In keeping being "natural" with using cloth pads and such (I use just pads on my light days and add a Diva cup to the mix when things get more serious 
) I am wondering if we could all share how we "embrace" our cycles in a natural way, make ourselves feel special/pampered, encorporate the spiritual or ritual in our moon time, etc. Also, share website links if you have them. After all this is a natural body care forum!!
I will start. I started using cloth pads around 5 years ago while cloth diapering my first baby. Love em! I am having my period currently and it is nice to use cloth pads and the cup and know I am being good to the environment, and won't run out of supplies. As for a treat for me, I tend to have epsom salt/essential oil baths on the day or two I have mild cramping, and drink raspberry leaf/chamonmile tea. I always feel very introspective this time of the month and try to make a point of getting a little more alone time. I am trying homeopathy (actaea racemosa) and swear it is making a difference in my cramps (being more embracing of my cycle helps too I think). I also want to try a castor oil poulitce like Christiane Northrup MD talks about in her books but neglected to get some soon enough for this month.
I haven't gone so far as watering my plants with my soaking water, but hey there's always my new garden next year!
: Anyone also know of some good ideas to connect with the "spiritual side" of our periods, or some rituals, things like lunar calenders, special objects, sort of a "shrine" that you keep, etc.??
I must say I am paying more attention to this lately as my cycles are getting way out of wack, more irregular, a bit heavier some months, or closer together (only 20 days since my last period, normally for me for YEARS it has been 26 days on the dot!) and I am wondering if I am slowly starting to go into sort of a peri-menopause (I am 37) Sort of makes me sad, and I want to actually treasure what I have left of this unique part of being a woman.
) I am wondering if we could all share how we "embrace" our cycles in a natural way, make ourselves feel special/pampered, encorporate the spiritual or ritual in our moon time, etc. Also, share website links if you have them. After all this is a natural body care forum!!I will start. I started using cloth pads around 5 years ago while cloth diapering my first baby. Love em! I am having my period currently and it is nice to use cloth pads and the cup and know I am being good to the environment, and won't run out of supplies. As for a treat for me, I tend to have epsom salt/essential oil baths on the day or two I have mild cramping, and drink raspberry leaf/chamonmile tea. I always feel very introspective this time of the month and try to make a point of getting a little more alone time. I am trying homeopathy (actaea racemosa) and swear it is making a difference in my cramps (being more embracing of my cycle helps too I think). I also want to try a castor oil poulitce like Christiane Northrup MD talks about in her books but neglected to get some soon enough for this month.
I haven't gone so far as watering my plants with my soaking water, but hey there's always my new garden next year!
: Anyone also know of some good ideas to connect with the "spiritual side" of our periods, or some rituals, things like lunar calenders, special objects, sort of a "shrine" that you keep, etc.??I must say I am paying more attention to this lately as my cycles are getting way out of wack, more irregular, a bit heavier some months, or closer together (only 20 days since my last period, normally for me for YEARS it has been 26 days on the dot!) and I am wondering if I am slowly starting to go into sort of a peri-menopause (I am 37) Sort of makes me sad, and I want to actually treasure what I have left of this unique part of being a woman.
