Bacterial Vaginosis

[Teraw]

6 months ago I started getting reoccuring Bacterial Vaginosis infections. Now that I have gone raw I am faced with it again. I have no problem not using the antibiotics, since it just comes back anyway. What do I do though? I read on another post to use Colloidal silver as a douche. Are there any other solutions until my body detoxes this problem away forever?

[smoothiegirl]

A good probiotic will balance the good flora and keep the bad bacteria from invading. The friendly flora will keep the unfriendly bacteria under control.:)

[Stina]

A R.N. midwife taught me to use a garlic vaginally. Yes, to put a clove of garlic up the vagina. I'd recommend experimenting to make sure that you're not overly sensitive to it burning first. Me and many of my friends have successfully done this with no bad side affects. One of my friends took a needle and thread and gave it a handle, tampon-like. I just occasionally put it up there, especially now that I have a partner. One strange thing though.....your body will demonstrate to you that it has it's own intelligence system. The vagina will hold onto it for as long as it needs it medicinally and then release it; the garlic clove will pop out when you're peeing. The first time I did it I was very concerned when it was still there after two days and couldn't get it out. The nurse, whom I'd honor with the title of healer, laughed and told me to trust the process. Now, I put one up there every few months for maintenance at night and it comes out the next morning. So, as long as you're not in the minority of women that react with a burning sensation, it's safe and effective. Just don't make the mistake of one woman I talked to when I worked at a health food store; she came down the aisle mistakenly carrying cloves.

[Teraw]

Thanks. Do you know of any reputable sources?



A good probiotic will balance the good flora and keep the bad bacteria from invading. The friendly flora will keep the unfriendly bacteria under control.:)

[Teraw]

A R.N. midwife taught me to use a garlic vaginally. Yes, to put a clove of garlic up the vagina. I'd recommend experimenting to make sure that you're not overly sensitive to it burning first. Me and many of my friends have successfully done this with no bad side affects. One of my friends took a needle and thread and gave it a handle, tampon-like. I just occasionally put it up there, especially now that I have a partner. One strange thing though.....your body will demonstrate to you that it has it's own intelligence system. The vagina will hold onto it for as long as it needs it medicinally and then release it; the garlic clove will pop out when you're peeing. The first time I did it I was very concerned when it was still there after two days and couldn't get it out. The nurse, whom I'd honor with the title of healer, laughed and told me to trust the process. Now, I put one up there every few months for maintenance at night and it comes out the next morning. So, as long as you're not in the minority of women that react with a burning sensation, it's safe and effective. Just don't make the mistake of one woman I talked to when I worked at a health food store; she came down the aisle mistakenly carrying cloves.

Thanks! I will try this immediately!

[smoothiegirl]

I use the Living Streams Liquid Probiotics. You might google probiotics and see what comes up. Do a search on here using probiotics and you should find some posts that have products mentioned. I have candida baaad and I just didn't want to go the garlic route. Too long for me. The probiotics is helping.:)

[rawstrength]

A R.N. midwife taught me to use a garlic vaginally. Yes, to put a clove of garlic up the vagina. I'd recommend experimenting to make sure that you're not overly sensitive to it burning first. Me and many of my friends have successfully done this with no bad side affects. One of my friends took a needle and thread and gave it a handle, tampon-like. I just occasionally put it up there, especially now that I have a partner. One strange thing though.....your body will demonstrate to you that it has it's own intelligence system. The vagina will hold onto it for as long as it needs it medicinally and then release it; the garlic clove will pop out when you're peeing. The first time I did it I was very concerned when it was still there after two days and couldn't get it out. The nurse, whom I'd honor with the title of healer, laughed and told me to trust the process. Now, I put one up there every few months for maintenance at night and it comes out the next morning. So, as long as you're not in the minority of women that react with a burning sensation, it's safe and effective. Just don't make the mistake of one woman I talked to when I worked at a health food store; she came down the aisle mistakenly carrying cloves.

