Vagina Dryness Treatment + Ayurvedic remedies for vaginal dryness

No two women experience menopause the same way. But an important part of finding relief from menopausal symptoms like vaginal dryness is understanding the issue. Below we’ve listed vagina dryness symptoms, vaginal dryness causes, and effective remedies for vaginal dryness. 

If you experience vaginal dryness, there are several home remedies and wonderful suggestions on how to increase vaginal secretions naturally.

Here’s what we’ll cover in this article.

• Most Common Vaginal Dryness Symptoms
• Vaginal Dryness Causes
• Why You Should Consider Natural Vaginal Dryness Treatments
• Vaginal Dryness In Ayurvedic Medicine: Suska Yoni
• Vaginal Dryness Treatment With Ayurveda
• Ayurvedic Herbal Remedies For Vaginal Dryness
• Advantages Of Natural Vaginal Dryness Treatment
• How To Increase Vaginal Lubrication Naturally

According to the NCBI (National Center For Biotechnology Information, U.S.), there are an estimated 64 million postmenopausal women in the United States. As many as 32 million women may suffer from vaginal and vulvar atrophy¹ symptoms including dyspareunia (pain during sexual intercourse), vaginal dryness and vaginal irritation.

Dryness can happen to any woman of any age.

The vagina is kept moist by the mucous membranes present in the vagina.

Estrogen produced in the female body encourages the vaginal tissues to keep the vagina moist. As women reach their menopausal age (45-55 years) the ovaries produce less estrogen.

Drops in estrogen levels or thinning of the vaginal lining can lead to vaginal infections, which in turn causes issues like dryness. Let’s take a look at the most common symptoms of vagina dryness. 

Most Common Vaginal Dryness Symptoms

You may experience signs of vaginal dryness during sex. This is normal. However, women who experience vaginal dryness symptoms suffer from symptoms at all times. Vaginal dryness symptoms include the following.

• Vaginal dryness, itching, irritation, burning sensation, pain and soreness inside the vagina especially at the vulva or at the entrance to the vagina.
• Discomfort, light bleeding, and pain during sex.
• Vaginal dryness after menopause creates several problems such as difficulty in experiencing sexual arousal and reaching orgasm, pain during penetration and overall reduced sex drive.
• A recurrent urinary tract infection (UTIs).
• Urge to urinate more often.
• Thinner or narrow vaginal lips or labia.
• Pale looking lips.

Vagina Dryness Causes

The following factors can influence vaginal dryness. 

• Diaphragms
• Antidepressants
• Antihistamines and decongestants
• Antibiotics
• Chemotherapy
• Radiation
• Dyes and fragrances in toilet paper and laundry detergents
• Drying soaps
• Douches
• Tampons
• Condoms

Apart from menopause, low estrogen levels may result from the following. 

• Hysterectomy and related surgeries
• Menstrual cycle changes
• Pregnancy
• Childbirth
• Nursing
• Some hormonal contraceptives
• Endometriosis medication
• Infertility medication
• Stress, fatigue
• Rigorous exercise

If you would like to learn more about how Ayurveda can help you with all kinds of feminine health issues, check out Mary Thompson’s Ayurvedic course below.

Why You Should Consider Natural Remedies For Vaginal Dryness

The most common way to treat vaginal atrophy is with prescribed estrogen replacement.

These can be in the form of oral pills, topical creams or vaginal rings.

Oral pills, especially when supplemented with progestin, are considered harmful because the estrogen could increase the risk of the following conditions: breast cancer, endometrial cancer, blood clots, strokes, heart attacks, dementia.²

Vagina Dryness In Ayurvedic Medicine: Suska Yoni

In Ayurvedic medicine, the ancient Ayurvedic scholar Charaka described a condition called Suska yoni. Suska means dry and yoni refers to the female reproductive organs. If during sexual intercourse, a woman suppresses her natural urges, then Vata gets aggravated.

This causes pain, obstruction to the passage of stool and urine and dryness of the vaginal opening.³

For the disorder caused by aggravated Vata dosha, those suffering from the above should be given oleation, fomentation, Ayurvedic medicated enema and therapies which pacify Vata dosha.⁴

Let’s take a look at how Ayurveda deals with vagina dryness.

Remedies For Vagina Dryness With Ayurveda

Vaginal dryness treatment in Ayurveda follows the below protocol when handled in a clinic.

The below treatments are utilized during Panchakarma therapy, guided Ayurvedic cleansing procedures. They should only be done in a Panchakarma center or under the guidance of a qualified Ayurveda practitioner.

Keep scrolling to learn helpful herbs and everyday tips you can use at home to lubricate the vagina naturally.

