| |  | | Herbs for Vaginal Dryness
Answered by: Susan Eagles
Question from: M.H.
Posted on: June 7, 1998
What herb can be used for vaginal dryness?
Rosemary Gladstar, in "Herbal Healing for Women" (available at Richters) states that vaginal dryness in menopause is due to the thinning of the mucous membranes along with a loss of elasticity in the walls of the vagina, resulting from a decrease in the production of estrogen. She states that this condition can be remedied with good nutrition, a menopausal formula, vitamin E (400-600 I.U. daily or 50-150 I.U. daily if you have diabetes, high blood pressure or a rheumatic heart), and application of a herbal ointment when the vagina feels dry, made from comfrey, St. John’s Wort, and Calendula or Aloe vera gel and slippery elm powder.
Amanda McQuade Crawford, in "Herbal Remedies for Women" (Prima Publishing) suggests that a herbal formula containing phytoestrogens (plant compounds that affect sex hormone activity) will help menopausal symptoms including vaginal dryness. Phytoestrogens are contained in many plants, including Red Clover blossoms, Dong Quai root, Sarsaparilla root (Smilax) and Licorice root (Licorice should not be taken in high blood pressure, water retention, kidney failure or heart failure). She also suggests Panax ginseng, which has a beneficial effect on sex hormone activity and improves stamina and stress resistance in the short term and nerve function, blood sugar balance and immunity in the long term.
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