:eek: if I did this I'm sure no one would ever want to be intimate with me again! Here's a list of some other remedies:
Bacterial vaginosis herbal treatment

There are certain common and not so common herbs that have proven effective in bacterial vaginosis treatment. Let's see what they area:

a. Tea tree oil: Tea tree oil has antimicrobial properties that are especially effective in the home treatment of bacterial vaginosis. It can be used vaginally through tea tree oil soaked tampons, douches and suppositories. It can also be added to the essential oil bath or a warm sitz bath, along with pure apple cider vinegar to get rid of bacterial vaginosis.

b. Aromatic essential oils: Aromatic essential oils, like lavender oil mixed with myrrh, with apricot kernel oil as a carrier, is an excellent bacterial vaginosis home remedy. This oil is used on the outer lips of the vagina, but may burn a little, if the vagina is very irritated.

c. Black walnut (Juglans nigra): Juglone, a compound isolated from black walnut, fights bacteria and has proven an effective bacterial vaginosis herb. If you’re using black walnut at customary dosage levels, it poses no problems. However, if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, you should first consult your physician.

d. Pau d'arco(Tabebuia impestiginosa): This natural herb is derived from the inner bark of the Taheebo tree of South America. Its healing powers are legendary. Pau d'arco tea is recommended for the treatment of many diseases, including bacterial vaginosis.

e. Coneflower (Echinacea angustifolio): The root of this herb is considered one of the best blood purifiers and an effective antibiotic. It activates the body's immune system increasing the chances of fighting off any disease. This popular herb has been used to help cure bacterial vaginosis. However, it shouldn’t be used by anyone allergic to the sunflower family.

f. Garlic (Allium sativum): Often called 'nature's antibiotic', this sure cure for a number of ailments, is effective against bacterial vaginosis too, because of its strong antibacterial properties. It can be taken both orally or vaginally. A peeled whole garlic clove, wrapped in gauze, can be inserted into the vagina. It can also be used as douches or in suppository form. This herb also prevents bacterial vaginosis recurrence.

g. Witch hazel: This shrub or small tree derives its name from the shape of its leaves that resemble those of the hazel. Its leaves and bark show astringent qualities that are effective against bacterial vaginosis.

h. Herbal douche: A douche made from sage, raspberry leaf, mullein, goldenseal root and apple cider vinegar with a tiny drop of tea tree oil added is a good bacterial vaginosis cure.

[Teraw]

:eek: if I did this I'm sure no one would ever want to be intimate with me again! Here's a list of some other remedies:
Bacterial vaginosis herbal treatment

There are certain common and not so common herbs that have proven effective in bacterial vaginosis treatment. Let's see what they area:

a. Tea tree oil: Tea tree oil has antimicrobial properties that are especially effective in the home treatment of bacterial vaginosis. It can be used vaginally through tea tree oil soaked tampons, douches and suppositories. It can also be added to the essential oil bath or a warm sitz bath, along with pure apple cider vinegar to get rid of bacterial vaginosis.

b. Aromatic essential oils: Aromatic essential oils, like lavender oil mixed with myrrh, with apricot kernel oil as a carrier, is an excellent bacterial vaginosis home remedy. This oil is used on the outer lips of the vagina, but may burn a little, if the vagina is very irritated.

c. Black walnut (Juglans nigra): Juglone, a compound isolated from black walnut, fights bacteria and has proven an effective bacterial vaginosis herb. If you’re using black walnut at customary dosage levels, it poses no problems. However, if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, you should first consult your physician.

d. Pau d'arco(Tabebuia impestiginosa): This natural herb is derived from the inner bark of the Taheebo tree of South America. Its healing powers are legendary. Pau d'arco tea is recommended for the treatment of many diseases, including bacterial vaginosis.

e. Coneflower (Echinacea angustifolio): The root of this herb is considered one of the best blood purifiers and an effective antibiotic. It activates the body's immune system increasing the chances of fighting off any disease. This popular herb has been used to help cure bacterial vaginosis. However, it shouldn’t be used by anyone allergic to the sunflower family.

