Recently the government announced its intention to remove GST from feminine hygiene products. Great we may think but read this report about these products and decide for yourself!
It’s estimated that as many as 1 in 10 women of childbearing age suffer from some kind of reproductive organ condition at some time in their life. Endometriosis and Ovarian Cysts are two of the most common dis-eases that cause discomfort and anxiety in many women and one of the main causes is shocking.
Toxic Feminine Hygiene Products One of the leading causes of endometriosis and cysts on the ovaries and other female problems has been found to be caused by commercial pads and tampons. Cysts actually form in order to contain toxic waste from chemical dioxins contained in pads and tampons and medicinal residues that have been prescribed for the conditions in the reproductive region. The pharmaceutical industry uses dioxins in these products so that women bleed more during menstruation therefore requiring them to buy more product.
Do you remember the widely reported Toxic Shock Syndrome? Not too long ago, there were such excessive toxins in these products, it was actually killing some women. TSS is caused either by poisonous toxins from Staphylococcus aureus (staph) or group A streptococcus (strep) bacteria and is a life-threatening condition.
When they finally managed to get the dosages worked out everybody thought the issues went away, but it’s still a very real problem.
Symptom recognition is crucial. Should any of the following symptoms occur whilst you are using feminine hygiene products, seek medical help immediately:
- Sudden high fever
• Low blood pressure
• Rash on palms or soles of feet
• Muscle aches
• Redness of your eyes, mouth and/or throat
We have to remember that anything placed on the skin will absorb into the body. This distresses the system as the toxins have not passed through our digestive system where the acids have the chance to break them down. By absorbing through the skin, toxins settle in the tissue and remain there. Monthly, we are placing these products in an area where the skin is at its thinnest and therefore toxins can be absorbed more quickly.
Additional to dioxins, bleach, fragrances, odour neutralisers and other chemicals are often added, many of which are harmful to the body and some are known to be carcinogenic. These crude oil plastics can cause other problems too. For example, plasticising chemicals like BPA and BPS disrupt embryonic development. They are also linked to heart disease and cancer. Phthalates, which give paper tampon applicators a smooth finish, are known to disrupt gene expression and DEHP may lead to multiple organ damage. Synthetics and plastic restrict air flow and trap heat and dampness, potentially promoting yeast and bacteria growth in the vaginal area.
Conventional tampons contain pesticides and a whopping $2 billion is spent annually on pesticides to spray cotton crops. Often tampons will contain genetically-modified organisms (GMOs) as according to the USDA, 94 percent of all U.S. cotton is genetically engineered.
Tampons and pads with odour neutralisers and artificial fragrances are virtually a chemical soup, laced with artificial colours, polyester, adhesives, polyethylene (PET), polypropylene and propylene glycol (PEG), contaminants that are all linked to hormone disruption, cancer, birth defects, dryness and infertility.
- The chlorine bleach used to give tampons and pads that ultra-white clean look can create toxic dioxin and other disinfection by-products (DBPs) such as trihalomethane. Studies show dioxin collects in the fatty tissues. According to an EPA draft report, dioxin is a serious public health threat that has no “safe” level of exposure! Published reports show that even trace dioxin levels may be linked to:
- Abnormal tissue growth in the abdomen and reproductive organs
- Abnormal cell growth throughout the body
- Immune system suppression
- Hormonal and endocrine system disruption
If you have teenage girls whose ‘cycles’ have begun, it is vital to educate them early on about the difference between unbleached natural products and those that contain chemicals and dioxins. Tampons create a favourable environment for bacteria growth with micro-tears in the vaginal wall allowing bacteria to accumulate.
Try a Lunette Menstrual Cup. They are comfortable, easy to use and form a seal so there is no leakage for up to 12 hours. They are hygienic and safe to use as they are made of soft medical grade silicone and are BPA free. This means no yeast, bacteria or odour; just cleanliness and comfort. Two added bonuses – one is financial as you only need one or maybe two, so there is no on-going purchases. Secondly, they are designed, developed and packaged with the environment at heart so they are the best alternative to disposable period products which pollute our planet.
Natural Remedy Tip
PMS Bath Soak Blend
Add 3 drops of Clary Sage, 2 drops of Chamomile, 2 drops of Geranium and 2 drops of Lavender to a running warm bath. Tip: Mixing these oils with 1/4 cup Epsom salt before adding to the bath will help keep the oils from floating on top of the water and it will give the benefits of magnesium.
It is always wise to research anything that will be placed on or in the body before using or ingesting it. These days most foods and products will contain harmful chemicals or will have been genetically modified in some way, so it is important to use natural or organic sources where possible. The more we learn to listen to our body and trust what we feel, the healthier we will become.
All the products mentioned are available through The Purple Dragonfly. The Essential Oils for the Bath Soak are available as a kit containing 5ml bottles of each oil (which have many other uses) and an information leaflet.