Millions of people absorb high levels of toxins every month thanks to lax manufacturing standards of menstrual products like tampons and pads. These products are loaded with highly absorbable industrial contaminants — the body takes in more toxins through the vaginal mucous membranes than through ingestion.
Manufacturers are not required to list the ingredients used in tampons and sanitary napkins. However, the main material cotton is a crop notorious for genetic engineering and heavy use of pesticides.
Feminine hygiene products also contain synthetic fragrances, bleaches, foams, gels, anti-bacterial agents, and surfactants.
Although the FDA offers recommendations, there are no regulations manufacturers are required to follow regarding the use of toxic chemicals in these products.
Why toxins in tampons are more dangerous
Lack of regulation and oversight means anything goes in manufacturing of feminine hygiene products, including the use of cancer-causing chemicals.
Vaginal tissue is far more permeable than other areas of the body. In fact, it’s so good at absorption that drug companies will deliver some drugs vaginally as a way to bypass metabolization.
Because compounds absorbed vaginally do not pass through the liver first, this also means they go into the bloodstream in much higher concentrations than if they were ingested.
Additionally, the thin ridges of the vaginal wall not only provide more surface area to enhance absorption, they also can retain chemicals.
Conventional pads contain myriad toxic chemicals, plastics and synthetic fibers that sit against the permeable skin of the vulva for days every month.
What are alternatives?
Thankfully there are many alternatives out there!
1. Period Underwear
If you don’t like the bulkiness, potential shifting, or frequent trips to the bathroom that come with sticking a pad in your underwear, a number of brands now build them right into the lining. Companies like Thinx and Knix Wear carry period panties in designs ranging from comfy to sexy lingerie, and Dear Kate even makes yoga pants you can wear without pads or underwear. These products are all washable, which means they’re not only preferable to some women but also better for the environment!
2. Menstrual cups
Fun fact: The first menstrual cup was patented in 1937 by actress Leona Chalmers. But the device hasn’t become popular until over the past decade, as brands like DivaCup and Lunette have been tried by many looking for safer alternatives. It’s pretty simple: Menstrual cups collect the blood from your period, and you dump it out every 10 to 12 hours, which means you rarely have to head to the bathroom while you’re using them, nor do you need to buy new ones more than once a year. This option’s also a win for the environment, since 20 billion pads and tampons end up in landfills every year.
3. Menstrual sponges
You can also prevent messes by inserting a sponge up by your cervix. Menstrual sponges like those that Jade & Pearl and Jam Sponge offer actually look a lot like bath sponges, and they work the same way. The only disadvantage is that they may be a bit cumbersome and messy to get out. But they are good for the environment and your wallet, since you only have to change them every six to 12 months.
4. Reusable pads and tampons
If you want to save money or the environment, you don’t actually have to forgo pads or tampons: There are reusable options for both. Brands like GladRags and Lunapads create washable cloth pads with some pretty fun designs! And while they’re still a fringe option, there are also reusable tampons for sale on Etsy. And, if you’re really into crafts, you can also knit them yourself.
If I have been using toxic products, how can I safely detox?
Two words, YONI STEAMING.
What is Yoni Steaming?
Yoni steaming is the practice of sitting over a steaming pot of water infused with medicinal herbs. It uses the healing power of plants and vital heat to restore balance to our feminine cycles in all life stages. The herb infused steam supports our bodies in the natural release of that which does not serve our optimal health, while connecting us to our inner woman. Many different herbs are used to support and heal our cycles and stages of life.
How to steam:
Boil 1 gallon of water with 1 cup herb mixture for 10 minutes. Continue to steep off of the stove for an additional 5 minutes.
Then be sure to test how hot the steam is. Put the inside of your forearm over the steam to test. Remember your genitals are very sensitive to heat, you do not want to burn them! Do not sit down until the steam is comfortable for you.
Then when steaming cover your entire lower half, all the way to the ground with 1 blanket. Make a tent all the way to the ground, to keep the steam in. Then wrap the second blanket around the upper half of your body. Keep it wrapped around you, stay warm. That warmth will aid in circulation! Also, be sure to wear socks, it will help you stay warm.
You’ll steam for 20-30 minutes. It feels AMAZING. I use a sitz bath tub because they are sooo comfy, convenient, and cheap but some people squat over bowls, cut holes in camp chairs etc! There is no wrong way to sit! Whatever is comfy for you!
There are also vaginal steam stools and chairs available to buy online.
Rest and nurture yourself afterwards, stay warm, drink some herbal tea and move slowly. Breathe this feminine nourishment into your womb and soul.
Using herbs to help detoxify to stream with will not only help to detox these toxins but also help you to energetically detox! Our womb has a tendency to hold onto trauma.
You can buy yoni steaming herbs to help detoxify and release here!