f. Garlic (Allium sativum): Often called 'nature's antibiotic', this sure cure for a number of ailments, is effective against bacterial vaginosis too, because of its strong antibacterial properties. It can be taken both orally or vaginally. A peeled whole garlic clove, wrapped in gauze, can be inserted into the vagina. It can also be used as douches or in suppository form. This herb also prevents bacterial vaginosis recurrence.

g. Witch hazel: This shrub or small tree derives its name from the shape of its leaves that resemble those of the hazel. Its leaves and bark show astringent qualities that are effective against bacterial vaginosis.

h. Herbal douche: A douche made from sage, raspberry leaf, mullein, goldenseal root and apple cider vinegar with a tiny drop of tea tree oil added is a good bacterial vaginosis cure.

Thanks! I am interested in the Garlic treatment you listed. How long do I leave the garlic and gauze inside be before retrieving it? Is there any other helpful information I need to know while using this remedy? Can I also rub the garlic on the outer areas as well? This area is starting to become sensitive, but it's not quite irritated yet.

[rawstrength]

I've never had bacterial vaginosis, so I've never tried any of these treatments and I can't recommend them.
I do know that garlic smells really strong.

[Stina]

Oh, yeah, I forgot to mention upon insertion that with-in just a couple of minutes you'll have garlic breath; it impacts the whole system that quickly.;)

[rawstrength]

Gross! The cure is worse than the illness!

[Stina]

Gross! The cure is worse than the illness!

Like Gross Dude! Wow, that's the kind of response I usually get from narrow-minded people about the raw food diet in general. If I occasionally do the garlic treatment, I don't go around telling people. I'd much rather do a simple, effective treatment like this with discretion then the mainstreamed medical ideas about what constitues proper gynecological health: Gardisil shots? Yeast guard? ooh...hysterectomies are okay because they're socially acceptable? I don't get it. But my boyfriend is rather.....hippy and appreciative of me being proactive of my health in general. I just don't see why women need to get uptight about womens issues like this and make immature comments of that nature. Don't like it? don't do it! But enough said; it's an old practice and most people would rather do a prescription drug than something natural. But I don't want to be negative..................to each their own.

[HolyGuacamole]

I've never had BV, but I've done the garlic thing many times for other reasons.
It doesn't gross me out in any way. Why should it?
I always felt pretty darned empowered, actually.



Teraw, in answer to your question:

The vagina will hold onto it for as long as it needs it medicinally and then release it; the garlic clove will pop out when you're peeing. The first time I did it I was very concerned when it was still there after two days and couldn't get it out. The nurse, whom I'd honor with the title of healer, laughed and told me to trust the process. Now, I put one up there every few months for maintenance at night and it comes out the next morning.

That has been my experience as well.

[rawstrength]

I'm sorry if I offended anyone, and I didn't mean to be rude and immature.

This morning I'm feeling really appreciative of having a healthy vagina without prescription drugs and without smelly garlic.

To each her own.

[Teraw]

Thanks Stina. I was feeling really bad after reading that. Here it is that I am going through something very embarrising and irritating. I am the only person im my family, of my friends, and at work that is Raw. I can brush aside the immature things they have to say, but it is very hurtful to come to this site as a newbie and feel bad about trying to NOT take the easy way out, but take the Natural way THROUGH IT. Thanks for having my back. I am comsidering you my 1st Raw friend!


Like Gross Dude! Wow, that's the kind of response I usually get from narrow-minded people about the raw food diet in general. If I occasionally do the garlic treatment, I don't go around telling people. I'd much rather do a simple, effective treatment like this with discretion then the mainstreamed medical ideas about what constitues proper gynecological health: Gardisil shots? Yeast guard? ooh...hysterectomies are okay because they're socially acceptable? I don't get it. But my boyfriend is rather.....hippy and appreciative of me being proactive of my health in general. I just don't see why women need to get uptight about womens issues like this and make immature comments of that nature. Don't like it? don't do it! But enough said; it's an old practice and most people would rather do a prescription drug than something natural. But I don't want to be negative..................to each their own.

