Douche Health Dictionary

A term used to describe lavage of certain parts of the body, for washing wounds and ulcers, for eye douches with aid of an eye-bath, but especially for cleansing or applying medication to the vagina. Douches with herbal teas (or decoctions) are given for their antiseptic and anti-bacterial properties being used to irrigate the vagina in cases of infections or to soothe inflammation. They are best performed sitting on the toilet, the douche or enema can about two feet above the thighs. Fluid is retained for 5-10 minutes. Not advised in pregnancy. Once or twice daily for one week.

A strong tea is prepared from one of a number of agents according to indications.

Infections: Blue Flag root, Yellow Dock root, Echinacea, Marshmallow root, Sarsaparilla.

Leucorrhoea: Motherwort, Plantain, Bayberry, Black Cohosh.

Endometritis: Raspberry leaves.

Candida: injection of neat yoghurt or, half cup cider vinegar to 2 pints warm water.

Acute discomfort, itching, inflammation: equal parts Chamomile, Marshmallow, Ladies Mantle. 1oz to 2 pints boiling water; infuse, inject warm.

Alternative to herbs: use liquid extracts, 2-4 teaspoons to two pints water.

Thuja douche: Thuja, Liquid Extract half an ounce; Ginger Tincture 10 drops; Glycerine 1oz. Hot water to 1 pint. Candida, leucorrhoea, Polypi. 

The introduction of water and/or a cleansing agent into the vagina using a bag and tubing with a nozzle. Douching is rarely recommended nowadays. It is unnecessary for purposes of hygiene and is an ineffective form of contraception. It may also introduce infection or spread an existing vaginal infection into the uterus or fallopian tubes.

An application to the body of a jet of ?uid via a pipe or tube. It may be used to clean any part of the body but is used most commonly with reference to the vagina (although used as a method of contraception it is ine?ective).

n. a stream of water used for cleaning any part of the body, most commonly the vagina. However, vaginal douching makes a woman more susceptible to infection; moreover, it is extremely unreliable as a method of contraception.