Vaginitis: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

Vaginitis is a common gynecological condition characterized by inflammation and irritation of the vagina, often accompanied by symptoms such as itching, burning, and abnormal discharge.

Causes of vaginitis include bacterial, fungal, or yeast infections, hormonal imbalances, and certain medications. If left untreated, vaginitis can lead to increased risk of sexually transmitted infections, painful sex, and other complications. Fortunately, herbal remedies such as tea tree oil, aloe vera, and calendula can provide relief.

However, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional before using any medicinal herbs, as they can interact with medications or exacerbate underlying conditions, and to follow proper preparation and dosing guidelines.

This article explains in detail what are the causes of vaginitis, what medicinal herbs to use to relieve this problem and how to prepare these herbs to get the best results.

What are the main causes of vaginitis?

The main causes of vaginitis are multifaceted and include bacterial vaginosis (BV) resulting from an overgrowth of anaerobic bacteria such as Gardnerella vaginalis, due to factors like hormonal changes, menstruation, and sexual activity, particularly with multiple partners.

Yeast infections, also known as vulvovaginal candidiasis, are caused by Candida albicans, a fungus that naturally inhabits the vagina, but can overgrow and cause symptoms in people with weakened immune systems or taking antibiotics. Trichomoniasis, a sexually transmitted infection, is caused by the protozoan parasite Trichomonas vaginalis, which can be transmitted through unprotected sex with an infected partner. Other causes of vaginitis include atrophic vaginitis, a condition resulting from decreased estrogen levels during menopause or after childbirth, and foreign object-induced vaginitis, such as from a diaphragm or IUD.

Additionally, vaginitis can also be caused by various medical conditions, including diabetes, obesity, and certain medications.

• Bacterial Vaginosis: Bacterial vaginosis is the most common cause of vaginitis, occurring when the normal balance of bacteria in the vagina is disrupted, allowing for an overgrowth of harmful bacteria such as Gardnerella vaginalis.
• Yeast Infection: Yeast infection is a common cause of vaginitis, typically caused by the fungus Candida albicans, which can overgrow and cause inflammation and itching in the vagina.
• Trichomoniasis: Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis, which can lead to vaginitis by causing inflammation and discharge in the vagina.
• Irritation: Irritation is a common cause of vaginitis, typically caused by the use of scented soaps, douches, or other products that can disrupt the natural pH balance of the vagina and cause inflammation.
• Hormonal Changes: Hormonal changes, such as those experienced during pregnancy, menstruation, or menopause, can lead to vaginitis by causing changes in the vaginal pH and increasing the risk of bacterial overgrowth.
• Diabetes: Diabetes is a cause of vaginitis, particularly bacterial vaginosis, as high blood sugar levels can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina and increase the risk of infection.
• Weakened Immune System: A weakened immune system, such as that experienced by people with HIV/AIDS or undergoing chemotherapy, can increase the risk of vaginitis by making it more difficult for the body to fight off infections.
• Poor Hygiene: Poor hygiene, such as not washing the genital area regularly or wearing tight-fitting clothing that can trap moisture, can contribute to vaginitis by creating an environment that is conducive to bacterial overgrowth.
• Other Medical Conditions: Other medical conditions, such as kidney disease, liver disease, or inflammatory bowel disease, can increase the risk of vaginitis by causing changes in the body's natural pH balance and increasing the risk of bacterial overgrowth.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for vaginitis?

The main medicinal herbs used for vaginitis are Calendula officinalis, Althaea officinalis, Aloe barbadensis, Echinacea purpurea, Cassia alata, Aloe vera, Teucrium chamaedrys, Equisetum arvense, Plantago lanceolata, Cassia auriculata.

Calendula officinalis is effective in treating vaginitis due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which help to reduce inflammation and combat bacterial and fungal infections. Althaea officinalis (marshmallow root) and Aloe barbadensis (aloe vera) are both used to soothe and protect the mucous membranes, reducing inflammation and promoting healing. Echinacea purpurea and Cassia alata exhibit immunomodulatory effects, enhancing the body's natural immune response and helping to combat infections.

Additionally, Teucrium chamaedrys, Equisetum arvense, Plantago lanceolata, and Cassia auriculata have been traditionally used to treat various gynecological issues, including vaginitis, due to their anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties.

