Get to know significant insights from the Vaidyas (Ayurvedic experts) at Dr. Sharda Ayurveda about one major female body concern, which is generally known as Vaginal yeast infection.
This type of yeast infection is caused by the fungus candida (a type of yeast that lives on the body). In Ayurveda, it falls under the category of "Krimi roga." It mainly affects the vagina and the tissues at the opening of the vagina, commonly called the vulva where Ayurvedic treatment for fungal infection becomes a necessity.
Yeast infection discharge is usually white and odorless, and it may smell like stale bread or cheese. Such infections are more common after puberty or before menopause.
People often use antifungal creams, and oral medication to treat it. In mild cases of vaginal yeast infection, it may work but for chronic and intense instances Ayurvedic treatment for vaginal yeast infection Ayurvedic treatment for vaginal yeast infection becomes necessary.
***Vaginal Yeast Infection Symptoms: ***
The women who deal with this vaginal concern, often experience the below-stated symptoms:
Vaginal itching, pain, and discomfort.
A burning sensation while urinating.
Soreness and irritation.
Red and swollen vulvar and vaginal tissues.
A thick-milky white discolored discharge that may be similar to cottage cheese.
Painful intercourse.
Vaginal Yeast Infection Causes:
In addition to the primary factor, the presence of candida albicans fungi, here are some other factors that can contribute to the development of this vaginal concern:
Fluctuations of the hormones: Aggravated estrogen levels often support the development of vaginal infections. The instances of such hormonal changes are the most during puberty, menstruation, or menopause and that's why the cases of vaginal yeast infectionscases of vaginal yeast infections are most during these conditions.
Excessive antibiotics: The main work of antibodies is to kill vaginal bacteria. They don't differentiate whether the bacteria is good or bad, which eventually leads to disturbed vaginal flora.
Compromised immune system: The steroid-based medications for AIDS, and HIV adversely affect your immune system. Additionally, undergoing chemotherapy and cancer radiation treatment can also impair your immune system where fungi can grow wild.
Uncontrolled diabetes: During Madhumeha (diabetes), high sugar levels result in excessive sugar in the mucous membranes of the vagina. It creates a favorable environment where the vaginal yeast may grow uncontrolled.
Suppressing natural urges: Holding natural urges (Vega- dharana) for prolonged periods provides additional time and opportunity where bacteria, or yeast present in the vagina to overgrow, and cause complications such as vaginal itchiness, redness, or soreness.
Risk factors: Besides general causes, below are some risk factors that make women prone to yeast fungal infection:
Pregnancy
Lack of hygiene
Tight clothing
Douching
Chemical-based beauty products for intimate cleaning
Ayurveda for Vaginal Yeast Infection
Ayurvedic texts believe it to be a “Krimi roga” that falls under the category of “dadru kushta.” The imbalance of natural female body flora and agnimandya are considered the strongest factors responsible for its development.
Well, not only the explanation of why it occurs, Ayurveda emphasizes treating this health concern from its root causes and ensuring relief for the patient. It mainly uses the below-mentioned natural measures for the treatment of vaginal yeast infection:
Dosha balancing mainly Kapha:
Efforts are shown to create a harmonious balance between the 3 prominent doshas, Vata, Pitta, and Kapha in the body.
As Kapha dosha is highly linked with yoni vyapath (gynecological disorders), that’s why the major focus is laid down on its healthy balance either through herbal therapies, Ayurvedic medications, or simple dietary precautions.
Herbal remedies:
The usage of herbs is the oldest yet the most potent measure for treating fungal yeast infection on skin.
Below are some anti-fungal herbs that show wonderful results if used in an ideal dosage, or as per the guidance of a healthcare professional.
Neem
Triphala
Guggulu
Turmeric
Guduchi
Lavender
Ashwagandha
Shatavari
Tulsi
Aloe vera
**Healthy dietary transitions: **
Diet, being directly linked with your overall health, also plays a crucial role when it comes to alleviating vaginal yeast infection symptoms naturally.
For vaginal health, and to reduce the growth of fungi, the experts at Dr. Sharda Ayurveda have shared some dietary recommendations:
What to avoid:
All types of fried, spicy, processed, and stale food.
Excessive dairy products such as milk, sweets, cheese, mawa, ice creams, etc. (Buttermilk can be taken in a moderate quantity)
Non-vegetarian food includes eggs, chicken, pork, beef, seafood etc.
Food items that are enriched in sugar and salt.
What to eat:
Juicy fruits mainly Blackberries, Strawberries, Apples, Guava, Raspberries, Olives, Pear, and Cherries.
Fresh vegetables such as Broccoli, Zucchini, Eggplant, Turnip, Pointed Gourd, Kale, Cucumber and cabbage.
Potent herbs like ginger, garlic, guduchi, neem, haridra, shatavari, tulsi, and aloe vera,
**Gentle intimate massage: **
Last but not the least, the ladies dealing with the pain and discomfort of vaginal yeast infections can opt for herbal massages. There are multiple natural ointments available under Ayurvedic texts that can be used for this purpose.
Virgin coconut oil, cow’s ghee, lavender oil, almond oil, tea-tree oil, or sesame oil are some good examples of it. Besides that a bath with curd can be taken, being anti-bacterial, and anti-fungus in nature, it will surely help a lot.
