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This

is

chaud

English adaptation of C'est toujour*


Isabelle
dans les culottes desfilles, by
ihc

Gaulhier.
written by Isabelle
This edition was collectively
Gaulhier and Lisa Vinebaum.

Translation

Rachel Guay, Marline Bazar, Lisa

Vinebaum, Penny Paltison,Tania Waters,


Jennifer Petrela.

Proofreading Marianne Pedretti, Anae


Henderson, Carta Nemiroff, Marlinda Zunic.
:

Layout and design Les Productions


:

Cover page
Artwork

Ir&ne

les

Poutines

Mayer

Isabelle Gaulhier

$ and support: CAMCA


Montrdal-Toronto-Vancouver-Maisondes
Souris, 1994

Rediker,
Special lhanx for inspiration to Joyce

La

Harkey.
Fee des Roses, Susun Weed, Sue Ann

Women are encouraged

to share this

information

Hot
amongst themselves .There is no copyright on
or
copy
Pants; however, we ask that you please
credit
share this information responsibly, and give
to the

authors where necessary.

can be
Individual and bulk orders of Hot Pants
please
obtained by writing the address below;
are
enclose $2 per individual booklet. Donations

welcome

to

women who

subsidize the distribution costs to


cannot afford to buy Hot Pants.

For comments and information

Hot Pants

CP5756,Succ.C
Montreal Qc, Canada
,

H2X3T7
Isabelle Gauthier holds a degree in herbal therapy.

diagnoses or
This booklet is noi intended to provide
better undeniand
prescriptions. Itis an informittonal guide to help you

Disclaimer

your body and your health. Keep

in

mind

guaranteed

they vary from

to

woman. The remedies

bookleUr* based on the personal experiences


for any adverse
authors, however, ibey cannot be held responsible
If in doubt, do not
effects resulting from the use of these treatments.
physician or
hcsiuic to consult an herbal practitioner, aaturopatn,
contained

and is

gynecologist.

of le Grand

Monde

Montreal

in herbal practitioner with several years of active experience.

Lis* Vinebaum

is a

community

radio acti vis L

She has been using

herbal therapy on herself and other selected victims for a

of the

in this

Redder

that plants are not drugs,

effecti cannot, be
though they can be very powerful, and their

woman

with Joyce

She studied

des Herbes in

of years.

number

Catherine Ouest, Suite 202. Montreal

Qc,H3B

1K1- (514)

'k'A

954-0170

CEPAVIH
(5 14}

3600 rue

Hotel- de-Ville, Montreal Qc,

H2X3B6'

282-9991; 282-9888

fa

Coalition des organismes com mun aula ires quebecois de


lutte contre le sida 4332-A, rue Saint-Denis, Montreal Qc

H2J2KS;

triarchy sucks.

It's

(514) 844-2477

robbed us of our autonomy and

much

Ontario
Voices of Positive Women P.O. Box
Ont. M6J 3P5; (416) 324-8703
:

4-71 Stn.

We believe

it's

integral for women to be aware and in

C, Toronto

Black Coalition for AIDS Prevention 597 Parliament


Street. Suite 103, Toronto Ont, M4X 1 W3; (416) 926-0122
Two-Spirited People of the First Nations Native AIDS

of our history.

own bodies. The

control of our

recipes

we

present

Awareness Project

2 Carle ton Street. Suite 1006, Toronto


IB; (416) 944-9300
Alliance for South Asian AIDS Prevention 399 Church
Street, 3rd Floor. Toronto Ont. M5T 1S2; (416)351-0131
Positive Youth Outreach c/o Church Street Community
Center, 519 Church Street, Toronto Ont, M4Y 2C9; (416) 3277433
Prostitute's Safer Sex Project P.O. Box 1 143 Sin. F.
Toronto Ont. M4Y 2T8; (416) 964-0150
AIDS Action Now! 517 College Street, Suite 32 I.Toronto
Ont, M6G 1A8; (416) 928-2206
Toronto
Foundation 399 Church Street. 2nd Floor,
Toronto Ont, MSB 2J6; (416) 506-1400
AIDS Committee of Toronto same address as above. 4th
Floor; (416) 340-2437
Ont,

MSB

known and practised

here have been

passed

down from mother

to

for centuries,

daughter, and have

survived the censorship of the witch hunts.

Our

intent

simple and practical: to help break away

is

from the medical establishment's tentacular grip

on our bodies and our approaches

to health

and

healing.

PWA

From anatomy

to self-healing

using herbs and

massage,

itis filled

with easy recipes and remedies

AIDS Committee of Ottawa 207 Queen Street, 4th Floor.


Ottawa Ont. KIP 6E5; (613)238-5014
ADDS Committee of London 343 Richmond Street #301.
:

London Ont, N6A 3C2; (519) 434-1601


AIDS Committee of Cambridge, Kitchen er/WatcHoo and
Area 123 Duke St. East, Kitchener Ont, N2H 1A4; (519)

to

conquer yeast infections, sexually transmitted

diseases (STDs), hormonal imbalances, late


periods... a

whole array of medicinal

nutritional information to

arm us against abusive

570-3687

AIDS Committee of Windsor P.O. Box 2233, Windsor Ont.


N8Y4R8; (519) 973-0222
Kingston AIDS Project 113 Johnson Street. Kingston Ont,
:

plants and

and negligent medical practices.

section

on

aphrodisiac plants has been added for your fancy.

K7L

1X9;.(6 13) 545-3698

AIDS Resource Network P.O. Box 1582,


Peterborough Ont, K97 7H7; (705) 749-91 10
Hamilton AIDS Network for Dialogue and Support 143
Peterborough

James
0854

St.

Because the world of women's health

we had

multi-faceted,

material.

We

is

vast and

to prioritize the selection

decided

to

of

focus on sexually

South #900. Hamilton Ont, L8P 3AI; (905) 528-

transmitted diseases,

ADDS Committee of Sudbury 23 Durham Street, Sudbury


P3C 5E2; (705) 688-0505
AIDS Committee of North Bay and Area 240 Algonquin
Ave. #202, North Bay Ont, PlB 4V9; (705) 497-3560
AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay 217 South Algoma
Street, Thunder Bay Ont, P7B 3C3; (807) 345-1516
:

Ont.

unwanted pregnancies, and

mo re specific gynecological problems as there is a


lack of alternative literature on these subjects.

Other aspects of women's health (menopause,


pregnancy, psychological aspects, etc.).

fertility,

Central/Prairies
Feather of Hope Aboriginal ADDS Prevention Society c/o
AIDS Network of Edmonton Society; (403) 488-5773
AIDS Network of Edmonton Society 11465 Jasper Ave.
#201, Edmonton AB, T2R 0B7; (403) 488-5742
ACDS Calgary Awareness Association 1201 10th Ave, SW

while extremely important, are too exhaustive for

us to cover here.

Bear in m ind

that staying healthy

depends on good

#300, Calgary AB.

T2R 0B7;

AIDS Regina 2237


:

Smith

(403) 228-0198

Street,

nutrition

Manitoba

220 Osborne Street,


Winnipeg MA.R3L IZ3; (204)452-7704
Village Clinic 668 Croydon Ave.. Winnipeg MA, R3M 0X7;
(204) 453-0045
Positive Coalition of

Pacific
Positive

c/o Pacific

AIDS Resource

Centre; (604) 893-2200

A B>S Resource Centre 1107 Seymour Street,


Vancouver BC, V6B 5S8; (604) 893-2210
Healing Our Spirit BC First Nations AIDS Society 2525
Pacific

Street #201.

AIDS Yukon

Y1A
52

even

in matters

such as

make

living in a crazed soceity

us easy targets for all kinds of unwanted

invaders

including

Lhe medical establishment.

Hot Pants is the English adaptation of C'esttoujours

Women's Network

Manitoba
0906

lifestyle,

STDs. Poverty, abuse and

(306) 924-8420

Body

and

ReginaSask. S4P 2P5;

Vancouver BC,

V5Y

chauddansles culottes desftlles (second


This booklet

is

therapy

manner of getting

it's

edition).

an introduction to basic herbal


to

know

different

1P3; (604) 879-

medicinal plants and their properties, and figuring


Alliance

31 59 3rd

1G1; (403) 633-2437

Ave. Whttehorse Yukon,

out which ones

work

best for each of us.


1

Many of the treatments outlined in this booklet will


not be enough

to

eliminate certain chronic

you find yourself

conditions. If

you may want

in this situation,

more advanced herbal

to opt for

approaches. Consult books written by other witches

and healers who escaped the stake.


a closer look at

Women's

Quebec
Qudbcc Native Women's Association
Councillors. Suite 440, Montreal Qc,

1450 rue City

H3A 2E5;

(514) 844-

9618
of Montreal 3535, rue Saint-Urbain,
Montreal Qc; (514) 842-4780
Women's Health Center 16 rue Saint- Joseph Est, Montreal
Qc; (514) 842-8903
Qc;
Clinique Alternative 2034 rue Saint-Hubert. Montreal

Women's Center

Or perhaps take

homeopathy, acupuncture,

Institute Federation or PEI P.O. Box 10SS.


PEL C1A7M*; (902) 368-4860

Charlottetown

etc, all

(514)281-9848

of which are valuable methods of healing, especially

when used

Ontario

as long-term treatments.

Hassle Free Clinic for

Women

566 Church

Street,

Toronto

One; (416)922-0566

While

treatments

these

are

Canadian Black Women's Association

specifically

recommended
be applied

to

for

women, many of them can

25 Cougar Crescent,

(416) 267-8433

Ml J 3C5;

Suite 1404, Scarborough Ont,

Arab Canadian Women's Association Box 228

also

Stn. B,

KlP 6C4; (613) 835-0717


National Inuit Women's Association 200 Elgin Street, Suite
804, Ottawa Ont. K2P 1L5; (613) 238-3977
Native Women's Resource Center 345 Cerrard SL East,

Ottawa Ont,

men.

The

last sections

"How to Prepare and Use Herbs"

Toronto Ont,

and "Herbal Properties and Dosages," contain

M5A 2G1;

(416) 963-9963

Older Women's Network 427 Bloor St. West, Toronto Ont,


M4A 1X7; (416) 924-4188
Voice of Women 736 Bathurst Street, Suite 215, Toronto
Ont. M5S 2R4; (416) 537-9343
Women's Legal Education and Action Fund (LEAF) 489
963College Street, Suite 403, Toronto Ont, M6G 1A5; (416)
:

explanations, methods of preparation

(infusions,

decoctions, tinctures...) and above

the

all,

characteristics and

ways of using the herbs

9654

mentioned in this booklet. While it may be tempting


to skip

ahead to the treatments suggested,

Central/Prairies

it is

Aboriginal Women of Manitoba


MA, R2B 2J4

EXTREMELY IMPORTANT that you read these


sections.
that

them, and

when

78 Grey

Winnipeg

Friars,

Women's League 720 Broadway Ave., Winnipeg


MA. R3G 0X1; (204) 489-3531
Northern Women's Resource Center Box 266, Flin Flon
MA, R8A 1M9; (204) 687-3346
African

Herbs are very powerful and it's important

you understand how they work, how

to prepare

223 12th Ave. SW, Suite 305,


T2R 0G9
Indo-Canadian Women's Association 5316 89th Street,
Edmonton AB, T6E 5P9; (403) 468-7170
Canadian Farm Workers Network RR 4, Red Deer AB.

Women

to avoid using certain plants.

Looking Forward

Calgary AB,

Finally to end

on a beau-tea-ful

of useful addresses (herb and


as well as reference

note, there's a

book stores,

list

clinics)

T4N

books on the subject.

5E4; (403) 886-4129

Pacific

We hope this booklet will


more

inspire

alternative information

you

Aquclaine Latin American Women's Cultural Collective


Box 65534 Stn. F. Vancouver BC, V5N 5K6
Immigrant and Visible Minority Women of BC 337 1-B
Kingsway. Vancouver BC. V5R2R6; (604) 438-5993

to seek out

and explore your

options.

Indian Manila Women's Association P.O. Box 67553 Stn


3T9; (604) 321-7225
0. Vancouver BC.
Native Women's Association of the Northwest Territories
Box 2321 Yellowknife, XI A 2P7; (403) 373-5509
Yukon Indian Women's Association 22 Nisutlin Drive,
Whitehorse Yukon, Y1A3S5; (403) 667-6162
:

V5W

At your cervix!

HIV-AIDS
Atlantic Canada/Maritimes
AIDS Task Force P.O. Box 961.
Sydney NS.B1P6J7; (902)539-4107
AIDS Nova Scotia 206-5224 Blowers Street, Halifax NS.
B3J 1J7; (902) 425-4882
Nova Scotia PWA Coalition 2093 Gottingcn Street, Halifax
NS. B3K 2B3; (902) 429-7922
Atlantic First Nations

A IDS -PEI PO. Box 2762.


:

Charlottetown PEI,

CIA

8C4;

(902) 566-2437

SIDA-Nouveau Brunswick/ A IDS New Brunswick 65


Brunswick Street, Fredericton NB, E3B 1G5; (506) 459-7518
Newfoundland and Labrador AIDS Committee 1 Queen
:

Sticet,2nd Root. St. John's Nfld,

AlC 4K1;

(709) 579-8656

Quebec
Centre d'aclion SID A Monlreal-femmes

1168 rue Sainte51

Tt>

New Our Bodies,


By

"90s.

the

Ourselves. Updated and expanded


Boston Women's Health Book Collective

for the

Body Mapping

?....# 5

(in brief)

Touchstone. 1992.

Des piantes qui guirissent. By Marie

Provost. Bibliotheque

About Menstnjation

quebecoise. 1991.

Natural medecine for children. By Julian Scott ph.d.


Indian herbology in North America. By Alma R. Hutchens.
Mcrco. Canada 1973.

Woman Herbal for the

Wise

Childbearing years.

Weed. Woodstock, 1985.


The Wise Women Herbal: Healing

Wise.

