Home Remedies for Bacterial Vaginosis ( BV )

Bacterial vaginosis is also referred as bv. It is a very common and mild vaginal infection mostly diagnosed in women. This infection is caused by the imbalance of the good and bad bacteria in the vagina which gives rise to the bad bacteria.

Few other causes of bacterial vaginosis are listed below:

• Usage of Antibiotics
• High Estrogen Levels
• Being Overweight

To treat bacterial vaginosis effectively it is important to understand the signs and symptoms of bv well. Then according to the condition one can proceed with the right treatment.

Here are the few symptoms of bacterial vaginosis:

• Vaginal discharge in grey, white or green color
• Thin watery vaginal discharge
• Foul fishy vaginal odor
• Irritation and Itching sensation
• Burning sensation while urinating

These symptoms can be easily treated by simple and natural home remedies for bv as recommended in this article. As these remedies are highly effective and inexpensive remedies which provide substantial relief in no time.

Home Remedies for the Bacterial Vaginosis

1. Yogurt Remedy

 Bacterial vaginosis can cause a lot of discomfort and to treat the infection one of the simplest home remedies for bv is using yogurt. This natural ingredient is highly beneficial as it contains lactobacillus acidophilus a good bacteria. This type of good bacteria helps in maintaining and re-establishing the balance of the pH levels which helps in reducing the discomfort at a great extent.

Ingredients:

• Plain Natural Yogurt- ½ Cup
• Tampon- 1 Nos

Directions:

1. Take ½ cup of yogurt and dip a tampon in the yogurt for a few seconds.
2. Then put the tampon in vagina.
3. Leave on the yogurt saturated tampon for 1 to 2 hours.
4. This process can be repeated twice a day as a simple and effective home remedy for bv.
5. Alternatively one can even intake 2 to 3 cups of plain yogurt throughout the day for healing bv.

2. Apple Cider Vinegar Remedy

One of the causes of bv infection is imbalance of pH levels and this indeed results in the outbreak of bacterial vaginosis. To treat this condition apple cider vinegar is one of the most recommended home remedies for bacterial vaginosis.

Apple cider vinegar being slightly acidic in nature is safe for restoring the pH balance in the vagina. In fact the acidity of apple cider vinegar makes its difficult for the bad bacteria to thrive in the body for longer time thus eliminating the symptoms of bv effectively.

Besides restoring the pH levels apple cider vinegar’s anti-bacterial properties even aids the body to heal faster and prevents flare up of the infection.

Ingredients:

• Apple Cider Vinegar- 2 Cups
• Water- For Bathing

 Directions:

1. Fill bathtub with warm water.
2. Then add in 2 cups of apple cider vinegar and stir the water well.
3. Later soak in the bath water for 20 minutes.
4. Then gently pat dry the affected area.
5. This home remedy for bv can be repeated twice a day until the condition is completely healed.

3. Garlic Remedy

 One of the most effective alternatives to strong antibiotics for treating bacterial vaginosis is Garlic.

Garlic contains potent antibiotic and anti-fungal properties which destroys the bad bacteria.

Ingredients:

• Garlic- 3 to 4 Nos
• Mortar and Pestle

Directions:

1. Take 3 to 4 garlic cloves and peel the skin.
2. Then crush the garlic in a mortar and pestle.
3. Later apply the crushed garlic on the affected area.
4. Leave on the application for 20 minutes.
5. Then rinse the application with lukewarm water and pat the skin dry.
6. This is one of the easiest and antibiotic home remedies for bacterial vaginosis which can be repeated daily once until the infection is cured completely.
7. Alternatively one can even increase the intake of garlic in their diet to treat the infection.

4. Coconut Oil Remedy

Coconut oil is known for its anti-bacterial, anti-viral and antifungal properties and this medicinal property is excellent for getting rid of the bacterial vaginosis. These properties of coconut oil make it the most preferred home remedy for bv.

Coconut oil is beneficial as it kills the infection causing bacteria to eliminate and prevents frequent occurrence of bacterial vaginosis.

Ingredients:

• Organic Coconut Oil- 1 to 2 tbsp.
• Tampon- 1 Nos

Directions:

1. Take tampon and soak it in organic coconut oil for few seconds.
2. Then take a coconut oil saturated tampon and insert it in the vagina.
3. Leave on the tampon for 2 to 3 hours.
4. Later rinse the affected area with lukewarm water and pat the skin dry with a towel.
5. This home remedy for bv can be repeated daily once until the symptoms improves.

