Vaginal odor can be really embarrassing to live with. A fishy vaginal odor is one of the most distressing things to encounter. It can be the result of a vaginal yeast infection or a host of other factors. Healthy vaginas are essential for overall well being apart from healthy births. Vaginal odor emanating from the private areas is an indication of a potential health issue. Vaginal odor impacts the health of women as well as their sexual wellness. Let’s see how vaginal odor is caused and what can be done to eliminate the foul smell.
Causes
Table of Contents
The causes of vaginal odor are still being researched. But according to doctors, many different things can trigger the smell. But in most cases, when the fishy vaginal odor is coupled with other symptoms such as discharge, burning, itching or irritation, there is cause for concern. When vaginal odor does not accompany such symptoms, it is unlikely that it is a serious problem. Here are the potential causes of a fishy foul smell from a vagina.
#1 Bacterial Vaginosis
This is the most common cause of vaginal smells. Bacterial vaginosis refers to an overgrowth in the bacteria found normally in the vagina. It has a massively high recurrence rate, impacting close to 30% of women in their reproductive years. It is also linked to miscarriage, preterm birth and increased chances of other STDs. One of the biggest symptoms of bacterial vaginosis is a fishy odor. Studies have been conducted to discover the links between diet, human macrobiotic composition and the status of health. The study found while researching vaginal microflora, that inflammation caused due to bacterial vaginosis has individual differences on account of bacterial imbalance. While the reason for the inflammation is still being studied, it appears frequent douching or unsafe intercourse places women at risk for this condition.
#2 Trichomoniasis
This is a common cause of vaginal odor as well. It is an STD or sexually transmitted infection. This is considered the most common non-viral STD across the world. It is caused by a parasite and the symptoms are chiefly the fishy smell, genital itching, vaginal discharge which smells foul and painful urination. While men can have this condition too, they generally manifest no symptoms. This disease affects pregnant women, causing them to be more at risk of delivering premature babies. If there is such an infection suspected, both partners need to be treated and ensure they have protected sex.
#3 Changes in Hormones
Vaginal odor can also be the result of vaginal secretions during menstruation and between ovulation. The next period may have more unpleasant odor than remaining parts of the cycle, according to research conducted by the University of California at Berkeley. Moreover, menopause can be a harmful cause of vaginal odor. This is because hormonal changes such as reduced estrogen levels at this stage cause vaginal tissue to become thinner and less acidic. Many women during menopause notice smelly, water-type discharge from the vagina and foul odor.
#4 Lack of Hygiene and Excessive Sweating
Poor hygiene is the cause of vaginal odor. Sweat in the groin can also lead to vaginal smells. Scientifically, the reason for this is as follows. The external or outer genitals have special glands. These are known as apocrine sweat glands and are found in the nipples, armpits, ear canals, eyelids and nostril wings. The glands secrete an oily fluid that undergoes bacterial metabolization, leading to a pungent, and foul smell. Wearing tight clothing or being overweight causes more of a problem. This is because sweat and bacteria may be trapped in the folds of the skin, or layers of the skin for those with excess weight.
#5 Absorbed or Retained Tampon
This problem is more common than you think. The tampon gets trapped in the vagina and causes infections like building up of menstrual blood, bacterial overgrowth, irritation, itching, and a bad-smelling discharge. If you find yourself facing such issues, be sure to visit a gynecologist who can safely remove the tampon for you.
#6 Diet Factors
Numerous foods can also lead to vaginal odors. One of the most common odors in the vaginal area come from consumption of asparagus, according to scientists. What you had for dinner can impact how your bodily crevices smell. Research has found strong smelling foods such as blue cheese, cabbage, pepper, onion, garlic, asparagus, fish plus broccoli have the most impact.
#7 Other Diseases
Cervical or vaginal cancer can also lead to the secretion of foul discharge and a fishy smell in private parts. A rectovaginal fistula is when the opening between the rectum and the vagina causes fecal matter to penetrate into the vagina leading to an infection.
Symptoms of Vaginal Smell
Photo by: Bruce Blausen/ CC BYThe vaginal odor comes with the fishy or metallic smell, itching in the vagina, burning sensations while urinating and foul-smelling discharge that is gray or green in color.
