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All Natural Mamas will be closed for a time to take some much needed time with our families. Sign up for our newsletter to stay informed. Many of our products are available online or by special order at Punkin-Butt.
Blessings,
The Mamas
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Sea Pearls are completely natural sea sponge tampons containing no Dioxin or synthetic fibers. Sustainably harvested and reusable for six months or more, Sea Pearls are economical, easy to use, and earth friendly. For your reproductive health and comfort, for the planet, for a change. . . try Sea Pearls. Contains: 2 sea sponge tampons with a cotton storage bag, and a fully illustrated brochure.
These natural sponge tampons are a wonderful alternative to cotton or rayon tampons. Sea Pearls gently absorb without dryness typically experienced with cotton and rayon tampons. Even organic cotton tampons can cause painful dryness.
When sized and inserted properly, you won't even know you are wearing them! You may want to wear panty liners for back up until you are confident in the effectiveness of the sponges. Each woman's flow is different; some may need to wear back up on heavier days.
Each package of Sea Pearls contains 2 sea sponge tampons, a cotton storage bag and a fully illustrated brochure.
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Every Woman Lunar Calendar $12.95
A beautifully hand drawn calendars, Every Woman Lunar Calendar. Chart your menstrual cylce, ovulation, your moods, food cravings. Includes helpful herbal recipes for common menstrual ailments. Purchase together and save!
Deluxe Kit $19.95
Includes one package of Sea Pearls, Every Woman Lunar Calendar and the option to add one of the following cleaning agents: Tea Tree Oil, Colloidal Silver or Grapefruit Seed Extract.
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Why Use Sea Pearls ™?
For your Health
Sea Pearls™ Natural Sea Sponge tampons do not contain any Dioxin or synthetic fibers. Research has determined that there are health risks associated with conventional tampon usage. These risks are related to the use of Dioxin, a by-product of the tampon fibers bleaching process.
Risk associated diseases related to Dioxin exposure and synthetic fibers are: endometriosis, ovarian, cervical, and breast cancers, and more!
To Save $$
Compare the cost* of tampons with our Sea Pearls™:
conventional tampons = $24+ per year
organic tampons = $36+ per year
1pack (2) Sea Pearls™ sponge tampons = $ 9 per year!
*Cost is based on retail estimation.
For the Earth
The average woman uses nearly 600 pounds of paper and cotton throughout her lifetime menstrual cycle. In North America alone, an
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Did you know...
Tampons have been linked to chronic and recurrent vaginitis?
Plastic tampon applicators have sharp edges that can lacerate the vaginal wall when you insert them?
Every brand of tampon has been found to cause dryness and even tiny ulcers?
“Sanitary products” can be placed on the shelves for your purchase without passing any kind of safety or efficacy tests?
More on the health effects of disposable feminine products.
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estimated 20 billion bleached pads and tampons end up in our sewage systems each year. Sponge tampons are reusable for 6 months or more.
For your Comfort and Convenience
Sponge tampons are very comfortable, soft and textured like the vaginal wall. Many women report they do not even feel their sponge. Sponges are naturally very absorbent, and some women even use them during intercourse.
Sea Pearls™ are convenient - no more running to the store for emergency tampons. Sea Pearls™ are very practical when camping, swimming or trekking. All you need is water to clean them. You will never again need to worry about polluting the environment with used sanitary products.
Sea Pearl natural sea sponge tampons do not contain any Dioxin or synthetic fibers!
Read more about the truth behind disposable feminine protection in "The Period Predicament"
Purchase accessories including pails, wet bags and washing supplies
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How to Use Sea Pearls ™
It's Easy!
We feel that an important part of empowering ourselves as women includes regaining confidence in our bodies. We must re-learn how to listen to and trust the natural signals our bodies give us. Using sea sponges gives women the opportunity to experience what their bodies feel like -- both inside and out. They also give us a chance to get into the rhythm of our special and individual moon cycle.
*Sea sponges, like tampons, are not sterile. Therefore, great personal care should be exercised in their use.
Insertion
First wash your hands thoroughly before, as well as after inserting your sponge. Wet your sponge with lukewarm water then thoroughly squeeze out any excess water. Twist up your sponge into the shape of a tampon then standing with one leg up or sitting on the toilet, with your free hand gently hold open the skin surrounding the vaginal opening. With your other hand place the tip of the twisted sponge at the opening of your vagina using your thumb and index finger or thumb and middle finger to push the sponge inside your body aiming upwards and back. The resistance you may feel when you try this is the normal pressure of your pelvic muscles which will help hold the sponge in place. If you feel any uncomfortable pressure then remove your sponge by pushing down with your pelvic muscles insert your fingers again and gently pull out your sponge. Your sponge may need to be trimmed to fit better so trim around the outer edges of it. Sponges are pre-shaped so don’t cut them in half. Once you have trimmed enough off just rinse again and insert as instructed above. If you are having difficulty inserting your sponge because your vagina is dry then you may wish to use a personal lubricant around the entrance of your vagina.
Removal
Sponges are soft and textured like your vaginal wall and very easy to remove. You will become more familiar with your menstrual flow and learn how frequently you need to rinse your sponge with each cycle. Sponges have an absorbency of 6-9 grams of fluid. Much like a regular tampon. We recommend changing your sponge every 4-6 hours. You can also sleep with your sponges in overnight but you should not leave your sponge in for any longer than 8 hours. They may leak when full, (as tampons do), so you may want to use them in combination with a thin panty liner or Lunapanties ™ on your heaviest day. When a sponge is ready to be changed it will begin to work its way to the vaginal opening as it is saturated. Simply feel for the perimeter of your sponge with your fingers, grasp it, and pushing with your pelvic muscles, pull out gently. For another retrieval option you may sew a piece of waxed dental floss or cotton string to the sponge to aid in its removal. Sponges, however, are very delicate and may tear, so be sure to tug slowly and gently if you decide to use a string. If your sponge feels snug and unready to be removed then it is not saturated enough and there is no need to change it yet. If you change your sponge too frequently, the sponge will not absorb enough to its full capacity and it may cause discomfort upon removal.