{ Also Read: Coconut Oil for Yeast Infection}

Method 1: Tea Tree Oil and White Vinegar Remedy

Tea tree oil is a proven home remedy to treat the foul fishy odor and infection of bacterial vaginosis. This essential oil contains a strong minty smell which instantly helps to combat the foul odor. This oil contains potent anti-bacterial and antifungal properties which are beneficial in treating the itching sensation and other symptoms associated with bacterial vaginosis.

In this home remedy for bv combining tea tree oil with white vinegar helps in killing the bad bacteria effectively without disturbing the balance of good bacteria in the vagina.

Ingredients:

• Tea Tree Oil- 4 to 5 Drops
• White Vinegar- 3 Cups
• Water- For Bathing

Directions: 

1. Take 3 cups of white vinegar and add in 4 to 5 drops of tea tree oil.
2. Stir well and add the solution into the bath water.
3. Then soak in the warm water for 25 to 30 minutes.
4. This is one of the simplest and inexpensive home remedies for bacterial vaginosis which can be repeated once a day until the infection is completely cured.

Method 2: Tea Tree Oil Remedy

There is one more effective alternative home remedy for bv using tea tree oil. It is tea tree oil rinse which is equally beneficial in treating the infection and preventing the foul odor and eliminating the discharge.

Ingredients:

• Tea Tree Oil- 2 to 3 Drops
• Warm Water- ¼ Cup

Directions:

1. Take a small bowl and add in ¼ cup of warm water.
2. Then add 2 to 3 drops of tea tree essential oil into the warm water.
3. Stir well and store this solution in a container or bottle.
4. Use this solution to rinse the affected area.
5. This process can be repeated daily for 2 to 3 weeks to kill the bad bacteria and combat the foul odor faster.

5. Tea Bags Remedy

 Irritation and watery discharge are a few symptoms of bacterial vaginosis.

To treat these symptoms one of the most proven home remedies for bacterial vaginosis is tea bags.

Tea contains a compound called tannins. This compound is a potent antibiotic and astringent agent which helps to ease the irritation and eliminates the discharge caused by the infection.

 Ingredients:

• Tea Bag- 1 Nos
• Water- 1 Cup

Directions:

1. Take a cup of warm water and add in 1 tea bag.
2. Allow the tea bag to steep in the water for 10 to 14 minutes.
3. Later remove the tea bag and refrigerate the tea bag for 5 to 10 minutes.
4. Then remove the chilled tea bag from refrigerator.
5. Apply the chilled tea bag externally on the affected area.
6. This home remedy for bv must be repeated 3 o 4 times a day until the infection clears completely.

6. Olive Oil and Oregano Oil Remedy

 Treating bacterial vaginosis with natural remedies is one of the best alternatives to cure this infection faster. One such effective home remedy is using olive oil and oregano oil combination.

Oregano oil contains potent antibacterial and anti-fungal properties which is beneficial in treating bv and even prevent re-occurrence of the infection.

In this remedy olive oil is yet another effective treatment for curing bacterial infections.

 Ingredients:

• Oregano Oil- 3 Drops
• Olive Oil- 1 tbsp.

Directions:

1. Take a small bowl and add in 1 tbps of olive oil.
2. Then add 3 drops of oregano oil into olive oil and stir well.
3. Apply this oils mix on the affected area.
4. Leave on the application for 2 to 2 ½ hours.
5. Later rinse the application with lukewarm water and pat the skin dry.
6. This home remedy for bv can be repeated daily twice to cure bacterial vaginosis faster.
7. Alternatively one can add 3 drops of oregano oil in a glass of lukewarm water and intake it twice a day for treating bv.

{ Also Read:Home Remedies for Yeast Infection}

Method 1: Fenugreek Seeds Remedy

 Amongst various remedies fenugreek seeds are highly beneficial for the treatment of bacterial vaginosis.

Fenugreek seeds benefits in boosting the immune system which improves the pH levels in vagina and escalates the healing process of the body.

Ingredients:

• Fenugreek Seeds- 2 tbsp.
• Water- 1 Glass

Directions:

1. Take a glass of water and ad 2 tbsp of fenugreek into it.
2. Allow the fenugreek seeds to soak overnight.
3. Then the next morning discard the seeds and drink the fenugreek seeds soaked water on empty stomach.
4. This home remedy for bv can be repeated once daily until the symptoms of the bacterial vaginosis have completely healed.

