Vaginal odor is any odor that originates from the vagina. It's normal for your vagina to have a slight odor. But, a strong vaginal odor — for instance, a "fishy" smell — might be abnormal and could indicate a problem.
Abnormal vaginal odor that happens because of infection or another problem is usually associated with other vaginal signs and symptoms such as itching, burning, irritation or discharge.
Vaginal Odor Symptoms
It is important for you to notice the symptoms of vaginal odor symptoms before finding the suitable home remedies for this problems. The most common symptoms of vaginal odor include:
- Itching, redness, and irritation in the vaginal area
- Excess white discharge
- Metallic-smelling discharge
- Foul-smelling discharge
- Fishy smell
- White, thick discharge
- Yellow or green discharge
- Pain during intercourse
- Pain in the lower abdomen
Causes Of Vaginal Odor
Every problem has its own contributing factors. So does the vaginal odor. Here are its causes:
- Yeast infection causing thick, white discharge
- Bacterial infections or growth causing foul, fishy smell
- Hormonal changes due to breastfeeding, menopause, or pregnancy
- Poor hygiene
- Sexually transmitted diseases like gonorrhea, chlamydia, and trichomoniasis causing green
- A forgotten tampon
- Wearing cotton undergarments
- Using too much soap when you rinse the vaginal area. That may result in the excess production of natural chemicals, leading to bad odor and unpleasant smell.
Furthermore, certain serious diseases may increase the possibility of developing disgusting smell and abnormal vaginal discharge. They may include cancer of the vagina or cervix. If you have a fishy oil, the certain cause may be bacterial vaginosis.
Now, let’s find out the top home remedies for vaginal odor in women.
III – Home Remedies For Vaginal Odor
1. Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is one of amazing home remedies for vaginal odor you should know if you are women. Apple cider vinegar contains antiseptic and antibacterial properties. Using apple cider vinegar can get rid of the bad odor by removing the bacteria and toxins. Furthermore, apple cider vinegar has the ability to regulate the acidic quality of the vaginal flora. There are two ways for you to use apple cider vinegar for treating vaginal odor.
The first one is taking a warm bath with apple cider vinegar.
- Add two cups of apple cider vinegar into a warm bath
- Relax in this warm bath for 20 minutes
- Repeat this procedure several times a week to get a satisfactory result
The other is to consume apple cider vinegar with water.
- Add two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar into a glass of water
- Drink it daily to get the best result
2. Yogurt
Yogurt is also included in a list of amazing home remedies for vaginal odor. Yogurt is loaded with lactobacillus bacteria [1] that help regulate the vaginal pH level and prevent candida infection. The vaginal pH level should be kept in balance if you want to prevent or reduce vaginal odor. You can consume 2 cups of unsweetened yogurt on a daily basis to improve your immune system and treat vaginal odor. Alternatively, you can insert some plain yogurt into your body with the use of a tampon. Let it sit for a few hours. Remove the tampon and then wash the area carefully. Some people take probiotic supplements before consulting their doctor.
3. Baking Soda
Baking soda can help get rid of vaginal odor by balancing the pH level in the body. It is a reason why I would like to introduce baking soda in the article about amazing home remedies for vaginal odor in women.
Here is the instruction:
- Add one cup of baking soda into the warm bath water
- Relax in this bath for about 20 minutes
- Use a clean towel to dry yourself thoroughly
It is recommended repeating this treatment regularly to get a satisfactory result.
4. Garlic
Garlic is considered a natural antibiotic; therefore, it can deal with vaginal odor caused by vaginal infections. Furthermore, the antibacterial properties of garlic can treat yeast infection and bad bacteria.
Do you want to use garlic as one of amazing home remedies for vaginal odor? You just need to add the garlic cloves to your diet. Alternatively, you can apply a garlic clove to the vagina and leave it for one or 2 hours. It is recommended repeating this treatment a few times a week until you get a satisfactory result.
5. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil contains antiseptic and antifungal properties; therefore, using tea tree oil can remove unpleasant vaginal odor. Tea tree oil is effective in getting rid of bacteria that cause vaginal odor.
How is tea tree oil used for treating vaginal odor? Follow this instruction:
- Dissolve a few drops of tea tree oil in a cup of water
- Rinse your vagina with that solution daily to get the best result
Alternatively, you can soak a tampon in some tea tree oil and apply it to your vagina. Leave it on for one hour. You should repeat this treatment a couple times of week until the bad odor disappears completely.
6. White Vinegar
White vinegar can break down odor proteins, thus neutralizing odors. A white vinegar rinse is effective in eliminating vaginal odor. Furthermore, white vinegar can help regulate the pH levels in the vagina. It is a reason why I would like to introduce white vinegar in the article about amazing tips home remedies for vaginal odor in women.
Here is the instruction:
- Mix one-half cup of each salt and white vinegar in the warm bath water
- Relax in this bath for 20 minutes
- Rinse it off with lukewarm water
You should repeat this treatment several times a week until the bad odor disappears completely.
7. Citrus Fruits
Citrus fruits are effective in fighting infections and preventing vaginal odor. Citrus fruits are loaded with vitamin C that can help boost your immune system and get rid of toxins from your body. A strong immune system plays the important role in fighting against the harmful bacteria that lead to vaginal odor. Eating citrus fruits also helps relieve urinary tract infections. Do you want to know effective home remedies for vaginal odor? You should not ignore citrus fruits.