Prevention
For preventing vaginal odor, hygiene is a must. Douching should be avoided at all costs, and underwear should be thoroughly cleaned. Change tampons regularly and wipe your private parts after evacuation or origination. Reduce the intake of alcohol, sugar, and caffeinated drinks. Other essential methods include wearing cotton inner wear and ensuring sweating is eliminated, as proper air circulation takes place. Resistance against infections can be eased by going in for fresh fruits and green vegetables.
Pathological issues such as vaginal odor are generally associated with other symptoms such as burning, itching or irritation. Here are some important remedies for eliminating vaginal odor.
Remedies for Fishy Vaginal Odor
#1 Apple Cider Vinegar
On account of powerful antibacterial and antiseptic properties, apple cider vinegar has been one of the best means of getting rid of vaginal smells fast and naturally, especially if the cause is bacterial vaginosis or other diseases and infections. Bathing the vagina with apple cider vinegar is one of the simplest methods to ward off the odor. This fends off bacteria which lead to problems. It also helps in warding off the acidic quality of the vaginal flora.
How do you use apple cider vinegar to keep vaginal odor at bay? Just drink one glass of water mixed with 1-2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar. If you prefer a local method to actually ingesting this, here’s how you can go about it. Mix two cups of apple cider vinegar in your bathwater. Soak in this for 20 minutes before rinsing off the skin with cleaner water. Fast and ideal results come about as a result of this.
Drinking the apple cider vinegar is one way to access balanced pH levels in the body. Consuming apple cider vinegar serves to lower the bacterial growth in different parts of the body, including the vaginal area too.
Another way to get the diluted apple cider vinegar to coat your vagina using tampons requires insertion for a period of 30 minutes to one hour. Dilute the amount of apple cider vinegar with water using the solution to wash off the vagina.
This is one of the top ways to rid vaginal odor overnight and naturally. Apple cider vinegar contains antiseptic and antibacterial properties that fend off vaginal odors. Taking a bath with diluted apple cider vinegar can also fend off toxins and bacteria causing vaginal odor while restoring the vaginal flora’s acidic quality. It is also a potent antiviral besides killing off bacteria and lowering the pH levels in the vagina making it uninhabitable for bacteria. It can be used topically or consumed each day to treat the odor. It benefits in terms of treating yeast infections as well.
But before using apple cider vinegar, do check your sensitivity to it. If there is any burning or pain, do not use this remedy. If there are no sensitivities, wash the vaginal areas with warm diluted apple cider vinegar 2-3 times in a day. Women can also remove bacteria and toxins by removing bad odor. Apple cider vinegar also regulates the acidic quality of flora in the vagina. Apple cider vinegar can also be ingested daily to ward off bacterial growth and foul smells in the vagina.
#2 Probiotics
This is one of the best choices for keeping the gut healthy. Probiotics can do wonders for vaginal odor. Try miso, sauerkraut, kimchi, kefir, and yogurt. Probiotic yogurt, for instance, can ward off candida infection as it is rich in lactobacillus bacteria. Candida or yeast infection is a common cause of fishy odors. Additionally, the normal acidity levels of the vagina can be restored and the odor removed using probiotics.
#3 White Vinegar + Sea Salt
Odor-causing proteins can be broken down using white vinegar too. A white vinegar rinse is impactful when it comes to eliminating vaginal odors. White vinegar regulates pH levels in vaginal areas. White vinegar offers amazing home remedies for the odor in women. Mixing one-half cup of salts and white vinegar in bath water and soaking in the solution for 20 minutes is one way. Then, you should rinse off the lukewarm water. Repeat this treatment many times a week till bad odor is completely eliminated. Apple cider vinegar may be the top choice, but white vinegar is just as beneficial. White vinegar neutralizes the odors by breaking down the proteins and a white vinegar bath eliminates the odor and restores acidity levels in the vagina.
Close to half a cup of white vinegar and sea salt many times in lukewarm bath water many times a day may work best. White vinegar removes odor naturally and breaks down odor proteins in the vagina. White vinegar also serves to restore the pH balance of the vagina and treats the odor arising from a disturbance in acidity alkaline balance.
