Douching with chamomile: how to do it at home, where is it used?

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Previously, douching with chamomile or other solutions was a very popular procedure that women used for hygienic, preventive and therapeutic purposes. In recent decades, qualified gynecologists in all countries of the world have stopped prescribing douching and do not recommend that women do it themselves at home.

A standard bulb for douching - today it is already becoming one of the prohibited instruments

The results of many clinical studies, as well as statistical data, have shown that douching is an ineffective or completely ineffective procedure that does more harm to a woman’s health than good. It is known that regular douching significantly increases the risk of inflammatory and infectious diseases, ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, premature birth and the birth of a child with insufficient body weight.

In this case, it does not matter at all what solution the woman uses for the procedure - with chamomile, soda, or any other remedy. It is not the product that is harmful to health, but the method itself of introducing foreign liquid into the vagina.

At the same time, as statistics show, women all over the world continue to douche, often unaware of the risks associated with it. Most often, the procedure is performed by girls under the age of 24 and women after 40 years.

In gynecology, douching is now used extremely rarely, as doctors consider this method outdated.

Why do you douche with chamomile?

In traditional medicine, douching, including chamomile, has practically ceased to be used in recent decades. Qualified gynecologists do not recommend this procedure, since it is either ineffective or its effect is so insignificant that, given the risks, it is completely impractical.

In rare cases, douching with special medicinal solutions can be used in complex therapy for inflammation in the upper layers of the vaginal epithelium. In this case, they are done not at home, but in a clinic where there are the necessary conditions and equipment, and the medical staff knows how to correctly carry out the procedure.

Preparing for douching in the hospital

Previously, douching was often prescribed for hygienic, preventive and therapeutic purposes for a variety of diseases. Despite the fact that there is now a lot of evidence about their harm, this technique is still widespread in folk medicine.

Women douche to:

• Eliminate itching and burning;
• Remove unpleasant odor;
• Reduce the amount of discharge from thrush and cure this disease;
• Remove menstrual flow;
• Cure cystitis;
• Prevent conception after unprotected intercourse;
• Prevent infection with sexually transmitted infections;
• Increase the likelihood of conception.

At the same time, women most often get the opposite of the expected result. Douching is not able to cure any disease, but can increase inflammation and, by disrupting the natural microflora of the vagina, create an environment for the development of infection.

On a note

Previously, gynecologists advised douching before puncture of follicles. Nowadays, for preventive and hygienic purposes, vaginal rinsing with medicinal solutions is not done.

Application in gynecology

Douching with chamomile solution in gynecology is used as an independent therapeutic method (in case of minor inflammation) and as part of complex therapy. The product helps get rid of unpleasant symptoms (burning, itching, discharge) and speed up the healing process.

Douching is not suitable for daily hygiene, as it disrupts the microflora and can provoke an exacerbation of thrush.

Treatment of inflammation

Inflammation of the vaginal mucosa (vaginitis) occurs due to the proliferation of pathogenic microbes (streptococci, staphylococci). As a result, a woman experiences itching, burning, pathological discharge, and pain in the lower abdomen. Chamomile solution helps eliminate these symptoms due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. The method is combined with antibiotic therapy.

For erosion

Treatment of cervical erosion by douching is justified at the initial stage, when minor damage to the mucous membrane appears. In this case, the product will help heal and relieve inflammation. If the erosion is of significant size, then radical measures are required (cryodestruction, laser, etc.)

For cystitis

Inflammation of the bladder is a consequence of hypothermia. Symptoms of cystitis: painful frequent urination, blood in the urine, fever. This disease is treated with antibiotics, and douching with chamomile is prescribed to alleviate the patient’s condition and prevent the spread of infection.

Bacterial vaginosis

This is a fairly common problem. In women during periods of stress or as a result of decreased immunity, pathogenic bacteria spread into the vagina. This is manifested by pathological discharge with an unpleasant odor, redness and swelling of the mucous membrane, itching, and burning. Doctors usually prescribe antibacterial suppositories and douching with chamomile solution.

For cycle disorders

Dysmenorrhea occurs for various reasons. One of them is inflammatory processes in the pelvic organs. The introduction of chamomile solution prevents the spread of pathogenic microbes, reduces inflammation, and eliminates unpleasant symptoms.

