Holistic Vaginal Care

Your vagina is a self-regulating, self-cleaning, resilient yet delicate ecosystem and the less you disrupt the natural balance, the better off you’ll be.

1. Your vagina is a dynamic system with inherent safeguards in place to maintain a healthy equilibrium despite being susceptible to myriad influences that can alter its state of balance.

After all, the vagina is exposed to fluctuating hormones, the consequences of our modern diet, our stress-filled lives and numerous artificial products that we were not designed to endure. 

When, despite your best efforts, the normal balance is disturbed and you get a vaginal infection (vaginitis), knowing how your ecosystem works can give you the power to remedy the situation and restore your environment.

2. A normal vagina is constantly kept moist by its natural discharge. The smell and taste of a healthy vagina is mild, and not unpleasant. It certainly doesn’t smell like fish or have a strong foul odor.

A healthy vagina does not smell or taste bad! In fact, it’s full of pheromones, the chemicals of attraction that we don’t consciously smell. 

3. Vaginal fluid mostly comes from the cells lining the walls which act similar to sweat glands, producing moisture from the inner mucus membrane surfaces. Normal vaginal fluid varies in color from clear to white, although when it dries it may appear yellowish.

The amount differs from one woman to another as well as for the same woman at different times, and ranges from scant to moderate. Some women are naturally wetter or drier then others, just as some people have oily skin or dry hair or sweat more or less profusely.

What’s most important is for you to know what’s typical for you in amount, color, texture and odor. The vaginal fluid reflects where you are in your cycle, your age, your sexual arousal, hormonal contraceptive use, even your diet and fluid intake.

For women who are having normal fertility cycles, the shifting pattern should be similar each month.  Most women are driest the week before their period. Girls prior to puberty, breast-feeding moms and post-menopausal woman are drier and less varying.

5. A healthy vagina is full of friendly bacteria, mainly a particular strain of Lactobacillus acidophilus. These good bacteria protect the vagina and keep it healthy in multiple ways. Their job is to control the population of unfriendly microbes such as yeast and ”bad” bacteria.

Next, the acidophilus maintain the proper vaginal environment by producing two important chemicals: lactic acid and hydrogen peroxide, a liquid form of oxygen. The lactic acid maintains an acid-alkaline balance (known as pH) in the vagina that’s acidic.

6. One of the most common causes of a die-off of your normal flora is taking antibiotics, which can kill off your good guys as they do their job of killing off the bad ones that were causing infection elsewhere. Anytime you take antibiotics, you are at risk for yeast overgrowth, which can result in vaginal candida (a yeast infection) and gastro-intestinal problems such as indigestion and diarrhea. This is one of the many reasons to be careful about taking antibiotics and to use them only when you really need them.

7. Normal vaginal discharge also contains a very small amount of natural sugars. The usual minimal level of sugar helps to discourage yeast overgrowth, while an increased level promotes it. The sugar level in the vaginal fluid is increased in diabetics and in pregnancy. Some women are sensitive to a high sugar diet and may find they need to be careful about their intake.

8. Certain forms of contraception can affect the vaginal system, directly or indirectly. Any product that contains Nonoxynol 9, the chemical that’s in all spermicides, can be problematic. Many women are highly sensitive to this chemical and will have inflammation as a result of its use.

Beware of condoms with spermicide, the jelly used with diaphragms and all other types of spermicidal creams and suppositories. It’s best to avoid this irritating sperm-killing chemical in all forms.

Hormonal birth control methods (birth control pills, the depo shot, implants, progesterone-containing IUDs, the Patch, the Ring), all work by tricking your body into thinking that it’s already pregnant and therefore doesn't need to ovulate. So just like in actual pregnancy, there may be slightly higher amounts of natural sugars in your vaginal discharge, hormonal shifts and changes in the pH that may promote vaginal imbalance and infection.

9.  Vaginal Balm  Sexibalm 

Coconut oil is also very nourishing and moisturizing to the skin and has great anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties.  Sexibalm also has essential oils, green tea, and probiotics for extra help with rebalancing the vaginal flora.  

10.  C-Tox.  
This preparation acts as a natural body deodorizer, but also contains moisturizing oils, essential oils, probiotics, and for dryness and skin health: clay.  It can be used in the armpits, bottom of feet, and in the pubic area.  Contributes to reduced odor and improved dryness. The skin is the largest excretory organ of the body, about 18 square feet. The flat, negatively charged clay particles presumably act like a magnet, attracting the positively charged free radicals produced in the body, draws them out and eliminates them.