Soaking in white vinegar reduces vaginal odor post 1-2 days. Use this remedy to get rid of vaginal odor in one week.
#4 Tea Tree Oil
Source: Amazon.comTea tree oil contains strong antiseptic properties and is a potent anti-fungal agent. These means of getting rid of bacteria contributes to problems of vaginal discomfort and odor. Tea tree oil is well-known for antimicrobial properties and can be used for eliminating odor based bacteria from the vagina. Create a vaginal wash using tea tree oil up to 6 drops into an 8-ounce cup of water. This can be used to wash the vagina every day after a shower. This can ward off vaginal odor in just a few days. All you need to do is add a few drops of water and witch hazel to it and dilute the wash before applying it. Tea tree oil is anti-microbial and works to disinfect the vaginal odor. Mix it with olive oil too and dilute it before applying on the vagina. Olive oil is another strong antibacterial agent.
Add up to one tablespoon of olive oil and 3 to 4 drops of tea tree essential oil and mix it. Then apply the oil in the vaginal walls. Leave it for 30 minutes and then rinse and pat dry. The tampon can also be soaked in the oil for some minutes and inserted into the vagina for half an hour before rinsing with water. Add some drops of tea tree oil and water also and use this as a vaginal wash post a shower each day.
Tea tree oil is a potent antifungal and antiseptic agent. It gets rid of bacteria that cause vaginal odor.
#5 Garlic
Garlic is known for not just its pungent smell, but also its antimicrobial and anti-fungal features. It is a potent antibiotic that works as a remedy for vaginal infections and vaginal odor. The anti-fungal proprieties garlic is rich it can fend off a yeast infection, ridding the vagina of bad bacteria. Just use garlic in raw or cooked form, in your everyday diet. It is available as a capsule in health food stores. Try raw garlic cloves on an empty stomach with a warm glass of water.
Garlic is an antimicrobial. It contains a compound known as Allicin that fends off bacteria. If the bacterial vaginosis causes the odor, garlic can be used as an effective treatment. It can be eaten raw or even applied topically as a garlic paste.
Garlic is a natural antibiotic and deals with vaginal odor known to be caused by infections. The antibacterial features of garlic cause bad bacterial growth to end and treat yeast infection. Garlic can be one of the most amazing home remedies for vaginal odor. You need to add garlic cloves to the diet. Alternatively, the garlic cloves can be crushed into a paste and applied for one to two hours before rinsing off. Repeating this remedy 2-3 times in a week obtains the best result. Here’s how you need to go about it. Take three to four peeled garlic clove and grind these into the paste. The paste needs to be applied and left on for 2 hours. Rinsing with water and patting dry is the next step.
#6 Change Your Diet, Eat Fresh Fruits and Veggies
Organic, fresh whole fruits and veggies are the key to a healthy body and a healthy vagina. This is because these fruits and veggies contain a lot of vitamins and minerals. Vitamin C, for example, found in citrus fruits, strawberries, kiwi, guava, red and green peppers boosts the immune system. Leafy greens should be had in vast quantities. This can help with circulation and ward off vaginal dryness. Plenty of kale, spinach, cabbage, salad, collards, Swiss chard, and other leafy green veggies should find their way into your salads and smoothies. The avocado, for example, also boosts vaginal well being and helps with sexual wellness and libido levels. The avocado stimulates potassium and vitamin B6 supporting healthy vaginal walls, lowering infections and fending off bacterial growth.
Similarly, citrus fruits are effective in fighting off infection and preventing vaginal odor. Citrus fruits are rich in vitamin C that boosts the immune system and erases toxins from the body. Strong immune systems play a critical role in fending off harmful bacteria leading to vaginal odor. Eating citrus fruits also helps in fending off UTIs. Effective home remedies for vaginal odor include citrus fruits because these are rich in vitamin C, antioxidants and inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria within the vagina. Eating citrus fruits helps in reducing vaginal odor. Fruits like pineapple are extremely beneficial for boosting vaginal health. Consuming pineapples such as in raw form or juices can ward off vaginal odor. Drink up to one to two glasses of pineapple juices every day.
