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What is Leucorrhoea?

Leucorrhoea involves a thick white or yellowish discharge from the vagina. While some vaginal discharge can be considered normal and simply helps to keep the interior of the vagina clean and moist, excessive or abnormal discharges may be a mark of an underlying health condition. Normal vaginal discharge is usually thin, clear or white and odourless, and becomes more fluid during the menstruation cycle. Leucorrhoea is often thicker, is sometimes malodorous, and typically occurs with other symptoms.

There is both physiological and pathological Leucorrhoea. Physiological Leucorrhoea is common during puberty, ovulation, pregnancy, and some after sexual arousal. Pathological Leucorrhoea may be caused by various causes that include –

• Bacterial infection such as bacterial vaginosis
• Yeast infection such as candidiasis
• Sexually transmitted infections such as trichomoniasis, chlamydia, and gonorrhoea
• Cervicitis, an inflammation of the cervix
• Poor hygiene

What are the Types of Leucorrhoea as per Ayurveda?

In Ayurveda, Leucorrhoea is called Shweta Pradara. In simple terms, your body produces some clear discharge to clean and protect your vagina normally. But in Shweta Pradara, it becomes excessively thick and sticky, sometimes changing colour or emitting a foul smelling discharge. 

In Ayurvedic terms, leucorrhoea means an imbalance of your internal energies (doshas), specifically Kapha dosha. This imbalance may be caused by poor digestion, stress, infections or improper lifestyle habits. Ayurveda believes that treating the underlying cause can bring back balance in your life and provide you much needed relief.

Ayurveda divides leucorrhoea (Pradara) into five types depending on the dominant dosha:

Vataja Pradara

In Vataja Pradara, your discharge may be pink, dry and frothy. You may also feel pain if you have this kind of leucorrhoea.

Pittaja Pradara

This type occurs when your Pitta dosha is imbalanced. In this case, your discharge may be yellow, blue, black, or red and it generally causes a burning feeling as well.

Kaphaja Pradara

In Kaphaja Pradara, your discharge can be pale or slimy and it may resemble wheat-washed water. You may also feel heavy and dull if you have this kind of leucorrhoea.

Sannipatic Pradara

This is a mixed type of leucorrhoea in which all three doshas are disturbed. The discharge looks like a mix of honey and ghee and it may also smell very foul.

Rakta Pradara

In this condition, you may experience very heavy menstrual bleeding rather than just vaginal discharge. It is considered a serious menstrual disorder.

Common Causes of Leucorrhoea

Leucorrhoea, or vaginal discharge, is an unusual discharge from the vagina. This is caused by changes in the balance of bacteria or irritation in the area. Here are some common Leucorrhoea causes:

• Antibiotics or steroids: Taking these substances could disrupt the balance of bacteria in your vagina and cause unusual discharge.
• Bacterial vaginosis: This is an infection that is more common when you are pregnant or have more than one sexual partner.
• Birth control pills: These may impact your hormones and your discharge.
• Cervical cancer: A serious ailment where cancer cells develop in the cervix and cause extraordinary discharge.
• STDs or STIs: ���ϳԹ��� like chlamydia and gonorrhoea which are caused by unprotected sexual encounters might lead to vaginal discharge.
• Diabetes: Having diabetes can make you more susceptible to infections, including Leucorrhoea.
• Irritants: Things like perfumed soaps, douches or bubble baths irritate your vagina and produce discharge.
• Surgery: Infection might form in your pelvic area following surgery and lead to unusual discharge.
• Pelvic inflammatory disease: This condition affects your reproductive organs and causes discharge.
• Trichomoniasis: A parasitic infection which results from unprotected sex & causes discharge.
• Menopause changes: The vagina could be thinner and drier during menopause, resulting in discharge.
• Vaginitis: This means irritation in or around the vagina causing discomfort and discharge.
• Yeast infections: Yeast overgrowth in the vagina might produce thick, white discharge.

Symptoms

Increased Vaginal Discharge

Your most obvious symptom is increased vaginal discharge. You may find your undergarments stay wet for a long time. This discharge may be thick, sticky, or cloudy instead of clear and thin. Some women say it also becomes white, yellowish or greenish. If you've seen these changes, your body is letting you know something is not right and that you need to pay attention to it.

Bad Odour of the Discharge

Along with the unusual discharge, it may have a strong and foul odour. This odour is hard to conceal and could be embarrassing for you. It is usually indicative of a vaginal infection. In case you smell a persistent bad smell in your discharge, do not ignore it and call an Ayurvedic doctor right away.

Irritation & Itching Around the Vagina

Some women with leucorrhoea report constant itching and irritation in their private area. You may feel like scratching, which can worsen your discomfort. This can be frustrating and even disruptive to your everyday life or sleep.

Burning Sensation When Urinating

You may also feel a burning sensation when you urinate. This can make urinating uncomfortable. The burning occurs because the irritated tissues become sensitive and inflamed, especially when they come in contact with your urine.

