As per a great saying there is nothing meant to be hidden from a doctor. Still, certain patients find it difficult to share their exact condition out of embarrassment.
One of these issues is Leucorrhea which affects women. Often women find it awkward to seek Leucorrhea treatment and, eventually suffer in silence. Let’s state it boldly clear that there is nothing to feel weird or ashamed of while talking, or consulting an expert.
Ayurvedic treatment of leucorrhoea is a novel approach that helps women regain their confidence and health naturally.
What is Leucorrhoea?
Leucorrhoea, also known as vaginal discharge is a condition where women experience persistent vaginal discharge from the vagina, ovaries, or fallopian tubes. Such discharge may be in a sticky-mucus form and could be of white, or light yellow color along with a reeking odor.
In Ayurveda, the condition is termed “Shweta Pradara” where Shweta denotes the color white and Pradara means vaginal discharge. Although, it is quite normal for the female body to produce and release microorganisms for keeping the vagina lubricated and healthy. But when discharge is in excess, then it causes problems such as Leucorrhoea.
Normal vaginal discharge is thin and watery or thick and cloudy in appearance, whereas when the thickness and frequency of Pradara (vaginal Discharge) are dissatisfactory in the case of Leucorrhoea.
Symptoms of Leucorrhoea
However, normal vaginal discharge is normal that every female body release on a daily, or some occasional basis. But below are some major signs of leucorrhoea that do not reciprocate with normal female body functioning;
- Yellowish, or white discharge from the Vulva.
- Change in the frequency and thickness of normal discharge.
- Intolerable pain while urinating.
- Unpleasant odor.
- Painful intercourse.
- Pain, cramps, and tenderness in the lower abdomen.
- Redness in vaginal regions.
- A sensation of burning in genital areas.
- Lesions, blisters, or bumps in the vaginal area.
- Constipation, or headaches (Comparatively rare)
Causes of leucorrhoea
There could be several contributory factors that may lead to the occurrence of leucorrhoea. Some of them are as follows;
Sexually transmitted diseases
STDs such as Chlamydia, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Herpes simplex, and Trichomoniasis infection can be responsible for the occurrence of Leucorrhoea. Such diseases may transmit harmful bacteria, and viruses from one person to another, followed by unsafe intercourse practices.
Unhealthy dietary choices
The consumption of oily, excessively spicy, fried, stale, junk, and non-vegetarian food items may lead to leucorrhoea. In addition to toxin accumulation inside the body, they also impair the healthy balance of the vagina. Apart from these food items, excessive alcohol, and smoking can add on to the complications of the problem.
Hormonal fluctuations
Hormonal imbalance is one of the prime factors of leucorrhoea. When the level of estrogen gets aggravated inside the body, then it gives rise to complications such as excessive vaginal discharge, rashes, and painful menstruation. Taking birth control pills, or pregnancy and puberty are some common reasons behind such hormonal fluctuations.
Stress
The manifestation of leucorrhoea can also be supported by several psychological reasons such as distress, or hypertension. Increased stress aggravates the levels of stress hormones such as cortisol, and norepinephrine in the body, which may inhibit the duration, frequency, and intensity of vaginal discharge.
Pre-existing medical conditions
Patients with anemia, diabetes, and yeast infections are more prone to leucorrhoea. Under such conditions, the low irons in the blood and enhanced estrogen levels are witnessed, which eventually indicate and support leucorrhoea.
Ayurvedic management for Leucorrhoea
Ayurveda is a 5000+ years old medicinal branch, used by our ancestors for leading a happy, healthy, and disease-free life. The holistic nature of Ayurveda ensures permanent relief to the patient, using natural measures such as herbal remedies, diet alterations, panchakarma, and yoga asanas.
Ayurveda-being derived from religion has special offerings for the concerns that come under the umbrella of “Yonivyapad” (Vaginal regions). For Leucorrhoea, Ayurveda mainly includes;
Go Herbal
“Herbs Heal”- Rightly said and ultimately proven. Herbs have been blessing mankind for centuries. Being derived from nature, they are absolutely free from side effects, thus causing no harm to the body. It mainly aims at detoxifying the body from both externally and within.
Below are some female health-friendly herbs that may help you in the smooth management of Leucorrhoea
Shatavari
It is an amazing purification herb that may help you immensely to pacify leucorrhoea. Being a rich source of reproductive and gyne-friendly features, it helps to maintain the consistency of vaginal discharge. Apart from this, it also enhances our body’s immunity with its Rasayana property (Rejuvenating.)
Holy Basil
If you are from India, you might already know about this herb or plant because of its religious uses. Even some of them might already have this plant well-grown in their houses.