• Calendula officinalis: Calendula officinalis helps with vaginitis due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which can reduce inflammation and combat bacterial or fungal infections in the vagina.
• Althaea officinalis: Althaea officinalis is beneficial in treating vaginitis because its mucilage content creates a soothing and protective barrier on the vaginal mucosa, reducing irritation and discomfort.
• Aloe barbadensis: Aloe barbadensis helps to alleviate vaginitis symptoms by its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, which can reduce redness, itching, and irritation in the vagina.
• Echinacea purpurea: Echinacea purpurea may help to prevent vaginitis by boosting the immune system and increasing its natural defenses against pathogens, although its direct effect on vaginal health is less clear.
• Cassia alata: Cassia alata is traditionally used in treating vaginitis due to its antimicrobial properties, which can help combat bacterial or fungal infections in the vagina.
• Aloe vera: Aloe vera may help to soothe and calm irritated vaginal tissues, reducing inflammation and discomfort associated with vaginitis due to its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
• Teucrium chamaedrys: There is limited information on the specific benefits of Teucrium chamaedrys in treating vaginitis, but its antimicrobial properties may help combat infections.
• Equisetum arvense: Equisetum arvense has anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce inflammation and discomfort associated with vaginitis, creating a soothing and protective environment for the vaginal mucosa.
• Plantago lanceolata: Plantago lanceolata may help to soothe and calm irritated vaginal tissues due to its anti-inflammatory properties, reducing discomfort and inflammation associated with vaginitis.
• Cassia auriculata: Cassia auriculata has antimicrobial properties that can help combat bacterial or fungal infections in the vagina, reducing the risk of vaginitis.

What are the main herbal preparations used for vaginitis?

The main herbal preparations used for vaginitis are Decoction, Tincture, Cream, Gel, Capsules, Tea, Salve, Suppository, Poultice, Ointment.

Decoction of herbs like Calendula, Echinacea, and Chamomile may be used to soothe the vaginal mucosa and reduce inflammation. Tincture of herbs like Berberis, Hydrastis, and Echinacea may be applied topically to the vagina to exhibit antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Cream and Gel preparations containing herbs like Aloe Vera, Tea Tree Oil, and Calendula may be used to moisturize and soothe the vaginal area, reducing symptoms of vaginitis.

Capsules, Tea, Salve, Suppository, Poultice, and Ointment preparations may also be used to deliver herbal compounds directly to the vagina, either through oral ingestion, topical application, or insertion, to provide localized relief from vaginitis symptoms.

• Decoction: A decoction of plants such as Calendula officinalis and Echinacea purpurea helps with vaginitis by releasing the bioactive compounds into water, which can then be used to bathe the affected area and soothe inflammation, reduce discomfort, and promote healing.
• Tincture: A tincture of plants like Cimicifuga racemosa and Melissa officinalis helps with vaginitis by providing a concentrated extract of the plant's active compounds, which can be used topically to reduce inflammation, fight infection, and promote healing of the affected tissue.
• Cream: A cream made from plants such as Aloe barbadensis and Chamomilla recutita helps with vaginitis by providing a topical application that soothes and calms the affected area, reducing inflammation and discomfort, and promoting healing of the skin and mucous membranes.
• Gel: A gel made from plants like Plantago major and Equisetum arvense helps with vaginitis by providing a clear, non-greasy application that can be used to soothe and calm the affected area, reduce inflammation, and promote healing of the skin and mucous membranes.
• Capsules: Capsules containing dried herbs such as Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bacillus subtilis help with vaginitis by providing a systemic approach to promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria in the vagina, which can help to restore the natural balance of the vaginal microbiome and reduce the risk of infection.
• Tea: A tea made from plants like Uva ursi and Agrimonia eupatoria helps with vaginitis by providing a liquid extract of the plant's active compounds, which can be used to bathe the affected area, soothe inflammation, reduce discomfort, and promote healing of the skin and mucous membranes.
• Salve: A salve made from plants like Calendula officinalis and Echinacea purpurea helps with vaginitis by providing a topical application that soothes and calms the affected area, reducing inflammation and discomfort, and promoting healing of the skin and mucous membranes.
• Suppository: A suppository made from plants like Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bacillus subtilis helps with vaginitis by providing a direct application of beneficial bacteria to the affected area, which can help to restore the natural balance of the vaginal microbiome and reduce the risk of infection.
• Poultice: A poultice made from plants like Plantago major and Equisetum arvense helps with vaginitis by providing a topical application that can be used to soothe and calm the affected area, reduce inflammation, and promote healing of the skin and mucous membranes.
• Ointment: An ointment made from plants like Aloe barbadensis and Chamomilla recutita helps with vaginitis by providing a topical application that soothes and calms the affected area, reducing inflammation and discomfort, and promoting healing of the skin and mucous membranes.