#7 Nuts and Seeds
With a lot of vitamin E, seeds and nuts are useful for warding off vaginal dryness and itching. Zinc-enriched pumpkin seeds are extremely beneficial. Pumpkin seeds can, therefore, be used to treat itching, vaginal dryness, bacterial growth, and vaginal odor. Other nuts such as walnuts, flaxseeds, sunflower seeds, and hazelnut can ward off hormonal imbalance, cure vaginal dryness and regulate the menstrual cycles.
Take 4 almonds and soak these with water for 4 hours. These almonds need to be peeled and put along with 2 hazelnuts into a blender. Spin it and pour the milk into the cup and add one tablespoon of flax-seed powder into the milk. This can stir well and then be consumed. The combination of nuts and milk are effective in enhancing bone health, boosting the functioning of the brain, enhancing immunity and removing oxygen radicals. Adding nuts to daily nutrition helps to ward off vaginal dryness as this is rich in vitamin E. Check out almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts, and sunflower seeds. Almonds are also rich in zinc. This helps to regulate the menstrual cycle, lower itching and counter other symptoms of vaginal dryness that cause bacterial odor and growth. Ground flax-seed is rich in omega 3 fatty acids and phytoestrogens. This boosts vaginal lubrication through heightened estrogen levels.
#8 Stay Hydrated
Another sure-fire remedy for eliminating vaginal odor is the use of water. Mucous vaginal membrane needs water to function well so that the body remains well hydrated. This lubricates the vaginal naturally, which diminishes vaginal smells. If you stay hydrated, flush out the bacteria from different parts of the body. This includes the vagina. An ideal amount for women is 1.8 liters or around 0.5 gallons of water in a day. Women who live in tropical regions or are overweight need to drink even more water.
#9 Neem Bark Extract
Source: Amazon.comAnother great choice is neem bark, which is an anti-fungal, antibacterial and antiviral herbal remedy. This supports balanced intestinal flora and fends off infections such as candida. In vitro studies have shown that neem is excellent for combating infections such as herpes, chlamydia, and gonorrhea in many women who took this herb in oil extract tablet form. Increased antibody production and many neem forms initiate the immune response of WBCs unleashing them and killing the bacteria.
This is one of the amazing herbal remedies for vaginal odor. Neem contains antibacterial and antifungal properties that reduce vaginal infections and consequently, vaginal odors. Here’s how you can use neem topically to ward off foul smells. Add neem leaves in boiling water. Boil these for some minutes and then strain and let it cool. This treatment can be used for rinsing vaginal areas a few times a week.
This can be done daily until the bad smell completely disappears. If there is foul-smelling discharge from the vagina, neem leaves are the right cures.
#10 Yogurt
Much like other probiotics discussed earlier, yogurt is one of the best natural cures for dealing with vaginal odor. Yogurt, as mentioned before, is rich in lactobacillus bacteria. This is one of the major trigger factors of vaginal odor namely candida infection. Restoring the normal pH balance of the vagina, it eliminates vaginal odor problems. Yogurt can also be soaked in a tampon and inserted into the body. It needs to remain there for 2 to 3 hours. Once the tampon has been removed, clean water should be used to rinse the area completely. Probiotics like yogurt can be really effective when applied topically. Yogurt is a great remedy for vaginal odor as it keeps the vagina infection-free and healthy. Yogurt needs to be eaten each day to clear the vaginal infection. Yogurt can also be applied to gain relief from vaginal odor after even a single use.
Opt for plain yogurt and read the label before the purchase. Be sure to check for yogurt with live cultures that can regulate vaginal pH levels and prevent candida infections. The vaginal pH levels should be balanced. Use unsweetened yogurt topically or ingest the same to improve the immune system and treat vaginal odors. Insert some plain yogurt or consume it for best results.
#11 Cranberry Juice
Cranberry is effective in treating different urinary tract infections. It is also anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial. This is why cranberry is an excellent cure for vaginal odors and can also prevent bacterial growth. To treat vaginal odor, cranberry can also be put in a blender and juiced. However, those with IBS or GI disorders should not consume its pulp. Cranberry juice is acidic in nature, maintaining pH levels that discourage the growth of bacteria. Drinking undiluted cranberry juice can eliminate vaginal odor too.