By Susun

woman

By

herbal.

By

Care.

By

Life.

A Wimmin's

Guide To Alternative Health

Alicia non Grata. Available

Box 8722.

Collective, P.O.

at:

Minneapolis,

Profane Existence
MIN 55408, USA.

Send $2 US.
it safe. By Cindy Patton.
Food combining for health. By Doris Grant &

Making

Jean Joyce,

Thorson Publishers inc.


Herbal Home Health Care. By John CrLstopher. Provo. Utah.
Biworld publisher. 1976.

La Flore Laurentienne. By

Company.
City Herbal.

By Maida Silverman.

Mail order herbs


La Clef des Champs 2278 Montee
:

Rl

Avena Botanicals

Age of Aids

12

..

35 Years of Fertility

15

After a Risky Sexual Encounter

A Simple Way of Bringing


How to Bring

17

on Your Period

17

on a Period Using Emmenagogues ..18

STDs and Other Aliens

22
23

Crabs
Scabies

24

Box 1042, Ava MO, 65608 USA


P.O. Box 365, West Rockport ME. 04865
5,

116, Williams

Genital Warts

24

Herpes

25

& Urinary Infections

27

Vaginitis

&

Women's

organizations/
referral/health
Atlantic Canada/Maritimes

&

27

Candida

Trichomonas

29

GardnareHa

29

The Ovaries and


Ovarian Pain

Canadian Coalition of Women's Groups Mount St


Vincent University, 166 Bedford Hwy, Room 9 Seton Annex,

...27

Vulvitis

Bacterial Infections

USA

OR, 97544

26

Chlamydia

Yeast Infections

USA
Herb Pharm Box

in the

rang 2, Val David. JOT

2N0; (819)322-1561
:

10

Dysmenorrhea or Painful Periods

Bladder

Knopf. 1977.

Mh*s***

Ms*ful
Blessed Herbs

Row

Frere Marie- Victorin. Presses de

I'UdM. Montreal. 1964.


Peterson Field Guides to Medicinal Plants. Houghton Mifflin

The story of Women and AIDS. By

Gena Corea. Harper Perennial 1993.


Susie Sexpert' s Lesbian Sex World. By Susie Bright. Cleis
Press. 1990.
Take Back Your

...7

-8

Menorrhagia or Excessive

Love

Invisible Epidemic.

Replacing Tampons

Jeanne Parvati. Greestone.

1978.

The

for

Amenorrhea or Absence of Menses

Weed.

S.

Indians use wild plants for food, medecine and crafts.


Frances Densmore. Dover. 1974.

Good Idea

Premenstrual Syndrome

By Susun

How

Hyg tenia

A.

&

29

Gonorrhea

the Uterus

.....31

.31

..

Ovarian Cysts

..31

Halifax NS.

Nova

2J6; (902)

Women's

Women's Association P.O. Box 305,


5ES; (902) 893-7402
Action Coalition of Nova Scolta P.O. Box 9436
:

B2N

A. Halifax

32

Fibroids in the Uterus

443-4450

Scotia Native

Truro NS,
Sin.

B3M

Varicose Veins on the Cervix

32

Hormonal Imbalance

32

Cleansing Your Genitals

33

NS.B3K5S3

Now Brunswick

Aboriginal Peoples

320

St.

Mary

Street,

NB, E3A 2S4


Car let on County Farm Workers RR
Frcdericton

7, Woodstock NB. EOJ


2B0; (506) 323-3723
Lcs femmes dc Rcstigciuche Box 2197. Dalhousie NB. E0K
1B0; (506)684-5920
Women Working with Immigrant Women 634 Queen

Aphrodisiacs

....34

Street. Suite 12, Fredericton

How

to

Prepare and Use Herbs

Picking Your

NB, E3B 1C2

Innu Resource Center Sheshetshit, Niiassinan. A0P 1M0


Newfoundland" and Labrador Women's Institute P.O. Box
13785. St. John's Nfld, AIB 4G3; (709) 754-0690
Umbrella Farm Women's Association Bos 135, Leihbridge
Nlld, AOC IV0; (709) 467-2685
:

Own

Herbs

35

40

Herbal Properties and Dosages

41

Reading

50

Aboriginal Women's Association


Charloitecown PEL C1A7K4
50

P.O.

Box

213,

Interesting

Useful Addresses

50

ounce of root, 2 cups of boiling water.


4
Steep covered for 45 minutes. Take 1/4 cup, 3 to
Infusion

Ten good reasons


to keep this booklet
on hand and to share it

$fy
times a day.

Tincture

times
10 to 15 drops in a litde water, 3 to 4

a day.

Wild Carrot Seed

If

you'd like to

know

as

much

about your cunt

(Queen Anne's

lace)

Daucus carota
as

carotte

sauvage

your doctor does


part used

Root

If you

seeds, roots

tea

stones and

break out into a cold sweat every time

a diuretic which helps eliminate urinary

is

worms.

The seeds can be used

as a "morning after pill," to

prevent the implantation of a fertilized egg (see

your period's

If

late

Wild carrot seed is easily found

in the city

p. 17).

and country;

the seeds should be picked in the middle to end of


September (consult someone who has done this before).
the pill is giving

Warning: be very careful about identifying this plant.

you the blues

It is

which can

easily confused with poison hemlock,

cause death (no joke).

If

Yarrow
your friend's got cramps

Achillea millefolium
part used

Yarrow

If

is

achillee mille-feuille

flowers and leaves

a cleanser.

It is

used

for colds

and

flu,

the intestines, vaginal

the

condom

hemorrhages of the lungs and


and bladder infections, menstrual disorders,

busts

hemorrhoids, fatigue, and circulation problems.


Infusion Make a regular infusion (p.35). Drink 3

to

If

4 cups
you catch

the clap

daily

Decoction

Start with a regular infusion that's

prepared and strained.

reduced
cold

If

antibiotics give

you a yeast infection

For

to

half

its

Simmer

been

until the liquid

original volume. Strain.

is

Drink

half a cup, 3 times daily.

flu

and colds

infusion. For colds,

Drink one

to

two cups of the hot

wrap yourself

in blankets after

drinking in order to sweat, then take a bath.

For abdominal pain or heavy bleading Take a hot


:

If
steel

your yeasty itch makes you want

to

grab the

infusion before menstruation or as needed

for

cramps.

wool

X*

If

y ou b 1 e ed bu c kets

If

STDs

~>

are squatting your crotch

...and

for

many

other reasons.

49

Tansy

(Bitter Buttons)
Tanacetum vulgare

pan used
Tansy

Doty

leaves, flowers and seeds

used for amenorrhea and dysmenorrhea. The

is

seeds can be used to expel worms. It is an emmenagogue

which can be used

promote regular periods. Warning:

to

Tansy can cause heavy bleeding in women who usually


have a heavy menstrual flow. Do not confuse with
tansy ragwort..

Take

Mw*tyl3

tanaisie vulgaire

in small

and repeated doses. Extra-large doses


result in discomfort to the

can cause congestion and

Prepare a regular infusion (p.35) using

ounce herb

to 1 pint

(500 ml) water. Take

cup, 3

10 to 15 drops in

warm

4 times

water, 3 to

Uiinner at their base, where they fuse

with the perineum, the muscle between the anus and


the vagina. Inside the labia majora are the labia minora.

They

are joined at the top to


clitoris.

The area between the labia minora is largely occupied

thym

birth this space is

and

rigidity.

The hymen can be

torn

women

Some

have pieces of skin around the vestibule

these are the remnants of die hymen.

leaves

Thyme is used

At

almost completely covered by the hymen, which varies

or during masturbation or vaginal penetration.

Thymus vulgaris or Thymus pulegioides


:

the vestibule.

during sporting activities, by the insertion of a tampon,

Thyme
part used

form a protective sheath

also protect the opening to the

They

urethra.

in size, shape,

a day

cover the other parts of the vulva.

lips)

by a space called

times a day before meals.

Tincture

majora (outer

They become

over the

abdominal organs.
Infusion

The external female genital organs are the clitoris and


the labia. Together they form the vulva. The labia

for headaches, fever, colds, bronchitis,

cramps, digestive problems, nightmares, whooping

The

& Genital Glands

Clitoris

worms, rheumatism, and as a deodorant and a mouth-

The clitoris is an organ designed essentially for sexual


stimulation and pleasure. The clitoris and labia contain
erectable tissue which swell up during sexual

wash.

excitement.

cough, wounds, toothaches, scabies, ulcer, sore throats,

Infusion

Take

teaspoon of thyme in one cup of water.

cup, 3 to

4 times a day.

For cough Mix with honey


:

Two

take

to

2 teaspoons as

For fever

Drink a hot infusion. Wrap yourself in

blankets so as

to

sweat

For worms 1 to 5 drops of thyme essential


honey and some olive oil, 3 times daily.
:

oil

with

valeriane

root

used in cases of anxiety, depression,


digestive or circulation disorders. It is good for treating
is

problems related

to

worry, spasms, trembling, con-

vulsions, epilepsy, neuralgia.

It is

also used io facilitate

sleeping, for headaches and forpain in general.

Prepare

valerian as an infusion only, never as a decoction


(see p. 3 5). Do not p re-soak the roots or steep for longer

and secrete

during stimulation. They

fluid

called a Bartholin's abscess or cyst.

The Vagina
The vagina

which connects

the channel

is

and the internal organs.

It is

the

vulva

seven to twelve centimetres

During a woman's

time, her vaginal

fertile

menopause the vagina is moderately alkaline. Vaginal


secretions come from the Bartholin glands and from
the cervical canal

(which

is

also the source of cervical

mucus). Their normal discharge is odorless and watery


or slightly white.

They cleanse

the vaginal canal, in

addition to coating the interior of the vagina.

The Uterus
The

uterus

is

about the size and shape of a pear and

is

and foul smell,

to add one of the following herbs (which

uterine lining) forms every month, to prov ide nutritive

its

bitter taste

also have medicinal properties) to valerian infusions


cinnamon (for convulsions) cayenne (for cramps)
;

anise (for digestive disorders)


irregularities).

4S

larger set of glands, the

The second and

made up of two main parts the body and the cervix.


From puberty to menopause, the endometrium (or the

than 2 hours. Because of


it is suggested

the

secretions are acidic, but before puberty and after

Valeriana officinalis

Valerian

and secrete an

very prominent. Their swelling can be caused by what

long.

Valerian

clitoris,

are normally about the size of a small pea and are not

is

For skin problems, scabies, parasites Mix 2 to 3


teaspoons thyme essential oil in 5 ounces olive oil.
Apply 3 or more times every day to the affected areas.
Also take thyme infusions 3 times a day.

under the

Bartholin's glands, are located at the opening of the


vestibule,

then take a shower.

lie just

alkaline liquid which reduces the vagina's natural


acidity.

needed.

part used

pairs of glands are attached to the vulva

Skene's glands

ginger (for menstrual

support for a fertilized egg.


the

endometrium

mensuration.

is

If the

expelled

egg

is

this

not fertilized,
is

known

as

The cervix is shaped like a cylinder

it

is

Red Raspberry Leaves

approximately

two and a half centimetres long, with a fine canal


running through it, opening into the uterus up top, and
to the

vagina

at the

Rub us
part

bottom.

Red

All changes in the functions of the uterus (menstruation,


pregnancy, menopause) are regulated by hormones
controlled by the hypothalamus,

Infusion

each other, the ovaries and the opening of

fallopian tube are not in direct contact.

ovum and

Rosehips

The

Rosa canina

the

ovaries

part

of developing the ova, the ovaries produce


the hormones estrogen and progesterone.

For more information on anatomy, women's genital


organs and their functions, and on the role and
fabrication of hormones, consult the following books:
Natural Reading in Gynecology by Rina Nissim (1984,
Edition Dispensaire des femmes).

Hormones The Women's Answer Bookby Lois Jov movie


M.D. and Genell J. Subak-Sharpe M.S. (1987, Ivy Books,
:

published by Ballantine Books).


:

Sglantier

fruit

excellent for the skin,

called the oogenic epithelium covers


from these cells that the egg is formed.

their role

used

deficiencies and a
tonic for fatigue and vitamin
C. They are
vitamin
diuretic, rosehips contain a lot of

play an essential

and help balance hormonal

cycles
irregularities good for irregular menstrual
(leucorrhea).
heavy white vaginal discharge

and

Thousands of immature ova (eggs) gather in these


pouches on the surface of the ovaries. In addition to

Make a regular infusion (p.35)


*

take the recommended

excellent cold
dosage (p.36). Rosehips in infusion are
with lemon.

Rosemary
Rosmarinus
part used

officinalis

romarin

leaves

colds,
Often used for headaches, colic pains,
uterine
and
palpitations
nervousness, depression,

pulmonary cleanser, it is also helpful


a strong
asthma when the steam is inhaled add

congestion.
for

infusion to your bath.

Drug-Free Ways

to

Balance

YourLifeby ArabelleMelville (Harper Collins Publishers).


Ourselves (Updated and Expanded
Bo ok Collective
for the 90s) by the Boston Women's Health
for info on
good
especially
Simon and Schuster)

The

cup,

at a time.

develop and release the


role in our hormonal system. They are pinkish-grey,
almond shaped and are about three centimetres long.

Hormone Health

located just above each ovary, with the tube


leading to the uterus. Even though they are very close

Natural

Make a regular infusion (p.35). Take

at
Douche Once a day with a concentrated infusion
week
one
than
more
room temperature. Do not use for

is

it is

3 times daily.

located in the pelvis and rest on either


strong
side of the uterus. Each ovary is held in place by
fallopian
the
of
orifice
serrated
The
elastic ligaments.

help with
cramps and regulate the flow. They also
digestion and nausea.