[Stina]

Well how about a rousing debate on drinking your own urine?!:p (I don't......I don't) ;)

[saxmaam]

Well how about a rousing debate on drinking your own urine?!:p (I don't......I don't) ;)

I won't! I won't!:eek:

[rawstrength]

Drinking my own urine seems much less disgusting to me than putting garlic down there. I haven't tried either.

I guess for some reason the garlic really bothers me! Once again, I'm sorry if I offended anyone by my previous posts.

[Stina]

Drinking my own urine seems much less disgusting to me than putting garlic down there. I haven't tried either.

I guess for some reason the garlic really bothers me! Once again, I'm sorry if I offended anyone by my previous posts.

That's okay, sweetie. We all have our own standards and taste in things.....oh, wait, that sounded inappropriate. Well, you know what I mean!:eek: You are such a bright light on this board, and I'm often impressed with the information you share with us here. It's inspiring to see a young person with such clarity and direction. I'm really curious what you're studying in college. Thanks for growing with us and letting me grow with you :)

oh, p.s. maybe we could find that post where someone told someone else to put a clove of garlic up their anus and go hi-jack that one..... ha ha ha

[ltcartwright]

Oh, yeah, I forgot to mention upon insertion that with-in just a couple of minutes you'll have garlic breath; it impacts the whole system that quickly.;)

aaaaahhhh! That explains it!! I just started using a garlic clove this morning and wondered why my mouth tasted like garlic all day. I thought my mind was playing tricks on me!!! Well, my itching has stopped and the area doesn't feel irritated like last night. So I'll do this for 2 more days just to make sure everything's cleared. I caught mine in time (I've always had yeast infections and knew the signs, as soon as I felt the itching I got out my clove of garlic! No $28 yeast infection kits for me anymore!!!)

[ltcartwright]

I'm sorry if I offended anyone, and I didn't mean to be rude and immature.

This morning I'm feeling really appreciative of having a healthy vagina without prescription drugs and without smelly garlic.

To each her own.

*************************
I'm not trying to change your mind or anything, I just wanted to say that this was the first time I did the garlic thing, and it worked instantly. I didn't put it up, just around the outer parts (trying to be delicate and not too descriptive). It stung a little, but not outrageously so. And when I went to urinate (TMI) it didn't fall out and I didn't get knocked out by the odor. Come to think of it, there was hardly any odor, so much so that I had to use tissue to feel around and see if the clove was still there (fellow readers: I'm sorry if that's too graphic!) To reveal more information that may be too graphic, I think the clove also helped to deodorize a little bit! (Is that possible!??!!)

Now my story is, that I use to be sick alot, and my doctors kept prescribing antibiotics. So much so that I would get yeast infections every month!! YES EVERY MONTH!!!! The yeast kits cost $28 a pop, now times that by 2.5 years! I did the garlic clove and that worked the SAME DAY I felt the telltale sign that an infection was coming on. Now, in a single day, I'm free of the itch and burn I felt yesterday! Amazing! I'm going to keep doing it for 2 more days just to make sure, then I think I'll be using the clove in the future, until my 100% Raw journey is met. I'm doing a MC soon, I can't image what kind of detoxing I'll be going through for those antibiotics over the past years!

[goobygirl]

I saturated a tampon with diluted GSE today for a suspected yeast infection. It's a very light infection, but it appears to be one. I've replaced the tampon a couple of times. Each time I do I get a little nauseous and feel like it's the GSE. Tonight I will use a garlic clove as an insert. Will see if it resolves or not.

[rawstrength]

goobygirl - you might want to consider not using tampons. They are filled with chlorine and all kinds of other chemical nasties. Have you ever tried a menstrual cup? I think mine's the greatest invention ever, I have a Diva Cup.
Best of luck resolving your yeast infection!

