Chamomile syringe: how to do it correctly?

Chamomile is a plant with pronounced medicinal properties and a wide range of applications. Let's consider the indications for douching with the herb and its therapeutic effect.

Translated from Latin, chamomile is a uterine herb. It received this name due to its high efficiency in the treatment of gynecological diseases. Matricaria is used in gastroenterology, in pathologies of the genitourinary system, inflammatory and infectious processes in the body.

The highest concentration of useful chemical compounds is found in the flowers of the herbaceous plant:

• Tannins and protein substances.
• Compounds of coumarins, polyines, bioflavonoids.
• Organic acids (salicylic, caprylic, isovaleric, antimycotic).
• Ascorbic and nicotinic acid.
• Polysaccharide compounds.
• Carotenes, phytosterols and other substances.

About 1% of essential oils are extracted from dried inflorescences, which have pronounced anti-inflammatory, bactericidal and antihistamine properties. Due to this, the plant has a gentle effect on the body and organs of the female reproductive system, and has a calming effect.

One of the methods of using chamomile is douching, that is, washing the vagina and external genitalia with warm decoctions and infusions. The procedure is carried out for therapeutic, preventive and hygienic purposes.

Is douching with chamomile helpful?

The benefits of douching with chamomile are based on the medicinal properties of the herb. The herbal remedy is collected during its flowering period, at which time it contains many useful and important substances for health:

• Essential oils – have antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Vitamins, macro and microelements take part in important physiological processes of the body.
• Organic acids – improve metabolic processes, have bactericidal properties.
• Hormone-like substances (phytosterol, umbelliferone) have a beneficial effect on the female reproductive system.
• Chamazulene is a biologically active substance with anti-inflammatory and anti-allergenic properties.
• Apigenin, apiin, herniarin – have an antispasmodic effect.

Based on the above properties of the uterine herb, douching disinfects, relieves inflammation, reduces allergic reactions. It has an analgesic effect, accelerates the regeneration of damaged tissues, relaxes the muscles of internal organs.

Douching with chamomile is effective for infectious diseases, as it cleanses the mucous membrane from pathogenic microorganisms and restores normal vaginal microflora. Procedures with decoctions and infusions can be used for the complex treatment of inflammatory pathologies and accelerated healing of the mucous membrane.

[ 1 ]

Chamomile douching in gynecology

Douching is a procedure of washing the vagina with solutions and infusions. The main indication for its implementation are gynecological diseases and microflora disorders.

The need to use chamomile for medical procedures is justified by its pronounced medicinal properties. The herb has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, analgesic, soothing, antifungal and healing effects. Despite the wide range of applications, it has a minimum of contraindications and side effects.

Irrigation of the mucous membrane promotes dissolution and mechanical washing out of pathological contents from the vagina, that is, sanitation occurs and regenerative processes are accelerated.

[ 2 ]

Medicinal properties of chamomile in gynecology

Matricaria or chamomile has a unique chemical composition, which allows it to be used for various medical purposes. The inflorescences contain vitamins, organic acids, bioflavonoids, coumarins, phytosterol, protein and tannins, polysaccharide compounds, etc.

The medicinal properties of chamomile and the possibility of its use in gynecology are due to the interaction of the active components of the plant. The main medicinal and prophylactic properties of Matricaria include:

• Antibacterial
• Anti-inflammatory
• Antispasmodic
• Vasodilator
• Painkiller
• Sedative
• Diaphoretic
• Choleretic
• Hemostatic

Due to the wide range of medicinal properties, many different forms of drugs are made on the basis of the plant. Medicines are used as smooth muscle spasmolytics, reduce the tone of blood vessels, have an antidepressant and mild sedative effect.

Indications for the procedure

Douching with chamomile is a therapeutic and preventive procedure, so it should only be done for medical reasons:

• Candidiasis (thrush).
• Cervical erosion.
• Menstrual cycle disorders.
• Inflammation of the bladder.
• Disorders of vaginal microflora.
• Chronic inflammatory processes.

