Vaginal discharge, also known as Leucorrohea, is a normal physiological feature of women of reproductive age group. It is a mixture of cells, liquid, and bacteria that is constantly produced by the vagina and the cervix for lubrication and protection of the vagina. The vagina is the elastic, muscular part of the female reproductive tract and the cervix is the lower portion of the uterus in females. This discharge flows out through the vaginal opening.
Vaginal discharge can be physiological (normal discharge) or can be a sign of an infection.
Normal physiological vaginal discharge is a white or clear, non-offensive discharge that varies through your menstrual cycle and through different stages of womanhood. It is thick and sticky through most of your menstrual cycle but becomes thinner, clearer, wetter, and stretcher during ovulation.
During pregnancy and lactation (the process of milk secretion from the mammary glands of a mother), vaginal discharge becomes heavier and more prominent. It decreases in volume at menopause (the stopping, or natural cessation, of a woman’s menstrual cycle), due to a decline in the estrogen levels.
However, in some cases, vaginal discharge is a sign of infection. When the discharge is green or yellow, has a bad odour, and accompanied by pain, itching, irritation, and inflammation, it is known as excessive or abnormal vaginal discharge. If left untreated, it can cause serious health conditions.
Ayurveda has safe and effective ways to cure most women related health conditions, including abnormal or excessive leucorrhoea. In this article, we will look at:
1. Causes of abnormal/excessive leucorrhoea
2. Understanding symptoms of leucorrhoea from an ayurvedic point of view
2. Ayurvedic remedies and recommendations to treat abnormal/excessive leucorrhoea
The ayurvedic term for abnormal white-colored vaginal discharge is called Shvet Pradar. In ayurveda, white vaginal discharge is commonly viewed as a general health problem or is considered as a symptom of an underlying gynaecological problem.
Causes of Abnormal/Excessive Leucorrhoea (White Vaginal Discharge)
Bacterial and yeast infections
Birth control pills
Cervical cancer
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) like chlamydia or gonorrhea
Use of harsh, scented soaps or lotions
Vaginal atrophy (the thinning and drying out of the vaginal walls during menopause)
Other lifestyle and dietary habits that increase the chances of excessive white vaginal discharge include- eating processed and fatty foods, indigestion, excessive alcohol consumption, repeated abortion, excessive sleeping during the day, sudden weight loss, increased sexual activities, stress, and a sedentary lifestyle.
Understanding Symptoms of Abnormal/Excessive Leucorrhoea from Ayurvedic Point of View
In ayurveda, each individual is born with 5 elements of nature which are Earth, Air, Water, Fire, and Space. The balance of these elements is known as Dosha. There are 3 main doshas- Vata (energy of movement, composed of space and air), Pitta (digestion and metabolism composed of fire and water), and Kapha (structure and lubrication, composed of water and earth).
Symptoms of abnormal or excessive leucorrhoea will appear according to the involved dosha. They are:
If vata dosha is involved, then discharge is pink, frothy, thick, less, and associated with pain
In pitta pradar, discharge is yellow, dark, heavy, and associated with a burning sensation
In kapha pradar, discharge is pale and sticky, along with itchiness
If all the 3 doshas are involved, then a mix of the above symptoms will appear.
Ayurvedic Treatment of Abnormal/Excessive Leucorrhoea
This consists of remedies and medications to balance the doshas and to cleanse the accumulated toxins.
1. Use of oral medications. According to the doshas involved, ayurvedic medicines in the form of powder (churna) or capsules are prescribed. These medicines are made from natural herbs that nourish the body, improve immunity, regulate hormones, and help to control/ stop excessive vaginal discharge. Consult an ayurvedic practitioner for a diagnosis and take prescribed medicines accordingly.
2. Ayurvedic dhoopam (fumigation with medicinal herbs) to clean the vagina. Dhoopam drugs/herbs are anti-inflammatory and have antimicrobial properties. This technique is recommended to clean the vagina to get rid of pathogenic organisms that live and thrive on the female genital body parts.
3. Follow ayurvedic diet and lifestyle tips. Ayurveda encompasses diet and nutrition, lifestyle, exercise, rest, and meditation, along with medicinal herbs and therapies. Quick dietary and lifestyle recommendations include:
Eat a healthy, nutritious diet daily. Add milk, cow ghee, amla, moong, red rice, ash gourd, red spinach, bananas, rice water, fenugreek, coriander, nuts, and spices to your daily diet.
Maintain vaginal hygiene. Keep the genital area dry and wear only washed & dried undergarments. Avoid using harsh soaps to clean your vagina.
Manage stress with relaxation techniques like yoga and meditation. Stress can cause increased susceptibility to infections.
Practice safe sex. Use contraceptive methods/devices.
To summarize, ayurveda has simple yet effective methods to treat various health conditions such as abnormal/excessive leucorrhoea. Always consult a practicing ayurveda doctor before starting any medications or treatments.
Disclaimer: This article is written by the Practitioner for informational and educational purposes only. The content presented on this page should not be considered as a substitute for medical expertise. Please "DO NOT SELF-MEDICATE" and seek professional help regarding any health conditions or concerns. Practo will not be responsible for any act or omission arising from the interpretation of the content present on this page.