The ovaries are

the ovaries

leaves

their functions.
ovaries and the uterus and improving
leaves relieve
raspberry
red
Taken during menstruation,

TheOvaries

layer of cells

de framboisier

uterine
pregnancy They are by far one of the best
flow by toning the
tonics. They stimulate menstrual

of the two ovaries.

feuilles

diarrhea, hemoraspberry leaves are used for


hormonal problems and during and

after

the pituitary gland,

and by other substances such as


prostaglandins secreted by the uterine tissue. The
which
uterus is connected to the fallopian tubes,
one
month
by
every
released
(or
egg)
ovum
harbor the

to

rrhoids, vaginitis,

the ovaries,

tube

used

idaeus

New Our Bodies.

Make

a regular infusion (p.35)

drink 1/4 cup, 3 to 4

times a day.

Sage
Salvia officinalis

(1992,

sauge

anatomy.
part used

leaves

and

to

Used for sore throats, to bring down high fevers


Sage impairs
stimulate circulation and digestion.
up mother's milk). This herb imitates
menstrua!
estrogen and can help with certain
lactation (dries

"irregularities.

Infusion

ecrvit
fiinni

pubic bone
eihra

..;!..

rectum

outer

Make

a regular infusion (p.35).

to 3

times a day.

To dry up mother's milk

cup of cold infusion

l>p

twice a day.

Bartholin's

gULld

To

MP

gargle with

Make an

infusion using 1/2 cup of

water and 1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar.

vagiiul iipctun;

FEMALE PELVIC ORCANS

Take

ii.de

wc

47

Laxative

AWt

1 teaspoon of powder mixed with honey.


Chewing on the dried root (in stick form) helps regulate
:

digestive problems.

Motherwort
Leonoras cardiaca
part used

agripaume

is

A really good uterine and heart tonic, motherwort also


relieves cramps.

It

Infusion

cup

3 to

Make

Do

4 times

amazing

not use during pregnancy.

Douche with

temperature,

to

note

In many societies

Drink warm.

When

the flow

is

in

normal, drink cold as a tonic.

Vaginitis

woman to woman. It is also


that women who live together or who

are very close often menstruate at the

a day.
:

some

time

for a

week

cases

mens truation was

a time for

women

time.

traditionally (and

as a very powerful

viewed

is)

still

same

themselves and

to purify

to

from how most of us experience


bleeding. We're usually taught to hide any evidence of
relax. This is a far cry

body

the infusion at

douche per day

menstruates, yet

vary tremendously from

a regular infusion (p.35). Drink 1/4

Late menstruation

every woman

an individual thing

color, odor, temperature, needs, desires and pain can

can be used in strong doses and for

long periods of time.

surprising to realize to what extent menstruation

It is

leaves

(or less).

Mugwort

blood, pads or plugs (hence the ridiculous individually

wrapped polka-dotted packaging),


Artemisia vulgaris

armoise

(like, don't talk

about

it

to

be "discreet"

or don't whine ("you're

at all)

Emmenagogue, anti-epileptic, anti -spasmodic. Do not

such a bitch when you're on the rag"). We encourage


bitching, talking and doing whatever else makes you

take in case of uterine inflammation or during

feel better.

part used

whole plant

pregnancy.

Make

a regular infusion (p.35).

Take

1/4

cup 3

to

A Good

Idea for
Replacing

times daily.

Tampons

Parsley
Petroselinum sativum

be harmful to you. Plus they cost a fortune,


being "luxury" items and all. Whenever

whole plant

part used

Parsley

rich in minerals and contains

is

Using brand-name tampons and pads can

persil

any other green vegetable.

It is

more iron than

rich in vitamins

possible, avoid scented products as these release a

A and

whole slew of chemicals

B and has three times more vitamin C than citrus fruits.


Parsley

good

excellent for kidneys and bladder stones,

is

for the optical

and cervical nerves,

glands and blood vessels.

It

prevents rheumatism, and

helps inflamed glands and menstrual problems. The

you have a

hard time eating enough fresh parsley, take

it

in

infusion instead. In case of kidney infection, take

ginger (which

Infusion

is

to 6

tablespoons 4 times a day.

pouliot

whole plant

which

tampon

applicators are no n- biodegradable and clog

sewage

systems, often washing up on bays and beaches.

You

can avoid some of these problems by using non-

You can also buy 100% cotton pads (or even bettermake your own!) they are washable and re-usable,

Simply dampen

the

sponge, insert

with your fingers, and remove

Pennyroyal (often referred to as American pennyroyal)


is an expectorant

Shock Syndrome has been

linked to tampon use. Plastic

Instead of tampons you can use natural sea sponges.

Mentha pule gium


:

the vaginal walls and Toxic

directly

thus avoiding unnecessary waste.

Pennyroyal
part used

your girl parts (and smell

bleached tampons, available at some health food stores.

an anti -inflammatory) instead.

Make a normal infusion (p.35). Take 2

into

are bleached using dangerous

chemicals which can be absorbed into the body through

the suprarenal

roots and seeds are used in decoction. If

Tampons

gross).

facilitates

evacuation of bile

Don't worry about pushing


it

it

it

it

into the

once

vagina

saturated.

it's

up too far- even though

doesn't have a cord there's no risk losing

it

"up there."

used for bronchitis and whooping cough. It also


induces uterine contractions. Do not use during

Sponges can be left inside the vagina for several hours,

pregnancy. Pennyroyal in herb form can be hard

Once

and

is

find in

many

Essential

oil

and can get

parts of Canada.
:

Rub

late

the skin,

it

depending on your flow and the size of the sponge.


the

sponge

is

saturated, rinse

it

in

warm

or cold

running water, squeeze out the excess water, and

keeps mosquitoes away

menstruation

Pennyroyal essential

to start.

oil is toxic

FOR EXTERNAL USE ONLY.


46

to

WARNING

can cause

reinsert

it.

death.

This

a cheaper, eco-friendly alternative to

tampons.

Avoid synthetic sponges. Natural sponges

are often

is

sold as make-up removal pads, and can be found in the


cosmetics section of the pharmacy or at health food
stores. Of course they aren't advertised as menstrual

Golden Seal Root

sponges cause that would threaten the "sanitary


A sponge can last up to six months
if you take good care of iL Discard the sponge
once it

part used

powerful natural

begins to

bacterial infections.

hygiene" industry.

fall apart.

Soak your sponge overnight in a cup of water with one


teaspoon of white vinegar before and/or after each
period. This kills the bacteria that can cause yeast and
other vaginitis. If

you have

during menstruation,
again. Store your

it's

bad vaginal infection

best not to reuse that sponge

sponge

in a cloth or

Hydrastis canadensis
root and rhizome

Similar to echinacea and myrrh, golden seal root


antibiotic.

It is

used for

is

and

viral

Goldenseal is aremedy for severe

inflammations in the nose, throat, stomach, colon, and


is

also

good

for

hemorrhoids. Especially effective for

Herpes-type viruses (cold sores, shingles),

it

is

also

excellent as a douche for vaginal infections, as an

eyewash

for conjunctivitis, antiseptic

mouthwash,

and for skin problems and bums.

box between
Infusion

periods.

Mix

Pre-Menstrual

times daily.

NB

Syndrome (PMS)

Capsules

Measure

capsules with

mood changes,
cramps, painful or swollen
breasts, headaches, zits, water retention,

well.

this tastes

1/4

warm

15 drops in

very

bitter.

teaspoon of powder.

amount. Take 3 capsules

this

Tincture

powdered root in 1 cup


Take 2 to 5 tablespoons 4

1/4 teaspoon of the

of boiling water.

These are varied

hydras te canadien

Fill 3

d;.ily.

water, 3 times a day.

irritability,

Paste

bloating, lack of energy, herpes outbreaks, gas and

other digestive malfunctions, flu-like symptoms, back


... combine these symptoms with an irregular or
painful cycle and you've got the generic profile of a

pains,

woman

who's ready to

prescribed the

genius at

kill.

Most

likely she'll be

"solve" all her problems. Medical

Pill to

it's finest...

Methods of coping

Eat foods rich in potassium


cabbage, pears and almonds.

Eat a

lot

of seaweed

bananas, potatoes,

a regular part

of your

women who

are prone to yeast infections


all

golden seal is toxic when used


do not use for longer than two weeks. Do
not use during pregnancy.
:

part used

officinalis

lavande

flowers

is

Use the
on open sores and to soothe
Wash it off after about 15 to 20 minutes,
a sedative and an anti-bacterial.

essential oil externally

it

can burn. For a relaxing bath, prepare an infusion

of lavender and add

it

of lavender essential

the water, or

to

add a few drops

Licorice
Clycyrrhiza glabra
part used

breasts and suffer

powder form

from cramping. Carrots, onions,

garlic, turnips,

spinach,

raw vegetable

oils are all rich in

Drink

lots

lentils, apricots,

lemons, and

vitamin A.

of water.

Some books

to relieve tension

much

others.

and cramps.

provide a detailed account of the role

played by hormones in causing PMS

up

into pieces or in

is

an emollient, an expectorant and a gentle

laxative.

It

also contains substances similar to estrogen

does sage). In Chinese medicine

own,

tincture (p.48) to relax.

Take ginger (p.44)

the root whole, broken

rcglisse

its

nickname

"the reconcilor" since in addition to being used

or

Take valerian

Licorice

(as

Follow the treatments for hormonal imbalances


(p.32).

oil.

times.

Herbal treatments

WARNING

excessively

Take a lot of vitamin A, especially if you have painful

too

It

good to use gol d en s eal b o th internally and ex iernal ly

insect bites.

should avoid yeast at

infusion during a treatment.

stains).

note that

Douche Use a strong


is

to

externally on skin infections

(it

as

green vegetables, soy products, and nutritional


yeast (you can also take brewer's yeast capsules)

Use

and cover with a cloth

Lavender

kelp (fresh or in tablet form),

Make foods high in vitamin B6


diet

light paste.

Lavendula

hijiki, dulse...

a small amount of powder with water

Lower your intake of salt.

make a

Mix

Lavender

Diet

why we

produce

on

is

its

can be combined with all the other herbs. Its


presence increases their medicinal properties while
it

masking the

bitter taste

Decoction:

of certain herbs.

ounce ormore of licorice


for 20 minutes in 2 cups of water. Take

root.

1/4

Simmer

cup 3

to

times a day. This quantity can be added to other

decoctions or infusions.

of certain hormones, and not enough of

PMS is often caused by hormonal irregularities,


45

and so

Garlic

reference to Natural Reading in

Allium sativum
part used

Garlic
are

a natural

is

found

raw

in

organic garlic)

antiseptic. Its

medicinal properties

garlic (for best results, try to


it

is

a blood purifier

it

buy

regulates

low and high blood pressure; it is good for

circulation,

yeast infections, chlamydia, other infections and


nervous disorders. Garlic is a diuretic, helps balance

glandular disorders, and strengthens the

immune

system. Also good for warts, ear-aches, and corns.

Chop or press garlic clove. Take with


cold water or mix with honey. Don't wait more than 5

Raw

garlic

minutes after you cut the garlic clove

to

on

this subject (see

Gynecology

consume

it.

Amenorrhea or
Absence of Menses
This may be due to several factors. Normal absence of
menstruation (missing a period, or several) is caused

by pregnancy,

lactation,

and menopause.

Amenorrhea can also be caused by very poor


excessive exercising, losing large

pill,
fatigue, stress, hormonal imbalance, going off the
disease,
liver
diabetes,
metabolic problems

or by

inconsistencies in thyroid levels.

Try

to eat well.

To bring on menstruation

day.

Boil water for 15 minutes.

down to body

When

A sprig of parsley inserted as far as possible into the


vagina can bring on menstruation by causing uterine
contractions. Insert it before going to sleep, and

cooled

temperature, add the juice of one or two

remove

garlic cloves.

Ear-ache (ear infection) Peel one garlic clove without


breaking it. Wrap it with cheesecloth or gauze. Dip in
olive oil and put in the opening of the ear (don't push

diet,

amounts of weight,

Eat one or more cloves of fresh garlic 3 to 4 times a

Douche

p.50).

* ail

bulb

helpful to read up

it is

the following morning.

it

Accompany

days.

Do

this for

to

this with parsley infusions (p.46).

it

too far

in)

before going

to

bed, and

if possible

or
in infusion or tincture (p. 47).

Take sage

during

or

Warts Rub with a garlic clove cut in half, as often as

Drink motherwort infusions (p.46) for 4 to 5 days. Do


the
not exceed 6 days you should get your period in

possible.

following days.

4 days or more. Also eat fresh

the day. for

garlic.

Ginger

Zingiber officinale

gingembre

part used

rhizome and root

Massage
to

the reflex zones for the uterus

3 times a day

Tansy

in infusion or tincture (p. 48)

used for boils, bronchitis, colic pain, diarrhea, flu,


sore throats, hemorrhage of the lungs, painful
menstruation, nausea, neuralgia, and rheumatism.

in

women who

It is

Ginger is particularly effective for abdominal problems.


beverage or
It can be taken in capsules with a hot
to

your bath for fever and skin irritations. It can


on a late period. It can be used in

also help bring

powder form, but


Infusion

the fresh root

Fresh ginger

is

Powdered ginger: 1
honey and lemon. Drink 1 cup 3 times a day with
honey. For colds, add 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper to
each cup.
Fill the

If

capsules with ginger powder, take

3 capsules daily.

you

periods,

of a

normally have a heavy flow.

from amenorrhea or late


would be better for you to think in terms

suffer regularly
it

more holistic treatment instead of simply

to bring

on your period. Consult an

trying

herbalist, or try

homeopathic remedies or other alternative medicines.


Drinking sage and red raspberry leaf teas on a regular
basis can help improve this condition, as they help

tone the uterus and ovaries.

