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Women are being warned about the dangers of a “womb detox” product after health experts said it could cause irritation and even toxic shock syndrome.
US firm called Embrace Pangaea is selling “Herbal Womb Detox Pearls” online, claiming the products "aids to correct" conditions such as endometriosis, ovarian cysts and thrush.
The pearls - small balls of perfumed herbs - are sold in one or two-month packages, with packages on sale for between $85 (£59) and $480 (£335).
Another package - claims to promote “vaginal tightening”, which it says works by “tightening the womb” so the “vaginal canal will shrink”.
The company says the herb pearls are designed to "cleanse the womb and return it to a balance state" by flushing out "toxins" .
In a blogpost, the company said the pearls could be issued in the same way natural solutions like oranges and lemons can be used to counteract a cold.
But a sexual health expert insisted that not only were the “pearls” ineffective, but they could be dangerous.
The 'herb pearls' could cause infection as a breeding ground for bacteria (Instagram) Dr Jen Gunter, a US gynaecologist, wrote a blog post debunking the company’s claims and saying these types of products - and the herbs used in them - have not been tested for vaginal use.
She wrote: "Your uterus isn’t tired or depressed or dirty and your vagina has not misplaced its chakra.
"They want no real help from you unless there is something wrong and they will tell you there is something wrong by bleeding profusely or itching or cramping badly or producing an odour."
She explained that the vagina was like “a self-cleaning oven” and putting anything like this in the vagina for long periods of time will increase the likelihood of bad bacteria growing and causing infection.
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She also said it would increase the risk of toxic shock syndrome - a potentially fatal syndrome caused by bacteria.
It is not possible to reach the womb from the vagina without using force. The cervix (or neck of the womb) is designed to only open during ovulation and childbirth.
Tamieka Atkinson, the owner of Embrace Pangaea, told the Independent : "Our product is not a drug by any means, and we make no claims of curing, diagnosing, or treating disease.
"Embrace Pangaea is a holistic company that provides high-quality herbal detoxes and information to educate clients about natural living.
"Our Herbal Womb Detox Pearls is simply a natural herbal alternative that women can make a conscious and informed decision in using. With all our clients, we do advise them that we are not medical professionals, and that they should seek assistance from their doctor.
Vagina facials on This Morning "As for our products doing more harm than good, there are various women that received positive benefits from using our product."
She said it was "absolutely correct" that the vagina is self-cleaning but said "this self-cleaning ability can get reduced due to a person's lifestyle".
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