Natural cures for 'down there' bothers

When a below-the-belt issue flares up, try one of these natural fixes that relieve pesky symptoms quickly and effectively

- Ann Green

Tip!

Boric acid suppositories relieve vaginal odor and itchiness from bacterial vaginosis as effectively as prescription drugs, say Canadian scientists.

Hemorrhoids?

For instant relief, pat the area with a cotton pad soaked in witch hazel. Its astringent tannic acid shrinks swelling on contact, dulls pain and speeds healing, say German scientists. For lasting relief, try a daily dose of diosmin, a citrus compound that improves blood flow, constricting overly dilated blood vessels. The payoff, according to a British Journal of Surgery report: It cuts symptoms by up to 67% within four days and it curbs the risk of future flare-ups by 50%. Try: Swanson Diosmin & Hesperidin (Walmart.com).

UTI?