When minerals in the clay are absorbed through the skin (known as trans-dermal nutrition) debris is pulled from pores, hair follicles are unclogged, and exfoliated skin is removed.  Because of the special blend of natural ingredients, the moist clay mixture is able to flow into tiny pores and, as the clay dries, it shrinks, pulling loose whatever has absorbed it.  In traditional medicine, healing clay was used to draw out of the skin poisons such as spider bites, wasp, bee and ant stings.  The special clay also drew out severe skin irritants such as poison ivy and poison oak.   I find it useful for women who have itching, irritation and raw skin.

Call to order Sexibalm or C-tox 832-237-4200.

For Educational purposes only

This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Natural treatments for rosacea

What is Rosacea?

More than 14 million people in North America have rosacea, a chronic skin condition. Women, fair-skinned people between the ages of 30 and 60 are more likely to be affected.

Symptoms and signs of rosacea include:

Areas of redness on your face
Small red bumps or pustules on your nose, cheeks, forehead, and/or chin
Small blood vessels on your nose and/or cheeks (called telangiectasia)
Tendency to flush or blush
Rosacea may also result in a red, bulbous nose, called rhinophyma, or a burning or gritty sensation in your eyes, called ocular rosacea.

Rosacea sufferers should avoid foods that may trigger the condition such as spicy foods, coffee and alcohol. A diet that includes plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables and a lot of water is recommended.

Antibiotics have anti-inflammatory effects that seem to suppress the inflammation associated with rosacea. The most common oral antibiotics prescribed for rosacea include tetracycline, doxycycline, and minocycline.
Because oral antibiotics can produce unwanted side effects, their long-term use is not recommended. You'll most likely be prescribed these drugs until your symptoms have been brought under control, at which point topical medications, lifestyle changes, and laser and/or light treatments will be used to keep further flare-ups at bay.

Oatmeal

First, oatmeal is a potent antipruritic. The moisturizing properties of colloidal oatmeal alleviate itch due to dry skin. These properties, in turn, promote protection of barrier function, which is often impaired in rosacea patients. Oatmeal also works as a skin protectant and enhancer of barrier function as the proteins and polysaccharides bind to skin to provide a protective barrier, while proteins buffer both acids and bases.

















Digestive Enzymes

Some people with rosacea have indigestion, especially after eating fatty foods. One study found a deficiency of the pancreatic enzyme lipase, an enzyme that helps to digest fat.

When the rosacea patients in the study were given pancreatic enzyme supplements with meals, their symptoms of indigestion and rosacea both improved.

Milk Thistle can help with Rosacea because it improves overall liver function and helps detoxify the skin. Chlorella, alfalfa and other "green" foods are good for rosacea because they supply phytonutrients that help to improve skin health. (Digestive enzymes, milk thistle, chlorella, alfalfa, and other green foods are found in Green Cell Therapy below)




















B Vitamins

Inadequate riboflavin, caused by insufficient dietary intake or poor absorption in the digestive tract, may be associated with rosacea.


Food Intolerances

Some alternative practitioners have found clinically that certain foods may be associated with rosacea symptoms. Foods may cause the release of chemicals that dilate blood vessels and cause flushing.

An inexpensive and effective way of identifying food intolerance is through an elimination and challenge diet, which involves removing allergenic foods from the diet for one to two weeks then systematically introducing them into the diet to isolate the foods that cause reactions. Supervision by a health practitioner is recommended.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar taken orally is used as a home remedy for rosacea. It is thought to stimulate the release of digestive enzymes and help normalize the bacterial balance in the intestines. Consult a health practitioner before trying apple cider vinegar. Apple cider vinegar is available in liquid and tablet form. There have been reports linking use of the tablets with esophageal injury.

Red Tea

It may sound ironic, but red tea, which comes from the leaves of a South African shrub, can actually alleviate the redness associated with rosacea. Rich in quercetin, an anti-inflammatory agent that inhibits flushing and irritation, natural red tea can be used as a facial wash, as reported in "The Doctors Book of Home Remedies." Brew the tea, and let it steep for 30 minutes. Allow it to cool in the refrigerator, and then saturate a wash cloth in the liquid. Place the cool, saturated wash cloth on your face for 10 to 15 minutes.


Licorice

A recommended natural treatment for rosaecea. The topical application of this herb has shown improvement in people with mild and moderate symptoms. The anti-inflammatory properties of a chemical present in licorice called licochalcone help to reduce skin itchiness.

Niacinamide or vitamin B3 based moisturizer is considered an effective natural treatment for rosacea. The research conducted on niacinamide has shown its potency in improving the skin barrier and alleviating skin inflammation. These natural herbs and extracts are advised as add on treatments for rosacea with other oral and topical prescriptions.


