We all go through changes at some point in our lives. As we age, it comes with multiple changes to how we look, think, and behave. But today, we discuss one of the physical changes that all women go through – vaginal dryness.
If you're a woman in her post-menopausal era, vaginal dryness is expected, as two-thirds of women in this age go through the same. For women in their early forties, it’s not so common. However, what's not normal is women who are pretty younger experiencing vaginal dryness.
Regardless of the age and time it happens, vaginal dryness is never a good experience. That’s because it can lead to itching and a burning sensation. It also leads to overly frequent urination and painful sex.
Luckily, there are ways to combat this experience, including adding specific beneficial herbs to your diet. Read on as we take a look at various herbs for vaginal dryness and other ways to handle this experience.
What Causes Vaginal Dryness?
Before we move on to listing the herbs for vaginal dryness, do you know what causes this condition? There are certain conditions associated with vaginal dryness. For instance, vaginal atrophy is the most common of these conditions.
Vaginal atrophy simply refers to a series of changes to the vaginal wall. These changes include thinning, drying, and inflammation, often leading to painful sex and a distressed urinary tract. However, these changes don't happen on their own. Instead, they're brought about by a drop in estrogen levels.
This could be a result of hormone therapy, some contraceptives, or gaming. Other causes of vaginal dryness include allergies and medications that reduce the body's moisture content.
So, what are the relevant herbs for vaginal dryness? How do they benefit you? Let’s find out.
Black Cohosh
As a member of the buttercup family, this herb is well-known as a perennial plant common in North America. It’s also known as an herb used for night sweating, hot flashes, and some menopausal symptoms.
Few researches have been conducted on this herb. However, it’s still added to the diet of women looking to handle vaginal dryness as well as irritations.
Due to the low level of research, the standard dosage of black cohosh isn’t available. However, from the studies gathered, a range of 8 to 16 milligrams has been adopted. You must take care to seek medical advice regardless.
Kudzu
For centuries, kudzu has been common in Asian regions such as China, Korea, and Japan. Fast forward to the present day, and you can find this root growing in the United States as well. Characterized by its white flesh, tan skin, and oblong shape, it’s known for its trailing vine that grows around trees.
There are valuable benefits associated with Kudzu roots, and one of them is that it helps to reduce inflammation. Kudzu roots also contain phytoestrogens that act similarly to estrogens in the body. These roots make it easier for the body to adapt to a drop in estrogen levels.
Kudzu roots can be made into a tea or consumed like other tubers, such as potatoes. Even the vine tips, flower blossoms, and leaves of kudzu are safe for consumption.
Dong Quai
This herb for vaginal dryness goes by many names: Dong gui, tang-kui, Radix Angelica sinensis, and even Chinese angelica root. However, due to it being helpful to women after menstruation and pregnancy, it’s also called the female ginseng. Regardless of the name, chances are that you’ve already heard of this herb before.
Dong quai is most useful as a means of therapeutic remedy as it helps to relieve pain caused by vaginal dryness. Other benefits include a boost to the blood circulatory system, enrichment of the blood, boost to the immune system and bowel relaxation.
It's used mainly by women during or after their menopausal period and helps to reduce inflammation. As for consumption, the dong quai can be ingested in its raw form, as a pill, as a powder mixed with boiling water, and even in the form of an injection.
Soy
It seems a lot of herbs for vaginal dryness have their origin in Asia, and soy is no different. Also called soybean, this plant is rich in protein and often used as a substitute for meat and dairy in many diets. Moving on, the soy herb is also beneficial for the isoflavone supplements it contains.
As earlier stated, vaginal dryness is associated with a drop in estrogen levels. But instead of hormone replacement therapy, women can add soy to their diet to help replenish this hormone. That's because soybean contains isoflavone supplements that act similarly to estrogens in the body.
As for consumption, soybean comes in green, yellow, and black colored soybeans. You can also add soy milk and cheese to your diet. There are also isoflavone supplement powders derived from soy.
Agnus castus
Finally, on our list of herbs for vaginal dryness is the Vitex Agnus castus. Also known as monk’s pepper or chaste berry, the Agnus castus is widely adopted by many as herbal supplements. It’s also an herb popular amongst women for dealing with menopause and menopausal symptoms.
One of the significant benefits of Agnus castus is the role it plays in aiding hormone regulation. When ingested, the herb helps reduce the production of prolactin. That, in turn, constitutes hormonal balance leading to increased secretion of other hormones, including estrogen and progesterone.
It also possesses antifungal and antibacterial effects. Vitex Agnus castus can be taken as a supplement with a recommended dosage of 20mg.
Other Tips for Dealing with Vaginal Dryness
There are other ways to prevent and deal with vaginal dryness. These include:
- Avoiding performed products that cause irritations to the vagina
- Quitting smoking to prevent a drop in estrogen levels
- Maintaining an active sexual lifestyle to increase blood circulation to the genitals.
- Regular exercise to maintain physical well-being and hormonal balance
- Proper hydration to prevent vaginal atrophy and dryness
No one ever wants to experience vaginal dryness. But when it does happen, it's essential to take the necessary steps to deal with it. That includes knowing the best herbs for vaginal dryness, their benefits, and the different modes of consumption to aid proper use. All these herbs are available in our herbal supplements for women store.
Conclusion
No one ever wants to experience vaginal dryness. But when it does happen, it's essential to take the necessary steps to deal with it. That includes knowing the best herbs for vaginal dryness, their benefits, and the different modes of consumption to aid proper use.