Early sanitary pads

The Medicine of the Metis and the People

Early Sanitary Pads

We may prefer our modern conveniences, but the resourcefulness and
ingenuity Metis women displayed in finding sanitary protection and
padding during their menses is fascinating. What women used varied
from region to region; many natural substances with antiseptic
qualities as well as a purifying fragrance were readily available.
Sphagnum mosses and other clumping mosses were abundant in some
areas, and women used and Reused them, washing them out and drying
them in the sun. In a similar fashion, they also shredded, softened
cedar bark,, sometimes placing soft cattail fluff inside a wad of
shredded bark, In the west, where sage was plentiful, women used
peeled sage bark and leaves or softened grasses wadded inside strips
of tanned animal skins or bound within young corn husks.


The idea of "puberty problem" as a "girl" thing will be dispelled by
the next entry….

This tea is a multi purpose unisex remedy Young women would use
this remedy for the monthly cramps that often accompanies menses and
the same remedy is helpful fort he aches and pains both sexes feel
when growth pains.

1 Teaspoon Black Haw ( Virburnum opulus )
8 ounces boiling water
Measure the dried bark into an 8 ounce tea pot, pour boiling water
over the bark. Steep for 10 (ten) minutes. Strain into a cup and
sip through out the day.
If you wanted to make a lotion or poultice, steep the bark for about
20 minutes to give it the strength needed to be active.