Green Tea Cream

The use of green tea has long been studied for a variety of diseases. The results of a recent small study found that cream containing 2% polyphenone (green tea extract) improved the symptoms of rosacea as much as 70%. Green tea extract contains many anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-ageing properties which help to reduce skin redness, reduce papules and pustules as well as soothing the skin.

Lavender

Lavender is one of those herbs that has been used for hundreds of years to treat anything from insomnia and depression to muscular spasms and pain. Lavender has natural anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antibiotic and calming properties that make it a great choice for many problems. Even though there is no conclusive evidence regarding the use of lavender for skin problems, there does seem to be support for the use of lavender to help in healing the skin. Lavender should not be used directly on the skin as this can cause irritation. It should be mixed with a cream or carrier oil.


Tea Tree Oil

Again, like lavender and chamomile, tea tree oil possesses anti-inflammatory properties and is great for treating boils, spots and inflamed skin. However, tea tree oil should be used with caution because it has resulted in allergic contact eczema and dermatitis. Never take it internally and only use it mixed into a cream or carrier oil.

We have a coconut based balm in the office that contains green tea, lavender, and tea tree oil. Call 832-237-4200

The use of Omnilux™ light therapy in Rosacea (as light treatment alone or using the balm with essential oils) offers excellent efficacy in erythema reduction and overall facial cosmetic enhancement. In addition, the anti-inflammatory effects of the Omnilux revive™ treatments act to prolong remission of the condition. Treatments are twice weekly for 5 weeks.

Lactation aids for Breastfeeding, some suggestions

There are certain food supplements as well as prescription medications that may increase your milk supply. Before using any of these, it is important to rule out other problems such as illness in mother or baby. Many herbal supplements have been used for many years to increase milk production, with the most popular being Fenugreek, Blessed Thistle, and Red Raspberry. Brewers Yeast (containing B vitamins) is another commonly recommended treatment for low milk supply. I usually recommend that mothers try Fenugreek capsules (2-3 capsules taken 3 times daily) along with Blessed Thistle tablets (same dosage). You many want to add Brewers Yeast tablets (3 tablets taken with meals, 3 times per day) and Red Raspberry tea or capsules several times each day. I know that seems like a lot of capsules to take, but if you don't want to take them all, the Fenugreek seems to be the most effective. Fenugreek is rated GRAS (generally regarded as safe), but when taken in large doses may cause lowered blood sugar, so should be used with caution by diabetics. It is in the same family with peanuts and chickpeas, and may cause an allergic reaction in moms who are allergic to them. It may cause a maple syrup odor in urine and sweat. For the majority of mothers, it causes no problems, and can be very effective. It has not been known to cause any problems for the babies of the mothers who take it.


Medicinally, fennel is widely used as a digestive aid. It also has mild estrogenic properties. Fennel is sometimes used to counteract infant colic, whether consumed by the mother or given directly to the infant. The Wise Woman Herbal suggests that breastfeeding women use the seeds of fennel or any of its close relatives (anise, cumin, caraway, coriander and dill) to improve their milk supply. Although clinical evidence for its efficacy is lacking, fennel seed has enjoyed centuries of use as a galactagogue. Its mechanism of action is unknown.

Fenugreek has been used for centuries to increase the flow of milk, and was used historically as such, along with fennel, by wet nurses in the southern United States in days gone by. There are also reports of fenugreek's use as a galactagogue in Sudan, Egypt, other parts of North Africa, Iraq, and Argentina.
Fenugreek is contraindicated during pregnancy in Western herbalism, as it is a uterine stimulant. This action may be the result of a steroidal saponin called neotigogenin, which is contained in the seeds. Indeed, the effect of fenugreek upon the uterus may be related to its stimulant effect upon the milk ducts in the breast, for both are effected by the hormone oxytocin and its pharmacological relatives.
In North America, fenugreek seeds are commonly brewed as a tea, and the broth and seeds are both consumed. Alternately, they can be ground and taken in capsule form. According to popular lore, an adequate dose has been consumed when one's body smells mapley. The German Commission E monograph recommends a daily dose of 6 grams of the seeds; doses of over 100 grams can cause nausea and an upset stomach.

Barley Water

Barley-water is used medicinally to treat colds, intestinal problems (both constipation and diarrhea) and liver disorders. It was recorded in Greek medicine two thousand years ago as a galactagogue. Taken for a week or two, it often helps mothers with chronic low milk supply. Make a pot in the morning and drink it throughout the day, warming each cup and sweetening it with a natural sweetener as desired.

Barley-water can be made with whole grain or pearl barley. Barley flakes can also be used, though these have been processed and are possibly less potent than the whole or pearled grain.