Grate a good quantity of the

30 to 60 minutes.
teaspoonpercupofhotwaterwith

much more potent

root and infuse in boiled water for

Capsules

can help regulate

amenorrhea. Note that tansy can cause heavy bleeding

Ginger is a stimulant, an analgesic and an aphrodisiac.

added

and ovaries

(p. 11).

or
5 Menorrhagia
Excessive Flow
leaves (p47) are best as they do not stop
you from bleeding, but help regulate your flow. Start
using them one week before your period is due and
c ontinue Lhrou gho u me ns truation. Repeat if necessary

Red raspberry

help reduce excessive menstrual

Fresh root Simply chew a good quantity of the root


with
several times a day with water, or grate it and mix

The following

honey

Vitamin C.

Vitamin

Bioflavonoids (buckwheat, the skin of citrus

all

flow:

(sesame seeds, sesame

grapes, cherries, blackberries).

44

butter).
fruits,

Alfalfa (2 handfuls of fresh sprouts or 3 tablets per

internally. Fresh

day throughou t y our cy c le) will lessen your menstru al

tincture

flow.

especially ovarian cysts.

form

chickweed can dissolve warts

Infusion

Make

a regular infusion

Most of us experience sensations ranging

cup, 3 to 4 times a day.

from mild discomfort to excruciating pain

For constipation Take

We

get cramps

Tincture

Medical science

to 3 times

us that to suffer

is

woman. But we know

part of being a

Drink

(p. 35).

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)

15

cup of the infusion every 3

to

20 drops in a glass of warm water, 2

a day. (This can be used as a long-term

Fresh plant
'

are sometimes responsible for pain but most of the

The more you

eat, the better!

Cinnamon
Cinnamomum zeylanicum

time cramps are caused by inflammation, swelling and

cannelle

tension in the cervix and uterus.

part used

What to do

Cinnamon is useful in case of muscular pains,

Avoid

salt,

sugar and processed foods (including

Eat foods high in potassium every day bananas, dry

bark

digestive spasms.

Decoction

white sugar; white flour and white bread).

4 cup

Make a normal decoction (p.36)

4 times

3 to

melons, oranges, carrots, leafy green vegetables

reduces tension).

1/

part used

Cloves

clou de giro fie

dried flowers and buds

facilitate circulation, raise

body temperature,

stimulate and disinfect the stomach, skin, kidneys,

an infusion), Brazil nuts, almonds, and seaweed for

intestines, lungs

their high calcium content

that stops toothaches

(which eliminates cramps)

(kelp in particular) can be taken in tablet

and bronchii. Clove oil is an analgesic

when

Infusion

Hot

1/8 of a cup, 3 times daily.

baths, a hot water bottle

all

part used

(p. 49)

teaspoon cloves in 2 cups water/Take

taken in capsule form, tinctures or

good

(Purple Coneflower)

results.

Begin

week

before your period and continue throughout

its

it

stimulates the product!;

is

an herbal substitute for antibiotics as

the

immune

system.

It is

bites,

Ginger (p.44) infusions rapidly relieve cramps. You


can also chew the fresh root. Take as needed to

chronic or acut.

and

of white

vhinacea

it

used for blood

infections, vaginal infections

or

blood cells which destroy bacteria or viruses,

poisonous stings and

duration.

rudbeckie

the root

A blood purifier,

cramping and pain.

Yarrow

Echinacea pupurea or augustofolia

help relieve tension,

infusions provides very

Echinacea

smoking a joint, vigorous or


light exercise, and orgasms

applied directly to the

tooth or cavity.

form.

placed on the lower abdomen,

take

Eat oatmeal, broccoli, parsley (which can be taken as

Seaweed

daily.

Eugenia caryophyllata

Eat dark green vegetables and oranges for vitamin


(it

and

Cloves

and potatoes.

It is

flu,

also an aphrodisiac.

fruits,

1/2

treatment for cysts.)

they're liars.

into

treat external

hours.

before, during, and after our periods.


tells

to

infections and irritations, including pink-eye.

Painful Periods
during menstruation.

The leaves can be made

a poultice (p.38) or wash (p.38)

Dysmenorrhea or

in

effective in dissolving cysts,

is

it

hemor

ngthens
soning,
:icterial
->ids.

good prostate tonic, it also facilitates the ei:


:en over
of fat. Echinacea is non-toxic and can be

lination

long periods of time.

relieve pain.

Decoction

Make

a regular decoction (p.36).

or

Red raspberry leaf tea (p. 47) works well to alleviate


cramps but must be taken regularly (over a period of
months).

It is

treatment.

mild and can be used

for long-term

licorice root if the taste


1

to 5

tablespoons, 3 to 6 times a day.

Tincture
1

to

Add

makes you feel nauseous. Take

15 to 30 drops in a

little

warm

water every

6 hours, depending on the gravity of the infection.

Douche Use a decoction at room temperature, 2 to 3


times a week for 2 weeks. Never abuse vaginal douche.
;

10

4]

Foot Massage

Cayenne Pepper
Capiscumfrutescens

poivre de cayenne

Cramps
and ovarian reflex areas (located
behind the ankles, just above the heel). Press hard

Massage
part used

fruit

Cayenne pepper (also known as cayenne powder, as it


most often comes in powdered form) is a stimulant, a
tonic, an astringent, a blood-cleanser and
It

induces sweating and

an antiseptic.

excellent for blood

is

to Alleviate

circulation, to stimulate the heart, clean

and restore

elasticity to the veins and arteries, regulate blood

where

it

the uterine

hurts.

This area

is

the onset of menstruation.

generally very sensitive at

Use your thumb

to

put firm

pressure on the area, for five minutes on each side.


Alternate massaging each foot, as needed. This massage
yields astonishing results, especially

someone

done by

if it's

else.

pressure and relieve congestion in the mucus

membranes. Cayenne soothes and heals sores in the


stomach and intestinal tissues. It stops both internal

Rectum

I Sclte|t

and external bleeding and accelerates coagulation.


Cayenne is effective in cases of anorexia and liver
congestion.

It

of time as

it

can help you stay awake for long periods


gives energy.

immune system and

is

It

also strengthens the


Troche 0

excellent for colds and asthma.

Make sure to buy medicinal cayenne pepper

F *::coe

the kind

used for cooking has been roasted, making it


lose its therapeutic properties. Consult your local herb
that is

v agm oenis
(

"

store.

U#tft

For colds

1/4 to

teaspoon in hot water, 3 times daily

vs*

(very hot!).

Capsules

1/4 to

teaspoon

in a capsule taken

with a

hot beverage, 3 times per day.

Celery Seed
Apium graveolens
part used

graines de c61eri

seed

Celery seed

a diuretic.

is

It

will lower

high blood

pressure, relieve headaches and nervousness.

and put 3 teaspoons in 3 cups


of cold water. Cover and simmer for 20 min. Strain.
Infusion

Grind

Drink hot,

lightly

Hanc^e Cu>SSt genot

Eoauie

cups daily.

Chamomile
Matricaria chamomilla or Matricaria recutita
camomille

Cents Sue*' eures

jO'7'

Centre de

part used

eauihOre

flowers

Chamomile

Pom rme ooumon

a sedative for the nerves and a tonic for

is

used for ear-aches, tooth-aches, for


slow or difficult digestion, insomnia and the flu.
the intestines.

It is

Infusion

ounce of flowers, in 3 cups of water.


cup, 3 to 4 times a day.

Take

1/2

1/2 to

For colds 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne powder in 1 cup


of chamomile infusion add honey. Drink hot, 4 to 5
:

times a day.

Chickweed

References

Siellaria

part used

media

ceraiste vulgaire

whole plant

Chickweed

is

countryside and

found

in

city. It is

abundance

all

an expectorant,

over the
a laxative,

relieves gas andcolic, helps soo the and protect mucuous

For more information about the dangers of using bleached


tampons and pads (as well as excellent references for
alternatives), consult Whitewash by Liz Armstrong and
Adrienne Scott. 1992. Harper Collins.

The Doctor's Case Against


1980. Doubleday.

the PilL

By Barbara Seaman.

'

membranes, and promotes healing both externally and


41

.11

JMVe

A?e
AIDS
has

has been around for

done

it

of

to the

way

more than 15

women

that

years.

What

love? This article

gives an overview of the situation and what is currently

known about
on

info

When

prevention.

how to make

also provides practical

It

love in the time of

AIDS.

AIDS was thought to be a


men and intravenous drug users.
For close to 10 years, the idea that women could be
HIV postive without developing AIDS obscured
women and children from research statistics and testing.
Upon emerging from this maze, we are confronted
with the fact that in North America, women are the
largest growing group of people who are HIV positive.
broke out,

first

it

disease of only gay

Govemmentstatisdcs reveal
rate of infection and a

This may be because

that

women have a higher

lower rate of survival than men.

women who are HIV positive are

not diagnosed or are diagnosed too late

to

receive

treatment that could slow the development of infections.

An

other aspect

is that

reseach and treatment were

and for men for the


remain unfamiliar wiLh

oriented and developed around


first

years of epidemic.

many

of women's

We

symptoms because of this. Women

The English and French c ommon names (eg, bearberry


in

English

busserole in French) of the plants are

provided, as are their Latin names {z%,Arctostaphylo$


uva-ursi).

When buying herbs, always take note of the

Latinnameofthe plant you need; this will ensure that


you get exactly what you're looking for. It's also
helpful for buying herbs in non-English or French

speaking regions or countries.

You should know

that

when using

these substances
If

you buy

make

herbs,

because of lack of social


support and difficulties with male
"

to

really practice safe sex.

The Canadian Centre

for

in

Ottawa has published figures which


demonstrate the urgency of this

62

% of women living wtih HIV became infected as

a result of non-safe sex with

HIV

positive men.

% of HIV positive people in Quebec are women.

1 1 ,4

Women make up 27 % of all new HIV positive cases

chemicals. Consult the resources section for a


reliable herb stores

NB When we
:

and mail-order

65

that

list

of

distributors.

talk about using the

the stems, leaves

whole

and flowers

plant,

we

does not

this

Arctostaphylos uva-ursi
part used

busserole

leaves

Bearberry acts specifically on the genital -urinary

We

use

it

to treat the prostate, cystitis, the

kidneys, bladder inflammation, uterine and vaginal


infections.

Infusion

Make

a regular infusion

(p. 3 5)

thke 1/2

Douche Use an
:

infusion

at

body temperature, once a

day.

Blue Cohosh Root


CauJophyllum thalictroides
part used

per year.

Buy herbs

have not been sprayed with pesticides or other

cup, 3 to 4 times daily.

siutation:

Commercially sold

herbs should be colorful and aromatic.

system.

AIDS

quality,

them in brown paper bags

or glass jars, in a cool, dark place.

well,

are able

good

Bearberry (Uva-Ursi)

more marginalized.

women

herbal remedies.

sure you buy

for about 12 months. Store

include the plant's root.

partners, few

the

well-preserved dried herbs. Dried herbs remain potent

In

As

making

treatments less effective. Try to limit your intake of

still

colour find themselves even

caffeine, nicotine,

plant material, vitamins and minerals,

mean

have minimal access to experimental treatment.


Canada and the USA, poor women and women of

consuming

alcohol and sugar interferes with the absorption of

act.ee

bleue

root

Blue cohosh is used to treat amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea,


of

all

children infected in the

womb

live in

Quebec.

vaginal inflammation, slow or halted contractions


(during childbirth), nervousness, exhaustion and

Who is at risk?

spasmodic cough (asthma, bronchitis, whooping

Neither sexual orientation, race or gender, increase

cough). Do not use during pregnancy.


Make a regular decoction (p.36). Take 1

a person's risk of infection.

AIDS

is

above

all

behavorial disease. To be infected, the blood stream

must come

in contact with the virus. Contact can

tablespoon, 3 to

4.

For amenorrhea and dysmenorrhea

happen through the exchange of blood (including

hot decoction, 3 times a day.

menstrual blood), sperm, seminal fluid (pre-sperm),

Spasms Take

12

teaspoon

to 1

times a day.
:

stronger doses or ingest

1/4 cup of the

more

often.

t]

other bodily
vaginal secretions, breast milk or any
Example
blood.
by
contaminated
fluid secretion
:

saliva

No woman

mixed blood.

protected from

HIV

since

it is

is

automatically

impossible to

know

sex is the
about the past or present of our partners. Safe
lives of
the
lives,
our
endangering
only way to avoid

our children and the lives of our partners.


Several of the plants mentioned in this booklet are
easily found growing in the countryside;

them

are also

commonly found

in

What is safe sex?

many of

Safe sex

gardens and empty

the

most abundant and

Picking your

own

latex
For now, the best protection against AIDS is
Dental
gloves.
latex
products condoms, dental dams,
dams are squares of plastic used during oral sex to
replaced by
protect the vagina or the anus. They can be
:

Always
a condom cut length wise or thick saran wrap.
(no
products
latex
with
use water-based lubrifiants

Some plants are poisonous and evendeadly if ingested

vaseline or other petroleum-based

easily confused

with poison hemlock, which can be fatal). You


should be 100% sure that the plant you are picking is
the one you really want! Unless you've

done

book

to

jellies,

disintegrate latex).

which
/:|?\

frv

this

best to go on a "field trip" with someone


before,
their stuff, in addition to consulting a
knows
who
it's

field-guide

to

for

their sickness.

However, if you do want to pick your own herbs, there


are a few things you should know:

is

of things to do and not

Safe sex also protects HIV positive people


re-infection, which could accelerate
possible
from

herbs gives you the advantage of

example, wild carrot seed

list

hepatitis.

easiest to spot.

you to
prepare your own tinctures and dried herbs, and it can
also save you money.

(for

a way to explore our sexuality. And


women, it's a protection against STDs, pregnancy and

getting the freshest herbs possible, allowing

more than

do. It's also

Chamomile, chick weed, red raspberry


wild carrot seed and yarrow are among

lots in the city.

leaves, tansy,

is

help you recognize and identify

well;
pi ants. Get to know some of the different plants
you
before
smell
and
look
they
how
take note of

embark on picking anything. If you're ever unsure,


even slightly, don't take chances. Always take a
field-guide book with you.

