How did women in ancient times deal with menstruation?

Before the invention of papermaking, women put grass ash in a small cloth belt and tied it around their waists with thin ropes on both sides to form a so-called sanitary belt. However, there were very few sanitary belts for sale in the market in the past. If there were any, they were only sold by peddlers or some cosmetics shops. Therefore, almost all sanitary belts used by women are made by themselves. After the invention of papier-mâché, materials that easily absorb moisture, such as straw paper, came into use.

Wheat straw fallen leaves: In the ancient times, the living environment was extremely limited. There is no solution to women's menstrual period. When the menstrual period comes, women can only use straw or fallen leaves to wipe the blood stains and even treat it perfunctorily. It was not until the slave society period that humans gradually developed civilization. At this time, women began to learn to use animal skins or tree roots to sew underwear to cover themselves. After the menstrual period, they put some dry things on the pads to absorb the dirty blood, and learned to wash the private parts with cold water to maintain menstrual cleanliness.

Cotton wool: Humans gradually invented looms and silk. Gradually remove the original things such as tree roots, animal skins, etc. At that time, before the invention of the papermaking industry, women chose to put cotton wool into a small cloth belt and tie it around their waist with a thin rope on both sides to form a so-called sanitary belt.

Bottle stopper: It has always been at a relatively low level. Many ordinary people and girls have to find ways to deal with the difficulties of menarche by themselves. Some girls use cotton wool or other objects as stoppers and insert them into the vagina in an attempt to prevent the loss of dirty blood. Some girls never use sanitary belts in their entire lives.

Toilet paper and thin paper: After humans invented the papermaking industry, things that are easy to absorb moisture, such as toilet paper, found their uses. Use straw paper directly or put straw paper in sanitary belts. Some wealthy people use thin paper used for sacrifices to make sanitary belts, because this kind of thin paper is not only elastic, but also relatively white and relatively hygienic. However, because this type of paper is relatively expensive, not all families can afford it.