Vaginal Maintainence, Chronic Yeast, Bacterial Vaginosis, HPV

Patent pending Aromatherapy vaginal balm call 832 237 4200 to order

or visit www.sexibalm.com


Most women suffer from minor vaginal infections at some time in their life.
Symptoms can include chronic vaginal discharge, which may have an unpleasant odor, itch, or painful intercourse. Yeast, bacterial vaginosis, and HPV can be there together or separately. Bladder infections can occur…with bacteria that may be found in the vagina. These are often treated with antibiotics, leading to further disturbances in the vaginal flora. This causes dryness, discomfort, and odor.

Using nutraceuticals (natural food, herbal or chemical products) can relieve these symptoms allowing you to be more comfortable and productive.

A factor leading to growth of unfriendly organisms is douching with feminine hygiene products. These products can change both the both the acid-base balance (pH) of the vagina as well as remove the protective mucus in the vagina. Both factors can lead to greater irritation and promote the growth of bacteria and yeast. I recommend that women not douche at all.

Many women treat themselves for yeast infections with over the counter antifungal agents when they assume that they have an infection (frequently they don't even have yeast, but are irritated by another organism). This treatment may alter the content of the normal vaginal flora by destroying lactobacillus, the predominant normal vaginal bacteria.

Sexibalm is naturally soothing, prepared with a base derived from coconut and palm oils.  Coconut contains capric/caprylic acid and lauric acid both of which have antiviral, antifungal, and antimicrobial properties.


I created the balm to address many of these complaints as I realize that for many people, it is frustrating to just do nothing and wait.

It is one product that addresses many issues:

Sexual health- coconut oil is a good lubricant
Bacterial Vaginosis- lavender oil is a good deodorizer
HPV support- tea tree, green tea, help manage bacteria and viruses
Yeast infection- tea tree and coconut have antifungal activity
E. coli or (Group Beta Strep) GBS in the vagina– can enter urethra & cause UTI’s.
Vaginal dryness-coconut oil lubrication aid and promotes good skin hydration
Vaginal Health- lactobacillus is found in a healthy vagina
Vaginal deodorizer- pleasant smelling, made with natural ingredients
Vaginal rash and Skin rash- take advantage of the anti-bacterial and anti-fungal power of coconut oil, which treats skin irritations. Just place on affected skin because sometimes the irritation on the outside is as bothersome as the inside. If you suffer from frequent boils, use this regularly on the skin to battle bacteria. If you get boils under your armpits, or in the pubic area, use there also.



I can recommend a few other things to do for vaginal discomforts:

1. You SHOULD starve yeast from their food source -which is sugar and simple carbs - and I mean ALL of it. I also suggest limiting the following: alcohol, vinegar (which is in everything), caffeine, all yeasted products, and all fungus products (mushrooms). Eat high protein, healthy fat, nuts and seeds and tons of veggies. Keep your carb servings focused on complex carbs (brown rice, quinoa, buckwheat, millet, etc.).

2- Use herbs to kill off the yeast- there are many great remedies out there, contact you local herbalist, or try my Octocleanse Herbal Parasite and Yeast Detox, which contains pau d' arco, grapefruit extract and garlic.

3- Replace your damaged flora with healthy probiotics. The function of probiotics is to perform the work that your normal gut is supposed to do while your normal flora is working on re-colonizing. Vitagreen has lactobacillus

4- Stabilize your pH, abnormal organisms thrive on an abnormal pH.  Vitagreen contains wheat grass and alkalinizing green vegetables like spinach and kale to keep your pH on track.


Sexibalm is designed for the purpose of relieving vaginal pruritis (inflammatory conditions), and reducing the recurrence of vaginal infections.

Sexibalm is my own special proprietary blend. I use a coconut oil base, which is impregnated with tea tree and lavender oil.

It slowly melts at body temperature when inserted into the vagina. It is well absorbed, decreasing leakage. Keep refrigerated until use.


If you think your husband is re-infecting you,  apply Sexibalm directly to his genitals. Rinsing after 20 minutes is optional.

For female use, for best results apply at night when supine, so it goes toward your cervix and not your underwear. Do not use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
To be used by females 13 or older. Use nightly for 3-14 days for acute infections. For chronic or chronic recurring infections, use nightly for 2-4 weeks.

Prevention: Use daily, at bedtime, during menses, for four consecutive months. Use with panty liner.

For anal irritation, this product may be used rectally. Non-laxative.

The statements and products referred to throughout this site have not been evaluated by the FDA. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or condition. If you have a health condition or concern, consult a physician or your alternative health care provider. Always consult a medical doctor before modifying your diet, using any new product, drug, or supplement.