What you need to know


B lood (including menstrual blood) sperm and seminal

fluid

have the highest concentrations of

the virus.

Vagnial secretions have lower concentrations but

can also transmit the disease.

Vaginal infections such as fungus, yeast, chlamydia

can also increase the risk of transmission.

Be respectful. Never pick more than


available... this ensures that they'll

1/3

of the plants

come back

the

Bleeding gums, sores, cuts, scraches in the mouth or

It's

far better to

genital organs are other

on the

following year.
pick plants in the country rather than

you must pick 'em in the city, get them


from parks or empty lots located far from roads
plants
otherwise you may be wasting your time
located near roadways are high in lead and other

the city. If

ways of transmission.

Condy lomaor herpes are also means of transmission.

cases have been attributed to the ingestion of

Some

vaginal secretions,

sperm and

Tears and saliva have

lillle

breast milk.

or no traces of the virus,

unless they contain blood.

contaminants.

Read up on the subject. Know when to pick the plants


and plant parts you need. For example, roots are best
harvested in the

fall,

avoid brushing your teeth


before and after a sexual encounter as it can cause

It

For further reading


The Wise

Women Herbal

Heating Wise. By Susun

Peierson Field Guides to Medicinal Plants (Houghton


Mifflin Company) are excellent

syringes (see "Useful Addresses" p.50).

City Herbal.

By Maida

The

Eastern/
one we use here in Ontario and Quebec is the
even
Central guide. Other guides to North America and
available.
also
are
Central and South America

Never share unstcrilized needles or syringes (tatoos,


percing). There arc needle exchanges at prevention
centres and affective ways of cleaning needles or

S.

Weed
for identifying pi ants.

to

bleeding.

flowers right after they bloom,

etc.

recommended

is

Sex toys

(dildoes, vibrators...)

must be disinfected or

covered with latex before they can be shared.

Wear

latex gloves for all vaginal or anal penetration

with your hands

if

you have the

slightest cut or sore.

Silverman. 1977. Knopf.


13

40

In

brief...

Notes

Keep in mind

that

monogamy is not the same thing

as safe sex. If

you

you are at risk or if you want


a good idea to get tested. Always

to

have a

child, it's

request an
results,

think

anonymous

test.

This

is

important

to

keep

and your name, from appearing in your medical

If you are

sexually active with

men who-don't want to

wear condoms, ask them whose interests they "have in


mind and remind yourself that no fuck is worth risking
your

we women are 18
% more likely to be infected with HI V by men than the

other

life.

Certain infusions and decqcticgns do not taste very

good add honey or lemon. Most preparations should


;

be taken, warm unless specified otherwise. For long-

term treatments, remember that tinctures are easier


use.

or else where.

file

Tell yourself as well that

way around.

.*.*-.

Most of the plants mentioned in this booklet grow in


North America and are therefore available both in the
city and in the country, as well as in many herb/health

Keep in mind thatherbs are not drugs but


They provide nourishment for the body to heal
itself. Although some herbs are not to be taken during
food stores.
foods.

pregnancy, there are generally no side effects.

The

normal reaction, however,

Documents used

have

section on "Useful I addresses" (p.50) provides


several addresses for resource, help and information.
for this paper

to

'

to

have

less of

and/or light diarrhea during a treatment.


to urinate often.

Always

It is

an appetite

You may

drink lots of water

during a treatment.

Lesfemmes et le sida: un

deft pour le

Canada au cours des

anne'es 90. Produit par Sante et Bien-etre social Canada,


1993.

The

New Our Bodies,-Ourselves. Updated

and Expanded

You should also note that fresh herbs and tinctures are
more potent than dried herbs, even well-preserved
ones.

for the '90s.

Don't hesitate

Take Back Your Life. A Wimmin's Guide to Alternative


Health Care. By Alicia non Grata. Profane Existence
Collective. P.O. 8722, Minneapolis,

MIN

55408,

USA

to seek help from experts in your area


and remember certain chronic problems or acute
conditions will need more elaborate treatment.

(Send $2 US).

For further reading:


-

Susie Sexpert's Lesbian Sex World.


Press. 1990.

By Susie Bright. Cleiss

The Invisible Epidemic. The Story of Woman and Aids, By


Gena Cora. Harper Perennial. 1993.

Making

it

Safe.

By Cindy

Patton.

14

39

ESSENTIAL OILS

35J**rs

Essential oils or aromatic essences are 'substances

from certain plants by distillation or incision.

extracted

The essences

are dissolved in

They

oil.

ffftili

are sold in

health food and herb stores.

We ovulate every 28

POULTICE

year and

A poultice is essentially crushed

who sleep

For those of us

%>N/
sores,
y^

20 times per

days. That's 15 to

300 menstrual cycles

at least

with

in a lifetime...

fellas, that's

plant material, applied externally

of opportunities for getting pregnant.

to the infected area (eg.

change your partners, mind and methods.

For fresh plants,


chop or grate the plant material and apply it directly to.
pour boiling water
the affected area. Dried plants
over the plant, cover and soak for half an hour to 4

cuts, bums...)-

to abort.

It's

normal

These things make

It's

thousands

normal
It's

to

normal

to freak out!

it

even harder on

us:

Men's indifference, and

wrap poultices in a thin layer of gauze before applying.


liquid can be used as an infusion or a soak (see

WASH

^Ej-

also called a

This

is

ji

>

SOAK

protection (against the

women have

\7

it

wherever needed.

paste

is

the

powdered herb

is.

then applied externally

to the

(eg,

affected area.

Do

Pregnant

not use douches.

women

should

better") as they

have been linked

to

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID).

IMPORTANT
forcefully can

Always douche gendy

douching

worsen an infection by forcing

For male genitals, soak the infected

it

up into

Avoid

is

at the tip

in

essential

to fuck,

rather be fucking than arguing.


line:

the Pill

methods of

try to opt for alternative

condoms, cervical cap, diaphragm.


to use, these

methods

Take time

to get to

know your

fertile

periods by observing your cervical mucus and other


signs of ovulation.

an inch

in

Lhey do not have

It's

important

to figure

out whether your cycle

regular or not, and to understand


worry,

pharmacies.

know

38

the time. Safe sex

Never think you're infertile because you've never


gotten pregnant when you have hardly used
contraceptives, even over a long period of time.

They can be used for inserting yogurt into the


vagina or for douching. -They can be found in many

a needle.

when you'd

natural cycle.

area.

relatively large syringes (about

diameter) with an opening

AIDS: we do,

offer the advantage of not disturbing your body's

BABYSYRINGES H

These are

it's

don't "get"

While they may seem tedious

your uterus, which can then cause PID.

,,

ail

have

offer the

contraception
:

Be

tries to

a matter of survival.

Helpful hints in case you don't follow this

in this

make you "smell

someone

attitudes towards sex

to

women

Don't think that

The douches we

booklet are medicinal douches; avoid


scented douches sold in pharmacies (the kind that

mention

changed. They've had

especially

can disturb the vagina's natural

bacteria.

Our

got in mind.

if

being in conflict with the person you want

not over-use vaginal douches as


this

and

found "enforcing" safe sex with our lovers hard. It's a


drag listening to guys whine about condoms being
uncomfortable or unsexy. It's even more of a drag

Douche with an

body temperature.

is

but keep in mind-lovers

yours for the long haul.

advantage of protecting
against both the HIV retro-virus and unwanted
pregnancies (See safe sex, p. 13). Many of us have

infusionor strong decoction (about


at

at times...

come and go. Your body

and condoms

Vaginal douche kits are sold in

2 cups)

to constantly

and ours.

numbers increasing

VAGINAL DOUCHES AND


"SITZ" BATHS
drugstores.

from having

results

about taking responsibilities for their

can seem bleak

^they've

made by mixing

on themselves.

||| good to yourself above


1;1 persuade you otherwise, ask yourself who's interests

golden seal root) with a small amount of water. The


paste

&*

and

HIV vims and STDs) which

all,

PASTE
A

It

to take

which

men

bodies...

reheated (never

areas. Soak the area directly in the wash, ordip a clean

wash and apply

stress

educate

boiled) and then applied externally to the affected

cloth into the

The

TbsszS
is

we're

responsibility of contraception

The added

an infusion (see p.35) which

ignorance about their

The

below).

their

own fertility men are fertile all the time, and


ultimately the ones who hSve to deal with it.

hours (see infusions). Strain, then squeeze the water


out and apply them to the affected areas. You can also

if it

is like

it

out.

you

a good friend

better over time. This

is

is

works. Don't

takes you a while to figure

menstrual cycle
it

how it

Your
get to

a step toward

IS

reproductive freedom and the reappropriation of


control over our bodies.

be necessary

shape

You may

also find

it

your periods on a menstrual calendar.

to chart

to get

your ovaries

useful
It

drops in a

(etcetera) in better

Red

"Cleansing Your Genitals" (p.33).


leaf (p.47)

is

raspberry

excellent for toning the uterus and

Tinctures are surprisingly easy

Your vaginal mucus

(or discharge)

changes during the

check

it

The microscope makes

it

stores sell the

One

share

it.

this is easy.

Some

above gadget; problem is,

solution

is

for

women who

it

health food
costs about

live together to

Consult the references listed below to Find out

more about identifying the characteristics of your


mucus.

Make

up on

sure to read

this subject

and get

to

control, to

make

sure you can

tell if

sure

it's

it's

flowers, stems,

mason

(pickling) jar with a tight-

not a bad idea to boil

sterile (let

it First,

to

make

dry out completely before starting

it

your tincture). Do not wash or rinse plant material.


Fresh roots can be scrubbed or peeled.
Coarsely chop the parts of the plant you are using (with
the exception of small flowers). Fill the jar right up to
the top.

For dried roots use 2 ounces (56


:

can be hard

to find)

or use

45

(you can share the costs as well

among

gr.) in a

500

with grain alcohol (which

vodka or

Vodka tinctures taste better but alcool

know

your mucus

clean, dry

ml (half litre) jar. Fill the jar

You can also examine it without a microscope.

your cycle while using a reliable method of birth

fertile

fresh plant material

Dried roots can be used but are not as potent as fresh

fitting lid

is fertile

you have

Use a

easier to identify the

various properties of your mucus. If

$50.

make.

ones.

woman to know

your cervical mucus

if

microscope, practising

takes on very

A sort of "mucus microscope"

ovulating or not.

available, to

or not.

Always use

to

leaves.

monthly cycle, and during ovulation


specific characteristics which allow a

is

(about 15

of water, 3 times a day).

little bit

To make your own tinctures

ovaries.

if she is

warm water

Tinctures axe used diluted in

may

see "Hormonal Imbalance" (p. 32) or

day dose!

bottle, for a 7

$60 a

is

al cool.

much cheaper

as the finished cincture

friends).

is

Use a knife

or not.

Check your mucus

to dislodge

any

air

bubbles.

Make

sure to

not to leave any air (this can


;
spoil the tincture, but don't worry if there's a tiny bit of
fill

the jar to the top

try

air left).

Cap the jar as tightly as possible. Label the jar with the
name of the plant used and the date. Make one tincture

for each plant

-$>

the jar a

few

you are using. Every few days inverse


away from direct sunlight.

times. Store

The tincture will be ready

in

6 weeks.

When it's ready,

strain, squeeze and discard the plant parts. Store your

MuC'jj

light

liimchy)

(crray)

(ttfeltf

tinctures in sterilized

Moit Ftnilt
Mucuj

FtnD
Mucin

8fjnnnici|

most recent edition has been expanded


mucus method and other
chemical contraceptives and medicines.

issues In general; this

include information on the

The Natural Birth Control Book. By Art Rosenbloom.


Available from the Aquarian Research Foundation, 5620
Morton Street, Philadelphia PA, 19144 USA tel (215)
:

849-3237.

&

Jonathan Drake

determining ovulation. Available for $1.50

Emma Goldman Clinic


City, Iowa,

dosage. Use only glass droppers as plastic on-ss can be


easily contaminated.

Useful tinctures

to

keep on hand

52240,

for

US from The

Women, 715 N. Dodge, Iowa

are:

alerian,

echinacea, licorice, yarrow...

CAPSULES
Capsules use ground or powdered
herbs (eg. cayenne pepper, ginger).

capsules (size 00

to

gelatin

be precise)

health food or herb stores and

Self-Help Fertility and Birth Control : A feminist approach


to

and in a cool place.

You can buy empty

Natural Birth Control. By Katia


explains the temperature method.

away from

The New Our Bodies, Ourselves (Updated and Expanded


for the 90s), By the Boston Women's Health Book
Collective: this is a good resource on women's health

alternatives to

glass bottles,

Brown glass bottles with droppers can be bought in


some health food stores tnese are used to mc :isure the

For more information

to

brown

them up yourself

this is

at

fill

cheaper

than buying the ready-made ones.

USA.

For info on fertility awareness and natural b irth con trol


16

37

Strain the infusion

(NB

when

roots, bark, berries

ready.

it is

contact

and seeds can also be

prepared as decoctions

Never

even when reheating them.

see below.)

New

Barbara Feldman, 342 E. 15th Street #D,

York,

NY,

10003,

USA

Check out the research and techniques of A viva Steiner


and Reuma Cohen, two women working in Israel who s
have developed a method based on using yoga and*
exercise to inhibit the implantation of the egg in the t
uterus, and therefore bring on menstruation. For more
.

boil infusions,

Boiling destroys the potency of the plants.


Infusions can be preserved in the fridge for 2-3 days,

capped jars. This way you can prepare them


N
in advance, and reheat them as needed.
)
/
in tightly

REGULAR DECOCTION
(for
1

information on the subject, contact the following

women's centres

^.Vrouwengezondheidscentrum ObipIein4, 1094 RB,


JT Amsterdam (for requests in English).
:

most roots and barks)

Dispensaire des

ounce (medium handful) of dried root or bark

femmes 4
:

rue Mole, 1201 Geneva,

Switzerland (for requests in French).


