Vaginal itching from the point of view of Ayurveda
There are many potential reasons for vaginal itching. Occasional vaginal itching is common and often resolves on its own. Otherwise, itching may be a sign of something more serious.
Here are some probable reasons for vaginal itching other than a yeast infection:
Contact dermatitis causes an itchy rash. An allergic reaction to an irritating substance may cause itching. Things that may cause allergy include vaginal lubricants and spermicides, latex condoms, laundry detergent, tight clothing, scented toilet paper, shampoos and body wash, fabric softeners, tampons and sanitary pads. Prolonged friction from activities such as riding a bike, wearing tight clothes or underwear could also be the reason.
Bacterial vaginosis, a vaginal infection. It may be caused by douching or an overgrowth of pathogenic bacteria. If left untreated, bacterial vaginosis can contribute to preterm labor, infections after surgery, and pelvic inflammatory disease.
If vaginal itch is accompanied by white spots on vulvar area, you may have an uncommon condition called lichen sclerosus. Untreated lichen sclerosus may lead to vaginal scarring, blistering, painful sex, and vulvar cancer.
Hormone changes – age, nursing, change in estrogen levels. Low estrogen may cause the lining of your vagina to thin and cause itching and irritation.
Pubic lice. These tiny, crab-like creatures cause intense itching in the vaginal and pubic areas. They usually attach to pubic hair. They may also attach to other areas of the body.
From the view of Ayurveda, vaginal problems means that there is aggravation of the Kapha dosha in the body. Hence, an Ayurvedic doctor focuses on reducing the aggravated kapha dosha with the help of Ayurvedic medications or removing the aggravated kapha with the help of Panchakarma procedures.
How Ayurvedic doctors treat vaginal itching
Panchakarma is the most authentic way of cleansing and detoxifying the human body. So this can be treated in three steps: shodhan, shaman and pathya. Shodhan means removing the aggravated kapha, shaman means balancing the doshas with internal and external medications, and the third and the most important step is pathya, which means diet restrictions. For vaginal infection one is advised to avoid or reduce the intake of sweet, sour and salty foods.
A sitz bath or hip bath is one of Ayurvedc procedures, that can be advised by an Ayurvedic doctor. A sitz bath is a bath with an ayurvedic decoction, that provides relief from pain or itching in the genital area.
Triphala, Tankan bhasma, Kutki, Vasa, Khadira, Neem, Haldi, Vidang, Nagakeshar and Chopchini – are effective Ayurvedic medications, which can be used in different formulations and dosage. Ashwagandha, Kawach Beej, Safed Musali, Gokharu, Kapikachhu, Guduchi, Amalaki and Shilajit are also beneficial. All these herbs are best for the uterus, menstrual pain, excessive white discharge, and itching. Please contact our doctor for precise instructions on how to start treatment.
Ayurvedic tips for effective treatment and prevention of vaginal itching
- Wash your intimate area at least once daily with unscented, plain soap or even just water
- Don’t use perfumed feminine hygiene sprays and deodorants
- Take a sitz bath, at least one per day
- Coconut oil can kill bad bacteria. Take a few drops of coconut oil on your fingers and rub it properly on your skin
- Use essentianal oil — tea tree and oregano oil are the two most effective oils that you can use for vaginal itching
- Avoid wearing tight clothes
Check the Ayurvedic treatment for other gynae diseases:
Infertility, Frigidity, Leucorrhoea, Menopause, Dysmenorrhoea, Amenorrhoea , Lower back pain, Cyst formation in Ovaries, Uterine fibroids ( polyps) , Vaginitis, Cervix and uterus infections, Uterus prolapse , Breast pain and lumps, Vaginal discharge, Hormonal disbalance, Oligomenorrhoea , Acidity in pregnancy, Breastfeeding problems, Endometriosis, Pregnancy toxicosis, Miscarriage, Mastitis
