

Summer-Themed Treats That Your Vagina (Yes, Vagina) Will Love
Wheeeeew-wheeeee. With news stories like this past June being the hottest one ever recorded on the planet and the Atlantic Ocean being on the verge of collapsing, folks can continue to debate if global warming is a real thing if they want to; however, those of us who know better…know better. And with it being several weeks into the summer season, with clear temp-related signs that are not going to let up as far as the heat (and heat index) is concerned, it’s a good idea to be as proactive as possible when it comes to staying cool — and your vagina is certainly no exception.
So, let’s dive into some of the things that you can easily and effectively do to keep your “special spot” from feeling like it’s going through the fires of hell from now until the fall season officially arrives. The cool thing (pun intended) about each of these 12 tips is they are affordable, health-beneficial, and something that your vagina will be oh-so grateful that you decided to do. Hands down.
1. (Greek) Yogurt Popsicles
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C’mon. Is there anything more refreshing than a popsicle when you’re standing outside in the blazing sun? And when it specifically comes to doing your vagina good, a Greek yogurt one is gonna hit the spot every time. That’s because Greek yogurt is loaded with probiotics which not only help to keep your gut in great shape, it also produces a lot of “healthy bacteria” in your vagina so that you are able to significantly reduce the chances of experiencing any gynecological-related illnesses. As a bonus, Greek yogurt is full of protein, helps to boost your immune system, and it can keep your blood pressure where it ought to be as well.
(By the way, if you were wondering what the difference is between Greek yogurt and “regular” yogurt, Greek is prepared in a way where it has more protein and less sugar than regular yogurt, while regular yogurt has way more calcium.)
2. Vagina Popsicles Too
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As a doula, I learn a lot of hacks that can help in the vagina department. For instance, if you’ve been abstinent for a while and this is the summer when things are heating up in the bedroom, there is a bit of a vagina popsicle (if you will) that you can make. All you need to do is fill up a condom with some water and then put it in the freezer for about an hour. If you place that on your vulva after sex, it can provide some relief if you’re feeling a bit sore down below. A hack for the hack is to add some alcohol to the water if you’d prefer a “slushie” instead of a popsicle. This works because alcohol doesn’t fully freeze. Dope, right?
3. Watermelon
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If watermelon is one of your favorite fruits, May-September is the time of year to cop a couple of ‘em. Health-wise, watermelons are made up of mostly water which makes them a sweet and low-calorie treat that will keep you good and hydrated. Watermelon is also a pretty solid source of fiber, protein, and vitamin C, it contains anti-cancer properties, and it’s able to reduce bodily inflammation and oxidative stress. Plus, watermelon has nutrients in it that will keep your skin glowing and your muscles from aching (if you like to do a lot of physical activities around this time of the year).
Why is it such an awesome thing for your vagina? Well, watermelon is also a fruit that has electrolytes (like potassium) in it; electrolytes are helpful because they help to balance out your system, including your vagina’s pH — the more balanced it is, the healthier it will be.
4. Chilled Pantyliners
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This past spring, I penned “10 Essential Oils That Are Great For Feminine Hygiene (And A Few Other Things)” for the platform. Whether your vagina — well, vulva, which is the outer part of your vagina — feels itchy from wearing a swimsuit for hours on end, “she’s tender” from a recent sex romp, or you’re simply hot and looking for some soothing relief, something else that can help is spraying some water (preferably distilled because it has no impurities in it) onto a pantyliner and then adding a few drops of one of the essential oils (based on your vaginal health needs) onto the center of it. Freeze it for about 15-20 minutes, and then apply it to your underwear. Your vagina will be forever thankful for the all-natural relief.
5. Night-Before Shavings
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If you plan on spending some time in the water (any water), avoid shaving your pubic region on the same day. By doing it the night before, that gives your skin some time to heal and your pores the ability to close. Why is this necessary? Well, you never know what’s in that ocean water, swimming pool, or jacuzzi with you, so the more preventative measures that we all can avoid, the better. Also, spend at least 10 minutes in the shower or tub before shaving; you’ll get a much closer and more comfortable shave that way. Oh, and if you’d prefer to DIY your shaving oil, One Good Thing has a homemade recipe that you should check out here.
