Let us get one thing straight, the vagina can smell like many things, but none of them are perfumed. There is a high expectation placed on people with vaginas to make them smell "pleasant." From flowery douches to vaginal perfume, people with vaginas are being bombarded with pressure to feel shame about the natural odor they produce.

It's time to learn what is "normal" and how to manage these scents and embrace, care for, and love our bodies entirely.

What causes different vaginal scents?

Vaginal odor is the natural scent your vagina produces, which can be affected by various factors, such as the following:

• ph Balance

• Hydration

• Diet

• Hormones

• Menstruation

• Sex life

• Medications

• Lifestyle

• Infections

According to Healthline, your natural odor can change due to pH imbalances, poor hygiene, changes in hormones or menstruation, bacterial growth, urine build-up, stress, STDs or STIs, or even a forgotten tampon. Of course, some odors and symptoms are very normal and healthy. However, be sure to seek out a doctor if you experience the following:

• Itching or burning

• Pain

• Pain during sex

• Thick, cottage cheese-like discharge

• Vaginal bleeding unrelated to your period

What is the difference between normal and unpleasant odors?

Different types of natural scents include:

• Tangy or fermented

• Coppery

• Sweet

• Skunky or like body odor

Unnatural or unpleasant odors may indicate a more severe condition, including fishy, rotten, spoiled, or even sourdough.

What are some natural ways to reduce unpleasant vaginal odor?

1. Eat a balanced diet

2. Have excellent and consistent hygiene

3. Stay hydrated

4. Choose the right products

Here are natural and holistic ingredients to balance your natural flora:

Red Piper Betel Leaf

• Red piper betel leaf contains all essential amino acids as well as compounds capable of breaking down internal malfunctions: some of them are Flavonoid, Polevanolad, Alkaloid, Tannin, and Asiri Oil. Alkaloid, Flavonoid, and Polevanolad are anticancerous compounds that are antibacterial, antioxidant, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory.

• A study by the Asian Journal of Pharesutical and clinical research found that red piper betel leaf is not only safe to use on the natural flora of the vagina but is also antibacterial and can help decrease vaginal discharge.

Curcuma Domestica (Turmeric)

• Curcuma Domestica has been used for over 4,000 years to treat various conditions. It is also used in Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine to treat inflammation and skin irritations. Curcuma is also a powerful antioxidant. Antioxidants can fight free radicals and may reduce or even help prevent some damage they cause. In addition, Curcuma lowers the levels of two enzymes in the body that cause inflammation.

Try Secret Ceres

If you have been struggling with balancing your vaginal odor and want to avoid harsh chemicals and conventional products, we recommend you try Secret Ceres. Our wand is specially curated to assist people with vaginas in helping balance their natural scent, plus many other beneficial factors.

The wand has Red Piper Betle Leaf and turmeric, proven to help fight bacteria and improve natural flora. Secret Ceres is proven safe to use on the vagina as well.

Don't have a Secret Ceres yet? Head here to give your yoni the gift of ritual.

Don’t worry too much.

Vaginas are self-sufficient, and the odor will change naturally. It's nothing to worry about (most of the time). However, don't be afraid to get to know the intimate parts of you or even try a product that will help you feel more confident.

Sources:

1. Wojcik, G. (2020, August 13). Molasses to Pennies: All the Smells a Healthy Vagina Can Be [article]

2. Kassel, G., & Holland, K. (2022, July 7). How to Get Rid of Vaginal Odor [article]

3. Sri Agung Fitri Kusuma, Tjitraresmi, A. M. I., & Susanti, G. I. T. A. (2017, January 24). Antibacterial Effect of Red Piper Betle Leaf (Piper Crocatum Ruiz and Pav.) Ethanolic Extracts to Lactobacillus Acidophilus and Lactobacillus Bifidus Growth Inhibition [article]

4. Nutra, D. (2020, April 26). Turmeric for Candida: Is Curcumin Antifungal & Good for Yeast Infections? [article]