Showing posts with label Tea Tree Oil. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tea Tree Oil. Show all posts

Friday, March 9, 2018

Boric Acid Vaginal Suppositories FAQs

Clean Sweep - Made by The Balm Lady






















Is boric acid safe to use vaginally?

Yes, it is safe to use pharmaceutical grade boric acid tablets as suppositories.

Why is boric acid safe when inserted vaginally but toxic when ingested?

In the stomach, boric acid is absorbed to a greater extent and distributed throughout the body. This process is not the same in the vagina, where the absorption is to a lesser degree and the compound is contained.

Can I have sex while using boric acid?


NO. It would act as an irritant and could potentially cause a rash for both partners. 

Can I use boric acid while pregnant?
NO. NO. NO.

How do you prepare the capsules?


These are made by hand, by us in our apothecary. Everything is sanitized - jars, workspaces, containers, etc- we wear gloves, and everything is stored separately from all of the other herbal items we make. These are made by mixing the boric acid with the tea tree at a therapeutic ratio, then the mixture is encapsulated, and then bottled and labeled.

What is the difference between boric acid with tea tree versus regular?

The regular boric acid powder is very effective without the tea tree essential oil. Some people opt for the tea tree option because it also has antiviral, antiseptic, and astringent properties that can also help with bacterial issues such as UTIs. This may also offer a broader scope of relief. pH imbalance in the vagina can lead to several different problems, not just yeast infections.

What is the usual length of treatment?

Treatment can be up to two weeks, but use precaution after more than a week. Skin irritation could result, and your body may respond better to a different treatment. However, many women report relief from symptoms as quickly as 48 hours.

What is BV (bacterial vaginosis)?

BV is a bacterial infection in the vagina, caused by an imbalance in healthy bacteria. This problem is a common occurrence after a course of antibiotics, since antibiotics wipe out both good and bad bacteria.

I'm experiencing watery discharge the day after using boric acid. Is that normal? 

Yes, that is a common side-effect. The boric acid does not really absorb into the vagina.

Is bleeding normal during treatment? 

No. If you notice any bleeding from the vagina that is not period-related, stop treatment immediately.

Can I use boric acid while I'm on my period?

No. Wait until you stop menstruating to use boric acid.

Thursday, September 10, 2015

Natural Skin Care

It seems like my face produces more oil in the Summer than any other time of year. I have always had dry skin, so this experience of having an oily face is new for me. Largely hereditary, oily skin runs in the family - my sister has always had oily skin, too.
Besides genetics, oily skin is also caused by heightened hormones, that is why many teenagers and some pregnant women may have temporary bouts with acne and oily skin. They also say that people with oily skin have less wrinkles, which is good news!

Since genetics and hormones have likely dealt me this oily skin card, I am looking for ways to help my skin with things like black heads, clogged pores, softening, clearing, etc. After trying a few different types of healing herbal masks, I have decided I like a simple one best. It is made with clay, apple cider vinegar and tea tree oil. I apply it and leave it on for about 45 minutes. I find it is very refreshing, especially on a hot day. Once the mask dries, I rinse my face with cool water and then mist with a soothing floral toner. This helps me greatly, because on days when I don't do this, I feel even oilier than I normally am. I have also seen that my pores are dramatically smaller that they normally are!

The only real draw back (if you see it this way) is that you have to have these ingredients on hand to make these items. Unfortunately, I don't regularly find Bentonite Clay at my local drug store, and finding some of the essential oils may take some shopping around to find a good quality source that is a good price as well.




Here is my recipe for the super-simple clay mask:

4 Tbsp Bentonite Clay
2 Tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar
5 - 8 drops Tea Tree Oil

In a glass bowl, mix all of the ingredients (you may need to add more vinegar to form a paste). Some people may like to add a little purified water if they find the ACV is too strong. If you are not a fan of tea tree oil, try another healing oil like eucalyptus, lavender, or something floral, like rose.

Once you are happy with the consistency, apply to your face, and leave it on for up to 45 minutes. Rinse off with cool water, and pat dry. You can try a rosewater toner or witch hazel to maintain a fresh feeling and to help oil control. Remember that both the Bentonite Clay and Apple Cider Vinegar are detoxing and will draw out impurities in your skin, so if you have a little break out, don't worry, it's natural!

If you have more mask mixture, you can easily store it in a glass jar, and keep in in the fridge until you are ready to use it again. If mixing up clay masks just is not your thing, you can find it in my etsy shop: https://www.etsy.com/listing/247470019/detoxing-mask-and-clarifying-facial

Thanks for stopping by!