6. Chilled Aloe Vera Gel and Tea Tree Oil
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Speaking of shaving, if, for whatever reason, you end up with a nick or some razor burn, something that will bring a lot of healing and comfort is a combination of aloe vera gel and tea tree oil. Just put a teaspoon of the gel (preferably 100 pure or cutting open a stem from an aloe vera plant) and 2-3 drops of tea tree oil into a small bowl and chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. Then apply it directly to where you have irritated skin. The vitamins A, B12, C, E, and antioxidants of the aloe vera, along with the anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties of the oil, will work together to soothe your bikini line in record time.
7. Coconut Water
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You’re gonna need plenty of water to replenish your system this summer, and a form of water that will give you so much more than just hydration is coconut water. Even though it’s made up of 94 percent water, coconut water also has calcium, magnesium, and potassium in it. Not only that, but coconut water also contains antioxidants, is able to stabilize your blood sugar levels, and it’s even able to prevent kidney stones from occurring. What makes it good for your vagina is it also contains probiotics. This means that if you’re yeast infection-prone, it can help that to be one less thing that you need to worry about.
8. Citrus Salads
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Something else that is low in calories while being uber nutritious is a fresh citrus salad. Citrus fruits are bomb because they are full of water, fiber, antioxidants, and vitamin C. All of this works together to maintain your cognitive function, keep your heart strong and also keep cancer cells at bay. Your vagina will adore citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruits, and limes because the vitamin C in them not only helps your system to naturally produce the probiotic Lactobacillus (which is good bacteria), but both can also help treat and prevent bacterial vaginosis (BV) from a holistic angle.
9. Vitamin E and a Comb
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Not too long ago, someone was talking to me about how they wanted to grow out their pubic hair; however, they didn’t like how “hard” the hair seemed to feel. Listen, just washing the hair down below isn’t good enough; it needs to be conditioned too.
Something that you can apply that will deep condition your hair and not irritate your vulva is vitamin E oil. It’s a great moisturizer, can help to heal any razor bumps or minor cuts you might have, can help to minimize the appearance of scars or discoloration, and it can even help to keep your vagina looking youthful (because, yes, the skin down there typically ages too).
To get the best results, “seal your pubic hair” right after getting out of the bath or shower with the oil. Then use a comb to comb through your hair. It will help to distribute the oil evenly and work out any tangles that you might have (if that hair is long enough) — which will help to make your pubic hair so much softer to the touch.
10. Linen Panties
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Your vagina needs to breathe. That’s why it’s important to sleep naked at night and to wear panties that are designed to absorb moisture while also not making your vagina and vulva feel “trapped” throughout the day. You’ve probably heard that organic cotton is a wonderful option as far as underwear goes — and it is. However, an unsung material is linen. It’s also a breathable fabric. Not only that, but it’s antibacterial, super hygienic, and it even helps to increase healthy blood flow (how cool is that?!). Plus, it’s good for the environment, which is always a good thing. Amazon and Etsy are two places that carry these types of drawers. Go to either site and put “linen panties” in their search field.
11. Ironed Undies
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A few years ago, I wrote an article for the platform entitled, “When Should You Replace Underwear, Make-Up, Bedding, Washcloths & Towels?”. Check it out when you get a chance because when I tell you that there are some things that a lot of us tend to use far longer than we ever should…LAWD. Definitely, one that tops the list is underwear because, between fecal matter and other forms of bacteria, it really is time to replace panties every six months. In the meantime, if you want to keep your undies “extra sterilized”, ain’t nothin’ wrong with ironing the inside of them, on low heat, right after washing them. Straight up.