#12 Amla/Indian Gooseberry
Indian gooseberry can eliminate vaginal odor in the same way that other citrus rich fruits do. Chew on an amla piece or drink Indian gooseberry juice daily to ward off vaginal odor. This is an amazing home remedy for vaginal odor. Indian gooseberry works as an organic cleanser and natural blood purification agent. Indian gooseberry can also ward off infections that cause a terrible odor. Indian gooseberry can be used to cure thick vaginal discharge as well. Eating Indian gooseberry every day is good for vaginal health. You can even try gooseberry supplements.
#13 Fenugreek
This herb offers powerful healing for women’s health. Consuming fenugreek on a regular basis can regulate menstruation cycles and balancing hormones. For treating this odor, fenugreek tea needs to be consumed. Adding a teaspoon of fenugreek seeds into water and straining the tea and drinking it daily is one way. But fenugreek can exacerbate skin irritation or GI disturbances. If that is the case, avoid this remedy.
#14 Turmeric Milk
Antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric have been known across the centuries. Eastern medicine systems have also talked about the powerful benefits of turmeric for curing diseases. Vaginal odor is one problem turmeric can ward off. Mix one glass of warm milk and one teaspoon of turmeric powder and consume it before going to bed.
Turmeric is an amazing home remedy for vaginal odor. It contains antioxidant properties as well. Consumption of turmeric can rid the bacterial infestation and enhances immune system functioning. Turmeric can be used in the following way as a wash too. Wash and peel the root of a turmeric and add it to water. Then, the water will be boiled for some minutes. The water should then be used to wash the vagina. Treatment should be used until the foul odor disappears completely.
#15 Baking Soda
There are several ways to get rid of the odor. Baking soda is one of them. It can be used to balance pH in the body so vaginal odor will dissipate. Baking soda is a natural deodorizer. Add half a cup of baking soda to water and soak in it for 20 minutes. Then you need to thoroughly rinse and dry the body before putting clothes on. Make sure moisture does not remain in the groin area. The vagina is naturally acidic and when the pH level goes haywire, it faces infection and leads to the production of vaginal odor. Baking soda can enable the vaginal odor to be eliminated by balancing pH levels in the body. Problems like endometriosis can lead to vaginal odor. If one wants to learn effective ways to combat this, baking soda is the right choice.
As baking soda is alkaline, it neutralizes the acids and restores the acidity level of the vagina. The baking soda can protect vaginal health, keeping your vagina odor-free and clean. You can also apply diluted baking soda on to your vaginal area and rinse with regular water. Then, you need to pat dry with a clean towel.
For those who prefer ingestion to topical methods, mix half a tablespoon of baking soda in a glass of water and drink it to get rid of vaginal odor quickly. Baking soda offers immediate relief from vaginal odor. Sodium bicarb or baking soda can remedy pH imbalance and encourage bacterial growth to be eliminated.
#16 Lavender Essential Oil
Apart from suppressing the vaginal odor with its natural aroma, lavender essential oil also cures bacterial vaginosis. It has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that cure itchiness and kill the bacteria. In a single glass of water, add a tablespoon of witch hazel and 10 lavender essential oil drops. Mix and use this as a vaginal wash after which you can take a shower. Repeated daily usage is a long-term cure for bacterial problems. Lavender essential oil uplifts the mood and is a fragrant oil. Additionally, it relieves vaginal irritation and itching that are associated with vaginal odor in the event of an infection. You can also add a single drop of mint oil and 2 drops of lavender oil into the bath water and relax in this bath for around 10 minutes. Another way is to dissolve lavender and mint oil in a single liter of water. Then soak a cotton ball with the solution and apply it to the vagina. Before applying this, refrigerate the solution for better results for a few minutes.
