Valentine's Day is this month and it's Black History Month. I feel this is the perfect time to talk about self-care and one of the pioneering black women in the industry. The Honey Pot Co is a feminine hygiene brand that develops products for menstruation, cleansing, protection and balance of the vagina using primarily herbs. Bea Dixon, the Founder and CEO of The Honey Pot Co. started experimenting with herds to help resolve her bacteria vaginosis.

I've been using some of the The Honey Pot for over a year and have noticed a dramatic improvement in my discomfort during my menstrual cycle. I've had issues with menstrual pain, heavy flows, dysmenorrhea since I first started my period.

There's several reasons why I or anyone else can experience recurrent pain, nausea, heavy flow and/or clots but a common reason is chemical imbalance. Aside from the normal chemical imbalance having a menstrual cycle creates, the products we use everyday (and during our menstrual cycle) can also contribute to imbalance. For example, most conventional pads are sprayed with pesticides and bleached with chlorine that is eventually absorbed into the body. I know, it's hard to really consider the all the steps that it takes to manufacture a cotton sanitary napkin when you're just trying to soak up some blood. In addition to the pesticides and bleaching process that goes into the manufacturing process of menstrual pads; conventional pads then get stored in areas of our homes where bacteria are at the highest levels of moisture and humidity (i.e. under the sink, behind the toilet, etc.)

The Honey Pot menstrual pads are made with chlorine and pesticide-free cotton. Since I've been using The Honey Pot, much of my cramping and heavy bleeding has subsided.

Products I use from The Honey Pot:

Regular Herbal Pads - made from pesticide-free cotton and infused with essential oils (lavender, rose, aloe vera, and mint), which creates a "cooling" effect that helps with discomfort.

Super Herbal Pads - Thicker and longer, the Super Herbal Pads are made from pesticide-free cotton and infused with essential oils (lavender, rose, aloe vera, and mint), which creates a "cooling" effect that helps with discomfort.

Overnight Herbal Pads - Made for maximum protection against what I call the "creeping leak" (the leak that creeps off the side, front and back of your pad while you're sleeping", the Overnight Herbal Pads are so long that your leak will never make it to the edge of your pad before being absorbed into the thick layers of cotton that the Overnight Herbal Pad provides.

Organic Regular Tampons - certified organic cotton, hypoallergenic, free from pesticides, chlorine, dioxins, or synthetic materials, BPA- free, bioplastic applicator derived from sugarcane.

Organic Super Tampons - certified organic cotton, hypoallergenic, free from pesticides, chlorine, dioxins, or synthetic materials, BPA- free, bioplastic applicator derived from sugarcane.

Everyday Herbal Pantiliners - made from pesticide-free cotton and infused with essential oils, which creates a gentle, "cooling" effect that helps with period discomfort.

Refreshing Panty Spray in Lavender and Jasmine - Minimizes odor with lavender essential oils and can be used on panties, underarms, feet, and even shoes. I even use it as bathroom spray and on our bed linen from time to time.

Normal Feminine Wipes - Banish odor-causing bacteria, boost moisture levels, and maintain your pH in seconds. No residue, no artificial fragrance.

Sensitive Feminine Wipes - Similar to the Normal Feminine Wipes, the Sensitive Feminine Wipes are for you if you typically experience irritation, dryness, infections or are easily irritated whenever you introduce new products into your routine.

For comparison, I've tried organic menstrual products from other brands. Other organic menstrual pad brands have been extremely thin which leaves me paranoid that I'm going to bust a leak, the tampons have felt harsh and dry (not a great user experience) and there's a constant reminder that I wearing a pad.

I've found that The Honey Pot's products are more durable, smell better (thanks to the lavender), and have a better quality in terms of texture and the wearable experience.

Next, I plan to try the hemp and magnesium body balm. I've been learning a lot about magnesium and how the lack of it can effect our menstrual cycle as well as cause other health issues. I'll follow-up with a post about the Soothing Body Balm once I have the opportunity to try it.