Have you recently experienced a foul smelling discharge from your vagina? If yes, it may mean that there is an overgrowth of yeast or bacteria giving birth to your vaginal odor. Just as your feet or breath has a smell, vagina too has a smell due to the presence of bacteria here. However, this may get unusual and you may get metallic or musty smell or even a fishy smell from vagina which can be due to foods you eat or certain hormonal causes along with the overgrowth of bacteria as well as sexually transmitted diseases for which you should get treatment. Accompanied by yellow or white discharge, itching, burning and irritation, vaginal odor may indicate vaginal infection. If your vaginal odor, however, doesn’t indicate anything serious, you may apply some home remedies for vaginal odor to get rid of this foul smell.
Home Remedies for Vaginal Odor
1. Fenugreek Remedies for Vaginal Odor
Fenugreek is a wonderful herb that cures many conditions including vaginal odor. Fenugreek is especially beneficial for women’s health as it promotes hormonal balance as well as regular menstrual cycle if consumed on a regular basis. Some herbalists even claim that the properties of fenugreek are almost similar to those of female sex hormone, estrogen.
2. Yogurt- the Natural Remedy for Vaginal Odor
With all its health benefits, yogurt can also help you get rid of vaginal odor . Yogurt is naturally rich in lactobacillus, the healthy bacteria which not only keeps your stomach free of any infection but also reduce the yeast infection of your vagina. Lactobacillus also helps in restoring normal vaginal pH level which kills your vaginal odor. So eat unsweetened plain yogurt everyday, as much as two cups a day.
3. Garlic Remedies for Vaginal Odor
Garlic is a known natural anti-bacterial herb. Having garlic can get you rid of bad bacteria that cause vaginal odor. The strong antifungal properties of garlic also help eliminate the plethora of fungus causing yeast infection and giving rise to mild vaginal odor.
4. Apple Cider Vinegar to Treat Vaginal Odor
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is one ingredient which has been studied widely for its health benefits. Many studies have found apple cider vinegar useful in treating vaginal infections too. ACV has fine anti-fungal and anti-microbial properties that are responsible for its curative nature. Also apple cider vinegar balances pH levels in an effective way and that’s one reason why you can use apple cider vinegar to get rid of your vaginal odor.
5. Tea Tree Oil to Get Rid of Vaginal Odor
Tea tree oil is a known natural antiseptic. It gets you rid of germs and bacteria very fast. However, never use undiluted tea tree oil directly on skin as this may lead to irritation and burning sensation. Just a few drops of this strong antiseptic and antibacterial oil mixed with some water is enough to cure your vaginal odor.
6. Baking Soda Remedies for Vaginal Odor
One of the causes of vaginal odor is imbalanced pH level of your body. Baking soda can instantly level your pH level. So, when you are up to go out and realize your vagina is emitting foul smell, drink a glass of water mixed with some baking soda. You may actually like to use baking soda to wash your vaginal area regularly to keep its pH levels balanced.
7. Cranberry Juice to Remove Vaginal Odor
Cranberries have been known for their efficiency in detoxifying body. As cranberry juice is acidic in nature, it helps keep bacteria count low in your body. This is also why drinking cranberry juice is an established natural remedy for urinary tract infections. Just a glass of unsweetened and undiluted cranberry juice may help flush toxins from your body as well as keep vaginal odor at bay!
8. Guava Leaves Remedy for Vaginal Odor
Guava leaves have antioxidants, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties along with certain beneficial tannins. These leaves have been used traditionally for medicinal uses in various diseases. While guavas help reduce menstrual cramps in women, guava leaves when boiled with water give an excellent solution to cure vaginal discharge problems.
9. Indian Gooseberry to Cure Vaginal Odor
Amla or the popular Indian gooseberry has many properties apart from being one of the richest sources of Vitamin C. It is an effective natural blood purifier. Just by eating amla can get you rid of vaginal odor and other infections. It is an established natural remedy to treat Leucorrhoea or vaginal discharge which gives rise to foul smell. You can eat raw amla, amla powder mixed with water or even pickled amla. Here are a couple of ways to use gooseberry to treat leucorrhea which is one of the causes of vaginal odor.
10. Turmeric-Milk Remedy for Vaginal Odor
Turmeric is one of the best herbs for many ailments. It is a natural anti-bacterial that kills bacteria and keeps your vagina protected against viral infections. One of the Ayurvedic remedies for vaginal odor induced by bacterial vaginosis as well as dryness in vagina suggests using milk and turmeric.
Preventive Measures
You can put a stop to vaginal odor by following the below given measures:
> Avoid douching
> Avoid tight fitting panties and clothes
> Change sanitary napkins or tampons frequently
> Avoid scented soaps, powders or scented pads
> Decrease your intake of sugary foods
> Avoid very hot showers as it may kill the necessary bacteria in the vagina
> You should wear cotton panties as this will provide ventilation to the vaginal area, thereby, reducing the vaginal odor more quickly.