8. Pineapple
Pineapple is an amazing fruit for the vaginal health. Consuming pineapple is effective in getting rid of vaginal odor. All you need to do is add pineapple juice or raw pineapple to a regular diet. It is recommended drinking one or two glasses of pineapple juice daily and you can see the symptoms of vaginal odor disappear after a few days.
9. Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is not actually a home remedy but this multipurpose chemical is effective in treating bacterial vaginosis and getting rid of the bad vaginal odor. Hydrogen peroxide is considered as one of the most excellent feminine odor treatments. Hydrogen peroxide contains natural disinfecting effects that can kill harmful bacteria in the vagina.
To use hydrogen peroxide treatment, you will need:
- 3% hydrogen peroxide
- Water
- 1 tampon
Do this:
- Mix peroxide with water in equal quantities
- Soak a tampon in this solution
- Insert this tampon into your vagina
- Leave it for about 30 minutes
You should repeat this treatment several times a week until you get the foul odor is treated successfully.
10. Chlorophyll
Chlorophyll tablets or liquid chlorophyll is one of amazing home remedies for vaginal odor I would like to introduce to you in this article. They can act as a great deodorant that can relieve the unpleasant and strong odor from the vagina. You just need to dilute one tablespoon of chlorophyll in 8 oz. of water and then drink it. It is recommended consulting your doctor before using chlorophyll treatment.
11. Alum
Alum is aluminium potassium sulfate. It is effective in cleaning water tanks and it can be used as a traditional aftershave ointment. The combination of alum and water may get rid of harmful bacteria. Alum is effective in preventing the bacteria growth. You will need:
- Alum
- Water
Here are effective ways on how to use alum as one of amazing home remedies for vaginal odor:
- Add half a teaspoon of alum into a glass of water and then consume it twice a day
- Deep an alum sticks into the water and then rub it gently around the vagina area.
- Add one-fourth tablespoon of alum powder into a glass of water and then use that solution to rinse the vagina area
12. Cranberry
Cranberry is effective in curing urinary tract infection. Cranberry contains anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. It is a reason why cranberry is also helped get rid of the bad odor of your vagina. Using cranberry can help prevent bacteria growth.
You will need:
- 1-liter water
- 1 cup of cranberries
Do this:
- Let the cranberries soak in water for the whole night
- Sip this solution during the day
This solution can help remove toxins and avoid bacterial infections.
To treat vaginal odor, you can also blend the cranberries and drink the juice. It is important to note that patients with irritable bowel disease should not consume the pulp of cranberry.
13. Turmeric
Turmeric is one of amazing home remedies for vaginal odor I would like to introduce to you in this article. This is because turmeric contains anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. Consuming turmeric can help get rid of bacteria and enhance immunity. First, when you use turmeric for treating vaginal odor, you should prepare the ingredients like:
- 1 glass milk
- 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder and 1-inch turmeric root
Here are those ways on how to use turmeric as one of amazing home remedies for vaginal odor:
- Wash and peel turmeric root and then chew it in the morning
- Dissolve turmeric powder into a glass of milk and then consume it before bedtime.
- Wash and peel turmeric root and add it into a pan filled with water. Boil it for a few minutes. Use the water to wash your vagina.
You should to that treatment until the foul odor of your vagina disappear completely.
To use turmeric for treating vaginal odor, you should follow this instruction.
14. Seeds And Nuts
Containing a great source of vitamin E, seeds and nuts are effective in preventing itching and vaginal dryness. Pumpkin seeds are loaded with zinc; therefore pumpkin seeds are used to treat itching, vaginal dryness, vaginal odor and bacterial growth. Other nuts including flaxseeds, walnuts, sunflower seeds and hazelnuts have the ability to treat hormonal imbalance, cure vaginal dryness and regulate the menstrual cycle. Therefore, in this article about amazing top home remedies for vaginal odor, we should mention seeds and nuts.
To use seeds and nuts for treating vaginal odor, you will need:
- 2 hazelnuts
- 4 almonds
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon of flax seed powder
Do this:
- Let 4 almonds soak in water for about 4 hours
- Peel off the skin of almonds
- Put those almonds and hazelnuts into a blender
- Spin it
- Pour the milk into a cup and then add the flaxseed powder into that milk
- Stir well and consume it
Do you know that the combination of milk and nuts is effective in improving the bone health, boost the brain function, enhancing immunity and getting rid of oxygen radicals?
15. Guava Leaves
Guava leaves are loaded with antimicrobial properties; therefore, it is considered as one of amazing home remedies for vaginal odor. Guava leaves are loaded with antioxidants, tannins, anti-proactive and antibacterial properties. Using guava leaves is effective in treating wounds and preventing microbial infections. Therefore, it is not surprising when guava leaves can be used to treat foul vaginal odor.
You will need:
- 1-liter water
- 4 or 5 guava leaves
Do this:
- Toss those guava leaves into the water
- Boil it
- Drink this solution before you have breakfast
It is recommended repeating this treatment every alternative day for about 2 weeks to have a satisfactory result.