12. Frozen Sheets (Kind Of)
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Listen, I don’t know about y’all, but in my opinion, there aren’t too many things that are more annoying than waking up in the middle of the night feeling hot as literal hell. Something that can help to prevent this is putting your bed sheets into some plastic bags and freezing them for a couple of hours before putting them on your bed and turning in for the evening. Not only will you feel so much cooler (without causing your cooling bill to skyrocket), but you’ll also help to keep your vagina from sweating, which can oftentimes turn into a breeding ground for bad bacteria to thrive and a yeast infection to transpire, if you’re not careful.
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See. I told you that you’d get some tips that your vagina would be mighty appreciative of? So, which one are you gonna try first? Feel free to hop into the comments if you’ve got a few other hacks too. With this summer being one for the record books, all of our vaginas could use as many cool-down tips as possible. Goodness.
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Different puzzle pieces are creating bigger pictures these days. 2024 will mark a milestone on a few different levels, including the release of my third book next June (yay!).
I am also a Professional Certified Coach. My main mission for attaining that particular goal is to use my formal credentials to help people navigate through the sometimes tumultuous waters, both on and offline, when it comes to information about marriage, sex and relationships that is oftentimes misinformation (because "coach" is a word that gets thrown around a lot, oftentimes quite poorly).
I am also still super devoted to helping to bring life into this world as a doula, marriage life coaching will always be my first love (next to writing, of course), a platform that advocates for good Black men is currently in the works and my keystrokes continue to be devoted to HEALTHY over HAPPY in the areas of holistic intimacy, spiritual evolution, purpose manifestation and self-love...because maturity teaches that it's impossible to be happy all of the time when it comes to reaching goals yet healthy is a choice that can be made on a daily basis (amen?).
If you have any PERSONAL QUESTIONS (please do not contact me with any story pitches; that is an *editorial* need), feel free to reach out at missnosipho@gmail.com. A sistah will certainly do what she can. ;)
Smile, Sis! These Five Improvements Can Upgrade Your Oral Hygiene Instantly
This article is in partnership with Sensodyne.
Our teeth are connected to so many things - our nutrition, our confidence, and our overall mood. We often take for granted how important healthy teeth are, until issues like tooth sensitivity or gum recession come to remind us. Like most things related to our bodies, prevention is the best medicine. Here are five things you can do immediately to improve your oral hygiene, prevent tooth sensitivity, and avoid dental issues down the road.
1) Go Easy On the Rough Brushing: Brushing your teeth is and always will be priority number one in the oral hygiene department. No surprises there! However, there is such a thing as applying too much pressure when brushing…and that can lead to problems over time. Use a toothbrush with soft bristles and brush in smooth, circular motions. It may seem counterintuitive, but a gentle approach to brushing is the most effective way to clean those pearly whites without wearing away enamel and exposing sensitive areas of the teeth.
2) Use A Desensitizing Toothpaste: As everyone knows, mouth pain can be highly uncomfortable; but tooth sensitivity is a whole different beast. Hot weather favorites like ice cream and popsicles have the ability to trigger tooth sensitivity, which might make you want to stay away from icy foods altogether. But as always, prevention is the best medicine here. Switching to a toothpaste like Sensodyne’s Sensitivity & Gum toothpaste specifically designed for sensitive teeth will help build a protective layer over sensitive areas of the tooth. Over time, those sharp sensations that occur with extremely cold foods will subside, and you’ll be back to treating yourself to your icy faves like this one!
3) Floss, Rinse, Brush. (And In That Order!): Have you ever heard the saying, “It’s not what you do, but how you do it”? Well, the same thing applies to taking care of your teeth. Even if you are flossing and brushing religiously, you could be missing out on some of the benefits simply because you aren’t doing so in the right order. Flossing is best to do before brushing because it removes food particles and plaque from places your toothbrush can’t reach. After a proper flossing sesh, it is important to rinse out your mouth with water after. Finally, you can whip out your toothbrush and get to brushing. Though many of us commonly rinse with water after brushing to remove excess toothpaste, it may not be the best thing for our teeth. That’s because fluoride, the active ingredient in toothpaste that protects your enamel, works best when it gets to sit on the teeth and continue working its magic. Rinsing with water after brushing doesn’t let the toothpaste go to work like it really can. Changing up your order may take some getting used to, but over time, you’ll see the difference.