For the treatment of thrush

In this case, gynecologists disagree. Some believe that the plant is not able to suppress fungal infections. The only thing that can be achieved is short-term relief of itching. To treat thrush, special antifungal drugs are also used (flucostat and its substitutes, fluconazole, diflucan and various suppositories)

During pregnancy

During pregnancy, any douching is dangerous, especially in the early stages. This can cause miscarriage, as the plant has the property of relaxing smooth muscles. In the last trimester, this procedure leads to premature birth. To treat thrush in pregnant women, suppositories are used, which do not have a negative effect on the fetus and quickly relieve the problem.

If a pregnant woman is very bothered by itching and burning, she is prescribed to wash the external genitalia with a decoction of medicinal herbs.

What therapeutic effects are expected before the procedure?

A decoction or infusion of chamomile is used as a solution for douching due to its known medicinal properties. Chamomile has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiseptic and wound healing effects. At the same time, they often do not take into account that this remedy is not fast and potent. Accordingly, the effects of its use do not appear immediately and only with correct and regular use.

Chamomile infusion, often used for douching at home.

The duration of douching is only a few minutes, during which the chamomile solution washes the tissue. This time is not enough for the therapeutic effects of the drug to fully manifest themselves. In addition, the antibacterial effect of chamomile is very weak and has been confirmed against only a few types of bacteria. This means that there is no reason to expect that douching with chamomile decoction will cure an inflammatory or infectious disease. The properties of the drug do not appear when used in this way.

When douching, women expect that the solution will wash the vaginal tissue and wash away pathogenic bacteria, and the chamomile components will have an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effect. Many people hope to cure the disease in this way and avoid the need to go to the gynecologist. Due to the fact that the procedure can temporarily reduce the itching and amount of discharge from thrush, you may get the false impression that the remedy is effective.

In fact, during douching, part of the natural secretion is washed off from the walls of the vagina, due to which the microflora is disrupted and dysbacteriosis develops. By reducing beneficial bacteria, it creates an environment in which pathogens can spread more quickly.

Clinical studies and statistical data show that women who douche are more likely to suffer from inflammatory and infectious diseases of the reproductive system.

Modern doctors consider douching an outdated method and recommend that women abandon it and not expose their health to additional risks.

On a note

There is a myth that douching after sexual intercourse reduces the risk of contracting infectious diseases. Numerous studies conducted in the USA have shown that in women who undergo this procedure, these diseases, on the contrary, are more common. Experts have found that douching can provoke the development of pelvic inflammatory diseases and increase the risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases.

Benefits of the method

Chamomile has been used as a remedy since ancient times. Its widespread use is due not only to its numerous beneficial properties, but also to the availability of the flower, since chamomile grows in many regions. Of particular value is chamomile oil, the active substance of which is chamazulene. This substance has sedative, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties. Traditional medicine has long recognized the advisability of using chamomile for the treatment of gynecological diseases, such as vaginitis, chronic colpitis, candidiasis.

What beneficial substances are contained in chamomile?

The following substances make this plant useful:

1. Organic acids: salicylic, caprylic, isovaleric.
2. Tannins.
3. Polysaccharides.
4. Vitamins: nicotinic acid, ascorbic acid, carotene, vitamin A and C.

The flower also contains potassium, phosphorus, silicon, copper, and sulfur in small quantities. These microelements and vitamins determine the healing properties of chamomile.

Does douching help cure inflammatory diseases?

Over the past decades, many studies have been conducted in different countries of the world and statistical data have been collected on the impact of douching on women’s health. However, not a single study has confirmed that this technique can be effective in the treatment of inflammatory diseases of the female reproductive system. In addition, it was found that the procedure can intensify inflammatory processes and also contribute to the penetration of infection from the genital tract into the internal organs. Bacteria can enter the uterus along with a stream of solution and provoke the development of the disease there. Thus, after the procedures, many women receive results that are completely opposite to those expected.

It is also useful to read: How effective is chamomile for colds and how to use it correctly

As for the advisability of douching with chamomile for cystitis, according to doctors, it is also absent. With cystitis, the inflammatory process takes place in the bladder, and the drug administered into the vagina does not reach the inflamed tissue and, accordingly, cannot affect the course of the disease. For the same reason, the technique is not effective for inflammation of the ovaries or appendages.

Ultrasound for endometriosis, which is sometimes treated with douching.