[ltcartwright]

goobygirl - you might want to consider not using tampons. They are filled with chlorine and all kinds of other chemical nasties. Have you ever tried a menstrual cup? I think mine's the greatest invention ever, I have a Diva Cup.
Best of luck resolving your yeast infection!

rawstrength, when you say "I think mine's the greatest invention ever, I have a Diva Cup." does this mean you invented it yourself? If so, can you reply to my email address here (latoya@originbahamas.com). I have a question to ask (if you don't mind answering a question personally that is).

[goobygirl]

Yeah, I know about the tampons. For me, tampons are just one thing I haven't decided to eliminate yet. Haven't tried a diva cup. I'm not very good with nonapplicator type interventions, so to speak. The yeasty thing got away from me a bit due to personal issues, but used it a couple of more times and put GSE drops in smoothie. I will try to work hard on the issue this week and see if it resolves.

[kelidawn]

So just to be clear, you insert 1 full clove? I got a bit confused when you said the woman carried cloves...did she go to far by using more than one? Just want to make sure I do this right!

[juliebove]

I used to use tampons and found they were causing or at least exacerbating yeast infections in me. Since I stopped using them I have had much fewer infections. I tried the garlic thing once. It was horrible! It was sharp and scratched up the already irritated tissue. And it burned!!! I prefer yeast arrest capsules. You insert them. You don't eat them.

As for cups, they don't work for me. I have a tipped uterus.

[Stina]

Yep, the garlic trick doesn't work for everyone. And yes it's one clove of garlic. When I worked at a hfs, a confused soul went and got the jar of cloves, the little black thingeys. Yes, I stopped her.

[miamoss]

I have horrible bacterial vaginosis right now due to numerous antibiotics that I was told to take over the last 2 years. Now I cannot get rid of this bacterial infection. I am very new here and I found this website by doing a search online for garlic in the vagina. I will try this therapy tonight before bed time and in a few days I will let you all know how it goes. For future reference the standard treatment from a doctor is Flagyl which almost killed me. Not a good idea to take that stuff at all.
Thanks
Mia

[juliebove]

I know this is an old thread, but I recently read in a magazine that boric acid gets rid of BV. It is in the suppositories called "Yeast Arrest" and they are what was recommended.

[Jenifae]

I have been suffering from BV for several years off and on and what I've learned is that it is caused by using antibotics that destroy all the flora in the body resulting in Candida/Yeast build up in the body.
I am still battling it because a rigid candida diet with herbs can be hard to follow for 3-6 months to be sure it's fully gone. However, I have noticed that eating a clove of garlic and douching with garlic or inserting a clove vaginally really helps.
I plan on getting strict and going on a candida diet as I continually get better a RAW.

[brydee]

I've noticed that nobody has mentioned ACV i have read before that this is suppose to help, in the bath or diluted, anyone had any success with it? i dont think i would dare to put it on neat :eek:

[Stina]

I have horrible bacterial vaginosis right now due to numerous antibiotics that I was told to take over the last 2 years. Now I cannot get rid of this bacterial infection. I am very new here and I found this website by doing a search online for garlic in the vagina. I will try this therapy tonight before bed time and in a few days I will let you all know how it goes. For future reference the standard treatment from a doctor is Flagyl which almost killed me. Not a good idea to take that stuff at all.
Thanks
Mia

A Warm Welcome to Mia!

Wow, it just occured to me how possibly nutty this whole conversation (thread) may sound to a newcomer! Welcome to the wonderful world of raw- and we put garlic up our vaginas!:rolleyes:
Most women find it very effective. Beware though: an occasional individual may find it irritates that delicate tissue down here. I'd recommend taking a needle and thread and threading through a clove so that you can easily pull it out when you want to.
Here's one interesting thing though. You will find that your vagina has an intuition of her own. Truly. When I first started doing this, my vagina would hold the garlic clove in for 1 1/2 days and scare me! When I did it on a regular basis, just once a month, I'd put it in at night and it would pop out naturally in the morning. So, it'll be held in as long as needed medicinally. Trust the process!
Of course, this is part of an overall protocol of eating healthy raw food including some fermented food and getting some sunshine.
do you think any guys are reading this?

