Good Hygiene Key to Avoid 'Discharge'

After the Women’s Day events, it would be proper to discus a common health problem in women. Leucorrhea is a health issue that is rarely spoken about in public forums. Excessive discharge of a white, sticky, foul-smelling material from the vagina is called leucorrhoea. This is a common problem and may be physiological in most cases but can occur due to unhygienic conditions, infection of the genital tract or impaired immune function.

All women during their reproductive years experience this. But sometimes it is associated with itching or burning sensation, redness or irritation of skin. In such cases, one must visit the doctor to know whether she is suffering from the disorder or not. Leucorrhea is not a disease but symptoms of diseases like diabetes, anemia bacterial infections or sexually transmitted diseases may cause this condition.

Causes Of Leucorrhea

Hormonal disturbances; indigestion; constipation; improper hygiene; diseases like diabetes, anemia and local injury.

Siddha View

The causative factors can result in derangement of any of the three dhatus. The increased vaatha produces curdy white discharge with low backache. Elevated pittha produces milky white discharge. Kapha produces pus like discharge and itching. Usually pittha dominance will be responsible for many cases.

Diet In Leucorrhea

Take more liquids (water, milk, juice, soup), fruits, vegetables, salad, betel nuts after meals. Maintain proper hygiene. Wash undergarments properly and dry in sunlight.

Home Remedies For Leucorrhea

•   Make a douche (vaginal wash) from 2-3 tsp tripala powder by heating it in 1 liter of water. After it starts boiling, filter it and use it.
• Take 1 teaspoon of powdered asparagus root (thaneer vittan kizhangu) with 1 teaspoon of honey twice a day.
• Boil 3 tablespoons of rice in 3 cups of water in an open pan. Remove the rice by straining the water. Drink the water lukewarm with 1 teaspoon of sugar (preferably unrefined sugar) once a day.
• Take 1 teaspoon of coriander seeds, soak it in a glass of water overnight and drink it in the morning. Do this for a week.

 — Dr B Thamizhkkani (Government Siddha Physician, Ariyalur)