On a note

Chamomile is ineffective in treating not only cystitis, but also other inflammatory diseases of the genitourinary system. In particular, the use of chamomile microenemas by men to treat prostatitis is completely inappropriate. In this case, the medicinal solution does not reach the inflamed tissues and does not even have a weak therapeutic effect. Microenemas with chamomile and baths are also used to treat hemorrhoids, but even in this case their effectiveness remains unconfirmed.

You should also not expect to cure thrush with douching. Firstly, symptoms characteristic of thrush can also be caused by other diseases, for example, colpitis or vaginosis, the treatment methods for which may differ significantly. Secondly, thrush is a fungal disease that develops when the fungus of the genus Candida multiplies in pathogenic quantities. This fungus is a component of normal microflora, and its growth and the appearance of heavy discharge in a woman occurs only when the balance of the microflora is disturbed and conditions for the growth of fungus and pathogenic bacteria appear.

Chamomile does not have antimycotic properties and does not in any way affect the growth of fungi that cause thrush. When deciding to douche, women often count on this effect, as well as antiseptic and antibacterial. Also, many assume that the solution will wash away all pathogenic microorganisms and their condition will improve. However, as studies show, douching disrupts the balance of the vaginal microflora and the level of acidity, washing away not only pathogenic but also beneficial bacteria, as a result of which the natural microflora is disrupted and conditions for the active growth of pathogenic microorganisms appear.

It is impossible to cure inflammation “the feminine way” with douching; in addition, this procedure may be one of the risk factors that increases the likelihood of infection and the development of inflammatory and infectious diseases.

How does thrush manifest?

Almost every woman knows what thrush, or vaginal candidiasis, is. After all, such a fungal disease occurs quite often, so it is important to consult a doctor at the first signs of its manifestation. The symptoms of thrush are quite pronounced, so it is almost impossible to confuse them with another disease, but in any case, you should definitely consult a doctor.

One of the first signs of thrush is itching in the perineum, which only intensifies over time. Following the itching in the vagina, symptoms of burning and redness of the skin of the genital organs begin to appear. When urinating, women feel unpleasant pain, which forces them to go to the hospital for examination.

The causative agent of a disease such as thrush is a fungus of the genus Candida. Hence the disease received the name candidiasis.

The fungus of the genus Candida is located on the inner walls of the genital organs, and damages them when the protective properties of the body are weakened. With thrush, a discharge with a cheesy consistency is observed. All these signs indicate that a woman is developing a fungal disease. Leaving such symptoms unattended is strictly contraindicated, so you must consult a doctor to clarify the diagnosis. If treatment for candidiasis is not started, the consequences of this disease can lead to the development of cancer.

The effect of douching with chamomile on conception

Douching with chamomile is used for two purposes, opposite in meaning to one another:

• Before sexual intercourse, when they want to increase the likelihood of conception;
• After sexual intercourse to prevent pregnancy.

In the first case, women expect that, thanks to douching, the vaginal epithelium will be cleared of mucus, which will increase the likelihood of sperm penetration into the uterus and conception will occur. Women who have adhesions in the fallopian tubes especially often believe this myth. In fact, if a woman is completely healthy, the amount of secretion from the mucous membrane does not affect the likelihood of conception in any way, and there is no need to remove it. In addition, studies have shown that douching increases the risk of complications during pregnancy and the occurrence of intrauterine pathologies in the fetus. This procedure increases the likelihood of an ectopic pregnancy by 76% and the risk of having a low-weight baby by 40%. Thus, douching in order to get pregnant faster is not only impractical, but also dangerous.

An underweight newborn is one of the consequences of douching during pregnancy

As for the effectiveness of douching as a method of contraception, it is also practically absent. When the procedure is performed in the first hours after intercourse, the likelihood of conception is reduced by only 25%. However, there is a risk that during the procedure, sperm may enter the uterine cavity along with a stream of water, which, on the contrary, will increase the likelihood of pregnancy, including ectopic.

Chamomile during pregnancy

For any gynecological problems during pregnancy, a reasonable solution is to use traditional medicine, but under the supervision of a supervising doctor. Chamomile can be used for thrush, which is a common occurrence during pregnancy, and for common colds.

Chamomile-based herbal remedies are not recommended, because the components of the perennial stimulate the production of estrogen, and an excess amount of this hormone can cause miscarriage. But local application in the form of washings will not harm the fetus in any way. Infusions and decoctions can be taken orally only in strictly regulated quantities and under the supervision of a physician. You can make chamomile baths. In gynecology, this is considered a more effective remedy than washing.

