Boric Acid...and Your Vagina?

"You put what up there?"

I thought I had heard her wrong. But no.

"Boric acid."

"I'm sorry - acid. Up there?"

Apparently it works. Go figure.

"So you're telling me that something that could kill you if you swallowed it...can work wonders in your...vagina?"

Monica assured me again and again, but I still thought she was a little cracked. Maybe this is what happens to Etsy nuts, I thought, they start to go off the deep end. Maybe there's a support group (she) I should be going to...

Then I started to research this phenomenon.

As any woman who has ever had a yeast infection knows, a yeast infection can ruin your day. It's hard to sit calmly through a meeting or answer phones in a pleasant voice when dealing with symptoms like:

* Itching

* Burning

* Irritation

* Thick white discharge

* Vaginal odor

* Redness

* Swelling

* Painful urination (and intercourse)

Yeast is found naturally in the vagina. Like most things, though, moderation is key. The pH balance of the environment either keeps the yeast population in check, or lets it grow wildly out of control.

What's the difference between good yeast and bad?

* Healthy = single-cell fungus
* Harmful = branches of yeast cells (mycelia)

Factors that increase the risk of yeast infections include:

* Diabetes
* Stress
* Fatigue
* Anemia
* Allergies
* HIV
* Immunodeficiency
* Chemo / radiation
* Antibiotics
* Steroids
* Menstruation
* Bubble bath
* Lack of ventilation
* Over-use of sprays, douching, tampons, liners, etc.

Boric acid is a derivative of the element Boron, and is found naturally in minerals, hot springs, and volcanic water. It is acidic in nature and has been used for over 100 years in treating yeast infections and vaginosis, among other feminine perils.

Boric acid (which comes as a white powder that looks suspiciously like cocaine), is:

* Antiviral

* Antifungal

* Antiseptic (antibacterial)

BA suppositories (another new term for me) are inserted into the vagina, where the gelatin capsule dissolves while the boric acid restores the environment to a healthy pH status.

Clean Sweep, made by The Balm Lady
Available at thebalmlady.com

Suggested use:

1 tablet (600 mg) before bed for 2-10 days.

Many women have told us that their symptoms cleared up in as little as two days.

Doctors usually prescribe medications or creams such as Metronidazole, Clotrimazole, Miconazole, or Ticonazole. Problem is, these treatments have a bad habit of not working after a while.  Antibiotics also have the unhelpful side effect of wiping out all the good bacteria with the bad. Good bacteria fights the bad stuff, so your yeast infection might be gone, but something just as good will come take its place.

Somehow, BA just knows what to do.

If you're bored, you can take a fun little quiz to test your knowledge on yeast infections.

To learn more, the Pacific Gynecology Specialists Seattle have some great information about Boric Acid and its uses.

Here is an article written by doctors from Kaiser on using Boric Acid.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. The Balm Lady disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information.

For purchase options, go to The Balm Lady's shop on Etsy.