Herbal Remedies for Vaginal Dryness

Vaginal dryness can be symptomatic of an infection or foreign bacteria in the body, or can result when a woman has decreased levels of estrogen and progesterone. When the vagina doesn't have an adequate amount of lubrication it can be uncomfortable and painful, causing the area to become hyper irritable (itching and burning can also occur). In addition to topical creams, water-based lubricants and moisturizers (such as Replens and Lubrin), there are herbal remedies that can be employed to combat the condition.

Black Cohosh

• Black cohosh herbal supplements (sometimes referred to as rattleroot, rattletop, black snakeroot, bugbane and macrotys) come from a perennial plant and can be effective in alleviating menopausal symptoms such as vaginal dryness. Take in 20mg dosages two times per day.

Considerations

• Black cohosh is available in the form of capsules, tablets, liquid extract and tea and can be purchased from health food and specialty stores or via an online retailer.

Other Herbs

• Fennel, anise, parsley, vitamin C , Oregon grape root extract, Goldenseal, Boric acid, lavender extract, tea tree oil and St. John's Wort can be taken to ease vaginal discomfort and promote overall vaginal health; consult a health care practitioner to determine the appropriate regimen for you.

Comfrey Salve

• Products that contain allantoin, such as Comfrey salve, sooth the irritated tissues as well as encourage growth of new and healthy cells.

Isoflavones

• Consuming a diet rich in Isoflavones (a plant-based substance in soybeans and such products including tofu, edamame and soy milk) can be beneficial, as Isoflavones can thwart off symptoms of vaginal dryness, and its properties actually imitate the roll of estrogen.