-not-165193.html

http://www.virginia.edu/studenthealth/documents/Cytolytic%20Vaginosis.pdf