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"WARNING SIGN Not only is douching unnecessary, it can be dangerous. douching can irritate the delicate vaginal tissues.The possible results: ¦ The vagina is left open to infection, such as sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV. ¦ An infection can be caused by disrupting the natural balance of organisms in the vagina. ¦ Germs can be pushed up into the reproductive organs, leading to serious infections and infertility. ¦ . Regardless of the amount, most vaginal discharge is normal. But unusual changes in its consistency and smell sometimes signal trouble." - Joan Liebmann-Smith, Ph. D., and Jacqueline Nardi Egan, Body Signs: From Warning Signs to False Alarms...How to Be Your Own Diagnostic Detective (Get the book.)

"Intercourse without condoms: sperm alkalinizes the vagina, which depletes lactobacilli. 2. douching, which also depletes lactobacilli. 3. The absence of the kind of lactobacilli that produce peroxide. Broad-spectrum antibiotics can also eliminate healthy vaginal lactobacilli.6 Bacterial vaginosis may be merely an acute or episodic condition, may become persistent, or may resolve itself spontaneously. Diagnostic Criteria Three of the following criteria must be present to confirm a diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis. 1. A thin, frothy, gray, odorous discharge 2. Vaginal pH greater than 4." - Tori Hudson, N.D., Women's Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine: Alternative Therapies and Integrative Medicine for Total Health and Wellness (Get the book.)

"Vaginal douching, stress and antibiotic use increase the risk of developing bacterial vaginosis. Treatment of bacterial vaginosis with antibiotics decreases the incidence of preterm labor, according to preliminary studies. Probiotics may be a safe alternative to antibiotics for treatment and they may even prevent bacterial vaginosis. Evidence suggests that Lactobacillus plays an important role in maintaining the health of the urinary and reproductive tract. In 2006, a research study was initiated at Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto to investigate the effects of Lactobacilli in preterm labor." - Allison Tannis, Probiotic Rescue: How You can use Probiotics to Fight Cholesterol, Cancer, Superbugs, Digestive Complaints and More (Get the book.)

"It might be the right time to try nasal irrigation (sometimes called nasal douching). Don't be frightened, it's simple, say holistic physicians who recommend it. It will cleanse sinus passages, soothe inflammation and reduce congestion. In your kitchen or bathroom: 1 Make a solution mixing one-half teaspoon of salt and one-half cup of warm water in a small paper cup. 2 Bend the lip of the cup to make a small spout. 3 Tilt your head back and to the right, then slowly pour the salt water into your left nostril. The water will flow out of your right nostril, down the back of your throat." - Bottom Line Books, Uncommon Cures For Everyday Ailments (Get the book.)

"However, some activities or behaviors can upset the normal balance of bacteria in the vagina, including douching, using an intrauterine device (IUD) for contraception, and having a new sexual partner or multiple sexual partners. It is important to treat BV because it can increase a woman's risk for pelvic inflammatory disease, increase her susceptibility for contracting other diseases, and cause problems during pregnancy. Pregnant women with BV more often have babies who are born premature or with low birth weight. If you suspect you have BV, you should see your doctor." - Tom Bohager, Everything You Need to Know About Enzymes to Treat Everything from Digestive Problems and Allergies to Migraines and Arthritis (Get the book.)

"The reasons for these differences are not clear but may be due to less condom use in Hispanic women and increased douching in African-American women. The alterations in vaginal immune response and vaginal microflora associated with BV leave women more susceptible to other infections, including HIV and gonorrhea.13-16 Women with BV are also more likely to shed HIV, and therefore BV may increase the transmission of HIV.17 There are some potential consequences of untreated or undertreated BV." - Tori Hudson, N.D., Women's Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine: Alternative Therapies and Integrative Medicine for Total Health and Wellness (Get the book.) "One study found that douching within the previous two months was associated with a 70 percent increase in PID.4 Diagnosis of PID starts with a combination of a good medical history and physical exam. The medical history should include a thorough sexual history. Symptoms include but are not limited to vaginal discharge, fever, chills, urinary symptoms, heavy menstrual bleeding, intermenstrual bleeding, and lower abdominal/pelvic pain. A PREVENTION KEY CONCEPTS • Use barrier methods of contraception. • Avoid illicit drugs and cigarettes, and limit alcohol." - Tori Hudson, N.D., Women's Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine: Alternative Therapies and Integrative Medicine for Total Health and Wellness (Get the book.)

