White discharge is a common problem that a majority of women face and it occurs at a specific time before the menstrual cycle. Although most common in young girls, white discharge can happen in all women.
This discharge is common and not a thing to worry about if it is minimal. But women experiencing discharge in unusual amounts should take it into concern and find remedies.
The white discharge in women can be controlled by natural remedies. If you are experiencing white discharge, read the tips on how to stop white discharge in female naturally.
What is White Vaginal Discharge?
Vaginal Discharge is a biological condition in women. A discharge or white, thick, and sticky liquid from the vagina is known as vaginal discharge or Leucorrhoea. This condition is experienced by women during their reproductive age.
Although a minimal amount of vagina discharge is common, it may cause weakness and infections if happened in excess amounts. Excess white discharge may happen due to various reasons. Read on to know the possible reasons.
Reasons for Vaginal Discharge
- Before and after menstruation
- Cervical infection and cancer
- Yeast Infection
- STDs like Chlamydia
- Fungal and bacterial infection
- Stress and Anxiety
- Irritation in the vagina – Vaginitis
- Pregnancy
- Diabetes
- Hormonal Imbalances
Causes of White Discharge in Females
Normal white discharge in females indicates a healthy body and serves as a natural way of cleansing the vagina and protecting it. However, an increase in white discharge can be caused by various factors such as emotional distress, ovulation, and infections.
Some infections that may cause discharge include:
1. Yeast Infection
Yeast infection is caused due to overgrowth of fungus and may cause itchiness and irritation in the vagina. This leads to a thick, cottage cheese-like discharge. There can be an unusual increase in the amount of discharge. This infection may be caused due to stress, birth control pills, diabetes, antibiotics, pregnancy, etc.
2. Bacterial Vaginosis
This is another common vaginal infection that occurs due to oral sex or multiple sex partners. This leads to smelly discharge from the vagina but has no physical symptoms.
Causes of White Discharge Due to Periods
You may often experience white discharge before periods. But unusual discharge immediately before and after periods is uncommon. Some reasons may include:
1. Birth Control
During birth control, women may experience heavy vaginal discharge. There is a change in hormonal balance and that is what leads to white discharge before periods.
2. Sexually Transmitted Infections
STDs like Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Trichomonas, etc. may cause white discharge with symptoms like burning, itching, etc.
Best Foods to Stop White Discharge Naturally
1. Ladyfinger (Okra)
Ladyfinger is believed to help regulate vaginal discharge due to its high fibre content. It can aid in maintaining hormonal balance and overall reproductive health.
2. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is often suggested for its potent antimicrobial properties. It may help restore the pH balance in the vagina and reduce the risk of infections that can cause excessive discharge.
3. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is also considered the best food to stop white discharge naturally because of its soothing and healing properties. It may help alleviate irritation and inflammation in the vaginal area. However, its direct consumption is not recommended, and it’s best to consult a healthcare professional for appropriate usage.
4. Fenugreek Seeds
Fenugreek seeds are commonly used in traditional medicine for various purposes, including improving women’s reproductive health. These seeds are believed to have estrogen-like properties, which can help balance hormones and potentially regulate vaginal discharge.
5. Indian Gooseberry
Indian gooseberry, also known as amla, is a highly nutritious fruit rich in vitamin C and antioxidants. It is believed to have numerous health benefits, including strengthening the immune system and improving overall reproductive health. Consuming Indian gooseberry or incorporating it into your diet may help maintain vaginal health and potentially regulate discharge.
6. Guava Leaves
Guava leaves have been traditionally used for their medicinal properties. They contain compounds with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that may help in preventing and treating infections. Boiling guava leaves and using the resulting decoction as a vaginal wash or applying it topically may help reduce excessive vaginal discharge and maintain a healthy vaginal environment.
7. Turmeric
Turmeric is a yellow spice commonly used in Indian cuisine. It contains a compound called curcumin, which has potent anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. While there is limited scientific evidence specifically addressing its effects on white discharge, turmeric is believed to have overall health benefits.
It may support immune function and help maintain a healthy balance of microorganisms in the body. Incorporating turmeric into your diet or consuming turmeric supplements may be beneficial, but it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized guidance.
8. Cranberries
Cranberries are well-known for their potential benefits in urinary tract health. They contain compounds called proanthocyanidins that may help prevent bacteria from adhering to the urinary tract walls, reducing the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs).
