Home Remedies and Herbs for Vaginal Discharge (Leukorrhea)

Vaginal discharges are normal for most women and usually are nothing to be concerned with. They’re produced by mucus in the cervix or lower portion of the uterus and serve to keep the vagina moist as well as protecting from infection. Normal vaginal discharges are clear or white, not odorous, but become thick and sticky approaching the menstrual cycle. Vaginal discharge during ovulation is usually heavier. Most women also produce more vaginal discharge when pregnant or sexually stimulated and less after reaching menopause. ^1,2
 
Abnormal vaginal discharges, or leukorrhea, are signs of a problem. Leukorrhea can be caused by a number of disorders. Primarily, unusual vaginal discharge is a byproduct of infection but it can also be symptomatic and an early indicator of cervical cancer or benign conditions like polyps or leiomyoma. ³
 
What Causes Vaginal Discharge (Leukorrhea)
 
Abnormal vaginal discharge causes are usually attributed to some form of infection. Fungal and yeast infections commonly cause a change in vaginal discharge. ²
 
Color, smell and texture changes of leukorrhea vaginal discharges are the best indicators of what’s causing the problem. 

• Greyish-white, fishy-smelling vaginal discharges indicate bacterial vaginosis (BV).
• Thick, white, cottage cheese texture vaginal discharges with itchiness indicate a thrush infection.
• Abnormal vaginal discharge with bleeding indicate a sexually transmitted disease (STD) like gonorrhea or chlamydia that could lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) if not treated.
• Green or yellow frothy vaginal discharge with a foul smell indicate trichomoniasis which is an STD caused by a parasite.
• Unusual vaginal discharge with blisters in the genital area indicate a case of genital herpes.

Vaginal discharge may also be caused by long-term use of tampons, diaphragms or other vaginal-inserted objects. Usually, these objects have caused an infection that shows by increasing and changing a normal vaginal discharge. ¹
 
Less common vaginal discharge causes are cancer of the cervix, fallopian tubes, uterus or vagina. ²
 
Vaginal Discharge (Leukorrhea) Symptoms
 
Vaginal discharge symptoms are normally a change from a normal or usual amount of vaginal discharge. Changes are usually the color, texture, odor and quantity of the vaginal discharge. Addition leukorrhea symptoms may be: 

• Itchiness in vaginal area
• Pain when urinating
• Pelvic pain
• Blood spotting between periods
• Soreness in the vagina entrance

Natural Remedies and Herbs for Vaginal Discharge (Leukorrhea)
 
Leukorrhea natural remedies primarily aim at defeating infection controlling abnormal vaginal discharge symptoms. Some of the common and most effective leukorrhea natural remedies include:

• Fleeceflower Root - Fleeceflower root is a Chinese traditional medicine for vaginal discharge.
• Bayberry Bark Root - Barberry is a plant with natural antiseptic and anti-inflammatory qualities. Barberry bark root is powdered and dissolved to make a douche for treating infections causing leukorrhea.
• Cibotium - Cibotium is an Asian tree fern that has a rhizome used to treat vaginal discharge.
• Wild Indigo - Wild indigo is a natural herbal remedy that works as an antibacterial and antiviral medicine to treat abnormal vaginal discharge caused by infections.
• Cranberry Juice - Cranberry juice contains powerful antibiotic, antioxidant and antifungal properties that prevent infection-causing bacteria from multiplying and causing leukorrhea.
• Amla - Amla is also known as Indian Gooseberry. Amla has strong antibacterial and anti-infection benefits for treating leukorrhea and improving vaginal health.

References

1. http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/vaginal-discharge/Pages/Introduction.aspx
2. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003158.htm
3. http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/leukorrhea