Picture this: you’ve just been on a lovely date night with your significant other, and things begin heating up when you head home. It starts as a beautiful, romantic moment between the two of you, and you feel closer than ever… until you begin feeling that painful, tingling, burning sensation down under.
Sound familiar? If so, you’re not the only one.
Vaginal discomfort and burning during sex is an all too common issue that disrupts the life of many women, both physically and emotionally. It can be due to a number of reasons, such as infections, inflammations, or hormonal changes. Either way, it often leaves you feeling hopeless and seeking relief in any way you can.
Though professional medical guidance is imperative for severe cases, there is a world of natural herbal remedies that many women across cultures and centuries swear by. Read on to learn more about these herbs that may help ease discomfort and burning during sex.
Chamomile
Though this lovely little flower is known best for its use in calming teas, chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) has been found to be useful for women both outside and inside the bedroom. It is one of nature’s true multitaskers, working tirelessly to soothe both mind and body.
Chamomile earns its place on its list due to its anti-inflammatory and calming properties. By reducing inflammation and relaxing your body, it helps ease muscle tension that may cause burning during sex. In fact, one 2020 study found that postmenopausal women applying topical chamomile gel found relief from pain during intercourse.
As a result, chamomile is a go-to choice when soothing irritation or inflammation is the goal. Whether you prefer chamomile tea for internal relief or a topical application as a warm compress or sitz bath, its gentle nature is perfect for those with sensitive skin.
Clove
Like chamomile, clove (Syzygium aromaticum) is well known for other uses. This fragrant herb has been used in traditional medicine practices for centuries, but today you are more likely to find it as a natural, sweet-smelling ingredient in a candle or household cleaner.
Unbeknownst to many, clove is one of the most powerful antibacterial and antimicrobial herbs available to us today, which is why it is often an ingredient in household cleaners. Fortunately, it is just as effective on the body as it is on a countertop, though it is important that clove oil is diluted in a carrier oil or tincture.
Since burning during sex is often a result of uncomfortable afflictions such as yeast infections or urinary tract infections, clove oil can be a powerful ally in alleviating these conditions due to its antimicrobial properties. An older study confirms this, finding that clove oil has potential to ease the symptoms of vaginal issues.
Again, clove oil should not be applied directly to the body, so it’s important that you use the right carrier method (like this tincture) when ingesting or applying this herb.
Valerian
Sometimes, discomfort or burning during sex isn’t caused by bodily conditions, but by an uneasy mind that translates into tension in your body.
This is what makes valerian (Valeriana officinalis) a powerful herb for women experiencing pain in the bedroom. Valerian is like a cozy blanket for your nerves. When anxiety or tension manifests as vaginal tightness or discomfort, valerian supplements can help your mind and body relax. It’s also why valerian is such a popular option for those who have trouble getting to sleep at night.
Reduced stress levels, thanks to valerian, can indirectly lead to pain relief and an overall sense of well-being. For an ultimate de-stressing, try drinking a warm cup of valerian tea or adding a dash of our valerian tincture to your favorite drink.
Skullcap
Though its name sounds a bit scary, skullcap (Scutellaria laterifloria) is a lovely flowering plant in the mint family that would never strike fear in your heart. Instead, the herb gets its name from its flowers, which slightly resemble tiny medieval helmets, or skullcaps.
Skullcap is a powerful ally when alleviating burning during sex for two important reasons. First, it has powerful anti-inflammatory properties, which can help soothe inflammation related discomfort. Second, skullcap has a relaxing effect on the mind, helping soothe the nervous system, as found by this 2013 study.
This makes skullcap a hard-hitting herb in the bedroom, as it relaxes both your body and mind. If you’re interested in trying out this not-so-scary herb for yourself, check out the skullcap tincture in our shop.
White Willow
As beautiful as it is beneficial, the white willow tree (Salix alba) has helped women for hundreds of years. The oil yielded from this lovely, weeping tree packs a natural punch due to its salicylate content, which offers a pain relieving effect similar to aspirin.
Though white willow does not directly stop burning during sex and other types of discomfort, its pain relieving properties can help soothe pains associated with intercourse. It can also target deeper pains, as one study found that it had promising effects on patients experiencing musculoskeletal pain.
White willow should be applied topically or ingested via a tincture.
Conclusion
While herbs can offer significant support and care to your body, it is important to remember that any discomfort or pain during sex is not normal. If you feel uncomfortable, this is a good reason to stop. You should not endure discomfort, much less pain. We also advise you to consult your doctor to rule out the possibility of illness and find the appropriate treatment and herbal support.
Take care of yourself and prioritize open communication with your partner about your needs and boundaries. Remember, a healthy and enjoyable sex life is built on mutual consent, comfort, and pleasure. While herbs can be a valuable part of your wellness journey, they should complement, not replace, seeking medical advice when needed. Your well-being is paramount, both in and out of the bedroom.
