Yoni Steams for Vaginal Health

Yoni steams or vaginal steaming is an ancient healing form that is quickly becoming popular again. If you haven’t heard of yoni steams prepared to be amazed at what twenty minutes of self care can accomplish.

What is a Yoni Steam?

In the simplest terms, a vaginal steam is like a facial steam, but for your vagina (for the both the external and internal tissues) .

This ancient healing method involves sitting over a pot of warm water infused with healing herbs. The steam helps to tone, soften and rejuvenate the tissues. When the right herbal allies are utilized, it can also help to:

  • reduce pain associated with menstruation
  • regulate menstrual cycles
  • improve fertility
  • improved blood and lymphatic flow
  • address spotting (both pre and post-menstrual)
  • cleanse the uterine lining
  • improve menstrual blood colour and tone
  • alleviate symptoms associated with menopause (hot flashes, vaginal dryness etc.)
  • aid in the healing and tone of the reproductive system after childbirth

Selecting Herbs for a Yoni Steam

There are so many different herbs you can use for a vaginal steam that it may seem overwhelming. Below I’ll list a few of my favourites and after becoming familiar with these, you can branch out and try some new combinations.

I highly recommend using your intuition or meditating on which herbs are best for you and your body. Yoni steams are very personal and what works for one person may not work for you. Listen to your divine feminine inner voice… she may guide you to the perfect selection of herbs.

Calendula (Calendula officinalis)

  • anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial (bacterial, viral, fungal), hemostatic (helps with excess bleeding) uterine tonic, vulnerary (helps to heal tissues)

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

  • anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial (bacterial, viral), antispasmodic, uterine hemostatic, stimulating emmenagogue (excellent for irregular or absent periods)

Mugwort (Artemesia vulgaris)

  • antimicrobial (bacterial, fungal), circulatory stimulant, stimulating emmenagogue, uterine antispasmodic, tonic and relaxing nervine

Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca)

  • uterine antispasmodic, tonic emmenagogue (balancing to the hormones of the female reproductive system), uterine tonic and relaxant

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

  • antibacterial, analgesic, antispasmodic, vulnerary, relaxant

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)

  • antimicrobial (bacterial, viral), antispasmodic, stimulating emmenagogue, relaxant, nervine

Red Raspberry leaf (Rubus idaeus)

  • anti-inflammatory, tonic emmenagogue, uterine hemostatic, uterine tonic, vulnerary

Marshmallow root (Althaea officinalis)

  • this is a specific for vaginal dryness

How to do a Yoni/Vaginal Steam

To partake in a yoni steam at home you will need either a yoni steam chair or a clean sterilized stainless steel bowl you can place in your toilet bowl.

  • Place 30 grams (just over an ounce) of chosen herbs in a pot with 6 cups of water. Bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer for ten minutes.
  • Steep/simmer herbs in the water for 10 minutes
  • Strain out the herbs and transfer the tea to your yoni steam chair or stainless steel bowl (if it’s still very hot allow it to sit for a few moments before sitting down)
  • Disrobe from the waist down and wrap your waist with a blanket or towel (this keeps the steam contained)
  • It is wise to keep your feet warm during this process (warm socks or slippers)
  • Steam your vagina for 20 minutes (it will be a pleasant experience)
  • This is a lovely time to meditate, journal, or read your favourite book

How Often Should you Steam?

I would recommend if you are steaming with an intent or purpose (fertility issues, irregular flow, painful menstruation etc) that you start with twice a month. This can be increased to 3 times a month, but I would not exceed that.

If you are steaming simply to enjoy the process and for some self care, 1-2 times per months is likely enough.

Yoni Steam Precautions

Vaginal steaming is not recommended if you are pregnant, have an IUD or menstruating. If you have any sort of infections, open wounds, cuts, stitches or have any chronic reproductive conditions please consult a herbalist or natural health practitioner prior to steaming.

If you have vaginal piercings they should be removed.

Essential oils should never be used in a vaginal steam.

Your first cycle after steaming may be heavier and darker as your body may be purging excess blood and/or toxins.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’ve enjoyed this post on the revitalized ancient practice of yoni steams. If you do not feel comfortable making your own blends, or do not have access to herbs yourself, you can contact me or any other local herbalist for a custom blend.

Happy steaming!

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