Leucorrhoea is commonly known as “white discharge.” Ayurveda refers leucorrhoea to Shwetapradara. This word means excessive white discharge. It is believed to be caused by aggravation or vitiation of kapha dosha. This commonly occurs in patients who are weak, emaciated, and anaemic. Most women experience a certain amount of vaginal secretion, which is the body’s natural way of cleansing, lubrication, and guarding the vagina against infections.

Like the mouth and anus, the mucous membrane of the vagina constantly sheds and replaces its cells, passing them out of the body in the form of mucous secretion. This secretion occurs due to the action of cervical and endometrial glands and also because of the activity of bacteria which live harmlessly in a normal, healthy vagina. On the other hand, an abnormal vaginal discharge may be grey-white, yellow or green, brown or rusty. The consistency may be clumpy and thick or thin and liquid. There is usually a very offensive odour, and it may cause irritation and reddening of the part.

If the discharge is thick and white and there is an itching sensation, it may be due to vaginal thrush, caused by a yeast-like fungus, the commonest cause of leucorrhoea. It may also occur in women suffering from diabetes or those who are being treated with antibiotics for some other condition. If the discharge is greenish-yellow and has an unpleasant smell, it could be due to trichomoniasis, a sexually transmitted disease, but it may also be transmitted via toilet articles from one woman to another, or perhaps you might have forgotten to remove a tampon or diaphragm.

If the discharge is brown, like blood, and usually follows intercourse, it may probably be due to cervical erosion. If the discharge is spotted with blood, either mid-period or following intercourse, it may be due to a cervical polyp. If a low back, or an abdominal pain accompanies the discharge, and you feel sick, it may be due to an infection of the pelvic organs (pelvic inflammatory disease). Leucorrhoea may also be noticed in females who are suffering from tuberculosis, anaemia as also in those who have a general low resistance power, maintain poor local hygiene and those who use excess of vaginal medications such as strong disinfectants. Women who are constantly under stress and are anxious by nature may also complain of leucorrhoea.

Maintain good health, take proper rest, and do stress reduction exercises regularly, as these increase your resistance to infection. Avoid fried, hot, and spicy foods, pickles, maida, and its products. Cut down on sugar, fermented foods, mushrooms, pastries, sweets, cheese, puddings and alcohol. Take plenty of fresh curds. Keep your vaginal area clean by washing it 1-2 times daily with plenty of water. Pat dry afterwards, using your own towels. Always wipe your anus after defecation from the front to back, to prevent infection from stools entering your vagina. Do not use nylon panties. Wear clean cotton panties and change out of wet clothes promptly. During your periods, use a clean cotton cloth or pads instead of tampons, especially at night. Both you and your partner should wash hands and genitals before and after intercourse.

You must ensure that your sexual partner is free of any infection. Use a condom to provide added protection. Keep your blood sugar always under control. Do not self-medicate and avoid unnecessary medication. Avoid perfumes and chemical products such as deodorant soaps, perfumed powders, perfumed sprays, and coloured toilet papers. Do not scratch, as the fungus may get under your nails and spread. Drink at least 10-15 glasses of water daily and include plenty of green-leafy vegetables and salads in your diet.

Boil horse-gram in water and take the supernatant fluid daily. Shelled tamarind seeds, macerated in milk is very efficacious in leucorrhoea. Washing and cleaning of the vagina and internal parts with Spatika (alum) water will be very effective. Pushyamuga Churna about three grams twice daily with milk, along with 20 ml of Ashokaarishta, gives good results. Regular douching of the genital tract with a decoction of the barks of banyan and fig trees is very useful in leucorrhoea. In Ayurvedic terminology, this douche therapy is called as Uttara vasti. Take one tablespoonful of the powder of each of these two barks, boil in one litre of water, and reduce to half. Filter the decoction and discard the remnants. Have an oil massage before douching. Fill the warm decoction in the douche bag and attach a clean, lubricated nozzle to it. Lie down on your back and bend your knees. Insert the nozzle into vagina and take deep breaths. Slowly squeeze the douche bag so that decoction enters vagina. Stay in the same position for 10 to 15 minutes. Please note that you should avoid this treatment during menstruation, pregnancy and immediately after panchakarma. Ayurveda recommends various drugs to treat leucorrhoea. The list of few such herbs are: Amlaki (Phyllanthus emblica), Lodhra (Symplocos racemosa), Ashoka (Saraca indica), Udumbar (Ficus religosa), Yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra), Mocha-rasa (Bombax malabarica), and Naagakesara (Mesua ferra). If the symptoms persist for three to four days, get worse, or are accompanied by fever, abnormal bleeding, or severe pain, get yourself examined by a doctor.

Note
As we all are genetically different with different constitutions and patterns, we respond to treatments in many different ways. Hence Standard Ayurvedic Treatments are always individually formulated. This article is intended only for information. It is not a substitute to the standard medical diagnosis, personalized Ayurvedic treatment or qualified Ayurvedic physician. For specific treatment, always consult with a qualified Ayurvedic physician.