For leucorrhoea treatment, it acts as a natural purifier for the body and also regulates the hormone level. Extract the juice of basil by crushing its fresh leaves and add some honey to it. It will surely help you to eradicate the problem of white discharge.
Guava leaf
Are you also throwing the leaves of Guava considering them of no use?
Read this and you will not repeat this mistake again.
Guava leaves are considered a panacea for several incurable diseases. They have several healthy antioxidants that can be utilized for enhancing uterine health and reducing complications of leucorrhoea.
Amla
Amla, also known as Indian gooseberry is used in several medicines. It is a potent adaptogen that is fully loaded with healing, and body-wellness features. It warrants a safe approach to treating leucorrhoea by initialing the internal healing process of the body.
Fenugreek seeds
These tiny seeds have proven very helpful in managing the condition of leucorrhoea. The cooling nature of fenugreek calms the aggravated Kapha Dosha, the imbalance of which gives rise to several vaginal problems such as white discharge, painful or heavy bleeding during menstruation.
Dietary Transitions
Your health is a direct reflection of the food you consume. For leucorrhoea, there is a need for certain special dietary adjustments and precautions. The vaginal discharge is a product produced by the female body, that contains cells, fluids, and bacteria. However, it is necessary to maintain a healthy balance of bacteria and lubrication of the vagina.
But consumption of junk, stale, oily, fried, processed, or non-vegetarian foods may disturb this smooth functioning of the body. Such foods support Ama (Toxin) production and accumulation inside the body, and can also result in Kapha Dosha aggravation (One prime factor of leucorrhoea).
Fruits:
| EAT | Apples, Pears, Pomegranate, Black Plumps, Papaya, and Berries. |
| AVOID | Nill |
Vegetables:
| EAT | All fresh and seasonal veggies such as Radish, Onion, Carrot, Cucumber, and Kale. |
| AVOID | Potatoes, Eggplant, Ladyfinger, cauliflower, taro root, and Mushrooms. Also, avoid frozen and stale vegetables. |
Spices:
| EAT | Ginger, Asafoetida, Holy basil, Carom seeds, Garlic, Cumin, Fenugreek, Coriander, Pepper, Fennel, and Cinnamon. |
| AVOID | Red chilly, and Green chilly. |
Dairy products
| EAT | Cow’s ghee, buttermilk (Chach/Takra), and Low-fat milk, and Tofu. |
| AVOID | High-fat containing milk, Cream, Cheese, Sweets, Mawa, and Ice cream. |
Dry fruits:
| EAT | Almonds, Cashews, Pistachios, Raisins, Dates, Walnuts, Peanuts, Flax seeds, and Sunflower seeds. (It is pivotal to mention that before consuming these dry fruits, soak them in water for 6-8 hours.) |
| AVOID | Nil |
Drinks
| DRINK | Coconut water, Beetroot juice, Homemade soups, Kadha, and herbal teas such as Ginger tea, Garlic tea, and Holy basil tea. |
| AVOID | Alcohol, Beer, Wine, Coffee, Tea, Cold drinks, or other soda-based beverages. |
Note: Prefer eating bitter-taste things such as bitter gourd, neem, and kale.
Panchakarma
Leucorrhoea treatment in Ayurveda also suggests opting for Panchakarma, followed by certain detoxifying and rejuvenating practices. The main focus of Panchakarma therapies is to cleanse the body inside out using natural measures such as natural ointments, patra-pottali, ghee, and herbal pastes.
Encompassing nature-derived substances, and performed by experienced Ayurveda experts these therapies provide the patients with relief and provide the ultimate health craved by the body.
Oral massaging
Herbal douching and gentle massaging can be fruitful in the treatment of leucorrhoea. In Ayurveda “Yoni Prakshalan” has utmost importance in treating Shweta Pradara, which means leucorrhoea.
Vaginal regions are cleaned using medicated oils and herbal decoctions. Apart from douching, a gentle massage with virgin coconut oil, buttermilk, curd, and aloe vera gel is also very effective in reducing the inflammation and redness caused by leucorrhoea.
Yoga & Meditation
Ayurveda also recognizes the significance of a healthy and active lifestyle for a healthy and happy life. Physical and mental health are the two-wheelers that keep the human body functioning and running.
Make meditation a routine habit. As discussed earlier, stress is one of the principal factors of vaginal discharge. Daily meditation of 15-20 minutes will lower the stress level and make the mind calm. Whereas, performing yoga will tone your genital muscles and improve the blood circulation of the body.
Dhanurasana, Bhadrasana, Bhujangasana, and Pravatasana are some yoga asanas that are considered helpful in the condition of leucorrhoea, or any other gynecological problem.
Conclusion:
Mere knowledge is of no use unless you implement it. Now, break the boundaries of discomfort and uneasiness and get rid of this disorder, following easy yet effective natural measures.