Despite the wide range of medicinal properties, procedures with herbal remedies are contraindicated in acute inflammatory processes in the genitals, during pregnancy and menstruation, in the period after abortion and childbirth (the first 3-4 weeks).

• For thrush

Thrush or candidiasis is a fungal disease with damage to the vaginal mucosa. It occurs due to yeast-like fungi Candida. Most often it develops against the background of a weakened immune system, with inflammatory processes in the body, taking certain medications, infectious diseases and failure to observe personal hygiene.

The main feature of thrush is a cheesy discharge with an unpleasant odor. Against this background, severe itching, burning, redness and irritation of the mucous membrane, swelling occur. At the same time, candidiasis is not transmitted sexually, but frequent changes of sexual partners can cause the disease.

Complex treatment involves irrigation of the vagina with various solutions. Chamomile is excellent for these purposes.

• The plant contains chamazulene and mytricin, which reduce inflammation and accelerate the regeneration of damaged tissues.
• The herb can be used in the form of decoctions and infusions for washing, baths and douching.
• Douching with chamomile for thrush is considered the most effective treatment method. 2-3 procedures are enough to noticeably improve the painful condition.

To prepare the solution, take 2 tablespoons of the herb per liter of boiling water. Infuse the product until it cools, then strain. It is better to carry out the procedure in the bathroom in a lying position or squatting. It should be taken into account that the liquid introduced into the vagina will flow out, washing out the pathogenic flora. Immediately after the procedure, you must lie down for 20-30 minutes. Douching can only be done according to medical indications, since chamomile has a number of restrictions on use.

• In case of inflammation

There are many reasons that cause inflammation of the female genital organs. Often, this is hypothermia, complications after severe stress and physical exertion, bad habits or sexually transmitted infections, allergic reactions to intimate hygiene products.

Regardless of the cause, the patient is prescribed complex treatment to prevent the inflammation from becoming chronic. The therapy includes local action on the lesion. For these purposes, the vagina and external genitalia are washed with special solutions.

Treatments with chamomile infusions and decoctions are especially popular. The plant has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, helps restore damaged tissues and increases local immunity.

• With discharge

Matricaria has a wide range of applications in the treatment of gynecological diseases. Douching with a solution based on a plant remedy is prescribed to eliminate pathological discharge and relieve painful symptoms.

Vaginal lavage helps with cheesy discharge during thrush, inflammatory processes, infectious diseases. The plant helps restore normal vaginal microflora and suppresses bacterial infection.

However, procedures should not be performed to speed up the removal of residual menstrual discharge. It should also be taken into account that frequent douching liquefies vaginal secretions and can cause a violation of vaginal pH.

• In case of erosion

Erosion is a violation of the epithelial layer of the vagina or cervix. Most often, it is a complication of hormonal imbalances in the body, abortion, infectious and inflammatory diseases of the female reproductive system.

Douching with chamomile for erosion helps to stop the inflammatory process and speed up the restoration of damaged tissues. An infusion for washing is prepared at the rate of 2 tablespoons of the herb per liter of boiling water. The solution is infused for 30-40 minutes, filtered through several layers of gauze and douched. It is better to use Esmarch's mug for the procedure. The duration of treatment should not exceed 10 days. Longer washings can cause a violation of the vaginal microflora.

Untimely or incorrect treatment of erosion creates a favorable environment for the proliferation of pathogenic microorganisms that can penetrate the uterus and ovaries, causing serious consequences for women's health.

• During menstruation

During the period of active menstruation, the female body is vulnerable to pathogenic flora and bacteria. Douching during menstruation is contraindicated, since even ordinary water can cause infection in the uterine cavity and provoke an acute inflammatory process. Washing the vagina with a chamomile solution is prohibited as an additional cleansing from the remains of menstrual discharge.

