Leucorrhoea (Leukorrhea)

A white, yellowish, or greenish-white viscid discharge from the vagina resulting from inflammation or congestion of the uterine or vaginal mucous membrane. In other words, we can define it as excessive normal vaginal discharge. To confirm whether this discharge is normal or infectious, laboratory tests and clinical investigations are necessary. Normal vaginal discharge differs from white discharge. The degree of this vaginal discharge differs considerably among various women.

Causes: 

Trichomonal vaginitis, Monilial vaginitis, Cervicitis. The excessive secretion occurs due to Physiologic excess, Cervical Leucorrhea, and Vaginal cause (Vaginal leucorrhea).

Physiologic excess: When the estrogen level is high, the normal secretion gets increased. The conditions are as follows:

• During puberty: Due to increased levels of endogenous estrogen, marked overgrowth of the endocervical epithelium occurs, which may encroach onto the ectocervix producing congenital ectopy (Erosion).
• During Menstrual Cycle: Around ovulation, when estrogen levels are at peak, the secretory activity of the cervical glands increases. Premenstrual pelvic congestion and increased mucus secretion from the hypertrophied endometrial glands.
• During sexual excitement: When there is abundant secretion from the Bartholin’s Glands.

Non-infective cervical lesions may be responsible for producing excessive secretion which pours out at the vulva. Such types of lesions are cervical ectopy, chronic cervicitis, mucous polyp, and ectropion (Cervical glands are exposed to the vagina).

Vaginal Cause: Increased vaginal transudation occurs in conditions associated with increased pelvic congestion. The conditions are uterine prolapse, acquired retroverted uterus, chronic pelvic inflammation, 'pill' use, and vaginal adenosis. Ill health or weak immunity are important factors for leucorrhea.

Women who use the pill may have to stop this temporarily.

Local hygiene has to be mentioned.

Increase in estrogen level, infection, stress, poor hygienic condition, and local infection, if irritation persists at the intrauterine contraceptive device.

A fungus much like yeast can be the cause of the infection of the vaginal tract leading to Leucorrhea. Unhygienic conditions give rise to Bacterial infection. Repeated abortions or miscarriages, weak immunity, If during Menses the hygiene is not maintained properly, then the infection can occur, and then it may be the cause of Leucorrhea.

Symptoms:

White and sticky discharge from the vagina sometimes discharges with a foul smell, abdominal pain, backache, pain in hands, feet, and thigh calf muscle and the lumbar region, irritation and itching in the genital area, weakness, and burning sensation in the genital tract.

Herbs To Treat Leucorrhea

• Saraca indica (Ashok chhal): Saraca indica, a powerful uterine tonic, acts directly on the musculature of the uterus. Antimicrobial activity: Extract of Saraca asoca bark tested for antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli. All the extracts other than aqueous extract showed antimicrobial activity with the methanol extract having the highest percentage of activity. Useful to treat Leucorrhea.
• Lodhra (Symplocos racemosus): Acts on the uterine mucous membrane as a mild astringent and exerts a soothing anodyne action. It also arrests abnormal secretions so that the Leucorrhoea gets controlled. It regulates hormones and enhances folliculogenesis.
• Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha): Widely used in the Ayurvedic system of medicine to treat inflammation. Chemical investigation of the roots and leaves of this plant has yielded bioactive withanolides. Withanolides suppress NF-κB activation induced by a variety of inflammatory agents. Withanolide sulfoxide is another active compound of this plant that inhibits COX-2 expression. It has adaptogenic properties and efficacy to relieve stress-related problems, thus helping to relieve Leucorrhea.
• Amomum subulatum (Badi elaichi): It has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant effects.
• Quercus infectoria (Majufal): The galls of the plant possess therapeutic activities, with particular efficacy against inflammatory diseases. Oral administration of extract from the plant has been reported to significantly inhibit prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). It has astringent activity also.
• Curcuma longa (Haridra): It inhibits the Cox & Lox pathway, hence acts as an anti-inflammatory & analgesic. It also acts as an antioxidant.
• Shatavari: Contains Phytoestrogen. Studies suggest that plant estrogen supplementation offers a potent alternative to hormone replacement therapy in correcting hormonal imbalances.

Natural Home Remedies

• Douche of the decoction of Banayan is useful to treat Leucorrhea.
• Azote seeds can be used to treat Leucorrhea.
• Take Dried Amla Powder with honey daily thrice a day.
• Pomegranate juice is advisable.
• Walnut leaves are astringent, hence the douche of these leaves is useful to treat Leucorrhea.
• Fenugreek Tea is advisable.
• Chew a few betel nuts after a meal.
• Mix Turmeric and Garlic and eat it.
• Take a powder of Dry Ginger in a small amount i.e. one-fourth teaspoon. Mix it in one cup of water. Boil it until it becomes half. Then drink this twice daily.
• Take a ripe Banana, and add Ghee to it. Take this twice a day.
• Extract the juice from Tulsi leaves, add sugar to it, and drink it.
• Add cumin powder to Tulsi juice. Then take this mixture with cow’s milk.
• Eat 2 to 3 Figs daily.

Though I have mentioned the quantity of ingredients in some Natural Home Remedies, consult the Ayurvedic Physician for the quantity of ingredients and also for Natural Home Remedies before taking it.