What is Yoni Steaming?
Vaginal steaming is an ancient healing practice utilized by woman all around the world. It is performed by kneeling or sitting over a steamy pot of water, usually infused with herbs.
Its primary effect is a gentle warming of the reproductive system, including the vulva, vagina, uterus and ovaries. This warming increases blood flow to the tissues, improving their function and thus the body’s overall health.
Specifically, the increased circulation and stimulation allow for the uterus to properly cleanse itself. While this should happen naturally with a healthy cycle, many woman suffer reproductive issues as a result of the uterine lining not fully clearing out each month.
Steaming assists the body in this cleansing process and has been shown to reduce cysts, tumors and fibroids. As such, vaginal or yoni steaming is an important practice for women for PCOS, fibroids, infertility, amenorrhea, endometriosis, and other female reproductive imbalances.
Adding Herbs
Herbs can be added to the water to target different imbalances or symptoms.
Cleansing herbs such as rose and lavender are used to disinfect.
Tonifying herbs such as nettle, help to strengthen and nourish organs.
Cooling herbs such as mint, are moisturizing to the tissues.
Warming herbs such as cinnamon help increase circulation and stimulate tissues.
Herbs like lemon peel help not only to disinfect but also to drain excess dampness and swelling in the tissues.
Sage has wonderful energetic clearing properties useful for woman with history of sexual trauma.
Please note:
*All herbs should be organic and the water should be purified.
*The use of herbs is not essential! If all you have access to is filtered water, this alone will serve the purpose of bringing needed heat to the womb and reproductive organs.
*Mint and apple cider vinegar are safe to use for all non- pregnant women.
*Vaginal steaming should not be done while pregnant. However, it is a healthy practice for maintaining reproductive wellness while trying to conceive and for recovering the system after birth.
Cleansing Steam Recipe
Great for general reproductive health or when trying. to conceive. Best used couple days after you bleed.
1 part Motherwart
1 part Nettle
1 part Lemon Peels
1/2 part Lavender
Postpartum Steam Recipe
Only to begin after bleeding has stopped (no more fresh blood) Usually around day four.
At that point it is advised to steam daily for 30 days.
Postpartum herbal blend:
2 parts astragalus
1 part lemon peel
1 part mugwort
1 part nettle leaf
1/2 part of lavender
Directions For How To Steam:
Prepare as you would a tea, for example 3 tbsp for 3 cups of water.
Boil water in a small pot, turn off stove and add herbs.
Let steep 10 min, remove.
Test the temperature of the steam against your forearm to avoid burns.
Place the pot on the floor (typically in the bathroom) and park a steaming stool above the pot. Wearing a large skirt or wrapped in a large towel, sit on the stool with the fabric creating an enclosed space for the steam to travel up. Don’t have a steaming stool? Use a camping toilet or commode instead, with the pot of water on the floor below the hole.
Always be mindful not to burn yourself and try not to steam for more than 30 min per session. Budget tip: Each tea preparation can be used twice.
It’s important to remember that while steaming has incredible healing effects, it is certainly not the be-all end-all when it comes to reproductive health. A well balanced, organic, whole food diet, enjoyable movement, emotional and spiritual care are also essential to your wellbeing and fertility. If you would like an in-depth process. and resource for fertility and conception, be sure to check out the Conscious Conception Course.
In the meantime, I hope you enjoy incorporating this ancient healing practice into your self care routine!