Recipes for douching solutions

For douching, it is recommended to brew chamomile in two ways. In the first case, to prepare the decoction, the raw materials are boiled for several minutes, and in the second, they are poured with hot water and left to infuse for 3-4 hours. To prepare the drug, you can use dry chamomile inflorescences, which are sold in pharmacies in loose packages, or chamomile teas in bags.

Both bags and loose raw materials have approximately the same properties.

To prepare the decoction, take 1 teaspoon of dried inflorescences per 100 ml of water. If it is necessary to make a decoction in a larger volume, the proportions of raw materials and water are increased accordingly. Thus, to prepare 500 ml of decoction, take 5 teaspoons of dried inflorescences. The raw materials are placed in a metal container, filled with water and put on fire. After boiling, reduce it and after 3-4 minutes turn it off completely.

The prepared broth is left for half an hour to cool, after which it is filtered through a sieve or several layers of gauze. Next, the concentrate is slightly diluted with water, bringing it to its original volume.

The finished decoction has a clear “tea” color.

To prepare the infusion, use the same amount of inflorescences and water as for preparing the decoction. The raw materials are placed in a cup or pan, poured with boiling water and covered with a lid. After 3-4 hours, filter the infusion. To prepare the drug, you can also brew chamomile in filter bags. In this case, the infusion time is only 15 minutes, but every 5 minutes it is advisable to turn the bags over and press them a little with a spoon.

When using chamomile preparations for douching, it is important to ensure that they are at a comfortable temperature. Do not use too hot or, conversely, cold product.

Sometimes, in order to increase the effectiveness or change the properties of the drug, it is prepared not only from chamomile inflorescences, but also calendula, oak bark, plantain, iodine and soda are added. In folk medicine you can find many different recipes, but it is worth considering that their benefits are often exaggerated.

It is also useful to read: The benefits and harms of chamomile

Beneficial features

To prepare a healing decoction, you need to use chamomile inflorescences. This simple but miraculous plant contains useful components that have an anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antimicrobial, disinfectant, antiallergic and hemostatic effect. Essential oil, some hormone-like components, a rich amount of vitamins, micro- and macroelements in the plant make it a valuable assistant and natural home healer for many women.

The order of the procedure and their regularity

In a hospital setting, douching is done on a gynecological chair and an Esmarch mug is used to administer the solution. At home, the procedure is most often carried out lying down or sitting in the bathtub. In the first case, women lie on their backs and throw their legs over the sides of the bathtub, and in the second, they squat down and lean their backs against the wall.

To administer the solution, you can use, in addition to the Esmarch mug, also syringes with a volume of up to 500 ml. Before the procedure, they need to be washed and sterilized well. It is important to use them for only one purpose and always maintain good hygiene to prevent infection of the genitals.

It is important to remember that the nose of such a pear can injure the vaginal epithelium.

The temperature of the douching solution should be comfortable, about 35-40°C. Introduce liquid into the vagina carefully and slowly. A strong stream of water can cause infection to enter the uterus from the genital tract. It is also important to ensure that the tip of the douche does not damage the vaginal walls and does not create small wounds there. Many complications arise precisely for this reason.

Some experts recommend that after inserting the solution, keep it in the vagina for 15-20 minutes. However, this is not always necessary. How to do douching correctly and how often should be decided by the doctor. In some cases, it is recommended to repeat the procedure every day for 10 days, and in others, do it once every few days. The frequency of douching, duration of treatment and dosage of the drug may depend on many factors.

Scheme of inserting the nozzle of a douche into the vagina.

It is worth remembering that scientists who have studied the effect of douching on a woman’s body do not recommend doing it at all. They note that the risks associated with the procedure appear even when it is performed once every six months. Thus, it is highly undesirable to decide to douche on your own, because the procedure is neither effective nor safe.

Cervical erosion

Doctors say that it will not be possible to completely cure erosion with the help of medicinal chamomile, but you can temporarily relieve the unpleasant symptoms of the disease, which cause severe discomfort. In general, it should be remembered that the use of plants is effective only in the initial stages of gynecological diseases.

A solution to improve the condition of erosion is prepared as follows: aloe leaves (the plant must be at least two years old) are cut off and placed in a cool place for a week. Then the leaves need to be crushed and mixed with chamomile infusion in equal proportions. You need to soak a tampon with this mixture and insert it deep into the vagina. It's better to leave it overnight. The course of treatment is at least ten days.

