Boys, you might want to put on a brave face when reading this post or just skip it all together. I’m delving into a ‘female area’ that may be a little bit too graphic for you …but, this was brought to my attention today and it’s just too important not to share.
The garlic experiment
The topic of thrush came up in the lunchroom at work today. It’s surprising how many women have had similar experiences to me with the contraceptive pill and thrush. We were discussing treatments and of course natural treatments like yoghurt (which I’ve used with not much success before), and garlic which is a new one to me. Apparently a clove of garlic chopped up and inserted into the vagina is a cure, in a home remedy kind of way, for vaginal thrush.
What completely threw me was listening to a girls experience with trying this particular cure. The garlic spread throughout her entire body. She could smell it all over her skin and even taste it in her mouth! We’re talking about one tiny little garlic clove here that’s sitting up the twat not taken by mouth. So this means anything we put up there is going to leak into our entire system. Consider feminine hygiene products. How many chemicals are tampons soaked in? All these chemicals are leaking into our bodies, through our blood and our skin. This is quite a frightening thought to me.
The importance of organic tampons
I never really put too much thought into what brand of tampons I’ve used in the past. I’ve always bought 100% cotton because I assumed that was the healthiest option. Now I’m buying completely organic only. The price is a little more and they’re not as neat but this whole chemicals leaking into the body thing is enough motivation for me to spend the extra money. I urge all women to consider their options with the information I’ve provided here and think twice about what product you use in the future.
Frances Kerr
7 responses ↓
Like eww…but great title, very compelling.
It is very couragous of you to talk about a health concern that is so vital to women’s health. It is a shame that so many issues such as these are never talked about, for fear of saying the word twat, for example. You are brilliant.
I just bought a diva cup! http://www.divacup.com/ It’s Latex-free, plastic-free, hypoallergenic. I think after I get the hang of it a little better I will love it. No more tampons for me!
Hi Sara, I LOVE the diva cup!! I discovered it when I arrived in Canada and have been using it ever since. I’ve wanted to write an article about it but was a little worried it was too much of a personal topic for some
Maybe I will though!
I think you should definitely write an article! I have been completely converted to my mooncup- and I think that it’s something people should lose the embarrassment over talking about.
It’s healthier (no chemicals), less wasteful (less tampons in the sea), cheaper overall and more effective!
Great site
I would also love to read an article on this! I have been umming and aahing about getting one for ages and finally took the plunge and bought one yesterday. I’m a little nervous (silly, I know) so would be great to read some first-hand advice
By the way, I love your blog Fran and it has really helped me to become a healthier person so thank you
Interesting chemistry tidbit in response to your concern about garlic and other chemicals “leaking into our system”…
What you have described is a commonly observed phenomena of onion family plants (if you rub a clove of garlic on the bottom of your feet, you will taste it in your mouth. haha). It is, in fact, quite safe (at least with the garlic). The compounds that give garlic, onion, and similar plants are thiol compounds (sulfur containing organic molecules). They are very permeable through our skin and are not broken down when ingested, which can circulate in our blood for days. This is why it’s hard to get rid of “garlic breath” regardless of how good you are with oral hygiene (it’s not in your mouth, it’s in your blood!). Other thiol compounds, like DMSO (which as wide lab applications), also have similar properties, but they are special. Most (commercial) products aren’t this permeable. These thiols, interestingly, gives these plants natural anti-bacterial properties. In China, garlic is believed to be able to boost immunity and cure/prevent common colds.
I’m a chem major and I was from China, so you can trust me. =)
Personally, I think the chemistry/biochemistry of both synthetic and natural products are interesting. I believe that behind every “natural remedy”, there are chemical and biochemical processes that can be much more beneficial when understood empirically. Just my two cents.
Sorry if this is a long read.
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