Genital Herpes Treatment – is it really possible?
If you are asking that, then please read on. There really is no harm trying.
Genital Herpes Treatment – is it really possible?
If you are asking that, then please read on. There really is no harm trying.
You are likely reading this because you think you have Candida (Thrush) or Bacterial Vaginosis (BV). You probably think that Chinese Medicine might help, especially if your condition is recurring.
You are probably experiencing some abnormal vaginal discharge, as well as symptoms like irritation and itch. it is good to know that both BV and Candida can happen at the same time.
TCM treats Candida and Bacterial Vaginosis (BV). But before, we talk about TCM, let’s give you the lay of the land!
This happens when the vaginal microbiome composition is disrupted, pathological microorganisms gain dominance – this a process known as dysbiosis.
This means that instead of being dominated by the Lactobacillus species, which maintains a healthy acidic environment in the vagina, the vagina is instead dominated by the Candida species (which is a yeast infection) or the Gardnerella species (which is a bacterial infection aka Bacterial Vaginosis).
Candida
Candida lives on our skin and in the inner linings of our body, e.g. the mouth, throat, gut, and vagina. It does so without causing much problems.
However, if conditions change inside the vagina, a yeast infection aka Candida can occur. Hormonal changes, medicines like antibiotics or changes in the immune system can clear out the existing Lactobacilli (good bacteria), resulting in an increased likelihood of a yeast infection.
BV
In a BV infection, Gardnerella Vaginalis and Prevotella Bivia begin by adhering to the vaginal wall. They then begin on a mission to clear out the existing Lactobacilli (good bacteria) in the vagina.
Gardnerella Vaginalis will begin to spit out enzymes like sialidase and prolidase which destroy protective mucus lining of the inner wall of the vagina. When this barrier protection is compromised, other bacteria can also infiltrate, which can lead to a chronic situation.
Three strategies:
1. Stop doing things that encourage their growth
2. Do things that reducing their existing colonization
3. Repopulate with good bacteria (Lactobacilli).
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common condition that can cause abnormal vaginal discharge, strong fishy odor as well as irritation and itch.
If you are experiencing any of the following, you may have BV:
What is Bacterial Vaginosis? Bacterial Vaginosis happens when Gardnerella Vaginalis and other bacteria clings on strongly to the inner walls of the vagina.
Why does this happen? This happens when the vaginal microbiome composition is disrupted, pathological microorganisms gain dominance – this a process known as dysbiosis.
This means that instead of being dominated by the Lactobacillus species, the vagina is instead dominated by the Gardnerella species.
During the early stages of colonization, Gardnerella Vaginalis and Prevotella Bivia adhere to the vaginal wall and gradually clear out existing Lactobacilli.
Gardnerella Vaginalis will begin to spit out enzymes like sialidase and prolidase which destroy protective mucus lining of the inner wall of the vagina. When this barrier protection is compromised, other bacteria can also infiltrate, which can lead to a chronic situation.
The usual treatment for Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) is with antibiotics.
Antibiotics are effective at treating Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) in most cases, but they may not be the best option for everyone.
In some people, BV may recur even after treatment with antibiotics. This can be frustrating for the person experiencing it. There are several reasons why this may happen:
If you experience recurrence of Bacterial Vaginosis, this is likely when Chinese herbs can be very helpful.
Firstly, Chinese Medicine balances out your hormones
An appropriate level of estrogen in the body maintains the integrity of the inner wall of the vagina.
It also causes glycogen to deposit on the vaginal wall. Abundant glycogen is useful because it is food for lactobacilli to grow and spread and produce enough lactic acid to create an acidic vaginal microenvironment.
An acidic vaginal microenvironment is healthy protects you from further BV infection.
If you experience vaginal dryness, are perimenopausal and are also prone to UTI infection, you may benefit from an herbal approach helps your body replenish its estrogen levels.
For example, Radix Rehmannia is estrogen-mimetic. It is able regulate estrogen levels in the body.
Secondly, Chinese Medicine takes a multipronged strategy to inhibit BV growth
Bitter-cold Chinese herbs like Gentiana and Scutellaria inhibit the growth of Gardnerella Vaginalis and the formation of biofilm. It is done by suppressing bacterial alkaline phosphatase and sialidase mRNA.
There is also increased production of thermonuclease, which is able to destroy biofilms.
Vaginal discharge is a normal part of the menstrual cycle and can vary in amount, color, and consistency.
If you have Candida, which is a yeast infection, your vaginal discharge may be thick, white, and clumpy, like cottage cheese.
You may also experience other symptoms, e.g. itching, burning, redness, and swelling of the vulva (the area around the vaginal opening).
It is also common to experience pain or discomfort during sexual intercourse or urination.
Candida is a type of yeast that is naturally present in the vagina in small amounts. It is usually kept in balance by the beneficial bacteria that also live in the vagina.
When the fungus grows out of control, you have a fungal infection known as Candida or Thrush.
The treatment for a yeast infection typically involves the use of antifungal medication. These come in the form of oral tablets, creams or pessaries which you can insert into the vagina.
Antifungal medicine often ends with -azole. The most commonly prescribed antifungals include clotrimazole, ketoconazole, miconazole and fluconazole. There is also nystatin, an antifungal which may not be as effective as the -azoles for thrush.
You would want to consider Chinese Medicine if you are suffering from Recurrent Candida.
Chinese herbs target different components of the Candida Fungus
#1: Compromise Permeability of Cell Membranes
Here are some examples of how Chinese herbs are able to disrupt the cell membrane:
#2: Compromise Fungal Cell Walls
#3: Compromise Fungal Mitochondria
#4: Compromise Biofilm Formation
#5: Interrupts ICL1
ICL1 is a key enzyme in the glyoxylate cycle, a metabolic pathway that occurs in Candida for the synthesis of carbohydrates.
Thymus vulgaris L. (百里香), Perilla Frutescens and Rosmarinic Acid (in Basil, Oregano, Lemon Balm, and Salvia Miltiorrhiza 丹参) inhibits enzymatic activity of ICL1 in Candida Albicans.
If you are suffering from Candida or Bacterial Vaginosis, consider using Chinese herbs! It is a viable intervention and you should give it a shot!