"This can be done three or four times a day along with douching with a stronger solution of water and apple cider vinegar. This way, the pH of the urinary tract and vagina become slightly acid, killing the yeast. To effectively control Candida, a person must also be careful with their diet. All foods and drinks containing sugar, or carbohydrates that convert to sugar in the body, must be avoided. In addition, a high-grade probiotic such as acidophilus should be taken two or three times per day for a period of time, thereby repopulating the colon with a healthy colony of friendly flora." - Ron Garner, Conscious Health: A Complete Guide to Wellness Through Natural Means (Get the book.)

"Try douching with 2 capsules of garlic or with 1 cup of fresh garlic juice added to a quart of warm water. Alternate this treatment with acidophilus douches: Open 2 acidophilus capsules and add them to either 1 quart of warm water or to 1 cup of plain yogurt. The garlic fights infection while the acidophilus helps to restore normal flora and acid balance. Q Avoid taking iron supplements until the inflammation subsides. Infectious bacteria require iron for growth." - Phyllis A. Balch, CNC, Prescription for Nutritional Healing, 4th Edition: A Practical A-to-Z Reference to Drug-Free Remedies Using Vitamins, Minerals, Herbs & Food Supplements (Get the book.)

"Whde douching with water, yogurt or apple cider vinegar is a common folk remedy for vaginitis, Dr. Hudson cautions against douching with anything if you have an infection. "Douching can actuady force bacteria farther up into the vagina and can aggravate the condition," she says. To prevent recurring vaginal infections, get into the habit of rinsing the perineal area (located between your anus and vaginal opening) after urinating or having a bowel movement, says Agatha Thrash, M.D." - Bill Gottlieb, New Choices in Natural Healing: Over 1,800 of the Best Self-Help Remedies from the World of Alternative Medicine (Get the book.)

"One to two pints (500-1,000 ml) are usually enough for each douching session. Echinacea is also known to improve immune function (page 255) in humans.8 In order to increase resistance against infection, many doctors recommend oral use of the tincture or alcohol-preserved fresh juice of echinacea (1 teaspoon (5 ml) three or more times per day)—during all types of infection—to improve resistance. Are there any side effects or interactions? Refer to the individual herb for information about any side effects or interactions." - Alan R. Gaby, M.D., Jonathan V. Wright, M.D., Forrest Batz, Pharm.D. Rick Chester, RPh., N.D., DipLAc. George Constantine, R.Ph., Ph.D. Linnea D. Thompson, Pharm.D., N.D., The Natural Pharmacy: Complete A-Z Reference to Natural Treatments for Common Health Conditions (Get the book.) "Several commercial douching products contain boric acid. The antiseptic activity of boric acid is also used in commercial "artificial tears" and eyewash products. Boric acid also has antiviral activity. Topical application of diluted boric acid, in the form of sodium borate ointment, has been found to shorten the duration of cold sores (page 119) in a double-blind trial.2 The duration of cold sores was approximately four days in the group receiving boric acid, compared with six days in the placebo group. Where is it found?" - Alan R. Gaby, M.D., Jonathan V. Wright, M.D., Forrest Batz, Pharm.D. Rick Chester, RPh., N.D., DipLAc. George Constantine, R.Ph., Ph.D. Linnea D. Thompson, Pharm.D., N.D., The Natural Pharmacy: Complete A-Z Reference to Natural Treatments for Common Health Conditions (Get the book.)