#17 Chlorophyll
Another great remedy for vaginal odor is chlorophyll. Try the tablets or liquid chlorophyll for best results. This acts as a potent deodorant and relieves unpleasant strong odor from the vagina. Dilute one tablespoon of chlorophyll in 8 ounces of water and drink it. Consult your doctor before opting for chlorophyll treatment though. You can also try the liquid form. Chlorophyll is also a great cure for halitosis. But chlorophyll does have side effects like turning the tongue black and stool or urine green.
If you decide to opt for chlorophyll tablets, take one twice a day to rid your body of vaginal odor. Go in for chlorophyll as even one use reduces the odor considerably. Take the treatment for one week to get the best results.
#18 Hydrogen Peroxide
Source: Amazon.comCleansing the vagina with hydrogen peroxide that is 3% diluted is another way to cure vaginal odors. The 3% diluted hydrogen peroxide creates a hostile environment for bacteria and disinfects the vaginal cavity. Hydrogen peroxide has also been helpful for curing genital warts. It is a multipurpose chemical that treats vaginal odor, especially when it is induced by bacterial vaginosis. It essentially kills bacteria in the vagina because it is a natural disinfectant. For the treatment, 3% hydrogen peroxide needs to be diluted in equal quantities of water, in a ratio of 1:1. Soaking a tampon in this, insert it and leave it within the vaginal area for 30 minutes. Then cleanse the area with regular water and pat dry. Repeat this treatment 2-3 times in a week until the foul odor is completely eliminated. Another way is to soak a cotton ball in the solution and swab it on the vaginal walls. Keep it on for 10 minutes and then rinse with water. Use the solution twice daily to get rid of vaginal odor in a week.
#19 Skip Silk, Stick to Cotton
Satin and silk inner wear is not the right choice, for the simple reason that these trap sweat and discharges in the clothing. Give up on silk underwear and opt for breathable cotton instead. Change underwear every 12 hours. Don’t let bacteria grow and trigger the problem of vaginal odor.
#20 Boric Acid
Source: Amazon.comBoric acid is necessary for preventing bacterial growth and controlling acidic pH in the vagina. This remedy also wards off bacterial vaginosis as it is antiseptic too. How do you use this remedy to ward off a vaginal odor? Quite simply, add the boric acid into capsules made of gelatin. Then, store this in an air-tight container and keep it in the dry place. Insert this capsule into the vagina and leave it on for 12 hours overnight. In the morning, remove the capsule and cleanse the area using regular water. Boric acid is efficient in solving this problem. Use it two times a week for best results. However, bear in mind that boric acid should never be swallowed directly. Women expecting a child should also avoid using this remedy. Read the label carefully before using boric acid and ensure that you keep it away from children.
Boric acid encased in gelatin is also a great preventive measure to ward off bacterial vaginosis.
#21 Homemade Capsules Enriched with Herbs
Getting rid of vaginal odor is easy with homemade herbal capsules. Vaginal odor is caused by imbalanced bacteria levels in the vaginal area. The good bacteria or lactobacilli often fall in numbers resulting in increased pH levels. Increased pH levels result in the overgrowth of anaerobic bacteria in the vagina, causing itching. One of the best herbal capsules for this involves reducing the bacterial vaginosis and eliminating a foul odor. For this, take gelatin capsules, 1 part myrrh gum powder, 2 part goldenseal powder, 1 part comfrey root powder and slippery elm bark powder, 1 part of yellow dock root powder and echinacea root powder. Parts of these herbal powders should be taken by weight, only. Mixing all the powders of the herb, 00 gelatin capsules should then be filled with this. The 00 size gelatin capsule can hold over 730+ mg of powder. Around 5 such capsules need to be filled with one teaspoon of the herbal powder mixture. Once the herbal capsules are prepared, they need to be safely and properly stored. Take around two capsules 3 times in a day, averaging around six capsules in one day. Take these herbal capsules for 1-2 weeks till there is a considerable improvement.
#22 Alum
Alum or aluminum potassium sulfate is good for cleaning tanks or working as an aftershave ointment. But the combination of water and alum can eliminate harmful bacteria, and alum can also prevent bacteria growth. Here are the most effective remedies to use alum as a home remedy for vaginal odor. You need to add half a teaspoon of alum into a single glass of water and consume this twice a day. Another effective cure is to apply alum infused water as a vaginal wash and rinse it off.
