Herbal tampons are a type of traditional Chinese treatment and are said to improve a variety of different conditions relating to a woman's reproductive health. In order to use this treatment, a tea is made out of a variety of different herbs. A tampon is then placed into the tea, and once it has soaked up the herbs, the woman can place this tampon into her vagina. No scientific medical studies have evaluated this treatment, and women who wish to try it should discuss the treatment with a gynecologist first.
An ancient treatment, herbal tampons have been used for hundreds of years. Their primary use is in the treatment of female infertility, and they are believed to unblock the fallopian tubes so that a sperm can reach a mature egg. Herbal tampons are also said to have antibiotic and anti-fungal effects, and it is possible that many of the ingredients in these tampons have properties that allow them to fight microorganisms. Inflammation, pain, and discomfort have also been treated with this traditional remedy.
A variety of different ingredients can be used in herbal tampons. Different companies that manufacture the treatment or herbalists who work individually with patients can include their own mixtures of herbs in the remedy. As such, it is important to know exactly what ingredients there are in a given mix so that these ingredients can be discussed with a healthcare provider.
In order to use herbal tampons, the herbal ingredients are boiled into a tea. A standard tampon can then be placed in the tea in order to soak up the treatment. Once the tampon is full of the herbal tea, it can be placed in the vagina. Alternatively, herbs may be encased in a mesh, rehydrated and then placed inside the vagina. Most treatments are left in for between one and three days and may be used for approximately two weeks in-between menstrual cycles.
Not a lot of research has been done on the effectiveness of herbal tampons. In general, a tampon should not be left in for longer than eight hours because of the risk of developing a potentially fatal infection, so women should use caution when attempting this treatment. Additionally, any possible anti-microbial effects could disrupt the balance of bacteria and fungus that live naturally within the vagina, leading to infections. Though there may be some health benefits to using this treatment, a woman should discuss the use of herbal tampons with a doctor before attempting it.