4) Stay Hydrated: Upping your water supply is a no-fail way to level up your health overall, and your teeth are no exception to this rule. Drinking water not only helps maintain a healthy pH balance in your mouth, but it also washes away residue and acids that can cause enamel erosion. It also helps you steer clear of dry mouth, which is a gateway to bad breath. And who needs that?
5) Show Your Gums Some Love: When it comes to improving your smile, you may be laser-focused on getting your teeth whiter, straighter, and overall healthier. Rightfully so, as these are all attributes of a megawatt smile; but you certainly don’t want to leave gum health out of the equation. If you neglect your gums, you’ll start to notice the effects of plaque buildup, which can irritate the gums and cause gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease. Seeing blood while brushing and flossing is a tell-tale sign that your gums are suffering. You may also experience gum recession — a condition where the gum tissue surrounding your teeth pulls back, exposing more of your tooth. Brushing at least twice a day with a gum-protecting toothpaste like Sensodyne Sensitivity and Gum, coupled with regular dentist visits, will keep your gums shining as bright as those pearly whites.
Why Do Millennials & Gen-Zers Still Feel Like Teenagers? The Pandemic Might Be The Reason.
There’s nothing quite as humbling as navigating adulthood with no instruction manual. Since the turn of the decade, it seems like everything in our society that could go wrong has, inevitably, gone wrong. From the global pandemic, our crippling student debt problem, the loneliness crisis, layoffs, global warming, recession, and not to mention figuring out what to eat for dinner every night. This constant state of uncertainty has many of us wondering, when are the grown-ups coming to fix all of this?
But the catch is, we are the new grown-ups.
As if it happened without our permission, we became the new adults. We are the members of society who are paying taxes, having children, getting married, and keeping our communities afloat, one iced latte at a time. Still, there’s something about doing all these grown-up duties that feel unnaturally grown-up. Enter the #teenagegirlinher20s.
If there’s one hashtag to give you the state of the next cohort of adults, it’s this one. Of the videos that have garnered over 3.9M views, you’ll find a collection of users who are overwhelmed by life’s pressing existential responsibilities, clung to nostalgia, and reminiscent of the days when their mom and dad took care of their insurance plans.
@charlies444ngel no like i cant explain to her why i had to buy multiple tank air dupes from aritzia #teenagegirlinher20s #fyp
The concept of being a 20-something or 30-something teenager is linked to the sentiment of not feeling “grown up enough” to do grown-up things while feeling underprepared and even nihilistic about whether that preparation even matters.
It’s our generation’s version of when we ask our grandmothers how old they are and they simply reply with, “I still feel 45,” all while being every bit of 76 years old. In this, we share a warped concept of time while clinging to a desire for infantilization.
Granted, the pandemic did a number on our concept of time. Many of us who started the pandemic in our early or mid-20s missed out on three fundamental years of socialization, career development, and personal milestones that traditionally help to mark our growth.
Our time to figure out and plan our next steps through fumbling yet active participation was put on pause indefinitely and then resumed provisionally. This in turn has left many of us hanging in the balance of uncertainty as we try to make sense of the disconnect between our minds and bodies in this missing gap of time.
Because we’re all still figuring out what the ramifications of being locked away and frozen in time by a global pandemic will have on us as a society, there really is no “right” way of making up for lost time. Feeling unprepared for any new chapter of life is a natural rite of passage, pandemic or not. However, it’s important to not stay stuck in the last age or period of life that made sense to us because self-growth is the truest evidence of personal progress.
So whether you’re leaning on your inner child, teenager, or 20-something for guidance as you fill the gap between your real age and pandemic age, know that it’s okay to grieve the person you thought you would be and the milestones you thought you’d hit before you ever knew what a pandemic was. If there’s anything that the pandemic taught us, it’s that we have the power to reimagine a better world and life for ourselves. And if we tap into our inner teenager as a compass, we can piece together our next chapter with a fresh outlook.
Sure, we’ve lost a couple of years, but there are still some really amazing ones ahead.
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