Paavo Airola - Let's Live - September 1975PrevNextIndex
Vaginitis
A Natural Approach
Vaginal infections and problems of various kinds have become a
major female disorder in recent years. Vaginal complaints have been
around a long time but only within recent years have the so called
infectious kinds sky-rocketed. Now virtually every woman experiences
multiple occurrences of the yeast-like growths that cause one or
all of these symptoms: intense itching, swollen and red vulva, a
burning sensation during urination, thick, white, curdy discharges
and patches in the vaginal area, and pain during intercourse (the
muscles contract to "protect" the "ailing" vagina and cause too
much tightness). Previously called Moniliasis or Trichornoniliasis,
or Thrush, it is now known, by doctors, as Candidiasis, from the
Candida organisms associated with it. There are many dozens of kinds
of these "Infections" and doctors have difficulty diagnosing specific
varieties, generally just referring to the collection of symptoms
as "vaginitis." Doctors are also fairly mystified about the cause
of the problems. A number of leads give one an idea of how to avoid
most of these vaginal afflictions, however. The nutritional approach,
even in this specific area, has been tried very successfully.
We will discuss the nutritional approach to vaginitis a little later in the article.
A Growing Problem
Up until recently, only diabetic and pregnant
women were subject to repeated vaginitis attacks. The acid-alkaline
balance of the vaginal fluid, the glycogen (sugar) content of the
vagina, and changes in the lining cells of the vagina during the
menstrual cycle are known to affect the susceptibility of individuals.
Candida normally exist all over the body - including the mouth,
intestines, and vagina - and are generally no problem.. A large
increase can occur through contact with an area that harbors
flourishing Candida - such as through improper wiping of the so
called infection.
Males can also harbor and even show symptoms of the so-called
infection. Generally, washing the genitals with soap and water will
end the problem, but the wearing of tight pants and underwear made
from synthetic fabrics will provide good chances for Candida to
proliferate again. Of course, the mere presence of Candida would
not cause the problems of vaginitis to occur. Several researchers
have advanced some probable causes of the special flourishing of
Candida and symptoms of vaginitis that accompany it.
The main
increase in vaginal "itching diseases" came at the same time that
antibiotics were introduced - which not only killed the so-called
harmful bacteria but also the beneficial ones, which play a decisive
role in keeping Candida population down. Pantyhose, tight pants,
and underwear made of synthetic fabrics or worn in several layers,
provide a warm; moist environment in which Candida multiply.
Actually, all tight underwear is biologically unsound.
The panty is a relatively
new innovation. Just a few generations ago and throughout history
women never wore underwear, which was a good practice since it
allowed good ventilation and kept this vital area of the body dry,
preventing infections. For this reason, I favor the no panty trend
among young women of today. Tampons have also been indicted as a
source of irritation and contamination as they do not allow a free
drainage of the vaginal fluid. Detergents, if not washed out of
underwear thoroughly, can irritate the skin, and in fact, almost
any kind of irritation can break down the resistance of the body
in that area. A hotly debated point among doctors is whether or not
the birth control pill causes vaginal infections by both the
deficiency of Vitamin B6 it induces and the chemical imbalances
of the vagina similar to pregnancy it can bring on. I, for one,
believe that the causative relation between the Pill and the vaginal
infections is well established. Now that the topic of vaginal
afflictions is no longer "taboo" there is a chance to find out
exactly what the causes, preventive measures, and remedies are.
Vitamin Remedies
One of the most effective remedies for vaginitis
is the intake of a large amount of all the B vitamins - about 100
mg. of B1, B2, and B6, and 200 mg. of B3, as well as pantothenic
acid and the rest of the complex, supplemented with B vitamin rich
foods such as brewer's yeast. Administration of the large doses
of B complex should not be for more than two months. Relief from
the itching sensations has been reported with the application of a
B6 salve directly. Vitamin B6 and pantothenic acid seem particularly
effective, since they stimulate the production of antibodies and
white blood cells. There are other vitamins which seem important
in the control of vaginitis. Vitamin C is well known for its ability
to render bacteria harmless and inhibit further growth, as well as
provide some kind of immunity to further infections when taken in
large doses. Vitamin C also aids the production and strengthens
the effectiveness of white corpuscles. A number of doctors and
individuals have found Vitamin C to be indispensable for stopping
any kind of infection. Vitamin E (as little as 200 I.U. for 3 days)
has a good healing effect (partially due to its protective effect
for Vitamin A) in remission of vaginal infections, especially the
inflammation and itching, according to some studies. Garlic,
incidentally, is another natural substance that should be used in
quantity for any kind of infection, including vaginitis and urethral
infections, both in male and female. Raw garlic is best, but even
garlic pills can be used. Vitamin A has been especially effective
in many cases, being vital to the health of the mucous membranes
(including the vagina). One study reported good results with 50,000
units per day," while Dr. Alan Nittler, of Santa Cruz, uses as much
as 100,000 units per day over a short period of time. Of course, a
complete nutritional program, an Optimum Diet, as described in my
book, How to Get Well, will strengthen the entire body against local
weakness, and is nearly as important as any specific aids. There
are other sources of relief besides nutrition and vitamins. Douches
are, of course, the oldest and most tested approach. Most recommended
is a douche of 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to one quart
of warm water, twice per day. Other variations include one
teaspoon of salt plus one teaspoon of 3% hydrogen peroxide in one
quart of water. When taking a douche, the tip should be inserted
and the vaginal opening well sealed with the hand so the water
fills, stretches, and cleans all parts of the vagina. A teaspoon
of lactic acid in two parts of water; chlorophyll (especially
wheatgrass juice) - a few tablespoons to a waterbag; and
douches of herbs - golden seal (1/2 to one
teaspoon) as well as bayberry, black willow, beth root, bilberries,
and slippery elm, are usually recommended as effective douches.