Method 2: Fenugreek Seeds and Yogurt Remedy

Burning sensation and constant discomfort are a few common symptoms of bacterial vaginosis. To treat these symptoms of bv fenugreek seeds combined with yogurt is an excellent remedy.

Ingredients:

• Fenugreek Seeds- 2 tsp
• Plain Yogurt- 1 Cup
• Blender

Directions:

1. Take 1 tsp of fenugreek seeds and grind the seeds in a blender.
2. Blend until the fenugreek seeds forms a fine powder consistency.
3. Then add the fenugreek seeds powder into 1 cup of plain yogurt.
4. Mix well and eat this fenugreek seeds and yogurt mixture.
5. This is one of the easiest home remedies for bacterial vaginosis and must be repeated twice until the symptoms of bv have subsided.

7. Milk and Turmeric Remedy

Method 1: Milk and Turmeric Remedy

In treating bacterial vaginosis simple home remedies work excellently well to provide relief from the discomfort and irritation symptoms is a short span. One such home remedy for bv is milk and turmeric cure.

Milk contains lactobacilli bacteria a good bacteria type which is beneficial in treating bacterial vaginosis and strengthen the immune system to speed up the healing process.

Whereas turmeric in this remedy contains antifungal properties which further proves advantageous for healing the infection faster.

Ingredients:

• Milk- 1 Glass
• Turmeric Powder- 1 tsp

Directions:

1. Take 1 glass of milk in a saucepan and heat it until it reaches lukewarm temperature.
2. Then remove the milk from heat and add 1 tsp of turmeric powder into the milk.
3. Stir well until the turmeric powder is well dissolved in the milk.
4. Then drink this lukewarm turmeric infused milk.
5. This process can be repeated daily once for 3 to 4 weeks or until the bacterial vaginosis is completely healed.

Method 2: Milk Remedy

 Milk is yet another excellent cure for bacterial vaginosis.  Milk contains lactobacilli bacteria which are highly beneficial for treating infection and boosts the body’s immune system as well.

Ingredients:

• Milk- 2 tbsp.
• Tampon- 1 Nos

Directions: 

1. Take a tampon and dip tampon in milk for few seconds.
2. Then insert the milk saturated tampon in the vagina.
3. Leave the tampon in affected area for 2 hours.
4. Later remove the tampon and rinse the affected area with plain water.
5. This home remedy for bv must be repeated once daily until the infection is completely cured.

8. Calendula Remedy

To treat bacterial vaginosis at home one of the most effective herbal remedy is calendula herb. This herb contains potent anti-inflammatory properties which is beneficial for reducing the inflammation and irritation caused by the infection.

Ingredients:

• Calendula Leaves- 12 tsp
• Water- ½ Litre
• Clean Towel

Directions:

1. Take a saucepan and add ½ liter of water.
2. Then bring the water to a boil and add calendula leaves into the boiling water.
3. Allow the water to boil for 10 to 12 minutes so that the calendula leaves steep into the water well.
4. Later remove the calendula tea from heat and strain the leaves.
5. Allow the calendula tea to cool down to room temperature.
6. Then take a clean cloth and it in the calendula tea.
7. Use this calendula tea saturated cloth to douche the affected area.
8. This home remedy for bv can repeated 1 to 2 times a day to soothe the irritation and cure the infection faster.

9. Boric Acid Remedy

 Looking for the most helpful home remedies for bacterial vaginosis?

 Then this remedy using boric acid will be just the one for you.

Boric acid is mildly acidic and contains antiseptic properties which cleanses the bacteria from the body and aids in restoring the pH levels in the body for relieving the symptoms at the earliest.

Ingredients:

• Boric Acid- 500mg
• 0 Sized Gel Capsule- 1 Nos

Directions:

1. Take an empty gel capsule and fill it up with boric acid.
2. Then place the boric acid filled gel capsule into the vagina at night before going to sleep.
3. This home remedy for bv must be repeated once daily at night before going to sleep.
4. This process must be continued atleast for 2 weeks or until the infection is completely cured.

10. Chamomile Tea Remedy

 Inflammation, burning sensation and pain are a few symptoms of bacterial vaginosis.

To reduce the inflammation and soothe the infection one of the most effective home remedies for bacterial vaginosis is Chamomile tea remedy.

Chamomile contains potent anti-inflammatory properties which eases the pain and soothes the irritation substantially.