• Oleation. Massage with sesame oil and black salt is used to pacify Vata dosha and provide natural lubrication. Oleation helps in mobilization of the vitiated dosha from the site of morbidity. 
• Fomentation. Tube fomentation (nadi sweda) and bolus fomentation are applied to the genitals.
• Warm water is sprinkled over the forehead, lower abdomen, and genitals. This helps alleviate pain and inflammation.
• Herbal tampons are given to the client for her to insert into the vagina. This helps the inflammation, pain, infection and rejuvenates the tissues.
• Ayurvedic massage or abhyanga is done to restore lubrication.
• Enema. Enema using Vata pacifying herbs is used to expel the vitiated doshas. It is highly beneficial for pacifying Vata dosha which is the main cause of dryness.

Let’s take a look at some Ayurvedic herbal remedies for vagina dryness.

Ayurvedic Herbal Remedies For Vaginal Dryness

• Triphala. Add water to triphalaherb powder and mix the ingredients together. Wash your vagina with this solution to lessen the burning sensation.
• Turmeric. This is an effective homemade vaginal lubricant to treat dryness. Turmeric is known for its antimicrobial properties that kill bacteria and other microbes and protect the vagina from infection. Take turmeric paste and mix it with hydrating milk. Then, apply this mixture to the vagina.
• Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia).A tampon soaked with guduchioil can be inserted into the vagina or administered in the form of a douche. Use this remedy only under the guidance of a qualified practitioner.
• Shatavari. For vaginal dryness, one can use a ghee medicated with organic shatavari, which can be applied locally to enhance lubrication.
• Ashwagandha. Ashwagandha has been used for years for treating a variety of health conditions including menopause.⁵ It helps keep the walls of the vagina healthy and supple, prevents pain, tearing and dryness. It also relieves symptoms like hot flashes, moodiness, and insomnia.
• Sesame oil. Sesame oil is a superb natural vaginal lubricant. Take a ball of cotton and dip it in sesame oil. Then, apply it to the vaginal walls and continue this for one week. This is an amazing way to provide natural vaginal lubrication.
• Shatavari and Ashwagandha douche. Shatavariand ashwagandhaboiled in sesame oil and then cooled can be used as a vaginal douche. This remedy should only be done following the guidance of a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner.
• Tribulus Terrestris. Gokshura is believed to contribute to overall physical as well as sexual strength by building all the tissues, especially the shukra dhatu or reproductive tissue. It is a natural way to cure vaginal dryness.
• Fenugreek. Fenugreek is very effective in the treatment of vaginal dryness. It helps restore estrogen levels in the body and provides natural relief to the condition. The seeds produce an estrogen-like effect which helps increase vaginal lubrication.⁶ Take a teaspoon of fenugreek seeds and soak them in water overnight. Drink the water in the morning.
• Coconut oil. Coconut oil is a healthy fat that helps restore the natural levels of hydration in the body. You can use this as a natural vaginal lubricant or as a supplement for treating the condition. It is a great source of vitamin E, which is beneficial to naturally promote the secretion of moisture in the vaginal tissues.
• Cumin, Coriander + Fennel Seed Tea (CCF Tea). CCF tea contains natural phytoestrogens that support healthy hormonal balance. Take equal parts of cumin, coriander and fennel seeds and steep in hot water for ten minutes. 
• Aloe vera gel. Aloe vera gel is an effective natural remedy for vaginal dryness. Aloe is a natural moisturizer and reduces dryness and itching around the vaginal area. You can use a mixture of milk and aloe vera gel which is quite helpful. Or, drink a cup of aloe vera juice to reduce the symptoms.
• Comfrey. Comfrey helps enhance lubrication. It soothes dryness and itching. Comfrey gels and ointments can be applied near the vaginal opening. It contains a chemical named Allantoin which supports new cell growth in the vagina.⁷
• Red Clover. Stems, flowers, and leaves of red clover contain phytoestrogens isoflavones like biochanin, formononetin, genistein, which help deal with menopausal complaints including vaginal dryness and atrophy.⁸ This herb helps improve blood circulation to the genitals and is known for increasing cervical mucus, which helps to aid vagina dryness.
• Black cohosh. Black cohosh is an effective herbal supplement that helps relieve vagina dryness. Black cohosh works perfectly for treating menopausal symptoms, hot flashes, and vaginal dryness.⁹
• Tea tree oil.Tea tree oil is valuable in relieving vagina dryness due to its antibacterial properties.¹⁰ Using this oil would help you beat the trouble of diminished lubrication in the vagina by killing the bacteria-causing dryness. Massage the inner lips, genital lips and vaginal opening with a safe, high-quality ointment containing a small quantity of tea tree oil only in a base of coconut oil. Be sure to test for sensitivity before use. This would help you relieve the symptoms with ease.
• Chaste Tree Berry. Chaste Tree Berry has shown its effectiveness in treating menopausal difficulties due to the presence of phytoestrogens.¹¹ It helps to manage menopausal symptoms like vaginal dryness, mild depression, sweating, and hot flashes. It is known for its ability to stabilize hormone levels.
• Gotu Kola. Gotu Kola helps relieve vagina dryness by balancing estrogen levels. To prepare an infusion, add ½ to one teaspoon of dried herbs in one cup of hot water for 10 minutes. Drink 2 cups on a daily basis. To reduce the bitter flavor of the tea, add lemon or honey.
• Oat Straw.Oat straw helps promote vaginal lubrication by improving circulation. Mix one teaspoon of the herb with a cup of water. Bring it to boil for ten minutes. Consume as a tonic, three times daily. If it is being used in a tincture form, take 30 drops three times a day.