2 cups cold water

Cover and simmer (slowly)


boil. Strain.

Can be

20 minutes.

for

Do no

You can also check with your local women's centre for
more

info.

kept in fridge for 2 to 3 days.

Roots and bark can be soaked

in the

same amount of

water overnight, before simmering

this increases

After a Risky
Sexual Encounter

their potency.

(These are not methods of birth control and

Berries and seeds

should not be used on a regular basis)

Grind

lightly

Use

teaspoons for every 3 cups of water

you do have unprotected sex, or

If

Cover and simmer 20 minutes. Do no

if

the

condom

breaks, the following methods can help prevent an

boil. Strain

and

drink 3 cups per day.

unwanted pregnancy. y)TC

In the

first

^ UVT

se A 6soMicAcaD

moments following

risky sex (or

if

NORMAL DOSAGE (adults)

condom breaks), insert one non-chewable Vitamin C

for infusions and decoctions

tablet (ideally a500 milligram tablet) into the vagina.


The acidity will change the pH-balance in the vagina

For infusions

1/4 to

cup, 3 to

4 times a day

(unless

and prevent sperm from staying alive. Dosage 1 to


2 tablets inserted into the vagina every 12 hours, for
:

specified otherwise)

dosages for each individual

plant are specified in the chapter "Herbal Properties

3 days. This

and Dosages".

this case,

may bum or cause

vaginal irritation

Infections", p.27).

individual plant are specified in the chapter "Herbal

Period", p. 17). This

Properties and Dosages".

you're travelling, or as an emergency method.

orally (see

It is

recommended

to take the

herbs 6 days a week, for

a period of 6 weeks. This process can be repeated


several times (unless specified otherwise).

keep

in

mind that everyone's body

herbs (according
needs,

we

to

We have to

reacts differently to

weight, age, etc..)

To adapt to our

can slightly decrease or increase the

"A Simple Way

Wild carrot seed

is

a good method

attaching itself to the uterine wall. Dosage:

of seeds every day, starting

at the

period.

Some women

As

they are

concentrated herbal extracts, they remain potent for a

long time, can be carried and ingested easily, are easy


to prepare and act quickly They are sold in herb stores
.

and health food stores. While tinctures

may seem

range from $9 to S 14 per


a very long time consider

this

last

the fact that antibiotics can cost

the

Simple Way of
iQ Bringing on Your

anywhere from $20

to

JpPeriod
'

(If

you suspect an unwanted pregnancy)

This recipe should not be used on a regular basis, nor


as a

method of contraception.

costs almost nothing, and


36

You can chew on

destroys their effectiveness.

i^

(their prices

dropper bottle), they

teaspoon

them in a glass of water or juice, or


swallow them in gelatin capsules. Make sure that the
seeds you buy have not been chemically treated, as

Tinctures contain the alkaloid parts of the plant,

buy

time of ovulation

take the seeds for one week,

best judgement.

to

when

or immediately after unsafe sex during the fertile

seeds, take

expensive

use

(p.49) can be used to avoid unwanted

others until bleeding begins.

extracted and preserved in alcohol.

to

pregnancies by preventing the fertilized egg from

Use your
tre
quantities and duration of the
le treatments.

TINCTURES

in

Take high dosages of Vitamin C


of Bringing on Your

For decoctions 2 ounces (1/4 cup) 3 to 4 times a day


dosages for each
(unless specified otherwise)
:

follow the yogurt treatment (see "Yeast

it

is

It is

not

easy to prepare,

known

to

have side
17

effects.

The best time to begin the treatment is on the day that


you were supposed to begin menstruating (or the next

h f ref at*

}\tyr

day).

The treatment

lasts 3 days.

Insert a sprig of fresh parsley as far as possible into

the vagina.
soft,

Change the parsley every 12 hours. When

may

be

remove, but

made of aluminum. Go for enamelled, stainless steel


or glass pots with wood utensils. Use filtered or spring

At

3.

During these 3 days, take high doses of Vitamin

The

500 milligrams every


hour (6000 mg per day) for up to 6 days. Vitamin C
can bring on menstruation even three weeks after a
"late" period. You can begin taking Vitamin C orally
orally.

ideal dosage

is

immediately after unsafe sex.


If successful,

three days.

you should

start to

You should know

bleed within two or

water for more potent potions.

Note

that there are several different

on what
from one

herbal therapist or practitioner to another.

What we

have chosen

do

to

is to

first start to bleed;

treatments. This

is

That chances of

If

this

treatment

method working

are lower for

not advised for

is

provide the easiest methods of

good for dried herbs, use slightly

more when they are

That

to prepare

constitutes an infusion or decoction can vary

take ginger infusions (p.44) as needed.


this

ways

infusions, decoctions, tinctures, etc. Opinions

preparation, while ensuring potent and effective

that

You may have cramps when you

women who regularly take high doses of Vitamin C.

not the

the same time, drink parsley infusions (see p.46).

this is

2.

is

same as preparing herbal infusions and decoctions for


medicinal purposes. Avoid us ingpots, pans or utensils

difficult to

dangerous.

Preparing herbal tea for taste and pleasure

not

it

women

with

kidney problems

you do want, to

fresh.

further explore the subject of. plant

Pharmacy section of
SusunS. Weed's two books (see "Interesting
Reading" p.50). They are excellent.
preparation, consult the Herbal
either of

REGULAR INFUSION
most flowers, leaves and stems

for

A very basic method


2 cups of boiling water per

(Emmenagogues are herbs which encourage menstrual

herbs, leaves or flowers. This

flow by promoting uterine contractions)

use slightly

These methods are not

Add plant material

be used as contraceptives.

to

more when they are


to

and cover. Infuse (steep) for

of herbs and are designed to induce a miscarriage.

strain.

provide these recipes knowing that only a few


will
It's

be able

use them under their optimal conditions.

important to

herbs, the
is

to

women

know

more effective

absolutely necessary

you use these


but one condition

that the earlier

they'll be,

you have

to

be

at the

end of

This method

Use 2 ounces

Some

it

has adhered to the uterine wall.

herbs such as wild carrot seed can be used

prevent the fertilized egg from attaching itself

to

to the

effective as

it

extracts

more

(2 large handfuls) of the plant parts


1

you

ounce of

plant per 2-3 cups water).

Bring the water to a

mason

egg before

more

need per every 4-5 cups of water used (or

jar

fertilized

is

of the plant's medicinal properties.

after ovulation, as

not possible to eliminate the

Another method
NB

your cycle. This means that they will not work right
it is

at

fresh.

remove from heat


least 20 minutes and

boiling water

The recipes here use more concentrated combinations


These plants can be used if you wish to abort naturally,
but must be used in the manner indicated here. We

ounce (large handful) of


is good for dried herbs,

boil.

Screw

the lid

on

in a

the boiling water into the

Pour

(pickling) jar.

over the plant material

possible.

Put the plant material

try to

tightly.

leave as

Let

it

little air

steep at

as

room

temperature:

for flowers

for leaves

for flowers

for seeds

and berries

for roots

and bark

2 hours

uterine wall (see p. 49).

You should begin drinking


menstruation
afterwards

is

to

begin

but not

the teas the night before

up to 6 days
You may want to have a

on

later!

if

IS

to

6 hours

and leaves

4 hours

that day, or

pregnancy
or not.

test to verify whether you are really pregnant


These plants are not toxic, but keep in mind that

30 minutes

8 hours or overnight

they can cause a miscarriage, they are certainly able


35

jWjiF^ii siacs

strong

aroma and

you can obtain a medical abortion if the


pregnant,
herbs do not work. If you are sure you are
cancel
then
and
abortion
an
for
appointment
make an

are sure that

Most of the plants mentioned in this section are spices.


They work on the erogenous centres by carrying an
intense flow of blood to the peripheral organs, which
in turn leads to sexual stimulation.

damage an embryo. You can use these recipes if you

to

Because of

their

the increase in energy provided,

spices excite sensoral perceptions... Definitely worth

these recipes succeed.

it if

you know you are pregnant and are sure that you
want to terminate the pregnancy, act as quickly as
have
possible. Women who are aware of their cycles
not
are
greatest chances of success. These recipes

If

trying!

miraculous, but

CINNAMON (stick or powder form)

of succeeding are fairly good.

Soak 20 gr. of cinnamon in one litre of sweet wine for


10 days and drink two small glasses every day.

or

Simmer 20 gr.

of cinnamon with a few cloves for 15-

of good red wine

20 minutes in one litre


with honey and drink 1 cup as

sweeten

Grate a good quantity of the fresh root, add to water


and simmer covered for twenty minutes. Drink a
smalt cup after meals. This also improves digestion.

CLOVES
Mix half a teaspoon of powdered cloves

Use

like

it

with honey.

or

Steep 2 to 3 cloves in one cup of good hot red wine

few minutes; add some lemon


and a pinch of nutmeg.
for a

rind,

cinnamon

to 3

cups

every day.
or
litre of
Infuse 50 grams of leaves and branches in 1
glasses
small
2-3
Drink
dry white wine for 10 days.

SAVORY
cups per
Infuse one handful in boiling water ; drink 3
or

For very efficient


essential oil

in Quebec).

*%,

^ ^,j.t*^ -lex p^^aV

ounce (14 grams.) of motherwort (a


and 1/2 ounce (14 gr.) of
handful)
medium-sized
mugwort (a medium-sized handful) in 2 or 3 cups
Infuse

1.

1/2

minutes and

steep covered

on low heat

for

(28 gr.) of blue

cohosh

root in 2 cups of cold water. Simmer on low heat


20 minutes (covered) and strain.
3.

Mix

results,

pour 4

the infusion (from step 1)

and

the

fv>
00^ *T

hour.-

decoction

]/

^^^
^ITLJ

In addition

VT

eevr t SI*

^K*^^<^ZXti*
chew

The

Ginseng and royal

jelly are also aphrodisiacs

add honey.

Most women should begin menstruating within 48

You

should know

that

these herbs can cause

contractions and/or dizziness

used in Chinese medicme to


carefully.
strengthen the elderly and is always used

herbal stores, ginseng

mind

hours or so after beginning the treatment.

and

Available (and less expensive) in Chinese

in

infusion tastes rather awful

-S top taking the mixture as soon as you start bleeding,


or after taking it for four days with no results.

CHINESE HERBS

(p. 44) as possible.

infusions

drops of savory

on a piece of sugar. Take every day or as

for

Drink hot, 1/4 cup, 4 to 5 times per day, or drink a total


of 1 and 1/2 cups per day, taking a small amount every

to 5

20

strain.

Make a decoction of 1 ounce

2.

needed.

tonics.

cohosh

Pennyroyal can be substituted for mugwort, however,


Canada (especially
it is hard to find in many parts of

Keep

day.

root, blue

Take 2 goldenseal roorapsules 3 times a day


on fresh ginger and/or drink as many ginger

every day.

^1 ,

recipes.

Motherwort, mugwort, goldenseal

Dosage

Steep one handful in boiling water. Drink 2

Ingredients

(from step 2) together.

ROSEMARY

the following

Emmenagogue recipe#l

boiling water

jam.

or
teep
Infuse 2 or 3 cloves in one cup of boiling water. S
day.
per
twenty minutes. Drink 1 to 2 cups

Use only one of

root, fresh ginger root.

desired.

GINGER

you do them early enough, chances

if

is

They may

lots

of rest

is

advised.

also induce nausea and/or vomiting

eat

lightly.

Seek advice from the salesperson.

NB
for

Ginseng

is

commonly used

for

men,

royal jelly

Do

these treatments with a friend.

They can check

your progress, give support, massage, keep you sane.

women.
19

34

NB Some or all of these symptoms may be present in

etc.

Practice has

shown

more advanced

that the

the

We

pregnancy, the more severe the side effects.

stress once again that

this

treatment should not be

than 6 days after a missed period.

done more

women who

1.

*?$?&

2 tablespoons driecf blue cohosh root.

3 tablespoons dried pennyroyal leaves

2.

(or
of-tC/J

Put the blue cohosh root into 6 cups of water and bring
it to aboil. As soon as it boils, add the remaining herbs,
cover and remove from heat. Let

it

steep for at least 30

minutes. Strain out the herbs and reheat (do not boil)
before using. Dosage
3 to 4 hours for no

cup, as hot as possible, every

more than

Make

in

and 1/2 ounce rose hips,

4 cups cold

5 days. Drinking this

recipe while sitting in a hot bath increases

its

a regular infusion (p.35) using 1

water.

and mix the two preparations.

3. Strain

Dosage 1/4 cup 3 times a day. Do this treatment for


6 weeks stop for 3 weeks and start again as needed.
:

An

easier

way

is to

use

these plants in tinctures,

all

available in health food stores.

each herb tincture 2

Take 5

drops of

to 10

to 3 times a day.

Other, more elaborate treatments are available but are


too long to

list

ConsultDesplantesquiguerissent

here.

effectiveness.

by Marie Provost.

Side Effects same as for emmenagogue recipe #1 (see

Diet

above).

Eat seaweed regularly or take in kelp

ounce (28

of red raspberry leaves in 2 or 3 cups of boiling

gr.)

ta^s^

leaves from the plant in flower),

a regular decoction (p.36) using 1/2 ounce

Make

water.

2 tablespoons dried tansy leaves and flowers

to 6

leaves and rose hips:

licorice (14 gr.)

up

for

licorice root, red raspberry

Use a combination of

Emmenagogue recipe #2
Ingredients

sometimes

the Pill

What to do

See note "Important" following recipe #2.

go off

months.

capsules every day.

Important

Even though complications

are very,

you experience any of the following


symptoms after using one of these recipes, go to a
very rare,

if

hospital immediately

the case of an incomplete miscarriage (indicated by

passing large blood clots and/or hemorrhage), a


(dilation

wall)

may

The following herbs

cleanse our genitals where cysts,

through more than 2 pads an hour for over 4 hours). In

Genitals

extremely severe nausea, very

103 - 104 degrees f) hemorrhaging (soaking

hi gh fever (

Cleansing Your

D&

and curettage or scraping of the uterine

adhesions, fibroids,

etc.

take refuge... This combination

of herbs will help incases of painful, irregular, overly

heavy or absent periods and sometimes,

infertility.

