Definition

Inflammation of the vagina.
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Causes

May be caused by micro-organisms such as gonococci, chlamydia, streptococci, staphylococci, spirochetes; chemical irruption from use of strong chemicals in douching; fungus infection; protozoan infection; irritation from foreign bodies (pessaries, IUD's); vitamin deficiency as in pellagra; conditions involving vulva and surrounding area, as uncleanliness or intestinal parasites. In other words, vaginitis may be caused by bacteria, a yeast infection, excessive improper douching, a vitamin B deficiency, or intestinal worms. The most common cause seems to be taking antibiotics, which destroy the "good" bacteria in the body, or taking oral contraceptives.
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Symptoms

Free purulent vaginal discharge, sometimes malodorous and occasionally stained with blood. There is irritation, burning and itching of the vulvae and perineum, increased frequency of micturition (urination), and smarting pain on the passage of urine. The vaginal mucous membrane is reddened and there may be superficial ulceration.
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Treatment

Specific therapy is indicated. Check with the doctor. Improve perineal hygiene by obtaining proper instructions of cleaning the anus after bowel movement, proper use of menstrual protection materials, and necessity of drying the vulvae following urination. Douching is not essential to the maintenance of vaginal health or cleanliness.
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Nutrients

Acidophilus capsules, 2 capsules 3 times per day with meals, replenishes normal "good" bacteria. Garlic capsules, 1 capsule with meals, has antifungal properties. Unsaturated fatty acids, as directed on the label, aids in healing. Vitamin B complex, 100 mg. per day, often deficient in vaginitis. Maxidophilus, 1 tsp. with 1 quart warm water for douche, can alternate with apple cider vinegar douche. Vitamin A, 50,000 IU capsule per day, aids healing and is a powerful antioxidant. Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), 50 mg. 3 times per day (estrogen use increases the need for B6. Vitamin E capsules, 400 IU capsule per day, aids healing and is a powerful antioxidant. Vitamin D, 1,000 mg., relieves stress. Calcium, 1,500 mg. Magnesium, 1,000 mg., for absorption of calcium.
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Herbs

• Aloe
• Alum root
• Candleberry
• Garlic
• Goldenseal
• Lady's mantle
• Nettle
• Sandalwood
• Saw palmetto
• Wax-myrtle
• Witch hazel

Recommendations

Diet is important. Do not use corticosteroids or oral contraceptives until the condition improves. Avoid cheeses, alcohol, chocolate, dried fruits, fermented foods, all grains containing gluten (wheat, oats, rye, and barley), ham honey, nut butters, pickles, raw mushrooms, soy sauce, sprouts, sugars of all forms, vinegar, and all yeast products. Eliminate citrus and acid fruits (oranges, grapefruit, lemons, tomatoes, pineapple, and limes) from the diet for a month, then add back a few twice weekly. These fruits are alkaline-forming and Candida thrives on them.

The diet should be fruit free, sugar free, and yeast free. Eat vegetables, yogurt and meat instead. Take only hypoallergenic foods.

Avoid chemical household products and cleaners, chlorinated water, moth balls, synthetic textiles, and damp and moldy places such as basements.

Fiber in the diet is important. Oat bran is more easily digestible than wheat bran.

Avoid sweet-smelling douches. Instead, you can douche with 2 capsules of acidophilus or plain yogurt. You can also add 1 tsp. of fresh garlic juice.

Wear white cotton underwear so that air can circulate freely.

For itching, open vitamin E capsules and put on the inflamed area, or use vitamin E or enzyme cream.

Add 3 cups of pure apple cider vinegar to your bath water to treat vaginitis. Soak in the tub for 20 minutes. Spread the legs open to allow water to flow around vaginal opening.
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Suggestions

Avoid taking zinc and iron supplements until healed. Bacterial infections require iron for growth. The body will store iron in compartments in the liver, spleen, and bone marrow when a bacterial infection is present in order to prevent further growth of the bacteria.
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Bibliography

• Eastern/Central Medicinal Plants, by Steven Foster and James A. Duke, pgs., 210, 228, 254, 314.
• Planetary Herbology, by Michael Tierra, C.A., N.D., O.M.D., pgs., 306, 335.
• Earl Mindell's Herb Bible, by Earl Mindell, pgs., 112, 125, 135.
• The Complete Medicinal Herbal, by Penelope Ody, pgs., 168-169.
• Indian Herbalogy of North America, by Alma R. Hutchens, pg., 307.
• The Yoga of Herbs, by Dr. David Frawley & Dr. Vasant Lad, pgs., 100, 143.
• Prescription for Nutritional Healing, by James F. Balch, M.D. & Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C., pgs., 306-307.

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