Ingredients:

• Chamomile Tea Bag- 1 Nos
• Water- 1 Cup

Directions:

1. Take 1 cup of water and bring it to boil.
2. Then remove the water from heat.
3. Later add chamomile tea bag in the hot water.
4. Allow the chamomile tea bag to steep in water for 2 to 3 minutes.
5. Then cool down the tea bag to room temperature.
6. Then place the chamomile tea bag in the vagina and allow the tea infusion to flow in the vaginal canal to soothe the inflammation.
7. This home remedy for bv must be repeated once or twice daily for two weeks or until the infection is completely healed.

11. Hydrogen Peroxide Remedy

 To treat bacterial vaginosis the first step is to eliminate the bad bacteria and for this hydrogen peroxide is an excellent natural disinfectant. This solution contains oxygen and water which makes it’s a safer alternative to destroy the infection causing bacteria.

Hydrogen peroxide is even beneficial for reducing inflammation, itching sensation and pain.

Ingredients:

• 3% Hydrogen Peroxide- 3 tsp
• Water- 3 tsp

Directions:

1. Take a bowl and add in 3 tsp of 3% hydrogen peroxide.
2. Then add 3 tsp of water into hydrogen peroxide and mix well.
3. Use this solution to wash the affected area.
4. Leave on the application for 10 minutes and then rinse again with plain water.
5. This home remedy for bv must be repeated twice a day for 1 week or until the symptoms of bv has subsided.

12. Cedar Oil and Salt Remedy

One of the best home cures from the symptoms of bacterial vaginosis such as redness, swelling and burning sensation is with cedar oil and salt bath.

Cedar oil contains potent anti-inflammatory properties, is known to provide relief in infections and irritations effectively. Whereas salt contains anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties which is also a great home remedy for bv.

Ingredients:

• Cedar Oil- 4 to 5 Drops
• Salt- 1 tbsp.
• Water- For Bathing

Directions:

1. Firstly fill the bath tub with hot water.
2. Then add in 1 tbsp. of salt and 4 to 5 drops of cedar oil.
3. Stir well and then relax hot water to which cedar oil and salt has been added for 15 to 20 minutes.
4. Later rinse the body with plain water.
5. This home remedy for bv can be repeated once daily for 2 weeks or until the symptoms of the infection has subsided.

13. Indian Lilac Remedy

Amongst several home remedies for bacterial vaginosis Indian lilac is one of the most effective remedy for fighting the infection.

Indian lilac is also known as neem which is known for its anti-bacterial properties to treat any kind of infection and skin disorders.

The leaves of Indian lilac contain potent antibacterial and antifungal properties. These properties benefits in reducing the inflammation, itching sensation and destroy the infection causing bacteria.

Ingredients:

• Indian Lilac Leaves- 1 Cup
• Water- ½ Cup
• Blender

Directions:

1. Take fresh Indian lilac leaves and add it into a blending jar.
2. Then add in required water into the blending jar.
3. Blend for 40 seconds to 1 minute or until the leaves and water form a paste like consistency.
4. Then apply the Indian lilac leaves paste on the affected area.
5. Later leave on the application for 60 minutes to 2 hours.
6. Then rinse off the application thoroughly with plain water.
7. This home remedy for bv must be repeated twice a day for 1 to 2 weeks for easing the symptoms of bacterial vaginosis naturally.

14. Aloe Vera Remedy

One of the most inexpensive home remedies for bacterial vaginosis is aloe vera remedy.

The soothing and the therapeutic properties of aloe vera gel are highly beneficial for easing the unbearable inflammation and itching sensation caused by bacterial vaginosis.

Ingredients: 

• Fresh Aloe Vera Leaf- 1 Nos
• Knife

Directions:

1. Take a fresh aloe vera leaf and wash the leaf thoroughly with plain water.
2. Then cut the aloe vera leaf length wise with the help of a knife.
3. Remove the fresh aloe vera gel from the leaf into a bowl.
4. Then apply the fresh aloe vera gel on the affected area.
5. This home remedy for bv must be repeated daily once for 1to 2 weeks or until the symptoms of the bacterial vaginosis is completely healed.
6. Alternatively one can even intake ½ glass of fresh aloe vera gel for treating and easing the symptoms of bv.

15. Black Walnut Remedy

 Looking for inexpensive home remedy for bv?

Then try this amazingly beneficial ingredient Black walnut for treating bacterial vaginosis.

Black walnut contains a potent antibacterial compound called juglone. Besides juglone compound in black walnut even posses antiseptic and anti-parasite properties which helps in killing the infection causing bacteria and curing the infection at the earliest.