• For colpitis

Colpitis is a common gynecological disease that most often occurs in women of reproductive age. It occurs due to various pathogenic microorganisms, viral infections. The cause of the disease can be injuries to the vaginal surface, circulatory disorders in the pelvic area, hormonal changes, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, and many other factors.

At first, colpitis occurs in an acute form. It manifests itself in atypical discharge, pain in the lower abdomen, burning during urination and other symptoms. If the disease takes a chronic form, then the intensity of pathological discharge adjusts to the menstrual cycle, and itching and burning occur on a permanent basis.

Douching with chamomile is one of the most effective and at the same time simple methods of treatment. Washing the vagina and external genitalia relieves dryness, burning and swelling. The anti-inflammatory and local anesthetic properties of the plant improve the patient's well-being. The solution for the procedures is prepared at the rate of 2 tablespoons of flowers per liter of boiling water. In addition to douching, you can take sitz baths with a solution of Matricaria.

• For hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are a proctological disease in which inflammation and varicose veins of the hemorrhoidal veins in the rectum occur. Because of this, external and internal nodes form around the anus, causing pain of varying intensity and bleeding.

Treatment of hemorrhoids with chamomile douches can be carried out at all stages of the disease, but is most effective at an early stage. The herbal solution is used for sitz baths, douches, internal use, enemas, lotions and compresses.

Benefits of chamomile in the treatment of hemorrhoids:

• Antispasmodic and antiseptic action.
• Eliminates inflammatory processes.
• Relieves itching, pain and burning.
• Stops bleeding.
• Promotes healing of bleeding microcracks.

To prepare a medicinal solution, use a standard recipe: 2 tablespoons of herbs per liter of boiling water. It is better to carry out the procedures before bedtime. The solution should be at a comfortable temperature for the body. The duration of treatment and the number of washes are determined by the attending physician, but as a rule, this is no more than 7 douches per course.

Before using chamomile, you should consider its contraindications. The plant is prohibited for neoplasms in the intestines of any etiology, a tendency to diarrhea, pregnancy and lactation, individual intolerance.

• For cystitis

Cystitis is an inflammation of the bladder. The disease occurs due to the penetration of pathogenic microorganisms from the kidneys, vagina, urethra and other organs into the urinary system. Due to the anatomical features of the urethra, women are more likely to encounter this disease.

Douching with chamomile is part of the complex treatment of cystitis. The herbal decoction has antiseptic and pronounced anti-inflammatory properties. To prepare it, take 2 tablespoons of dry raw materials per liter of boiling water. Before use, the cooled infusion is filtered through several layers of gauze. To enhance the antibacterial properties of the solution, you can add a tablespoon of calendula flowers to it.

A liquid at a comfortable body temperature is suitable for the procedure. One wash lasts about 5-15 minutes. It is better to prepare a new solution each time, without leaving it for the next time. Despite all the medicinal properties of Matricaria, it cannot be used as monotherapy for cystitis. To speed up recovery, patients are prescribed antibacterial and multivitamin drugs, thermal physiotherapy.

• From endometritis

Endometritis is an inflammatory lesion of the surface layer of the endometrium, the internal mucous membrane of the uterine cavity. It occurs in acute or chronic form. It occurs due to a decrease in the body's immune defense and the penetration of infection into the internal genital organs. The development of the disease is facilitated by birth injuries, damage to the vaginal mucosa, poor intimate hygiene, long-term use of an intrauterine device, vaginal tampons and much more.

Treatment of the disease is complex. Additional methods of therapy include washing the vagina with medicinal solutions. Chamomile has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, helps to flush pathogenic flora from the body.

Douching for endometritis removes vaginal leucorrhoea and serous-purulent discharge from the uterus. Relieves itching and burning in the perineum, accelerates the healing of damaged tissues and mucous membranes.