"Avoid douching, as this appears to reduce fertility. Q Do not take any drugs except those prescribed by your physician. Inform your physician if you are attempting to have a baby. He/she will be able to advise you if your medications may inhibit conception or may be dangerous for the fetus. Q Do not smoke, and avoid being around cigarette smoke. Q A balanced diet is important. Do not consume animal fats, fried foods, sugar, or junk foods. Do eat pumpkin seeds, bee pollen, or royal jelly. Caution: Bee pollen may cause an allergic reaction in some people." - Phyllis A. Balch, CNC, Prescription for Nutritional Healing, 4th Edition: A Practical A-to-Z Reference to Drug-Free Remedies Using Vitamins, Minerals, Herbs & Food Supplements (Get the book.) "It can cause bleeding between menstrual periods, bleeding after intercourse or douching, unusual discharge, painful menstrual periods, and heavy periods. Detection and Diagnosis The presence of abnormal cells can be detected by a Pap test, followed up with a biopsy. Women should begin having annual pelvic exams and Pap tests when sexual activity begins, or at age eighteen (after three or more normal exams, your doctor may recommend decreasing the frequency of the exams unless you have had dysplasia or are at increased risk for other reasons). Screening for HPV is a method of early detection." - Phyllis A. Balch, CNC, Prescription for Nutritional Healing, 4th Edition: A Practical A-to-Z Reference to Drug-Free Remedies Using Vitamins, Minerals, Herbs & Food Supplements (Get the book.) "Vaginitis may be caused by bacterial or fungal infection, vitamin B deficiency, or irritation from excessive douching or the use of such products as deodorant sprays. Infectious vaginitis is often caused by trichomonas, gonococci, or other sexually transmitted organisms. Other factors, such as poor hygiene and tight, nonporous clothing, may contribute to the problem. Pregnancy, diabetes, and the use of antibiotics disturb the body's natural balance, creating an environment in which infectious organisms can thrive. Oral contraceptives also can produce vaginal inflammation." - Phyllis A. Balch, CNC, Prescription for Nutritional Healing, 4th Edition: A Practical A-to-Z Reference to Drug-Free Remedies Using Vitamins, Minerals, Herbs & Food Supplements (Get the book.)

"In vitro research supports the effectiveness of propolis, cayenne, clove, and bergamot oil against a number of Candida species.79 Other in vitro evidence showed bergamot oil alone and in combination with boric acid to be effective against Candida species, suggesting a potential role for topical treatment of Candida infections.80 Powdered herbal mixes of myrrh, echinacea, usnea, goldenseal, marshmallow, geranium, yarrow, and calendula are often used by herbalists and naturopathic physicians." - Tori Hudson, N.D., Women's Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine: Alternative Therapies and Integrative Medicine for Total Health and Wellness (Get the book.)

"Garlic may be added to douching solutions or may be wrapped in gauze and placed as a tampon/suppository for most forms of infectious vaginitis.64"68 Hydrastis canadensis and Berberis vulgaris Goldenseal and Oregon grape contain berberine, which has a significant effect against many bacteria. Berberine enhances immune function when taken internally as a tea and offers symptomatic local relief when used in douching solutions, as it is soothing to inflamed mucous membranes69"72 (for further discussion, see Ch. 91)." - Michael T. Murray, ND, Textbook of Natural Medicine 2nd Edition Volume 2 (Get the book.)

"Don't douche. douching can actually be a dangerous way to deal with vaginal discharge, says David Eschenbach, M.D., professor and chief of the Division of Gynecology at the University of Washington School of Medicine in Seattle. douching can drive infectious material or the douche preservatives up through the cervix into the uterus or change the bacteria in the vagina and cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), he says. Let your powder take a powder. Though it may feel good, using talcum powder or cornstarch to dry up a discharge is also ill advised, Dr. Eschenbach says." - the Editors of PREVENTION Magazine Health Books, Symptoms: Their Causes & Cures : How to Understand and Treat 265 Health Concerns (Get the book.)

"Take pau d'arco (taheebo) tea douche (see Chapter Nineteen for dose instructions), which is useful for yeast, trichomonas, and gardinerella (see douching instructions below). • Take a goldenseal tea douche (3 or 4 teaspoons of powder per 1 cup of water). Mix the tea in 1 quart of warm water. This may be helpful for infectious vaginitis (see douching instructions below). • Take echinacea orally (one or two capsules three times a day). Other immune-strengthening herbs may also be used orally (s|e the herbal combination formulas at the end of Chapter Nineteen)." - Ralph Golan, M.D., Optimal Wellness (Get the book.)

"I know that some gynecologists frown on douching because it can upset the vaginal balance or possibly spread infection into the uterus. Nevertheless, I've never heard of this being a problem. If you douche, do it right: Make sure that the spray is not too forceful by suspending the bag no higher than shoulder level. Also, remember to use a douche only to treat an occasional infection, not as a daily freshener. By now, you must be wondering which herbs are best for douching." - Kathi Keville, Herbs for Health and Healing (Get the book.)