A sulfate of aluminum, alum is also effective for managing body odor, caused due to excessive sweating. For fending off vaginal odor, the astringent and antiseptic properties or alum are a great factor for preventing bacterial overgrowth and foul smell in the vaginal area. Mix about a quarter teaspoon of alum powder with water in a tumbler and use alum sticks for application in the affected area. Rinse it off after thorough application. Alum is one of the most effective ways to cure vaginal odor naturally, better than drugs, medicines or pills.
#23 Vitamin C Rich Foods
Source: Amazon.comWhile research remains divided on whether vitamin C can eliminate odor, the findings have proved beyond doubt that causes of odor such as yeast infection need to be relieved. Additionally, thanks to potent antioxidant properties, vitamin C enhances the immune system and helps the body to fend off bacterial growth. While consuming vitamin C, opt for the tablets, supplements or even citrus fruits.
#24 Leaves of Guava Tree
Guava leaves are rich in antimicrobial properties. These are the perfect home remedy for vaginal odor. Guava leaves are also potent antioxidants, besides being rich in tannin, antibacterial, and anti-proactive properties. These leaves are crushed and applied as a poultice for treating injuries and preventing microbial infections. Guava leaves can be used to treat foul vaginal odor really effectively.
For using this remedy, take 4-5 guava leaves and one liter of water. Toss the leaves into the water and boil these. Consume this solution before breakfast each day. This treatment needs to be repeated every alternative day for 2 weeks for the best results.
#25 Rose Hip with Vitamin C
Rose-hip is a seed of the rose plant loaded with vitamin C. It is one of the most amazing remedies for vaginal odor by combining the potent effects of both. Vitamin C acts as a powerful booster of the immunity and removes harmful toxins from the human body. If the foul odor is caused by bacterial vaginosis, this combination of rose hip and vitamin C tablet gives a considerable improvement. If one is vulnerable to bacterial vaginosis, the treatment should be repeated at least for 2 months to prevent infection recurrence. For treating the odor, infuse a tampon with rose hip and vitamin C and insert it into the body. Keep this on for about 30 minutes and then remove it and rinse off the affected area with regular water. Try this daily to remove foul vaginal smells.
#26 Betel Leaves
Betel leaves are one of the most effective home remedies for the vaginal odor in women. Betel leaves contain astringent and antibacterial properties. Crush some betel leaves and add these into a pan with water. Boil it for some minutes and let it cool down until the room temperature is reached. Soak a tampon in the water and leaf solution and apply it in the vagina for around 15 minutes. Then, remove and rinse off the skin of the vaginal wall with lukewarm water.
#26 Change Clothes After Exercising
A sweaty groin or crotch can leave a feeling that is unpleasant. Don’t hang out in sweaty clothes. This is a real breeding ground for bacteria. Wash your groin area and dry it before putting fresh clothes on.
#27 Lose The Weight if Needed
While it may seem irrelevant, additional weight can cause extra sweating even in the vaginal area. As noted, this extra moisture causes bacterial formation, which in turn causes vaginal odor. Go in for a healthy lifestyle through clean eating and regular exercise to make a big difference in the sweat produced.
#28 Avoid Douching
Another strict no-no is douching. The bodies were designed to take care of most issues. While douching, healthy bacteria in the vagina can be needed to help prevent infection. Douche products contain plenty of chemicals that lead to toxic build-up in the human body.
#29 Avoid Perfumes and Sprays
These can lead to irritation and even allergic reaction. The human body is not able to break down chemical coming through the skin. Because of the thin nature of the vaginal walls, chemicals reach the bloodstream. Vaginas cleanse themselves naturally, so interference with the process causes bigger problems for a person.
#30 Give Certain Foods a Wide Berth
Numerous foods impact the pH levels of the human body, increasing inflammation and growth of bacteria. Candida is a common infection that becomes inflamed when you consume sugar-rich food items. This is because yeast thrives in a sugary environment. Foods to avoid when vaginal odors and infections are in place include wheat products, alcohol, and sugar. Avoid sugar-rich and processed foods and eat plenty of organic veggies and fruits.