While white discharge may not be directly related to UTIs, maintaining urinary tract health is crucial for overall vaginal health. Consuming cranberries or drinking cranberry juice may help promote a healthy urinary tract and indirectly contribute to vaginal health.
9. Garlic
Garlic is known for its potent antimicrobial properties, which may help combat various infections. While there is limited scientific evidence specifically addressing its effects on white discharge, garlic is believed to have overall health benefits. It may help in maintaining a healthy vaginal environment by fighting off harmful bacteria or yeast. Some people use garlic as a natural remedy by inserting a peeled clove of garlic into the vagina overnight.
However, it’s important to note that this method should be done with caution and under the guidance of a healthcare professional, as it may cause irritation or other adverse effects for some individuals.
10. Rice Starch
Rice starch is a fine powder derived from rice grains. It is often used in traditional medicine for its soothing properties. While there is limited scientific evidence specifically related to its effects on white discharge, rice starch is sometimes used as a natural remedy for relieving irritation and inflammation in the vaginal area.
It may provide a soothing effect and help reduce discomfort associated with excessive discharge. Rice starch can be used as a topical application by mixing it with water to create a paste or by using it in a bath.
11. Ginger
Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties and it helps to cure many health issues including white discharge. Boil ginger in water until the water becomes half. Consume it for three weeks to see results.
12. Coriander Seeds
Coriander seeds also work well to stop white discharge in females. Soak coriander seeds in water overnight and strain the water in the morning. Drink this water on an empty stomach every morning to cure the issue.
13. Tulsi
Tulsi is anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-diabetic. Hence, it cures the root cause of white discharge. Consume this by making a juice of tulsi leaves and honey. Drink it twice every day to cure white discharge.
14. Pomegranate
Pomegranate is yet another fruit that not only tastes good but also has many benefits. It also treats white discharge in women and is extremely easy to consume. You can either eat the fruit with seeds or make juice and drink it. The leaves of pomegranate are also beneficial in stopping white discharge. You can make a paste of the leaves and consume them mixed with water.
Top 3 Ayurvedic Remedies To Cure White Discharge
Below are the top Ayurvedic remedies to cure vaginal discharge:
1. Lodhra
Lodhra is one of the best herbs used to treat many diseases and to treat hormonal imbalances in women. The herb has antibacterial properties that help to balance Kapha dosha. Use the bark of its tree as an intimate wash. You can also boil this in water and consume it as a tea to stop the vaginal discharge.
2. Ashoka
Ashoka is a potent herb that is known to cure female infertility. It is also used in many gynaecological disorders like vaginal discharge. Ashoka’s bark can be used to treat vaginal discharge. You can boil the bark in water and sieve the water to consume it as tea. The boiled water can also be used as a vaginal wash.
3. Triphala
The mix of three fruits- Amlaki, Haritaki, and Bibhitaki- Triphala is a popular treatment in Ayurveda. Along with various other diseases, this can be used as a vaginal wash in case of infection. Boil 20 grams of Triphala in half-litre water. When 1/4th of this water is left, turn the gas off. After it cools down, use this as a vaginal wash.
Source: Hindustan Times
How to Stop White Discharge Due to Infections?
- Yeast infections are treated with the help of oral medications. Doctors may also suggest treating it by putting medicine in the vagina.
- Bacterial Vaginosis is also resolved with antibiotics.
- Trichomoniasis is treated with oral medicines
Summing Up
Vaginal discharge is a normal condition in women. But excess discharge may cause health problems and hence working towards it is important. These remedies are very helpful to stop the white discharge. You can include these foods in your diet and see results eventually.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How can I stop excess white discharge?
Excess white discharge can be stopped by working on the cause. If the discharge is happening due to infections, it may be treated with the help of antibiotics. If it is before and after periods, it may be stopped with various foods like amla and aloe vera.
2. What to eat to stop white discharge?
A wide variety of foods may help stop the discharge. You can add apple cider vinegar, turmeric, garlic, amla, aloe vera, and fenugreek seeds to your diet. These many foods can help stop the white discharge.
3. How do you treat white discharge in girls?
White discharge in girls may be treated by treating the cause. The excess discharge in girls may happen due to infections and taking oral medicines may stop it.
Disclaimer: This article only provides information to educate the reader. It does not promote skipping or substituting treatments by medical experts. It is recommended the readers consult experts according to personal needs to understand their medical condition precisely.
