Douching is not recommended because the harsh chemicals can irritate and create imbalances in the vagina. But natural douches like an aromatic hydrosol douche can be healing and soothing. Even natural douches should not be carried out regularly.
To Douche or Not to Douche?
Today, medical experts will tell you; no, do not douche! Yet conventional douching products are still selling like hot cakes. Why?
We now know that the vagina is naturally equipped to clean itself. This is why I personally do not recommend douching. If you have any suspicious discharge or foul odor coming out of your vagina, please consult your doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
Douching is harmful because it disrupts the normal balance of your vagina. What’s worse, conventional douches actually contain harsh and toxic substance that can irritate the delicate membranes in the vagina and throw off the natural pH balance. Conventional douches can actually CAUSE vaginal infections and irritation.
Although douching is not necessary in most cases, the only type of douching that I recommend is douching with natural ingredients like homemade kefir or yogurt. Another great natural remedy to use as a douche is hydrosols!
Who Needs to Douche?
There are situations where douching can be helpful. If you have normal vaginal health, you do not need a douche. Those who may be helped with natural douching include:
- Recurrent vaginal infections
- Itchiness
- Burning sensation
- Irritation and discomfort
- Malodor
- And others
Hydrosols for Feminine Health
So what are hydrosols? And how can they help with feminine health?
Hydrosols are sterile, pure liquids that are created as a by-product of the essential oil distillation process. They are highly aromatic and they are filled with healing properties. Some of these healing compounds include:
- Anti-inflammatories: The anti-inflammatory compounds in hydrosols can help quell swelling, inflammation and redness in the vagina.
- Aromatic compounds: Some conditions such as candida and vaginosis can create malodors (foul smells) which can be nullified by the highly aromatic scents of hydrosols.
- Cooling & Soothing properties: Itchiness, rash and heat within the vagina can be soothed and relieved by the cooling tendencies in hydrosols
- Antibacterial, antiviral and antimicrobial: Hydrosols are rich in antibacterial, antiviral and antimicrobial compounds, which can fight harmful bacteria that cause itchiness and infections in the vagina.
- Disinfectant: One of the best ways to avoid eye infections is to cleanse it out with hydrosols. Hydrosols have natural disinfectant properties that can help prevent infections.
- Suitable pH level: Hydrosols are slightly acidic by nature, agreeing with the natural pH of the vagina which is also slightly acidic. This will ensure that the natural pH of the vagina is undisturbed.
What Hydrosols are Good for Douching?
The great thing about hydrosols is that they do not need to be diluted before using. Unlike essential oils, hydrosols are completely safe, gentle and mild enough to be used in the delicate region.
Some of the most popular hydrosols that are good for douching include:
Lavender hydrosol
Rose hydrosol
Rosemary hydrosol
Neroli hydrosol
Tea tree hydrosol
Note: For conditions like fibroids, endometriosis and painful periods, helichrysum hydrosol is helpful.
Homemade Hydrosol Douche Instructions
What you need:
- Douche bulb and syringe
- ½ cup of lavender hydrosol
Method:
- Get your hydrosol of choice (lavender and rose are great options) and carefully fill it in the bulb of your clean douche bag.
- Now fit on the syringe and insert it into the vagina.
- Squeeze the bulb and spray the hydrosol slowly. ‘Douche’ means to spray or soak, so by squeezing slowly, you’ll be able to do both.
- Repeat this process as many times as needed, once or twice a day.
Note:
Remember, douching must not be done too frequently, as it will upset the natural balance of your vagina. Consult your doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.
