Uses of Aloe Vera for a Dry Vagina
Vaginal dryness is a common and irritating problem, especially among women who are experiencing menopause symptoms. While there are some medicinal ointments and lubrication options, you might prefer using more natural substances such as aloe vera. According to Women's Health Specialists, applying aloe vera gel to the dry or inflamed skin around the vaginal area can be helpful in alleviating the dryness 24.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
Direcly Applied Aloe
Aloe vera gel, says Women's Health Specialists, can help to alleviate dryness 24. Break a piece of the aloe plant off and use a knife to cut through the outer layer of "skin" on the plant. Take the gel from inside the skin and apply it directly to the dry or inflamed parts of the vagina.
With Saffron and Winter Cherry
What Are the Health Benefits of Honeysuckle?
Learn More
Per Home Remedies For You, an alternative health website, a popular natural beauty site, taking aloe vera internally along with saffron and winter cherry can increase vaginal lubrication 2. Mix aloe along with the saffron and winter cherry in a glass of milk and drink it before bedtime.
Aloe with Slippery Elm Powder
Educators at Power-surge.com, a popular women's menopause and education site, recommends mixing aloe vera gel with slippery elm powder to not only moisten vaginal tissues, but to soothe inflammation and itchiness 4. Users should mix enough of the powder into the aloe vera to make a viscous paste, and apply inside the lips of the vaginal area as well as in the vagina. The results are reported to be very soothing. The Feminist Women's Health Center also recommends this treatment 1.
Aloe to Treat Genital Herpes
What Are the Causes of Postmenopausal Spotting?
Learn More
According to Health Library, aloe vera showed as effective in a double blind study to soothe genital herpes and help clear the herpes sores more quickly 2. The study found that cream made from aloe was more effective than when taken directly from the plant in gel form.
Related Articles
References
- Feminist Women's Health Center: Menopause
- Health Library: Aloe
- Power-Surge.com: Midlife Sexuality, Relationships / Vaginal Dryness
- Women's Health Specialists: Menopause
- Treatment for Dry Vagina: How do you relieve constant vaginal dryness?
- Dat, A.; Poon, F.; Pham, K. et al. Aloe vera for treating acute and chronic wounds. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2012 Feb 15;(2):CD008762. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD008762.pub2.
- Haddad, P.; Amouzgar-Hashemi, F.; Samsami, S. et al. Aloe Vera for Prevention of Radiation-Induced Dermatitis: a Self-Controlled Clinical Trial. Curr Oncol. 2013 Aug;20(4):e345-8. DOI: 10.3747/co.20.1356.
- Heggie, S.; Bryant, G.; Tripcony, L. et al. A Phase III Study on the Efficacy of Topical Aloe Vera Gel on Irradiated Breast Tissue. Cancer Nurs. 2002;25(6):442-51.
- Langmead, L.; Feakins, R.; Goldthorpe, S.et al. Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Trial of Oral Aloe Vera Gel for Active Ulcerative Colitis. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2004;19(7):739-47. DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2036.2004.01902.x.
- Paulsen, E.; Korsholm, L.; and Brandrup, F. Double-blind, Placebo-Controlled Study of a Commercial Aloe Vera Gel in the Treatment of Slight to Moderate Psoriasis Vulgaris. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2005:19(3):326-31. DOI: 10.1111/j.1468-3083.2004.01186.x.
- Suksomboon, N.; Poolsup, N.; Punthanitisarn, S. et al. Effect of Aloe vera on glycaemic control in prediabetes and type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta‐analysis. J Clin Pharm Ther. 2016;41(2):180-8. DOI: 10.1111/jcpt.12382
- Zhang, Y.; Liu, W.; Liu, D. et al. Efficacy of Aloe Vera Supplementation on Prediabetes and Early Non-Treated Diabetic Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Nutrients. 2016 Jul; 8(7): 388. DOI: 10.3390/nu8070388.
Writer Bio
Kristen Douglas has been writing since 1984 and editing since 1996. She has contributed to "Independent News," "Folio Weekly" and numerous private blogs, with experience covering topics such as home and garden, education, marketing, mental health and cooking/food. Douglas has certification in information processing from Metro Business College and a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Columbia College.