The vagina is “self-cleaning”. It means that you do not have to pay extra attention to your intimate region as it has natural secretions, maintains a particular pH, and has good bacteria. All these help keep the vagina and vulva clean and prevent the growth of bad bacteria. However, poor hygiene, low immunity, sensitive skin, and other issues can lead to infection and demand regular cleansing of that private area.
But many do not trust over-the-counter products because they can have ingredients that can do more harm than good. They may be more comfortable moving to natural products and ingredients. So, if you are looking forward to the same, here are 8 homemade feminine washes that you can give a try.
Why Use Homemade Feminine Wash?
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While feminine wash is very useful in cleaning your vagina and preventing infections, it must be made from safe and gentle ingredients. If not, it can affect the mucosal biome of the vagina.
Commercial feminine washes may have antibacterial ingredients like hexachlorophene that can cause vomiting, nausea, coma, spasm, and even death.
Some ingredients are also associated with upper urinary tract infections, ectopic pregnancy, infertility, and cervical cancer. So it is important to know what goes into making your intimate wash.
And the best way to do it is to make your own feminine wash. It will clean your vagina and will be safe for you. Also, the ingredients for making homemade feminine washes are easily available, so you can source most of them from your pantry.
8 Homemade Feminine Washes
Here are 8 homemade feminine washes that you can make at home.
1. Witch Hazel and Rose Water
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The wash is perfect for dry and sensitive skin. Rose water is a moisturizer and witch hazel has many medicinal benefits like repairing torn or broken skin, antibacterial and antioxidant properties, relieving discomfort, burning, and pain, and more.
Ingredients
• 1/2 cup witch hazel (alcohol-free)
• 1/2 cup rose water
• 1 tsp Castile soap
• 3 tsp almond oil
• 5-7 drops of essential oil
• Foaming soap dispenser
Add all the ingredients to the dispenser, shake it well, and use it.
2. Aloe Vera and Vinegar
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The antibacterial, antifungal, and other medicinal benefits of the natural emollient, aloe vera, are well-known and well-documented. Aloe vera has become a widely used ingredient in both medicinal and cosmetic industries.
Aloe vera is known to be effective against candida, one of the most common causes of vaginitis.
Apart from aloe vera, the wash also includes vinegar, another magic pantry ingredient used widely for a range of purposes. It restores the acidic pH of the vagina and prevents opportunistic infections.
Ingredients
• 1/8 cup aloe vera
• 1/8 cup vinegar
• 6 drops of essential oil
• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 cup Castile soap
• Foaming soap dispenser
Add all the ingredients to the dispenser and shake well before use.
3. Lemon Leaves and Chamomile Oil
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Lemon leaves contain limonene, a compound that has anti-allergic and antibacterial properties that prevent infection and rashes. Also, it has an acidic pH that doesn’t disrupt the pH of the vagina.
Chamomile oil eases skin conditions like rashes and also has anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. It also leaves a pleasant smell, getting rid of the bad odor.
Ingredients:
• 15-20 lemon leaves
• 1 cup water
• 2 drops chamomile oil
• Spray bottle
Method:
• Boil lemon leaves in a cup of water for about 5 minutes.
• Let it cool to room temperature, strain it, and add 2 drops of chamomile oil
• Store it in a spray bottle and use it as required.
4. Aloe Vera and Yogurt
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Aloe vera alone is enough to deal with most types of skin issues. As mentioned earlier, it has antifungal and antibacterial activities. Apart from that, it naturally soothes skin and aids in repair and regeneration.
However, adding yogurt to your homemade vaginal wash has some added benefits. It is a probiotic with a host of good bacteria that help dislodge yeast infections and help reestablish the natural flora of the vagina. So, it will balance the pH and bacterial flora as well as get rid of vaginal odor.
Ingredients:
• 1 teaspoon aloe vera gel
• 1 teaspoon yogurt
Method:
• Mix the ingredients and apply the paste to your intimate area
• Leave on for 5 minutes and rinse.
5. Witch Hazel, Burdock Leaves, Dandelion, and Raspberry Leaf
This mixture of herbs has numerous medicinal properties that make it a perfect vaginal wash. Witch hazel has antioxidant and antibacterial properties, and burdock leaves help treat eczema and other skin complaints.
Dandelion is a very common ingredient in many vaginal washes due to its many properties, like cleansing, protecting the mucosa, and restoring vaginal lubrication. Raspberry leaves are known to have antioxidant properties, so it cleanses the body of free radicals and reduces oxidative stress.
Ingredients:
• 1 teaspoon witch hazel
• 1 teaspoon burdock leaves
• 1 teaspoon dandelion
• 1 teaspoon raspberry leaves
• 1 cup water
Method:
• Add all the herbs to the cup of water and boil to form a concoction.
• Heat it for 10 minutes.
• Once cooled, strain the concoction, and store it in a bottle.
6. Ginger, Garlic, and Basil
All three ingredients are powerful antibacterials that help get rid of infections while tackling the foul smell. Apart from that, they are all antioxidants and powerhouses of sulfur.
Ingredients:
• 2 garlic cloves
• A handful of basil leaves
• Pinch of ginger powder
• One cup of water
Method:
• Make a smooth paste with garlic and basil leaves and add ginger.
• Dilute the paste with water and let it sit for around 3 hours.
• Strain and use.
Caution: Do not use it if you have rashes or are breastfeeding.
7. Baking Soda and White Vinegar
Both baking soda and white vinegar help restore the normal pH of the vagina—one of the most important causes of vaginal infection. Their antibacterial and antiseptic properties prevent bacterial growth and neutralize bad odors.
Ingredients:
• ½ cup of baking soda
• 2 tablespoons of white vinegar
Method:
• Add the ingredients to your bathing water, and soak in it for 20 to 25 minutes.
• Rinse with normal water.
8. Coconut Oil and Tea Tree Oil
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Coconut oil has antifungal properties and can get rid of yeast infections. It also has anti-inflammatory properties and can soothe itching skin.
Tea tree oil also has antibacterial and antifungal properties and is a great remedy for many skin-related issues.
Ingredients:
• 1 teaspoon of coconut oil
• 10 drops of tea tree oil
Method:
Mix the ingredients and apply the solution to your intimate area. Leave it on for 10 minutes, rinse, and pat dry.
