Where did the idea behind steaming your vagina come from?
The beginnings of vaginal steaming are unclear, but it may date back to ancient times. It is a custom that is found in cultures around the world. One study by the World Health Organization looked at vaginal practices in South Africa, Indonesia, Mozambique, and Thailand. And the researchers found vaginal steaming was relatively common for self-care and to support healing after childbirth.
What is a Yoni Steam?
A woman who practices vaginal steaming, frequently abbreviated as V-steaming, and called yoni steaming, sits or squats over steaming water that contains herbs including basil, oregano, calendula wormwood, mugwort, and rosemary. Menstruation, childbirth, and sexual activity can all be taxing on the vagina. A Yoni Steam can help restore the vagina’s PH balance and tissue alignment.
Benefits of Yoni Steams:
- Control erratic menstrual cycles, lessen uncomfortable periods, bloating, and the tiredness that comes with menstruation.
- Reduce the amount of blood that is dark purple or brown at the start of the menstrual cycle.
- May promote fertility.
- Supporting the healing of vaginal rips, episiotomies, or scars from C-sections scars during postpartum recovery.
- Assist in easing pain during sexual activity.
- Recuperate from sexual trauma.
- Diminish endometriosis, ovarian cysts, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), uterine weakness, and prolapse.
- Aid in the recovery of hemorrhoids.
- Relieve persistent UTIs and yeast infections.
- Reduce menopausal symptoms such as discomfort or dryness during sexual activity.
- Eliminate pollutants from the body and detoxify the womb.
- More intense and regular climaxes.
- Boost libido and rekindle sensual desire.
Fertility: You can use yoni steam from the time of pre-ovulation till ovulation if you are actively attempting to conceive. Yoni steam aids in moistening uterine membranes, making them more responsive and potentially enhancing the chances of pregnancy. Infertility-affected women can steam once a week and twice during the pre-ovulation period to ensure that the cervical fluid is clear and abundant, and the tissue is moist. If you suspect you may be pregnant or have had a probable pregnancy, do not steam.
After Miscarriage: Following a miscarriage, as soon as the bleeding has stopped, it is advisable to prepare your yoni steam. The healing process is a significant and delicate journey.
Postpartum: After giving delivery, yoni steams provide soothing heat, help the body expel fluids, and help the womb return to its pre-pregnancy size. Herbal steams for postpartum patients aid in the removal of all postpartum bodily secretions. Within the first nine days after giving birth, a healthy woman should have at least three steams.
When shouldn’t you do a Yoni Steam?
- Yoni steams are not always recommended! Please do NOT do a yoni steam if you are:
- Don’t steam during ovulation if you are trying to conceive.
- If you are Pregnant or if you think you may be pregnant.
- If you have an Intrauterine Device (IUD).
- Have an active internal infection (cervical, uterine or ovarian inflammation) with a fever.
- Have any open herpes sores or blisters present- Soak infected area AFTER the blisters have burst, until the infected area has healed.
- If you are menstruating.
The Bottom Line
There is no scientific evidence to support the benefits of yoni steaming, or vaginal steaming. If you are considering vaginal steaming, talk to your healthcare provider about safer options first.