Preparation

Douching is a therapeutic and prophylactic vaginal lavage. The procedure is part of the complex treatment of thrush, colpitis, endometritis and other gynecological diseases. Various medicinal solutions, herbal decoctions and infusions are used as a liquid for lavage. Chamomile decoction/infusion is especially popular.

In order for douching to bring the desired therapeutic effect, it is necessary to prepare for it properly. Preparation includes:

• Sterilization of the plastic tip of Esmarch's mug or other syringe.
• The solution should be at a temperature that is comfortable for the body, since too hot or cold liquid can seriously damage the vaginal mucosa and disrupt the microflora.
• Find a comfortable position (lying in the bath or squatting) to administer the fluid.
• It is recommended to retain the solution inserted into the vagina for 10-15 minutes.
• After the procedure, you need to lie down for 20-30 minutes.

All instruments used for douching are hygienic means, they cannot be given to other people or used for enemas. Violation of the rules of preparation for the procedure can cause infection and exacerbation of inflammatory processes.

Technique chamomile

Washing the vagina and external genitalia with chamomile solution is used to eliminate inflammatory and infectious processes. Douching is also prescribed as an auxiliary treatment method for gynecological pathologies.

The technique for performing the procedure consists of the following stages:

• Prepare an Esmarch mug or a syringe with a capacity of 1.5-2 liters.
• Fill the syringe with the prepared solution and attach the sterilized tip.
• Take a comfortable position. It is better to do the rinsing while lying in the bath, as the introduced liquid will flow out.
• With one hand, spread the labia, and with the other, release the air from the syringe and insert its tip into the vagina.
• Pour the solution slowly and hold it in for 10-15 minutes.
• After the procedure, you must take a horizontal position for 20-30 minutes.

One of the most common and dangerous mistakes when irrigating the vagina is introducing the solution under pressure. Too fast a flow of liquid can injure the mucous membrane, which will aggravate the painful condition and cause further spread of pathogenic flora.

How to do chamomile douching correctly?

Douching with chamomile, like any other therapeutic and preventive procedure, has its own rules and features:

• The douche should be at room temperature. A solution that is too hot or too cold can damage the vaginal mucosa.
• The solution should flow freely into the vagina. A tight stream will not only damage the mucous membrane, but also penetrate into the uterine cavity, which is dangerous due to inflammation of the internal genital organs.
• Before using the syringe, its tip is thoroughly washed and disinfected. After each procedure, the balloon or bulb in which the solution was is washed. Compliance with aseptic rules helps reduce the risk of infection.
• It is better to douche while lying in the bath. If the procedure is performed in a hospital, the patient is positioned on a gynecological chair. The introduced liquid flows out on its own, cleaning the vaginal walls from pathogenic flora and secretions.

The duration of treatment depends on the indications for its implementation. As a rule, the course does not exceed 7-10 days. It is advisable to carry out the procedures before bedtime. The duration of each wash should not exceed 15 minutes.

Chamomile douching during pregnancy

Chamomile solution has antiseptic, analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. Douching is carried out according to strict indications. As a rule, they are prescribed to cleanse the vaginal mucosa from pathogenic microorganisms and speed up the recovery process in infectious and inflammatory diseases.

Douching during pregnancy has its own characteristics:

• During the procedure, there is a risk of damage to the amniotic membrane and infection of the embryo.
• There is a possibility of developing vaginal infections, candidiasis, bacterial vaginosis.
• During pregnancy, the number of vessels on the inner lining of the uterus increases, so when washing the vagina, there is a risk of air entering the uterus through the cervical canal.
• Early procedures can cause miscarriage.

The duration of treatment and the number of procedures are determined by the attending physician. Washing is carried out every other day or 3-4 times a week, before bedtime. For the procedure, a decoction is prepared according to the following recipe: 1 tablespoon of the herb is poured with a liter of boiling water and infused until cool. After straining, the liquid is heated to a comfortable temperature and douched.

