Are there natural home remedies to treat bacterial vaginosis (BV)?

If you're dealing with bacterial vaginosis (BV) symptoms like unusual discharge, a fishy odor, or irritation, you might be seeking a quick, natural fix. While some home remedies may offer temporary relief, the most reliable treatment is antibiotics prescribed by a health care provider. 

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If natural remedies aren't cutting it, Hey Jane offers fast, expert consultations for BV care from your phone, with prescriptions sent to your local pharmacy for pickup. Curious about other options for managing BV? Hey Jane’s providers can help create a personalized treatment plan. 

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Here’s what you need to know about popular natural remedies for BV, and whether they’re actually effective if you’re seeking relief.

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Probiotics for BV

There are a growing number of studies that indicate probiotic-only regimens may help with BV, but that probiotics taken after antibiotics may make it harder for the gut to return to its normal state. Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that support the bacterial balance in the body, including in the vagina. Probiotic-rich foods and supplements can help maintain a healthy vaginal environment, which may assist in managing BV. Some probiotic foods include: 

• Yogurt
• Kefir
• Kombucha
• Miso
• Kimchi 
• Fermented vegetables
• Tempeh
• Sauerkraut

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While probiotics may support your overall health, the evidence that it can help prevent or treat BV is mixed. Some studies say that it can really help and others say there is no difference at all. Keeping both opinions in mind, trying probiotics is very low risk, so if you want to try them to help your BV, they won't hurt. 

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Vaginal cleansers and BV

Despite advertisements for vaginal washes that promise to make your genitals smell like a field of daisies, the vagina is a self-cleaning organ and doesn’t need extra help from douches, soaps, or perfumes to stay clean. Healthy vaginas should smell like, well, vaginas. In fact, using products marketed as vaginal cleansers can alter the vagina's pH balance, increasing the risk of developing or worsening BV. To reduce your risk of BV, avoid scented vaginal products and douching, and wash the area with water only. It’s also helpful to wear breathable cotton underwear and keep the vaginal area dry (damp bathing suit or workout bottoms are not your friend).  

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Boric acid and BV

Boric acid vaginal suppositories (supplements that are inserted into the vagina) are a popular natural remedy for BV. Research supports their potential effectiveness, especially when used alongside antibiotics. A 2023 review of approaches to treat BV found boric acid suppositories taken alongside oral antibiotics helped treat BV more effectively than antibiotics alone. The research also found that long-term use of boric acid supplements was well tolerated, had high reported satisfaction from patients, and very few negative side effects. These results are promising, but remember that supplements are not FDA-approved and that results may vary from person to person.

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Lactic acid and BC

Lactic acid supplements claim to work by restoring the vagina’s natural acidity, creating an environment that encourages the growth of good bacteria. However, research on the impact of lactic acid on vaginal health has yielded mixed results. In a scientific review, multiple studies comparing lactic acid supplements to metronidazole (an antibiotic commonly used to treat BV) found the supplements to be significantly inferior to metronidazole as a treatment for BV. One study found lactic acid to be better than no treatment at all, and one study found it equivalent to a placebo treatment, or no treatment. 

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Garlic and BV

Our providers do NOT recommend inserting garlic cloves into your vagina (a trending topic on social media that can cause more vaginal issues). However, research on the effects of oral garlic supplements show promising results for treating BV. One study found that the therapeutic effects of garlic on BV were similar to that of metronidazole (the antibiotic commonly prescribed to treat bacterial vaginosis). Additionally, garlic supplements caused far less adverse side effects in participants than antibiotics. While this research shows potential, more research is needed to understand the effects of garlic supplements on BV. 

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Be aware that garlic supplements may interfere with the effectiveness of some medications, including saquinavir, a medication used to treat HIV. Only take supplements with the guidance of a health care provider. 

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Tea tree oil and apple cider vinegar for BV

While you might hear about these two ingredients and BV on social media, there is no solid scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of tea tree oil or apple cider vinegar in treating BV. In fact, both of these products can cause severe allergic reactions, aren’t safe to use during pregnancy, and should not be applied in or around the vagina. Because of the risks and lack of research on safety and effectiveness, these options are not recommended as treatments for BV.

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What is the most effective BV treatment?

While some supplements and natural remedies may provide symptom relief for some people, the safest and most effective treatment for bacterial vaginosis is prescription antibiotics, like metronidazole or clindamycin. These medications are backed by scientific evidence and are proven to cure BV. If you suspect you have BV, reach out to a health care provider like Hey Jane for a treatment plan that’s right for you.