Herbs for Vaginal Health

It is common practice among herbologists to prescribe herbs for the support of vaginal and reproductive health. Acknowledged by the University of Maryland Medical Center as a "time-honored approach to strengthening the body," it is important to remember that herbs are powerful medicines, and they can cause negative side effects if you are already taking medication 1. Consult your doctor before taking herbs to ensure a beneficial experience.

Red Raspberry

Red raspberry is often an ingredient in supplements intended to alleviate vaginal dryness and overall health. Herbologists do prescribe red raspberry to support the health of your uterus as well. Red raspberry is a common folk remedy for women post-partum to restore balance and health to the reproductive organs.

Black Cohosh

Black Cohosh is an estogenic herb used to treat women's reproductive health. Often prescribed to relieve vaginal dryness caused by menopause, black cohosh is not to be confused with blue cohosh, which has different uses. Originally used in Native American folk remedies, black cohosh is also used to treat premenstrual symptoms and menstrual cramps. The University of Maryland notes that the herb's effectiveness has not been clinically tested beyond 6 months of use 1.

Pau d'arco & Tea Tree Oil

Pau d'arco and tea tree oil are recommended by the University of Maryland's Medical Center as antifungal herbs that can be effective to treat and prevent yeast infections 1. Pau d'arco is a bark that should be boiled to prepare a tea. To prepare the tea, use 2 tbs. bark to 1 quart of water and drink 3 to 6 cups per day. Tea tree oil should not be ingested. Instead, tea tree oil can be used to prepare a douche or topical ointment.