[RawSweetie]

A R.N. midwife taught me to use a garlic vaginally. Yes, to put a clove of garlic up the vagina. I'd recommend experimenting to make sure that you're not overly sensitive to it burning first. Me and many of my friends have successfully done this with no bad side affects. One of my friends took a needle and thread and gave it a handle, tampon-like. I just occasionally put it up there, especially now that I have a partner. One strange thing though.....your body will demonstrate to you that it has it's own intelligence system. The vagina will hold onto it for as long as it needs it medicinally and then release it; the garlic clove will pop out when you're peeing. The first time I did it I was very concerned when it was still there after two days and couldn't get it out. The nurse, whom I'd honor with the title of healer, laughed and told me to trust the process. Now, I put one up there every few months for maintenance at night and it comes out the next morning. So, as long as you're not in the minority of women that react with a burning sensation, it's safe and effective. Just don't make the mistake of one woman I talked to when I worked at a health food store; she came down the aisle mistakenly carrying cloves.
*giggle* Now that is funny.

[RawHeaven]

Here's one interesting thing though. You will find that your vagina has an intuition of her own. Truly. When I first started doing this, my vagina would hold the garlic clove in for 1 1/2 days and scare me! When I did it on a regular basis, just once a month, I'd put it in at night and it would pop out naturally in the morning. So, it'll be held in as long as needed medicinally. Trust the process!


Stina, I wish I knew this a few months ago! I actually blogged about this. I had a yeast infection and put a big fat monster garlic clove in my vagina (without the string). I figured a big one would really wipe out the candida. 24 hours later when I attempted to retrieve it with my fingers, I couldn't find it. Two days later I felt the end of it, but I ended up just pushing it up further. lol. I was really starting to get worried, panicky actually. My breath was sooo garlicy --so I knew it was still in there. After doing some googling research, I realized it was trapped in my fornix - the pocket area located behind the cervix. I tried squatting and all kinds of positions to get that sucker out! The vagina is interesting territory and not easy to navigate with all of the muscle. I was single at the time and even thought about ringing up an ex boyfriend to help me out. hahaaaa. I mean it was wayyyy up there. Anyhow, on the 3rd day I finally just gave up and figured one more day and maybe I'd have to go to the OB doc which I really didn't want to do. On the 4th day, it popped out -- just like that first thing in the morning-- when I was peeing! I was soooo happy -- felt like I had given birth. LOL. I will always put a little string on it though if I have to use this natural remedy again. From experience, I know what you say about 'vagina intuition' is true. It will release it when it's ready - what goes up, must come down I guess. :p

[brydee]

I I was really starting to get worried, panicky actually. My breath was sooo garlicy --so I knew it was still in there. . I tried squatting and all kinds of positions to get that sucker out! The vagina is interesting territory and not easy to navigate with all of the muscle. I was single at the time and even thought about ringing up an ex boyfriend to help me out. hahaaaa. I mean it was wayyyy up there. I was soooo happy -- felt like I had given birth. LOL.

:D thanks for making me laugh!!!!
Im going to try this tonight, even though i have to admit im a tad scared:eek:

[brookieluv321]

what is gse?

[Stina]

what is gse?

Grape seed extract. years ago when I worked at a health food store, I read an analysis of the chemical break-down of GSE. Since I don't have access to that info or a link, may I suggest researching it and the manufacturer to make sure it's really what you want to use? I don't. I've lost faith in manufactured supplements.

[Everchanging]

All I know is the grapeFRUIT (edited, my mistake) seed extract (very diluted) in an organic peroxide bleached tampon for 30 min is a miraculous cure for bacterial vaginosis.

[HolyGuacamole]

Grape seed extract. years ago when I worked at a health food store, I read an analysis of the chemical break-down of GSE. Since I don't have access to that info or a link, may I suggest researching it and the manufacturer to make sure it's really what you want to use? I don't. I've lost faith in manufactured supplements.

GSE typically refers to grapefruit seed extract.