"Bag the douche and powder. douching not only won't help to relieve itching or vaginitis, it may be dangerous, says David Esch-enbach, M.D., professor and chief of the Division of Gynecology at the University of Washington School of Medicine in Seattle. douching may drive infectious material up through the cervix and cause pelvic inflammatory disease, he says. The use of talcum powder or cornstarch is questionable, too, Dr. Eschenbach says. Over time, the tiny particles may collect near the ovaries and increase ovarian cancer risk." - the Editors of PREVENTION Magazine Health Books, Symptoms: Their Causes & Cures : How to Understand and Treat 265 Health Concerns (Get the book.)

"In most conditions for which douching is indicated, it is advisable to use the tea undiluted, three times daily, for a number of days, using appropriate herbal remedies internally at the same time. If, however, a three- to seven-day course of douching (along with internal remedies) does not noticeably improve symptoms of vaginal infection, see a qualified practitioner for a diagnosis. Enemas Enemas and douches have both been used as official preparations. Here is an official formulation for an enema." - David Hoffman, FNIMH, AHG, Medical Herbalism: The Science Principles and Practices Of Herbal Medicine (Get the book.)

"For women Potassium sorbate cream suppositories, and douching with Pau D'Arco tea helps. Use a hot iron on underwear to kill yeast. North Pole magnetic field on head and stomach. Read Candida diet books by Dr. Orion Truss, and Dr. William Crook. •CANKER SORES/Cold Sores A cankerous aphthous ulcer is a white sore with a red swollen edge, inside the mucous membranes of the mouth, lips and cheeks; can be an orange papilloma rubbed raw on a sharp tooth or dental work." - Joseph E. Mario, Anti-Aging Manual: The Encyclopedia of Natural Health (Get the book.)

"Hudson cautions against douching with anything if you have an infection. "Douching can actuady force bacteria farther up into the vagina and can aggravate the condition," she says. To prevent recurring vaginal infections, get into the habit of rinsing the perineal area (located between your anus and vaginal opening) after urinating or having a bowel movement, says Agatha Thrash, M.D., a medical pathologist and co-founder and co-director of Uchee Pines Institute, a natural healing center in Seale, Alabama. Keep a quart-size cup or jar near the toilet." - Bill Gottlieb, New Choices in Natural Healing: Over 1,800 of the Best Self-Help Remedies from the World of Alternative Medicine (Get the book.)

"It's usually caused by bacteria, which enter the vagina during sexual intercourse, while douching, during childbirth or abortions, or through certain medical procedures. The bacteria that cause PID are often the same as those that cause gonorrhea and chlamydia. They move up the vagina to the cervix, uterus, and fallopian tubes, and sometimes into the ovaries. The symptoms of PID may include fever, abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding, foul-smelling vaginal discharge, nausea, and vomiting." - Frederic Vagnini, M.D. and Barry Fox, Ph.D., The Side Effects Bible: The Dietary Solution to Unwanted Side Effects of Common Medications (Get the book.)

"If you choose the latter, remember to discontinue douching as soon as your infection subsides.) Use this type of douche only when you have vaginitis. douching is not necessary or appropriate for routine feminine hygiene. It raises the risk of pelvic inflammatory disease, a serious infection of the reproductive organs. CALENDULA (CALENDULA OFFICINALIS). The flowers of calendula have a long history as a treatment for inflammation. Certain compounds in the herb have demonstrated some antibacterial activity, especially against staphylococcus." - James A. Duke, Ph.D., The Green Pharmacy Anti-Aging Prescriptions: Herbs, Foods, and Natural Formulas to Keep You Young (Get the book.)

"Indications, Dosages, Side Effects, and Risks The Commission E monograph of 1984 states that chamomile is indicated for "inflammations of the skin and mucous membranes and bacterial diseases involving the skin, oral cavity, or gums; also inflammatory diseases and irritations of the respiratory tract (administered by inhalation) and diseases of the anogenital region (administered by bathing or douching)." - volker schulz and Rudolf Hansel, Rational Phytotherapy: A Reference Guide for Physicians and Pharmacists (Get the book.)

"Opera singers were great users nominally for their throats, but in fact because of the enhanced performance that followed gargling or douching or spraying with liquid containing the drug. By 1890, it was generally known in the demi-monde that the drug improved sexual functions in both genders and that cocaine was one of the few authentic aphrodisiacs which heightened both sexual performance and its savored experience; cocaine also compensated for lack of self-confidence. But, as with alcohol, the dose had to be appropriate." - Henry Hobhouse, Seeds of Change: Six Plants That Transformed Mankind (Get the book.)

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