Alison Odey

Original Question: ‘The area around my ‘private parts’ continually feels itchy, kind of burning and uncomfortable. My G.P gave me some creams to apply (anti-fungal and for thrush) but they haven’t helped’.

It sounds as if you are describing ‘vaginitis’ which is an inflammation of the mucous membranes of the vagina which can cause a burning, itching sensation and often, but not always, an abnormal vaginal discharge.

The cause is usually a bacterial (often called bacterial vaginitis or ‘BV’)or fungal infection but can also be caused by oral contraceptives or the use of deodorant sprays.

Just to ensure that the problem is not caused by thrush, check your diet for excess sugars, especially Coke, chocolate, coffee with sugar etc as excess sugars in the diet can cause an overgrowth of Candiadis which would be the most common cause of itchiness and burning.
See page on ‘Candidiasis’

Instead eat a diet that is high in fresh fruit (NOT over ripe) and vegetables and include lots of good quality yoghurt.
You also have to avoid dried fruits and honeys because although the sugar in these is
natural sugars, they are very concentrated and once again in excess can cause problems.

A blend of Pau D’arco, Cornsilk and Marshmallow taken 3-4 ml twice daily works very well is many cases. It is a good idea to add a little Golden Seal (Hydrastis Canadensis) to this or to take Golden Seal tablets separately as it a wonderful herb for treating many bacterial infections. If using tablets take 500mg twice daily but only take this dose for one week.
In some cases I have found that using a little Golden seal OR propolis extract on a tampon (moistened with a plain Aloe vera gel) has worked very well.
Use the ‘Contact us’ page if you need to order these herbs.

Go to the On-line shop for a plain Aloe vera gel.

Also try gently washing the area with a diluted solution of the herbs and be sure to dry
thoroughly.

Garlic tablets that are enterically coated so as to dissolve in the lower gut are also very useful anti-bacterial/anti-fungal agents.

Do not wear tight clothing and try to avoid synthetic fabrics.

If you happen to be post-menopausal or have had a hysterectomy, keep in mind that atrophic vaginitis will give similar symptoms. In this case it is caused by the mucus membranes becoming thinner and therefore more prone to infection. This type of vaginitis can also be treated as above but ideally needs the addition of herbs that can boost the hormonal balance of the body.
See page on ‘Menopause’.

Also increase B Vitamins and it may help to use Vitamin E cream topically.