Contraindications

Douching with chamomile or other solutions is not recommended for hygienic purposes or without clarifying the diagnosis and prescribing them by a doctor. You cannot do the procedure if your lower abdomen hurts or feels tight, but the reason for this is not clear. This is stated in official documents of the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

In addition, strict contraindications to the procedure are:

• Pregnancy at any stage;
• Recent childbirth or abortion (first 30 days);
• Period;
• Cervical erosion;
• Dysplasia;
• Age after 40 years.

  Cervical erosion

In these cases, as well as when douching is performed without clear indications, complications of current diseases or other side effects may develop.

Is it possible to douche during pregnancy?

Pregnant women are contraindicated to douche, including infrequently and by introducing small doses of the drug into the vagina. It is believed that the danger increases if a large volume of solution is used during the procedure. This is true, however, even with the introduction of a small amount of the drug, the likelihood of side effects remains very high.

Research shows that the procedure is dangerous at any stage of pregnancy. In the first half it can cause a miscarriage, and in the second half it can cause premature birth. Douching also doubles the likelihood of having a low-birth-weight baby and increases the risk of developing amnionitis. In addition, during the procedure, an infection can enter the uterus along with a stream of water and provoke the development of the disease there, which is extremely dangerous for the fetus.

Side effects and dangers of such procedures

Statistics show that douching does more harm to a woman's health than good.

For women who even rarely (once a month or even once every six months) douche:

• The natural microflora of the vagina is disrupted, resulting in conditions for the development of pathogenic microorganisms;
• The risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases increases;
• The incidence of diseases of the internal genital organs increases by 73%;
• Chlamydia is diagnosed twice as often;
• The likelihood of an ectopic pregnancy increases by 76%;
• The risk of miscarriage and premature birth increases;
• The risk of having a child weighing less than 2.5 kg increases by almost 50%.
• The frequency of precancerous conditions and the risk of developing cancer pathologies increases;
• According to some reports, there is a possibility of developing infertility.

Women who use douching for preventive, hygienic or therapeutic purposes get sick more often than women who have never done such procedures. During douching, the solution washes out not only pathogenic bacteria from the vagina, but also beneficial ones. Under natural conditions, the vaginal microflora is normalized within 1-3 days, and after these procedures this process slows down. This creates an environment in which the likelihood of developing an infection increases.

Also, some complications are associated with damage to the walls of the vagina and cervix during the procedure. This can provoke the development of inflammation, as well as dysplasia, which is a precancerous condition. In addition, the jet of water often transfers infection from the vagina to the fallopian tubes and uterus, which leads to the development of disease in these organs.

How often is it recommended to douche at home?

It is advisable to do douching only as prescribed by a doctor. Having carried out the diagnosis and found out that this procedure is really needed, the specialist can determine the required frequency of its implementation and the volume of the drug that needs to be used.

Douching is not done more than once a day. Sometimes they are prescribed to be carried out once every 2-3 days. The duration of treatment also most often does not exceed 7-10 days. However, the specifics of treatment are always determined only on an individual basis.

Studies have shown that douching is a risk factor for many diseases and pathological conditions. It was found that the risk of side effects does not depend on the frequency of the procedure. It is also quite high if women only douche once a month.

Interesting video: a doctor’s opinion on the advantages and disadvantages of douching

How advisable is it to douche with chamomile?

If previously douching was prescribed very often, nowadays gynecologists have practically abandoned this procedure. Nowadays, women do douching much more often on their own without a doctor’s prescription than on his recommendation.

In almost all cases, diseases of the internal genital organs can be cured without douching.

Due to the low or completely absent effectiveness and statistically proven danger of this procedure, gynecologists do not recommend it. Douching cannot protect against pregnancy or any disease, nor can it ensure recovery. At the same time, they can provoke a deterioration in well-being and the development of other diseases and complications.

In some cases, douching is allowed, but only as prescribed by a doctor and after an accurate diagnosis has been established.

Interesting video: all the pros and cons of douching

Who is this procedure contraindicated for?

• As we have already found out, it is forbidden to carry out such an intervention simply as a cleanser;
• You cannot prescribe it yourself or not follow the terms prescribed by your doctor;
• You should not douche before visiting a doctor. The specialist must see the full picture of the disease;
• Among the contraindications, I would separately mention those inventive individuals who, with the help of douching, try to prevent STDs or unwanted pregnancy.