All of these herbs possess antiseptic effects and relieve the
inflammation. To prepare the herbs, add one ounce of cut or powdered
herbs to one pint of boiling water, steep for 15-20 minutes and
when infusion is lukewarm, place it in a douche bag.
Suppositories
Various suppositories have been used with success. One recommendation
is the insertion of a gentian violet suppository (a tampon is
suggested in conjunction, to prevent staining of clothes by the
dye). Most effective herbal suppositories use golden seal in a base
of cocoa butter (formed into a two-inch oblong on waxed paper and
allowed to cool in the refrigerator), but other herbs which seem
to help are squaw-vine, slippery elm, yellow dock, chickweed, black
cohosh, and mullein (usually a mixture). The insertion of the
suppositories should be done for several consecutive nights, with
douches during the day for greater, quicker effects. Dr. Stuart
Kabnick, of Philadelphia, developed a biologically effective vaginal
suppository called "cabasil" (available through health stores as
well as doctors). Cabasil also comes in oral tablets and oral and
douche powder forms as well. Many have found remarkable relief from
its use. Made famous by "women's lib" groups, yogurt, put into
the vagina (as well as taken orally), has relieved many. Its
bacteria are similar to those that keep Candida from multiplying.
Acidophilus works on the same principle, but is taken in tablet or
liquid form orally. Other reports tell of the oral use of golden
seal and the use of glycogen tablets.
Some doctors have found one
other thing effective in controlling
vaginitis: Staphage Phage Lysate, which they consider semi-natural
and about the best one
can offer in extreme cases. It is
also used for infected males. It
is administered in a dosage of
0.1 cc intradermally for at least
12 weeks and as long as 24
weeks. It works by increasing resistance to staphylococcus, which
usually are mixed with the Candida, and gives the body strong
resistance to further infections. A
reaction to the shots, ranging
from a fever to itching at the site
of the injection, can be expected
by some.
One other very common form
of vaginal irritation is herpes
simplex, which appears as small,
gray-white ulcerations at the vaginal opening. Temporary relief
might be found in direct application of aloe vera gel, Vitamin E,
or B6 salve, but the program is
generally the same as for yeast
infections. Administration of B
complex (especially B6) and large
doses of Vitamin C around the
clock produce speedy results.
The following herbs have also
been found effective in combatting herpes: golden seal, black
willow, and ground ivy. A good bathing of the area with
plain water a couple of times a
day is extremely important and
very effective in helping the body's
healing activity. One physician
also reported zinc oxide, witch hazel, and other natural remedies
effective. There are no drugs, not
even antibiotic drugs, that can
cure herpes simplex virus infections, since antibiotics
are ineffective on viruses. Therefore, the
above mentioned natural and biological remedies are the only
effective means to attack this problem. Also, keep in mind that
herpes infection is aggravated by
severe mental or physical stresses.
Conclusion
In conclusion, I wish to stress
the importance of building and
keeping the body's resistance at
the highest level. The basic premise of Biological Medicine is
that disease does not attack the
healthy body. Only when your
resistance is weakened does the
disease enter and take hold. This
applies even to such conditions
as vaginal infections. Often, various fruitarian, vegan, and other
popular diets, which are too alkaline because they leave out all
grains, create an alkaline condition in the bladder and vaginal
fluids. It is important, therefore, that your diet contain plenty of
acid-forming grains, beans, etc.
Bacteria and viruses do not thrive
in an acid medium. When the
bladder content is too alkaline,
fresh cranberries or cranberry
juice are extremely effective to
change the alkaline condition
into an acid one.
This article introduced to you
some of the natural and biological remedies available today for
the treatment of vaginal infections - a disorder which is becoming
more and more common. Much more research is needed
in this area and the final word
has not yet been spoken. Being a
nutritional guru for many ashrams
and other youth groups I have had
a great deal of exposure to this
female problem. I also have made
an intensive study of all the available natural treatments reported
in reliable herbal and biological
medical literature. The recommendations and conclusions in
this article are based on these
studies and experiences.
In trying some of these remedies, please keep in mind that
no remedy is perfect for all -
while one herb, vitamin, or douche
is effective for one, the other
herbs or vitamins may be effective
for another. By trying and experimenting
you may find the effective
therapies for you, suitable for
your personal needs. Needless to
say, your best bet would be for
you to find a good biologically
oriented doctor - and undertake the
discussed therapies and nutritional
and biological approaches with
his cooperation and supervision.
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