Ingredients:

• Black Walnut Tincture- 3 to 4 Drops

Directions:

1. Take 2 to 3 drop of black walnut tincture on the finger tips.
2. Apply the black walnut tincture on the affected area.
3. Leave on the application to treat the infection.
4. This home remedy for bv must be repeated once a day until the infection has completely subsided.
5. Additionally intake of black walnut supplements will help to treat the bacterial vaginosis faster.

16. Echinacea Remedy

 Suffering from frequent bouts of bacterial vaginosis can be an underlying cause of low immunity levels.

To strengthen the immunity and prevent bacterial vaginosis one of the most powerful home remedy for bv is using the Echinacea herb.

This Echinacea herb is a powerful medicinal herb that contains potent immunity boosting properties which help the body to fight the infection naturally and suppresses the itching and pain sensation faster. This herb is even beneficial in reducing the risk of countering bacterial vaginosis again in near future.

Ingredients:

• Echinacea Tincture- 2 ml

Directions:

1. Take 2 ml of Echinacea tincture and intake it orally.
2. This home remedy for bv must be repeated 3 to 4 times a day for 2 to 3 days for treating the symptoms of bv.
3. In case if the symptoms don’t improve within 2 days it is recommended to increase the dosage from 2 ml to 3 ml for curing bv effectively.

17. Tracheal Tea Remedy

One of the easiest home remedies for bacterial vaginosis is detoxification.

Detoxification is an excellent alternative to flush out the harmful infection causing bacteria from the body. To treat and flush out the harmful toxins from the body tracheal tea is highly beneficial.

Tracheal herb aids in restoring the normal flow of the body’s internal fluids and even helps in getting rid of infectious bacteria from the body.

Ingredients:

• Dried Tracheal Herb- 1 tsp
• Water- 1 Cup
• Strainer

Directions:

1. Firstly bring 1 cup of water to a boil.
2. Then remove the water from heat and add in 1 tsp of dried tracheal herb.
3. Cover the cup with a lid and allow the tracheal to steep in water for 2 to 3 minutes.
4. Later strain the tea infusion.
5. Drink this tracheal tea before bedtime.
6. This home remedy for bv must be repeated before bedtime until the infection and its symptoms have subsided.
7. Alternatively one can use this tracheal herb tea infusion to wash the affected area to ease the irritation.

18. Golden Seal Remedy

 One of the most effective home remedies for bacterial vaginosis is using golden seal.

Golden seal extract contains several bioactive compounds called barbering and others which are known for its anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and immunity boosting properties.

These properties help in boosting the immune system and slowing down the infection causing bacteria in the body. Golden seal extract is even great for providing relief from the irritation and discomfort caused by bv.

Ingredients:

• Golden Seal 500 Milligram- 1 Capsule
• Water- 1 Glass

Directions: 

1. Intake 1- 500 milligram of golden seal capsule orally with 1 glass of water.
2. This home remedy for bv must be repeated twice a day for 1 week or until the symptoms of bacterial vaginosis is completely cured.

19. Cranberry Juice Remedy

Cranberries are considered the best superfood to treat infections and it’s a proven and effective home remedy for bv as well.

Cranberries contain proanthocyanidins which prevents the bacteria to attach to the cells in the body. The acidic content of the juice even destroys the harmful infection causing bacteria.

Ingredients:

• Cranberry Juice- 1 Glass

Directions:

1. Drink 1 glass of unsweetened cranberry juice.
2. This easy and inexpensive home remedy for bv must be repeated several times a day for 1 week or until the infection is completely cured.

So these were our top most recommended home remedies for BV. However there are a few more important tips and suggestions that could help you further in preventing and treating the infection.

 Important Tips for Preventing and Treating Bacterial Vaginosis:

• Increase the intake a vitamin C based citrus fruits for boosting the immune system and treating the symptoms of bv naturally.
• Avoid douching as it can disturb the balance of good and bad bacteria.
• Maintain good hygiene to prevent bacterial vaginosis.
• Omit sugar based foods from the diet as it can aggravate the symptoms of bv.
• Opt for cotton underwear and pants with loose fits instead of the synthetic one’s.
• Avoid using scented and harsh soaps on the affected area.
• Limit the intake of alcohol and avoid smoking to treat bv faster.

So try these natural and inexpensive home remedies for bacterial vaginosis to cure bv without any medication.

All the above mentioned remedies are completely safe without any side effects.

If in case the condition prolongs in spite of trying home remedies it is recommended to stop the home remedy and consult a specialist.

So, if you liked our home remedies for bacterial vaginosis do not forget to comment or drop in line to let us know which remedy worked the best for you.