Yoni Steams: What Are They and How To?

As women, we are connected.

We are often taught how important it is to take care of ourselves physically. That we need to appear or look a certain way in order to be in optimal health. However, I think it is equally, if not more, important to take care of ourselves on the inside. Our emotional, spiritual, and energetic wellbeing create our capacity to hold space for ourselves and for others in our daily lives.

Yoni steaming, also known as vaginal steaming, is an ancient self-care practice where a person sits over a steaming pot of herb-infused water. The term "yoni" comes from Sanskrit and refers to the womb, vagina, and divine feminine energy. The practice involves sitting over the herbal steam and allowing your tissues to absorb the medical properties of the herbs you have chosen to use. Energetically, herbs have energetic healing properties to add in stagnation and block of emotional expression. This can become a regular self care practice for those that feel called to integrate this into their monthly routine.

So, when can you steam? You can steam on any of the days that you are not actively bleeding. These days would include in between menstrual cycles or around week 3 of the postpartum time period. You also should not steam during pregnancy unless you meet with a trained yoni steamer, after 37 weeks gestation, for labor prep steaming. Physical benefits of yoni steaming include:

• Menstrual Health: Relief from cramps and discomfort, help with irregular cycles, and support for the body's natural cleansing processes.

• Postpartum Recovery: May aid in the body's natural healing after childbirth and help cleanse residual discharge.

• Vaginal Wellness: Believed to support vaginal health by promoting circulation and helping with dryness.

• Reproductive System: Said to promote blood flow and potentially reduce inflammation, while nourishing pelvic tissues.

• Other Benefits: May soothe menopausal discomforts, ease irritation after intercourse, and provide therapeutic relief for hemorrhoids.

Now, what herbs should you use? Herbs vary based on an individual’s needs. This is why I am hesitant at times to buy those “yoni steam blends” sold online or through local shops. Every herb should be helping to address a need of yours and an herbal blend should be curated to help your body. This is why I encourage women to make their own herbal blend based on their symptoms and what the intention for their steam is. Here are a few herbs I would recommend to research and feel into when making your herbal blend:

Gentle Common Herbs

• Lavender

• Rose

• Calendula

• Camomile

• Red Rasperry Leaf

Cooling Herbs (For those that run hot or are harvesting anger)

• Holy Basil

• Peppermint

• Mugwort

• Yarrow

Warming Herbs (For those that run cold)

• Rosemary

• Wild Red Cedar

• Cinnamon (Make sure steam is low, cinnamon is a bit more spicy and has the ability to burn you when it is too hot)

Warmly,

Kalista