Contraindications to the procedure

Douching with chamomile, like any other therapeutic and preventive procedure, has certain contraindications, let's consider them:

• Pregnancy.
• Early postpartum and postoperative period.
• Menses.
• Endometriosis of the uterus.
• Acute inflammatory processes of the female genitourinary system (endometritis, adnexitis).
• Allergic reactions.
• Age over 40 years.

Douching is prohibited for cleaning the vagina from natural secretions. The procedure is contraindicated before a visit to the gynecologist, as there is a risk of receiving unreliable tests. Also, douching on your own is prohibited, that is, without a prescription from the attending gynecologist.

[ 3 ], [ 4 ]

Consequences after the procedure

One of the consequences of frequent douching is the risk of vaginal pH imbalance and allergic reactions. The medicinal solution washes away natural lubrication and irritates the mucous membrane. This can cause changes in vaginal acidity and suppression of natural microflora, which leads to uncontrolled proliferation of pathogenic flora.

Possible consequences of treatment:

• Women who regularly do vaginal irrigation are more likely to encounter sexually transmitted diseases.
• The procedure performed immediately after sexual intercourse can lead to an ectopic pregnancy, which poses a risk to reproductive health.
• Treatment in the second and third trimesters may result in low birth weight in the newborn.
• Increases the risk of developing amnionitis in the late stages and prenatal period.
• There is also a risk of infection penetrating through the cervical canal into the cervical cavity, ovaries and fallopian tubes.

Based on this, douching is not a safe treatment and preventive method and should only be performed as prescribed by a doctor.

[ 5 ]

Discharge after douching with chamomile

Many women note that after washing the vagina with a solution of medicinal chamomile, discharge appears. Their nature depends on the indications for douching. Most often, these are transparent or yellowish mucous discharges, which are not considered pathological.

Particular attention should be paid to bloody discharge, the appearance of which may indicate that the procedure was performed incorrectly and that the mucous membrane was traumatized by a strong stream of solution or the tip of the syringe. There is also a risk of infection in the fallopian tubes with subsequent contamination.

If the discharge is accompanied by pain in the lower abdomen, a sharp deterioration in health, itching and exacerbation of the inflammatory/infectious process, then you should stop washing and consult a gynecologist. The doctor will conduct an examination to determine the causes of the painful condition and prescribe alternative treatment methods.

[ 6 ]

Complications after the procedure

According to research, uncontrolled douching is similar to the abuse of antibacterial drugs.

Post-procedural complications manifest themselves in various gynecological diseases:

• Bacterial vaginitis.
• Salpingitis.
• Endometritis.
• Endometriosis.
• Allergic reactions.

Douching can damage the cervix and bladder, irritate the vaginal mucosa. In order to reduce the risk of complications, douching should be done only for medical reasons, following all treatment rules.

[ 7 ], [ 8 ]

Care after the procedure

Washing the vagina and external genitalia with chamomile solution has its own characteristics. In order for the treatment to be not only effective but also safe, you should follow the rules for preparing for douching and perform proper care after the procedure.

• Washing is carried out using a 0.5-1 liter syringe. For effective irrigation of the vaginal tissues, you need to sit or lie down in the bath.

• The tip is carefully inserted into the vagina and the solution is poured in with a gentle movement. The woman should be as relaxed as possible, as there is a risk of damaging the mucous membrane. No more than a liter of the drug is administered per procedure.

• After douching, you need to lie down for 20-30 minutes, so it is better to do the procedure before going to bed. It would also be a good idea to use a sanitary pad, since minor discharge is possible.

If all medical recommendations are followed and the chamomile solution is used correctly, the risk of complications is minimal.

Reviews

According to numerous reviews, douching with chamomile is really effective in treating gynecological diseases. The plant has an anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect, relieves itching and irritation. Washing helps cleanse the mucous membrane from pathogenic flora, which speeds up recovery from thrush and other pathologies. Matricaria promotes the regeneration of damaged tissues and mucous membranes, increases local immunity.