If you would like to learn more about how Ayurveda can help you with all kinds of feminine health issues, check out Mary Thompson’s Ayurvedic course below.

Advantages Of Natural Vagina Dryness Treatments

There are several good reasons to take a natural approach or use in combination with medical treatment.

• Natural treatments increase the health of vagina tissues.
• They decrease dryness or irritated sensitive vaginal tissue.
• They increase circulation to the pelvic area to keep tissues healthy and strong.
• They help boost your body’s ability to produce vaginal moisture even after menopause.
• They moisturize the vagina for a longer period of time.
• They help maintain the acidic environment in the vagina and decrease infections.
• They help maintain the muscle tone of the vagina and urethra.
• They help reduce vagina dryness, irritation, and pain.
• They reduce urinary tract irritations and tendencies toward infection.

How to Increase Vaginal Lubrication Naturally

Changing certain eating habits can help you stimulate estrogen to produce more lubrication. The way you dress and your lifestyle also have an important role in lubricating a dry vagina.

• Follow a diet rich in fatty acids. Fish, coconut oil and sesame seeds are great examples.
• Foods rich in phytoestrogens are highly recommended. For example soy, lentils, yams, etc.
• Increase the intake of beta carotene foods such as carrots.
• You must eat foods with isoflavones, to stimulate estrogen.
• Some isoflavones rich foods are soy, legumes, and cherries.
• Follow a 20-minute cardiovascular workout daily.
• Use natural moisturizing cream to eliminate dryness.
• While suffering from dryness, avoid wearing synthetic underwear.
• Wear breathable undergarments like cotton pants.
• Eat vitamin E and Vitamin A rich foods to improve vaginal secretion.

If you would like to learn more about how Ayurveda can help you with all kinds of feminine health issues, check out Mary Thompson’s Ayurvedic course below.

Please consult a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner before trying the above-mentioned remedies for vaginal dryness. 

References
1. Wysocki, Susan, et al. “Management of Vaginal Atrophy: Implications from the REVIVE Survey.” Advances in Pediatrics., U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2014, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4071759/.
2. “Estrogen: MedlinePlus Drug Information.” MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine, medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682922.html.
3. R.K. Sharma, Bhagwan Dash, Charaka Samhita Chikitsa Sthana, Chowkhamba Sanskrit series office, Varanasi, Ch-30, verse-32.
4. R.K. Sharma, Bhagwan Dash, Charaka Samhita Chikitsa Sthana, Chowkhamba Sanskrit series office, Varanasi, Ch-30, verse-41.
5. Sreeja, S, and V S Anju. “In Vitro Estrogenic Activities of Fenugreek Trigonella Foenum Graecum Seeds.” Advances in Pediatrics., U.S. NLM, June 2010, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20571172.
6. “Allantoin.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 17 May 2018, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allantoin.
7. Hidalgo, L A, et al. “The Effect of Red Clover Isoflavones on Menopausal Symptoms, Lipids and Vaginal Cytology in Menopausal Women: a Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study.” Advances in Pediatrics., U.S. National Library of Medicine, Nov. 2005, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16373244.
8. Viereck, V, et al. “Black Cohosh: Just Another Phytoestrogen?” Advances in Pediatrics., U.S. National Library of Medicine, July 2005, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15927480.
9. Carson, C. F., et al. “Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Oil: a Review of Antimicrobial and Other Medicinal Properties.” Advances in Pediatrics., U.S. NationaPowers, C N, and W N Setzer. “A Molecular Docking Study of Phytochemical Estrogen Mimics from Dietary Herbal Supplements.”
10. “Phytoestrogen Supplements to Aid Vaginal Dryness.” 34 Menopause Symptoms, 11 Aug. 2014, www.34-menopause-symptoms.com/vaginal-dryness/articles/phytoestrogen-supplements-to-aid-vaginal-dryness.htm.
11. Powers, C N, and W N Setzer. “A Molecular Docking Study of Phytochemical Estrogen Mimics from Dietary Herbal Supplements.” Advances in Pediatrics., U.S. NLM, 22 Mar. 2015, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25878948.