Herbal Turmeric Relief for Vaginitis

• How Can Turmeric Help?
• Other Causes of Itchiness

Chances are if you're a woman of childbearing age you may have had a vaginal infection and not even have known it. They are extremely common, but luckily most don't cause symptoms. However, if you've ever had a vaginal infection that caused vaginitis, you know how uncomfortable they can be. ^(x.33)

Technically, vaginitis is an inflammatory condition of the vagina. However, the vast majority of cases are caused by infection. They can also progress to and/or include infection of the cervix and pelvic inflammatory disease. Recurrent infection and vaginitis can increase the risk of STD transmission, including HIV. ^(x.33-34)

Causes and Symptoms

Vaginitis is a common gynecological complaint reported by women. The most frequent cause of vaginitis is bacterial infection. Second and 3^rd most common causes are fungal yeast infections and trichomoniasis. ^(x.33-34)

Risk factors for infection involve anything that can change the pH of the vagina and/or disturbs the natural balance of microorganisms in the body, such as: ^(x.25, 33)

• Age and hormonal status, since estrogen helps control the vaginal environment.
• Pregnancy.
• Chemical irritants (including tobacco, detergents, and douches).
• Hygiene.
• Compromised immune status (including from diabetes).
• Long-term antibiotic use.
• STDs.
• Contraceptives and IUDs.
• Stress.

These pH and flora changes make the vaginal environment more susceptible to infection. ^(x.25, 33)

Symptoms of vaginal infection with vaginitis include: ^(x.33-34)

• Burning sensation.
• Discharge.
• Extreme itchiness.
• Foul odor.
• Inflammation.
• Soreness.

How Can Turmeric Help?

Conventional treatments include antimicrobial or antifungal gels/creams and antibiotic drugs, which can cause side effects in some people. These include skin irritation and headache. ^(x.33, 35)

Research demonstrates that turmeric has antimicrobial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. Lab and clinical studies suggest that turmeric and its compounds could help safely treat and cure vaginitis. ^(x.33-34)

Turmeric Compounds Can Help with Other Causes of Itchy Skin

Chronic dermatitis (allergic and the kind caused by irritants) and lichen planus are alternate diagnoses for vaginitis caused by infection. Sometimes the conditions occur at the same time or are aggravated by each other. The major symptoms of both are vulvar itch, inflammation, and burning sensation. ^(x.33, 36)

Conventional treatment is typically topical steroids, which effectively relieve the symptoms of dermatitis and lichen planus. However, daily or frequent use of topical steroids for these chronic conditions can cause side effects. ^(x.36)

Results recently published clinical trial suggests that an herbal topical ointment may safely and effectively relieve symptoms and limit the necessity of using steroids. The product (Zantogin®) contains compounds from turmeric, licorice root, chamomile, and Zanthoxlum bungeanum as active ingredients. ^(x.36)

In the clinical trial, 96 patients with chronic dermatitis or lichen simplex were first treated with a potent topical steroid for 15 days or until symptoms were reduced to mild or none. ^(x.36)

After this initial treatment, the women were randomly divided into 2 groups. One was treated with a placebo cream containing the amounts of tea tree oil and lactic acid as the herbal cream (to simulate the smell of the treatment cream); the other group was given the herbal cream. Both groups were advised to apply the cream once a day for 60 days, but told they could use the steroid cream as well if necessary. ^(x.36)

The Zantogin® cream successfully relieved symptoms and dramatically reduced the use of topical steroids: ^(x.36)