Vagina
Synopsis
The vagina is a muscular, elastic canal that extends from the external vulva to the cervix (the lower part of the uterus). It serves several key functions in female reproductive health:
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It acts as the receptacle during sexual intercourse,
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Birth canal during vaginal delivery,
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And the passageway for menstrual flow to exit the body.
The vaginal lining is composed of mucosal tissue that maintains moisture, elasticity, and pH balance—crucial for protecting against pathogens. The normal vaginal pH is acidic (around 3.8–4.5), which discourages harmful bacterial growth and supports the growth of protective Lactobacillus species.
Vaginal health is closely tied to hormonal balance, hygiene, microbiome integrity, and sexual activity. Common vaginal concerns include:
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Vaginitis: Inflammation or infection caused by yeast (Candida), bacteria (BV), or sexually transmitted pathogens (e.g., Trichomonas).
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Bacterial vaginosis (BV): Imbalance in vaginal bacteria, leading to odor, discharge, and irritation.
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Vaginal yeast infections: Often result from antibiotic use, high-sugar diets, or hormonal shifts.
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Vaginal dryness: Common during menopause due to declining estrogen.
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Atrophic vaginitis: Thinning and inflammation of the vaginal lining in postmenopausal women.
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STIs: Can affect vaginal tissues and lead to discharge, discomfort, or systemic illness if untreated.
Good vaginal health also supports fertility, comfort during intimacy, and protection from infections ascending into the reproductive tract.
Natural Remedies
Probiotics (especially Lactobacillus strains): Promote a healthy vaginal flora and reduce recurrence of infections.
Cranberry extract and D-mannose: Help prevent urinary and vaginal infections by inhibiting bacterial adhesion.
Vitamin C and zinc: Support mucosal immunity and tissue integrity.
Omega-3s and evening primrose oil: Help with hormonal balance and vaginal lubrication.
Licorice root and calendula: Soothe inflammation and support mucous membrane health.
Avoid douching, scented soaps, and synthetic underwear, all of which disrupt natural pH and flora.
Ingredients
These raw ingredients are often used in alternative medicine to treat this condition.
aloe vera
bayberry
slippery elm bark
cranberry
evening primrose oil
licorice root
magnesium
omega-3 fatty acids
vitamin C
vitamin D
zinc
8-Prenylnaringenin
Acidophilus
Alchemilla
Aletris
Asoka
Asparagus racemosus
Blue Cohosh
Boric acid
Agnuside
Bacteria
Bacteria (unspecified)
berry (unspecified)
black cohosh
Black Cohosh
Brassica rapa (unspecified)
Calendula
Castor oil derivative (unspecified)
Clary sage
Cohosh
Daidzein
Damask rose
Damiana
damiana
dioscorea
Dioscorea oppositifolia
Equol (proprietary)
Essential oil (unspecified)
Estrogen
evening primrose oil
False Unicorn
False Unicorn Root
Fat (unspecified)
fennel
Fennel
fenugreek
Flax
Flax lignans
Flaxseed
French rose
Gamma Linolenic Acid
Genistein
genistein
Giant Trillium
Golden Ragwort
Hops
isoflavone (unspecified)
Isoflavones
Isoflavones (mixed)
Isoflavones (unspecified)
Labisia pumila
Lactobacillus
Lactobacillus (mixed)
Lactobacillus (unspecified)
Lactobacillus (unspepcified)
Lactobacillus (various species)
Lactobacillus acidophilus
lactobacillus acidophilus
Lactobacillus casei
Lactobacillus crispatus
lactobacillus crispatus
Lactobacillus fermentum
lactobacillus fermentum
lactobacillus gasseri
Lactobacillus gasseri
lactobacillus jensenii
Lactobacillus kefiri
Lactobacillus mixed)
lactobacillus rhamnosus
Lactobacillus rhamnosus
Lactobacillus salivarius
lactobacillus salivarius
Lactococcus acidophilus
Lactococcus rhamnosus
Lady's Mantle
Lignan (unspecified)
Lignans
Lignans (mixed)
Lipids
Lipids (unspecified)
Lubricant
Miroestrol
Moisture
Montanoa tomentosa
Neem
Ovary
Ovary
Oxytocin
Palm-Leaf Raspberry
Phytocannabinoid (unspecified)
Phytoestrogen
Phytoestrogen (unspecified)
Phytoestrol (unspecified)
Potato Yam
Probiotic (unspecified)
Probiotics
Progesterone
Progesterone
red clover
Red Clover
Red Raspberry
Rhapontic rhubarb
Rose (unspecified)
rose oil
sage
Sanguisorba
Sea Buckthorn
Sea Buckthorn Oil
Shataverins
Shepherd's Purse
Soy
soy isoflavones
Soy Isoflavones
soybean
Squaw Vine
Squawvine
squawvine
Tea Tree Oil
Thai kudzu
Uterus
White Dead Nettle Flower
White Nettle
wild yam
Yam (unspecified)
Alpine Lily
Dong Quai
ginseng
Vitex Agnus-Castus