Holistic Cures for Bacterial Vaginosis

By Kristi Patrice Carter

Bacterial Vaginosis occurs when there is an overgrowth of anaerobic bacteria (does not need air to live) and an organism called Gardnerella occurs. Small amounts of these substances normally exist in the vagina, but when vaginosis occurs, the Gardnerella emits an amino acid that raises the PH level in the vagina and allows the anaerobic bacteria to grow. As the bacteria grow, they overwhelm “good” bacteria in the vagina that help keep the PH levels balanced and disinfect the area.

Any woman can develop a case of Bacterial Vaginosis. Some medical professionals have surmised that one cause is sexual intercourse, but there is no hard set evidence to indicate that this is so. In fact, women who are not sexually active, and even virgins, can develop a case of Bacterial Vaginosis.

In fact, Bacterial Vaginosis often occurs when women wear clothing that traps moisture and creates a natural environment for anaerobic bacteria to grow. Articles of clothing that can contribute to this are pantyhose, tights and other confining materials that breathe. So, one holistic cure for Bacterial Vaginosis is to avoid the environment needed for bacteria to grow.

In addition, another holistic cure for Bacterial Vaginosis is to limit the amounts of antibiotics that you take. Often, we use antibiotics to treat ailments, such as a common cold or flu that, in most circumstances, we would be better off just letting the illness run its course. Antibiotics kill good and bad bacteria and that create an environment where new, bad bacteria can thrive with anything to counteract it. So, by avoiding those antibiotics until they are truly needed, you may be able to prevent an occurrence of Bacterial Vaginosis.

In addition, you should limit douching and stay away from perfumed douches. These perfumed concoctions often contain chemicals that kill good bacteria and create an opening for bad bacteria or Bacterial Vaginosis to thrive.

However, if you find that you already have Bacterial Vaginosis, there are numerous holistic cures for the condition. To cure Bacterial Vaginosis with holistic cures, the PH level in the vagina has to be “re-balanced” to allow good bacteria to fight and control the gardnerella and anaerobic bacteria. There are many different ways to accomplish this, both in terms of physical application of substances to the vaginal area and through ingestion of natural and holistic substances. Most cures are relatively simple and all natural.

The easiest holistic cure for Bacterial Vaginosis is to help level off or balance the good and the bad bacteria. This can be accomplished by applying vinegar directly to the vaginal area. Vinegar can also be ingested by mixing 2 ounces of apple cider vinegar with 6 ounces of water and drinking the substance three times a day. 

Another holistic cure for Bacterial Vaginosis is the usage of Tea Tree Oil suppositories. To use this method, you insert Tea Tree Oil suppositories into the vagina or you dilute the oil and then use it. Note, however, that Tea Tree Oil must always be diluted first in order to be safely used and should never be applied directly to the vagina without being diluted, as this can cause an allergic reaction and a strong burning sensation.

A third natural way of avoiding vaginosis or fighting a case of vaginosis is to increase the amounts of good bacteria in your system. This can be done by eating pro-biotic foods, such as yogurt. Also, reducing the amount of sugar in a diet helps avoid bacteria overgrowth as bacteria generally thrive on sugar.

In conclusion, Bacterial Vaginosis is normal in all women. In fact, most women already have the bacteria present in their bodies; it just needs an opening to begin to grow. Treating the area holistically and avoiding environments that promote bad bacteria growth is the easiest way to make sure that vaginosis does not occur or to treat it once it has.