Lower Abdomen Pain or Discomfort

If you are suffering from leucorrhoea, you might experience mild or severe pain and cramping in your lower abdomen or pelvis. The pain may be dull and constant or sharp and intermittent. Some women also feel discomfort or pain when they engage in sexual activities.

Redness and Swelling in the Vaginal Area

The skin close to your vaginal opening and cervix can become reddish and swollen. Redness and other symptoms like discharge and itching could indicate that there is an infection down there that needs to be treated.

Feeling Tired and Weak

If you have been noticing the discharge for some time, you might start feeling tired and weak. Basically, with the discharge, your body also loses vital fluids and you may feel drained and tired. Many women say they feel weak or less energetic than before.

Jiva Ayunique™ Treatment Philosophy - A Holistic Approach to Leucorrhoea

���ϳԹ��� offers holistic Leucorrhoea treatment in Ayurveda using evidence-based approaches. The treatment plans are customised to target the very root causes of the disease, and instead of just treating symptoms, they focus on holistic healing, balance and stability in totality.

Core Principles of the Jiva Ayunique™ Treatment Philosophy

• HACCP certified Ayurvedic medicines: These are scientifically made blends that are aimed at balancing the body and promoting mental well being.
• Yoga, Meditation & Mindfulness: These relaxing practices help by supporting mental health and total wellness.
• Ayurvedic Treatments: Therapies like Panchakarma and therapeutic massages to detoxify the body of harmful toxins and maintain emotional health.
• Diet & Lifestyle Changes: Expert advice on dietary and lifestyle changes for better health results.

Ayurvedic Medicines for Leucorrhoea

Ayurveda treats Leucorrhoea with a holistic approach that aims to address the root cause, balance the energies of the body (doshas), build up the immune system, and promote overall reproductive health. Treatment in Ayurveda involves symptom alleviation, prevention of recurrence, and improvement of overall well-being.

Lodhra (Symplocos racemosa)

Lodhra is one of the most useful herbs for women's health. It balances your Kapha and Pitta doshas and reduces abnormal vaginal discharge. It also speeds up the wound healing of your vaginal tissues. Lodhra possesses antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that prevent future infections and control irritation. It also stops the growth of pathogens like E. coli and Micrococcus pyogenes. As per your Ayurvedic doctor’s advice, you can take lodhra powder with plain water or rice water.

Mustak/Nagarmotha (Cyperus rotundus)

Mustak has anti-inflammatory, analgesic and pain relief qualities. It calms your irritation and decreases itching around your vaginal area.You can mix mustak bark with milk to get relief from menstrual irregularities and vaginal infections. It also helps with any discomfort you may face with leucorrhoea.

Yashtimadhu/Mulethi (Glycyrrhiza glabra)

Yashtimadhu is a renowned herb in Ayurveda, which is used to treat hormonal imbalances. These roots contain natural phytoestrogens that stabilise your hormones. When you regularly consume mulethi tea prepared by boiling its roots, it can curb excessive vaginal discharge, mood swings, hot flashes and other menstrual disturbances in your body.

Daruharidra (Berberis aristata)

Known as tree turmeric, daruharidra is an astringent that helps control your excessive discharge. It balances your Kapha and aids in digestion (which is generally a factor in vaginal health). You can drink a decoction of daruharidra bark to relieve constipation and indigestion, two conditions that commonly worsen leucorrhoea symptoms.

Amalaki/Amla (Emblica officinalis)

Amalaki is full of vitamin C and used in Ayurveda for building immunity. Amla's strong cleansing and antimicrobial action kills vaginal infections - the most common cause of leucorrhoea. It also improves digestion, reduces internal bleeding and decreases pain from vaginal infections. It is also a general health tonic, boosting your energy and restoring your health. Amalaki powder can be taken with honey once daily or as directed by your Ayurvedic doctor.

Chopchini (Smilax china)

A lesser known but effective Ayurvedic herb, chopchini also acts well on infections. It's an antibacterial and antibiotic agent and cleanses the body of impurities. Chopchini is also an astringent substance that helps repair vaginal mucous membranes. Take chopchini churna with water but follow your doctor's advice for proper dosage.

Ashoka (Saraca indica)

Ashoka is an Ayurvedic herb used for supporting women's reproductive health. It balances your hormones and strengthens your uterus. If you experience irregular periods or excessive white discharge, Ashoka can be good for you. It also reduces abdominal pain and discomfort due to leucorrhoea.

Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus)

Shatavari is a refreshing herb for women. It balances your hormones and supports female reproductive health. If you have leucorrhoea caused by hormonal imbalances, Shatavari can regulate your discharge and improve vitality.

Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia)

Guduchi or Giloy is an immune-boosting herb. It fights off infections which can cause leucorrhoea. Guduchi also reduces the frequency and severity of abnormal vaginal discharge by strengthening your immune system from within.

Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia)

Manjistha is believed to purify your blood. It detoxifies your body and treats skin and gynecological disorders. If your leucorrhoea is accompanied by skin irritation or inflammation, Manjistha can be good for you.

Neem (Azadirachta indica)

As we all know, Neem has antifungal and antibacterial properties. It helps to clear infections that can cause leucorrhoea. Neem can provide you relief from itching, irritation, and bad-smelling discharge, and improve your complete vaginal health.

Majuphal (Quercus infectoria)

Majuphal or Manjakani is traditionally used in Ayurveda for controlling vaginal discharge and related postpartum infections. It restores elasticity to your uterus wall and is helpful for postpartum women.

Ayurvedic Treatment of Leucorrhoea

Jiva’s evidence-based Ayurveda treatment philosophy focuses on eliminating the root cause of Leucorrhoea and at the same time, balances the three main governing energies of the human body—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha alongside restoring a sense of balance within the mind, the body and the spirit. 

Additionally, in Ayurveda, Leucorrhoea is most often related with Kapha, controlling all body fluids and mucus as well as Pitta which governs metabolism and transformative energy. Other reasons may be improper nutrition, bad hygiene, low immunity, and even hormonal issues.

To provide total relief, Jiva's Advanced Ayurvedic Treatments use HACCP certified Ayurvedic medicines that are specially prepared for Leucorrhoea and are personalised as per the patient, along with a variety of traditional Ayurvedic therapies, yoga and meditation practices, counseling related to lifestyle and dietary management to achieve the best results. 

Some commonly used Ayurvedic medicines that are noted to be highly effective in the treatment of Leucorrhoea are mentioned below:

• Herbal preparations: These are prepared from some specific combinations of herbs, such as Ashoka (Saraca asoca), Lodhra (Symplocos racemosa), Shatavari (Asparagus Racemosus), and Triphala, which is a combination of three fruits. These preparations are used to reduce inflammation, normalise vaginal function, improve the reproductive system, and boost immunity.
• Astringent Herbs: These are herbs that have an astringent action, like Lodhra and Ashoka, which help in reducing excessive discharge from the vagina.
• Immune-boosting herbs: These include Shatavari and Amalaki (Emblica Officinalis) that help to strengthen the immune system and prevent infections.

It should be noted that apart from prescribing ayurvedic medicines, a certified Ayurveda doctor may also recommend time-tested Ayurvedic therapies using herbal decoctions and specific dietary and lifestyle modifications.

Diet & Exercise Recommendations

In Ayurveda, diet and lifestyle play a vital role in maintaining reproductive health and preventing Leucorrhoea. For effective management of Leucorrhoea, consider incorporating the following in your routine:

• Maintain hygiene: Practice proper hygiene to avoid infections.
• Eat a healthy diet: Eat a diet high in fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. Avoid processed foods, sugary drinks, and excessive spicy or oily foods as these will exacerbate imbalances and weaken the immune system.
• Hydrate: Drink plenty of water to flush out toxins.
• Cooling foods: Inclusion of foods like cucumber, watermelon, and coriander can help balance Pitta dosha.
• Regular exercise: Mild exercise can improve circulation and strengthen immunity.
• Avoid tight clothing: Tight clothing retains moisture and allows an environment for infections to breed.

Frequently Asked Questions about Leucorrhoea

• Is all vaginal discharge abnormal? 

No, some vaginal discharges are usually normal and healthy while others can be classified as abnormal.

• When should I visit an Ayurvedic doctor for Leucorrhoea?

It is recommended to seek medical attention if the discharge is heavy, has an offensive smell, is accompanied by itching, burning, or pelvic pain, or if there is a suspicion of a sexually transmitted infection.

• Can Leucorrhoea affect fertility? 

Untreated Leucorrhoea caused by an infection can potentially affect fertility.

• Can stress cause Leucorrhoea? 

Although stress may not directly cause Leucorrhoea, it can weaken the immune system, which increases susceptibility to infections that may cause this condition.

• How is Leucorrhoea diagnosed? 

Diagnosis usually involves a pelvic examination, evaluation of the discharge, and other tests to establish the underlying cause.

• Is Ayurveda capable of entirely curing Leucorrhoea? 

Ayurveda can be very effective in the management of Leucorrhoea as well as treating its underlying causes.

• What is the Ayurvedic view regarding the cause of Leucorrhoea?

In Ayurveda, Leucorrhoea is known as Shweta Pradara, which is mainly attributed to an imbalance of the Kapha dosha that deals with bodily fluids. Excessive Kapha dosha combined with low Agni or digestive fire and vitiated Vata and Pitta may cause an excessive abnormal vaginal discharge. The imbalance may be due to improper diet, poor hygiene, suppression of natural urges, and emotional stress.

• What are some common Ayurvedic herbs to address Leucorrhoea?

Ayurvedic herbs that are in common use for the treatment of Leucorrhoea comprise Ashoka (Saraca asoca), Lodhra (Symplocos racemosa), Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), and Triphala among others.