Rinsing, Cleaning and Storage
Do not use harsh synthetic soaps on your sponge. It leaves a film that upsets the natural PH balance of your vagina. You may however use a mild natural soap to wash your sponge with such as Dr. Bronner’s. Just add a |
| Did you know...
Roughly 12 billion sanitary pads are land filled or incinerated in the US each year?
A woman throws away 10,000 pads or tampons in her lifetime?
Manufacturers of tampons and pads are not legally required to list ingredients used in making feminine products – products we wear next to our most vulnerable parts?
Most feminine hygiene products produced in North America are made using chlorine gas or chlorine dioxide bleached wood pulp, leaving trace amounts of dioxins and furans (the most toxic chemicals on earth)?
More on the environmental effects of disposable feminine products.
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few drops to your sponge when washing between removal times. If you do not have a disinfectant with you or access when out in public then wash your hands thoroughly and rinse your sponge out with water before reinserting. Once you have access on your next cleaning then use one of the suggested cleaning methods we have listed. There are several ways to disinfect Sea Pearls™.
You may soak them in any of these mixtures below for up to 30 minutes or more:
1. A solution of ? cup of hydrogen peroxide and 1/4 cup of water. This will also re-bleach the sponge if it becomes discolored from use.
2. A solution of a few drops of Tea Tree Oil in a cup of warm water. Tea Tree Oil is a very effective germicide and has been proven to inhibit up to 60 strains of bacteria, including S.Aureus. This will also eliminate any odor on your sponge.
3. A solution of 1Tbsp. apple cider vinegar in 1 cup of warm water.
4. A solution of 1 Tbsp. baking soda in one cup of warm water.
5. A solution of 1 Tsp. Colloidal Silver to 1 cup of warm water. There is no pathogenic organism known that is not killed by Colloidal Silver in 6 minutes or less. Its use is also of benefit to women who suffer from recurrent candida (yeast) infections.
6. A solution of 10 drops of Grapefruit Seed Extract (GSE) in 1 cup of warm water. GSE is a natural antimicrobial agent killing bacteria, fungi and viruses. We also recommend using GSE to rinse your sponges between removal times during your cycle. GSE does not have an odor and is less expensive than Colloidal Silver.
*Soaking a sponge in the Tea Tree mixture we mention above then inserting it into the vagina is a great way to get rid of an active yeast infection. For some women it can be irritating so use discretion.
After your cycle is done and you have washed your sponge out thoroughly, air dry it (preferably in natural sunlight) and then store your sponges in their muslin bag or what ever carrier you have and store in a cool dry place.
Your sponges may last up to a year or more depending on how you handle, clean, and care for them. Having an extra set of sponges for back up is a good way to keep from being caught on your cycle without in case something unforeseeable happens. Some women have a set at home, in the car, and at work. When traveling out of the house it is a useful to have a zip lock bag or our sponge tote with a zip lock for when you use a public restroom or if you can’t rinse at work. That way you can store the un-rinsed sponge safely until you can clean it later in the comfort of your home.
Information About Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS)
Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) is a rare disease, which may have serious consequences. Tampon use has been associated with this disease, which is caused by a bacterial infection from the presence of S. Aureus being in the bloodstream. Researchers have concluded that S. Aureus enters the blood through wounds in the vagina. These wounds vary in size from tiny abrasions to microscopic lesions known as cervical erosion. Research done on the effects of ordinary tampon usage, reveals that tampons dry out the vaginal mucosa, especially toward the end of your period. This may result in the creation of tiny, invisible wounds that may lead to vaginal and cervical ulcers. This may explain the close connection between TSS and tampons.
The risk of TSS exists for all women using tampons during their menstrual period. The reported risks are higher for women under 30years of age and teenage girls. TSS is a rare but serious disease that may cause death. The incidence of TSS is estimated to be 1 to 17 cases per 100,000 menstruating women and girls per year.
To reduce the risk of contacting TSS, use tampons with minimum absorbency needed to control menstrual flow. You can also reduce the risk of TSS by alternating your tampon use with external hygienic pads. You can also reduce the risk of tampon-related TSS by not using tampons.
What Are the Warning Signs of TSS?
Sudden onset or high fever (usually 102º F or higher), fainting, or near fainting when standing, dizziness, a rash that looks like a sunburn, vomiting, and diarrhea .
If you have these symptoms during your period , stop using tampons and see your doctor immediately. You may not have TSS, but you should make certain as TSS can be dangerous if not treated correctly in its early stages.
What Should I Do?
1. You may reduce the risk of TSS by using tampons intermittently during your period. Overnight, it is preferable to alternate your tampon with some form of external protection. Remember you must change your tampon regularly.
2. Take special care with personal hygiene during menstruation. Continue your daily bath or shower routine. Wash your hands before and after inserting tampons.
Does TSS Come Back Again?
If you have had TSS, there’s a good chance it could return. Therefore, you should see your doctor before using tampons again. The risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) increases with higher absorbency. In order to reduce your risk of TSS, you should use the lowest absorbency that meets your needs and alternate the use of tampons with pads.
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More on the effects of disposable feminine products.
Purchase accessories including pails, wet bags and washing supplies
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