What to do
Prepare an infusion with yarrow, red raspberry leaves,
and fresh ginger root (grate an inch or two of ginger)

be necessary.

Emmenagogue recipes numbers 1 and 2 should not be


used together. You can take ginger infusions (p. 44) or
eat fresh ginger root while using emmenagogue recipe

Use

ounce (28 gr.) of red raspberry leaves (p. 47), 1


ounce of yarrow (p.49) and ginger in 6 to 8 cups of
water. Dosage
1/2 cup 3 times a day. Also take 1
1

#2.

capsule of cayenne pepper (p.42) 3 times a diy.

nt^v

Follow

can be taken

fact that cleansing

Other Emmenagogues

Tansy leaves and flowers

(p. 48)

in

on a miscarriage. This
plant helps stimulate menstrual flow. Dosage 1 cup
infusion or tincture to bring

much

this

treatment for 6 weeks. Considering the


is

a slow process

(it

time to cleanse ourselves as

system

takes
it

a:

tool;

least as

for the

to clog up), stop the treatment for 3 v-eeks

and

of infusion every 2 hours or 10-15 drops of tincture


in

warm

Pennyroyal (p.46) can bring on a miscarriage by


causing uterine contractions. Prepare an infusion of
pennyroyal leaves and drink

it

as hot as possible

you can drink it while sitting in a hot bath. Maximum


dosage 4 cups per day for no more than 5 days. A
:

teaspoon of brewer's yeast in each cup helps increase


the effectiveness of this plant. Never ingest

pennyroyal oil; it
death (no joke!).

is

start

again for a 6 week

we

can make

taking the herbs

in tincture

Here again

water every 2 hours.

highly toxic

and can cause

period as needed.

plant, 2 to 3 times a day)

it

on ourselves by

easier

form

(5 to

combine

10 drops of each

this

with infusions

of ginger (p.44) or eat the fresh grated root.

Drink

lots

of water widi

all

of these treatments.

Again, other, more elaborate treatments are available


but are too long

to list here.

For further reading


Des piantes
Wise

qui guerisseni.

By Marie

Provost.

Woman Herbal for the Childbearing

Year.

By Susun

Weed.
20

33

<

problems (such as gas and constipation) are often

Note: Infortunately pennyroyal

confused with pain from cysts.

parts of

For pain

If

seek medical attention.

Make

Fibroids in the Uterus


do have

menstruation.

hysterectomy
is,

the fibroid

is

that

needed but rather a myectomy


is removed.

substances during the course of these

Try cleansing your genital organs

treatments.

Drink lots of water when using any of the recipes and


herbs listed above.

tumor alone

What to do

all

herbs. Try to minimize your intake of these

that

Alcohol, sugar, nicotine and caffeine

interfere with the body's ability to absorb

colon they must be surgically removed. Aside from

mean

when using

imagine the egg being dislodged

help stimulate uterine contractions and induce

the bladder and the

exceptional cases, this does not

from the uterus and then expelled. Having someone


massage or press down on your lower abdomen can

to grow larger during the cycle. After


menopause me tumors usually diminish and disappear.
Twenty to thirty per cent of women over the age of 30
have fibroid tumors. Sometimes a vigorous exercising
program will get rid of them. If the fibroids grow fast,

on

many

sure you choose good-quality dried herbs.

emmenagogues

tendency

are large and painful or press

to find in

Visualization and meditation help

the time these are benign, but they

hard

Things you should know

valerian (p. 48) in tincture as needed.

pain persists see an homeopath or a naturopath, or

Most of

is

Canada, so grow your own!

Do not, under any circumstances, exceed the


recommended dosages. Once again, even though

(p. 33).

Stimulate blood circulation by taking cayenne pepper

complications are very very rare, if you do experience

method sit in a
2 to 5 minutes

any of the following symptoms after using these


extremely
recipes, go to a hospital immediately

capsules (p .42) and

try this drastic

tub of cold water every


(or

even longer

if

morning

for

severe nausea, very high fever (103-104 degrees

possible).

diet incorporating lots of

raw vegetables

is

recommended.

miscarriage (indicated by passing large blood clots

Valerian (p.48) as needed for pain.

and/or hemorrhage), a

Be

or scraping of the uterine wall)

patient!

Varicose Veins on the


Cervix

necessary.

wheat germ) and vitamin C.

Take Back Your Life, A Wimmin's Guide to Alternative


Health Care, By Alicia non Grata. Profane Existence

(p.42) for the whole

month

few days before menstruation.


(nuts, bran,

and curettage

or the

They

What to do
Vitamin E

may be

References

tend to be painful before menstruation.

(dilation

while designed for women who want to have a


baby, the first section deals with herbal methods for
avoiding and terminating an unwanted pregnancy. And
should you ever change your mind and decide you would
like to conceive, this book is a very helpful guide to a
healthy pregnancy and childbirth.

veins which resemble varicose veins on the legs.

Cayenne pepper

D &C

The Wise Woman Herbal for the Childbearing Year. By


Susun S. Weed (Ash Tree Publishing. Woodstock. New

Visible with aspeculum, they are thin, purple, spindly

'

f).

hemorrhaging (soaking through more than 2 pads an


hour for over 4 hours). In the case of an incomplete

Collective, P.O. 8722, Minneapolis,

Hormonal Imbalance
You may experience an hormonal imbalance due

York)

MIN

554CS,

USA

(Send $2 US).
to

menopause, taking the pill, losing large amounts of


weight and serious stress.
sy^^L

Hormone imbalances can

result in:

Missed periods.

Unusually short or long periods

vfirt^/
'\
l

unusually light or

heavy flow.

An

extremely long or short menstrual cycle (eg.,


gelling your period every 10 to 2 1 days, or every 35
to

42 days).

Severe

PMS

or heavy cramping before and at the

onset of menstruation.

32

21

43,

Otter

$&

Ovarian Pain

IgfatB
BB88T

This usually comes between the 10th and 15 th day of


It's

ups

good idea

to

go

if a problem is

to treat

for regular gynecological

diagnosed, you can then decide not

with chemical

it

pills

or creams.

Pap tests done on a regular


most cases).

also have
year, in

check

Chemical antibiotics

You

should

basis (once a

if

you've already taken them a number of times) because


they tend to

weaken

the

immune system

defenses against other illnesses in addition

you are

one

to the

to

avoid medical treatment,

Some

of their

STDs mentioned

symptoms

are very

as gonorrhea can result in pelvic

inflammatory disease (PED),


if left

infertility

and other

untreated. If these treatments do

not work for you, be sure to see a


for

being released with difficulty.

it

is

good gynecologist

medical treatment.

Keep

a hot water bottle

on

the lower

Take an infusion of ginger

(p. 44)

or red raspberry

Exercise.

Improve or modify your diet (see suggestions in the


sections "Premenstrual Syndrome", p. 8 and "Dysmennorhea or Painful Periods", p. 10).

<&

Ovarian Cysts

Medical science tends to over -dramatize and too often


treats cysts with surgery. Cysts are quite common and

some women

they appear regularly throughout the

course of their menstrual cycles. Tiny

long time. Their effectiveness, however,

and constipation.

these plants cleanse the

high as

is

body while diminishing the

chances of reinfection. Even

if

you're pretty sure

you've gotten rid of the infection, get a

test after

completing an herbal treatment just in case you

(p. 48)

in

be

abdomen.

The treatments suggested on the following pages are


plant-based some of them are natural antibiotics that
strengthen the immune system to combat disease or
infection. This explains why the treatments can last a

at first,

they

become larger during the cycle and then decrease in


size. The most common signs are severe pain, urine
retention, discomfort around the anus when shitting

NB

Cysts that do not go away

may require long-term

treatment, and even medical attention, as they can

become malignant

this is

especially true of cervical

still

J%J\JZ

What to do

have undetected symptoms.

Get a hold of a speculum. Ask your gynecologist if


she's cool, she'll give you one. Examine yourself with
a mirror and a flashlight. It's always worth it to visit a

new

may

usually tension that causes

for pain if need be.

and it's best to determine which STD you have

complications

is

What to do

(and your

before treating yourself with herbal remedies. Certain

STDs such

egg

leaves (p. 47) or celery seed (p.42) or valerian

clinics offer tests for the problems and

in this section.

that the

pain.

treating).

Though you may want

similar,

means

This can also cause spotting. While there


internal inflammation,

are not advised (especially

the cycle (counting from the onset of menstruation).

sharp pain oneither or both sides of the lower abdomen

A diet based on raw vegetables combined with daily


exercise encourage cysts to dissolve.

Red raspberry

leaf tea (p.47) taken for 3 to 5

months

part of your body! Smell, taste, touch. You'll

improves the overall state of the ovaries and reduces

what's not quite right. Most

inflammation of cysts (because they taste good,


raspberry leaves are easily taken for long periods of

quickly be able to
infections

tell

can be detected before symptoms such

vaginal discharge and itching appear.

as

Once you become

familiar with the normal, healthy state of your vagina,


a vaginal

exam using a speculum allows you

the first signs of

parts of the

If

to detect

an infection. You'll be able

vagina

time).

to

spot

infusions of yarrow (p.49) for 6 weeks, accompanied

or cervix that are redder Lhan usual,

marks on the cervix. You can also


get together with friends and check each other out.
This is a good way to compare and exchange

by infusions or tinctures of red raspberry leaves.

or notice small red

experience.

The

references provided

at the

the cysts are really bothering you, take 3 capsules

of cayenne pepper (p.42) every day, as well as

this treatment as

Chickweed

(p.42) in tincture form

is

very effective

for dissolving cysts, especially ovarian cysts,

end of this

Do

needed.

when

taken over long periods of time.

chapter provide sources of information on selfexaminations.


22

Check

the quality of your digestion

intestinal

31

douche too
discomfort

ofteiL
if

Take

need be.
or

same

"pattern" 2

more

restore the
yogurt (the kind with active bacteria) to
fruits and
acidic
Avoid
vagina's natural pH balance
tablets
acidophilus
or
sugar. Vaginal yogurt tablets
.

Echinacea (p.43) for 3 weeks followed by golden


that you
seal (p.45) for 1 week. It is recommended
their
lake these herbs in tincture form to facilitate
absorption. Take a one-week break and repeat the

you're

you decide to take chemical antibiotics,


plain natural
bound to get a yeast infection. Eat lots of

If

valerian (p.48) to relieve

times.

Do

this

with your

the help of
can also prevent yeast infections. Or with
using
vagina
the
into
a speculum you can insert yogurt
which
(one
syringe"
small spoon or a large "baby
a

doesn't have a

needle p.3S). Red raspberry

can be used
(p. 47) or yarrow (p. 49)

partner.

to

leaf tea

restore

Douche with golden seal as needed if there is a lot of


relieves
discharge and itchiness. Valerian (p.48)

antibiotics.
equilibrium to the genitals after taking

discomfort as needed.

When consulting a physician or gynecologist,


put 6 tablespoons of

Douche with water and clay


clay
white clay into a pint of lukewarm water. Let the
not stir. Use
settle at the bottom of container. Do

enough water to douche with, do this once a day or


utensils when
as needed for 5 days. Avoid metal

Douching with clay water has proved


healing most types of vaginitis.

to

be effective in

you'd be well
In case of gonorrhea or syphillis
or
advised to consult a naturopath, herbalist
gynecologist.
homeopath, and if necessary, a

Remember, though you may want


treatment,

many

to

avoid medical

clinics offer tests for the

and STDs mentioned

in this section.

problems

Some

of their

symptoms are very similar, and it's best to determine


with
which STD you have before treating yourself

understand your concerns.

the choice is yours.


that
you have an infection or STD, it's important
these
follow
partner(s)
sexual
both you and your
and forth
as STDs are easily passed back

If

treatments

a
help you avoid reinfection after completing
these
with
themselves
heal
treatment. Men can
tincture
treatments by taking the herbs in infusion or

this will

women who
For more info on Candida (especially for
Candida Research
prone to yeast infections), contact the
Information Service

at

mind

(416) 832-0789.

information on
For specific symptoms and diagnosis,
Ourselves
Bodies.
Our
New
The
using a speculum, consult
Women s
(Updatedand Expanded/or the90s) by the Boston

Book Collective.
Guide to Alternative

Take Back Your Life : A Wimmen's


by Profane
Health Care by Alicia non Grata, published
secuon at the
Existence {address in "Interesting Reading"
this booklet).

Nissim (1984,
Natural Healing in Gynecology by Rina
Edition Dispensaire des femrncs).

that practising safe sex

can prevent the

^#

risk of
transmission of most STDs, and reduces, the

reinfection after a treatment.

Cr a b S
are

most

support them.
a huge profit from this. We don't have to
and
centuries...
Herbal medicine has proved itself for

in

References

the

make
minor problems and pharmaceutical companies

Keep

to

not

it is).
chemical medicine (unfortunately, sometimes
will
doctors
sympathetic
Ask about alternatives-

inflammatory disease (PID), infertility


see a good

it's

and find out if it's


a bad idea to get a second opinion
condition with
your
treat
absolutely necessary to

(refer to specific notes in text).

and other complications if


treatments do not work for you, be sure
gynecologist for medical treatment.

end of

or more.

form

STDs

left untreated. If these

Health

month

such as gonorrhea can

herbal remedies. Certain


result in pelvic

for a

Most doctors push antibiotics on us for even

using clay.

Take these

-J?~

fitf^

They are
Everyone, even small children can get crabs.
clothes
in
tiny insect-like creatures that lay their eggs
for
survive
bedding and carpets. Crabs cannot
sofas,

more than 24 to 48 hours without a host to feed off of.


It's

well.
very important to destroy their eggs as

Symptoms
They itch! The itchiness
region and

is

concentrated in the genital


body (even the

other hairy areas of the

like
eyebrows). They are small, and their eggs look
hair.
the
of
tiny brown dots at the base

What to do

in
Clothes, towels, and bed linen should be washed
Rugs
hot water and machine dried on a high setting.

and carpets should be "quarantined" (kept out of


severity
contact) for 10 to 15 days, depending on the
of the invasion.

Thy me, red thyme (more potent) or lavendar essential


23

30

oils diluted in olive oil (2 to 3


oil for

Trichomonas

teaspoons of essential

every 5 ounces or 142 ml. of olive

can be

oil)

This is a one-cell parasitic organism, often transmitted

rubbed onto the infected areas (skin and hair) and left
on all night. Wash off with soap. Repeat as needed.
If

during sexual contact or by humid conditions. Frequent


recurrence after menstruation.

especially bad, apply 3 times a day or more.

it's

Drink thyme infusions (p.48).

Symptoms

Scabies

Abundant yellowishdischarge, unpleasant


"fishy" smell, itching

Scabies are tiny parasites that live

the vaginal walls

under the outermost layer of our


digging long furrows where the

Symptoms

-<t

Garlic cloves can be inserted in the vagina

to

accentuates and spreads the red lines. Hands, between

and ankles are where scabies tend

to

hang

nick the clove

out.

to 3

times a day for the

in the

Genital Warts

take action early. Their presence

is

appear during pregnancy or with vaginal

infections

and tend

to

at

seal capsules (p.45) orally.

treatment for two weeks.

Accompany

(p. 3 8)

internally

crown with white

and externally,

in the

What to do

warts with a toxic cream, Podophyllin,


:

electrolysis, liquid nitrogen,

::: : : : : : :

7-<g>\
_/

treatment as for trichomonas.

Bacterial Infections

laser therapy or surgery.

Gonorrhea

These problems

Ask for documentation.


home remedy you can use before seeking medical

strong smell.

Same

methods

the

.-^~

Gardnarella

What to do
treat

Reduce

gets rid of the itching.

this

anal and genital areas.

or by harsher

this

frequency of douching for the second week.

Greyish vaginal discharge with

Doctors

Do

Lreatment

this

disappear afterwards. Genital

like a rooster's

They can grow

Men

iys.

with vaginal douches of the infusion, once a day

Symptoms

tips.

which

two days and then once

warts often resemble ordinary warts and sometimes

be shaped

"tail,"

night for 5 to 6 c

appear

to

up in a

or

Warts

will often

not

try

it

garlic infusions or take garlic tablets.

Take golden

said to reflect some

sort of deficiency (vitamin, nutritional, etc.?).

first

morning and once

can drink

While they are often called venereal warts, you don't


necessarily get them through sexual contact. Whether
it's on the cervix or on your finger, a wart is a wart.
Warts can disappear without treatment but it's best to

Wrap

mucous membrane. Change the clove 2

irritating the

treatment as for crabs, rub affected areas.

2af

it.

can then be used for easy removal, much like a


tampon), and dip it in olive oil or almond oil to avoid

What to do
>

when peeling

cheesecloth or gauze (you can leave a

the fingers, wrists, elbows, armpits, the genital area

around the

irritation

What to do

itchy spots will appear during the night. Scratching

Same

vulva and the opening of the vagina.

After an incubation period of several weeks, acute

small red dots on

with the speculum) ; thread-like secretions,

3,

sometimes foamy

lays her eggs.

and on the cervix (v isible

&

o****-

indicate that the

immune /stern
up. Be p.. ient
_

lias

intervention:

to

Treat your immune system: three weeks of echinacea

treatments can be long. These problem.-'; :an recur

root (p.43) followed by one

frequently after the

(p.45).

them

week of goldenseal root


Also douche with an infusion of goldenseal
root once or twice a week this is effective against
;

itchiness.

Do

the treatment for four weeks

repeat

if

You can take


instead of infusions, as they are much more

necessary after a three week break.


tinctures

be seriously treated and built

for

Very

two

to three

times

day for several months, and you

should have positive results.


garlic (p. 44) if you

24

You can douche

have warts on the cervix or

with

inside

better to get rid of

light greyish secretions, terrible smell, irritation

What to do

they are accessible). Try to do this

it's

or itchiness of the vulva. Often occurs without

You can also

(if

Symptoms
symptoms.

rub a cloveof garlic, cut in half, directly

attack

the

good.

convenient for long-term treatments.

onto the warts

first

Echinacea decoction or tincture (p.43)

for 2 to 3

months, accompanied by a vaginal douche of the


decoction

to 3

times a

week

until the vaginal

discharge and itching have disappeared.

Do

not
29

your vagina.

-genital
reinfected through intercourse or hand- to
contact.

1\ J^/fe,

Causes

j^

the fresh

chickweed is to pick it yourselfit


see
grows all over the city and in the countryside
your
picking
about
know
should
p,40 for things you

Nervousness, fatigue pregnancy, heat, a sudden change


B
your life, a new sexual partner, stress, vitamin

way

in

deficiency, eating too

much

sugar, wearing tight-

underwear... Antibiotics will often


the
a yeast infection as they wipe out many of

on

vagina's natural bacteria, allowing Candida


in high

to get fresh

own

fitting or synthetic

bring

dissolving

Fresh chick weed (p.42) is very effective in


months. Eat.
warts over an extended period of several
The only
(p.35).
infusion
an
plant or make

herbs.
:

to-genital and genital-to-genital contact.

numbers.

aremore resistant

Symptoms

take precautions
or your partner

Itchiness
Thick, white discharge with a sweetish odor.
and
irritation
by
followed
vagina
of the vulva or in the

swelling of the labia.

gets worse

It

if

you

is

scratch.

very effective. Insert it with

sores

at the

same
f

10 days,
time. Duration of the treatment:
yoghurt
use
situation
preferably at night. In a crisis
a day.

"Baby syringes"

will

to

work well

to

Yogourt
insertyogourt and are available in drugstores.
gadgets used for
can also be applied using those
they can
diaphragm
inserting spermicide with a

sometimes be bought separately.


Follow the garlic treatments indicated for

trichomonas

in

men.

Men

Yeast infections are often asymptomatic


and/or garlic on
can get rid of yeast by rubbing yogourt
days.
die penis every night for 7 to 10

i&A

To treating itching

\i

vaginal douches
seal (p.45).Try notto scratch. Acidic
Use 2
effective.
also
are
lemon
or

with vinegar

twice a day
teaspoons in two cups of water. Douche
(above) for
treatment
yogourt
the
use
for 2 days, then

to

Pregnant

rebalance die vaginal flora.

women

should avoid douching.

Diet
.

very similar to Simplex-I (cold


mouth and lips). It is said to affect only the

it

mouth- or
passed from one person to another during
between
appear
will
Lesions
hand-to genital contact.
accompanied
more,
or
exposure,
two to 10 days after
by a fever and

flu-like

symptoms. Some

women

will

before or
experience an outbreak instead of the flu,
is a
Herpes
stress.
under
when
after menstruating,

and

which means

that

virus,

Women who

it

lives in

your system and can


may want to avoid

have herpes

alcohol in order to
chocolate, nuts, caffeine, sugar and
prevent outbreaks (see below).

Avoid acid-generating foods


etc.), sugar,

white

flour.

(citris fruit,

year)
Infrequent recurrence (once or twice a
at the onset of the
capsules
(p.45)
root
goldenseal
Take

Repeat
outbreak and for two weeks afterwards:

if

the

The immune system must be treated for a long time

(up

outbreak reoccurs.
of water.

NB

test

Use one teaspoon of baking sod a in one cup


with garlic
Apply to the vulva as needed. Douche
or golden
severe)
is
irritation
if
bum
(p.44 this may

a few days

tough one)

What to do

below.

on the

reappear.

or

is

genital region, but

are

is

can develop on any part of the


transmission is
body. The most common means of
can also be
herpes
though
genital-to- genital contact,

capsules.
also use vaginal yogourt
as they
but
better
Acidophillus capsules work even
or 3)
capsules
(2
small, you should insert several

They can be taken orally

dam if you
wash your hands

dental

j^m^^

Herpes Simplex-II

containing live lactobacilli.

You can

into the vagina.

try to

have had warts should have a Pap

Herpes

necessary). Wear a
a teaspoon (using a speculum if
sure to use
pad as the yogurt will flow out. Make

unpasturized yogourt

condom or

infected

is

done twice a year.

Plain natural yogourt

4 times

use a

reduce hand- to -genital contact.

Treatment

3 to

hand-

Some women

warts than others you should

to

before sexual contact, or (and this

Women who
.

easily spread through

Take note Warts can be

to reproduce

tomatoes,

Eat foods rich in vitamin B

Very frequent recurrence


to

year). Take

problem
Another

gone. Use a tincture to facilitate absorption.


in capsules or
good remedy for herpes is garlic, taken
the onset of
at
capsules)
tablets. Take a high dose (12

is

sensation),
an outbreak (characterized by a tingling
days. It is
for
hours
3
and then three capsules every 4
of 4 to 6
dosage
a
recommended that you maintain
treatment.
capsules a day forup to a year after the initial
are easily
they
Kyolic garlic tablets are suggested as

digested and have no odor.

During the outbreak

quantities of yogourt
(dark leafy vegetables). Eat large

Take

and raw garlic

sores).

daily.

echinacea root (p.43) until the

day

walk around naked (fresh air dries out


a
Apply white clay and let it dry several times

baths,

Relax.
clay heals and helps relieve pain. Rest.
25

IS

Diet

weeks.

Grapes are advised for

their anti-viral properties,

concentrated in their skins.

Brewer's yeast (in

tablets).

Reminder

this is not

to yeast infections.

Take 800 to 1000 milligrams of lysine daily for one


to two weeks
not longer. You can repeat this
treatment after two week's break.

Try

understand what triggers an attack

to

Chlamydia Pp^
Chlamydia often occurs without symptoms

Vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin E,

In case of pain, take valerian (p.48) capsules or


tincture as needed.

advised for women who are prone

stress,

women. Its presence

is

with a yellowish color (check with a speculum), a

discharge.

You can

you suspect

have contracted chlamydia, or


your symptoms, have a

Avoid

Take

coffee, chocolate, nuts, sugar

For more information about herpes, consult The

Our

Bodies, Ourselves,

By

the

New

Boston Women's

Collective.

& Urinary

Infections
Symptoms
Having

to

<Mfaff
J*-*J1

all

just

two

to three drops),

week for 3 weeks. Take


Douche
echinacea, twice a week for 3

(p. 43)

twice a

facilitate absorption.

weeks. In addition, eat raw garlic or take garlic capsules

every day. Duration of the treatment 1 to 2 months,


depending on the severity of the infection. After the
:

comes

more

maybe

(or

blood in the urine, dark urine

with a strong odor. Be careful, these signs


indicative of a

you're not sure of

What to do
Take echinacea

with a decoction of

the time, pressure in the bladder,

feeling the urge to pee but nothing

your

done. If gone untreated

test

treatment has ended have another

pee

in

you may

term complications like PID.

echinacea in tincture to

Bladder

if

that

over a long period of time, chlamydia can lead to long-

and alcohol.

of garlic (fresh and in tablets or capsules).

lots

chlamydia

also contract

throat during oral sex. If

and

avoid what you can.

may

sure the infection

is

Vaginitis

be

serious infection such as Pelvic

Inflammatory Disease (PID). Check with a doctor

if

This

is

test

done

to

make

really gone.

&

Vulvitisy*^"

a catch-all term for several disorders

yeast

infections (Candida), trichomonas and gardnarella.

you're not sure.

These conditions

Causes

upon many factors and are


not caused exclusively by sexual intercourse.

Imbalance
to front,

of the vulva

in the intestinal bacteria,

wiping from back

nylon underwear, chemical foams,

cold, anal penetration fo llowed

stress,

by vaginal

are inflammation of the vagina

Spermicide, antibiotics, latex and perfumed soaps can

induce vaginitis or vulvitis

certain

in

penis or sex toy in between.

follow.

What to do
who

consistently suffer

from

this

type of

Candida

Drink a sixteen ounce glass hourly at the first signs of


an infection. This will usually stop it in a couple of

This infection

hours. Continue drinking 16 ounces of cranberry juice

twice a day for prevention. If nothing but water

available drink a sixteen

is

ounce glass hourly, and

make sure you are drinking at least eight

glasses a day

after that.

Bearberry (p.41) in infusion or tincture

it's

is

very good.

sure to get rid of the infection,

Take yarrow (p.49)

a yeast-like fungi.

Candida) normally found in the vagina. Th

(called

vagina

usually protects against infection through the


production of bacteria which maintain
acidity.

When

this acidity is altered,

such as Candida

to

it

natural

its

allows bacteria

multiply in large numbers, causing

in infusion or tincture.

and barley. Avoid coffee,

Yeast infections are not considered a sexually transmitted disease but they can be transmitted during

penetration of any sort (penis, sex toys, fingers)

tea,

meat,

recommended (even with


aggravate the

condom)

since

is
it

not

can

irritation.

white flour, sugar and acid generating foods.

Wash your hands and genitals

after

In addition, take goldenseal capsules (p. 45) for two

with an infected partner as

is

26

sexual intercourse. If you have a yeast infection,

Try a more alkaline dietcomprised of fruits, almonds,


leeks, turnips

jj^

caused by

die infection.

You'll probably feel like your bladder is going to burst

but

is

their treatments

& i?0^Jj$

Yeast Infections

infection, drinking cranberry juice daily is a must.

at least

women.

Sensitivity to these and other irritants varies with each

and every woman. Specific causes and

For those

and

they depend

penetration without cleaning the fingers,

-''

burning sensation when urinating and heavy vaginal

depression, which foods, clothes, menstruation, etc...


try to

many

in

indicated by an infected cervix

it

any sexual contact

very easy

to

become
2"

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