If you’ve found this post, you’re probably new to the practice of vaginal steaming. This treatment has been used in our midwifery practice for decades, and the results we’ve observed have demonstrated its ability to improve the function of the uterus, and as a result, overall reproductive health.

This post is intended to provide an overview of the uses for vaginal steaming as well as detailed directions that make it easier for you to practice this from the comfort of your home.

Check out our Don’t Worry V-Happy Vaginal Steam. The organic herbs support fertility, clearing the uterus before and after periods, treating infections; and promoting postpartum healing.

Function 1: Blood Flow & Circulation

In the same way a steam bath or facial steam works, a vaginal steam increases blood flow, hydration and circulation to the soft tissue of the vulva, vagina, uterus and entire pelvic floor.

This has a number of benefits:

Increased blood flow helps to carry crucial nutrients to an area of the body that, surprisingly, can be deprived of adequate circulation - the basis for healthy functioning.
The herbal steam creates a hydrated pelvic floor and uterus, encouraging residual endometrium to loosen and clear. In your next cycle healthy new endometrium will form inside your uterus creating the conditions that a fertilized egg needs to grow inside your body.
During normal physical stresses (high impact sports, traumatic injuries, pregnancy and delivery, cesarean births and other major surgeries) your uterus can change positions, impairing normal functioning. This can create challenges with conception, hormonal disfunction or other pathologies of the uterus.

Function 2: Cleansing & Homeostasis

The herbs in a vaginal steam are carefully chosen for medicinal purposes. They nourish your entire reproductive area supporting your uterus, vagina and surrounding soft tissue, while cleansing bacteria that can cause infections.

When you steam with strong aromatic herbs, the plant oils are carried via the steam into the pelvic floor where their anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties cleanse the uterus without eliminating any of the good bacteria and microflora. Contrary to this method, over-the-counter and prescription antibiotic medications remove all forms of bacteria both good and bad.

Uses for Vaginal Steaming

The uses for vaginal steams are extensive. The list below is compiled based on our direct experience working with clients.

Fertility support and to increase the likelihood of conception especially when paired with abdominal massage.
It is used by top fertility specialists around the country prior to IUI and IVF procedures to increase success rate. Learn more here.
A self-care approach for pathologies like UTIs, yeast infections, and bacterial vaginosis that works without wiping out the good vaginal flora.
Relieving cramps, bloating and exhaustion from regular menstrual cycles.
Postpartum healing and recovery for both vaginal and caesarian births.
For periods of bleeding that last longer than five days, including during menopause, herbal steaming will help your body to empty the uterus.

Directions

Preparing the Herbs

Our Don’t Worry V-Happy Vaginal Steam uses specially selected herbs that have proven successful in our clinical practice for multiple decades.

Wildish Vaginal Steam Don't Worry V-Happy

In a large pot, add approximately three quarts of water and one cup of the bulk dry herbs. Crush herbs between your hands above the water to release the aromatic properties of the plants.

Let the herbs drop into the water, while setting an intention around your desired outcome. Whether it’s conception, healing impurities, emotional healing, or any other challenges, picture the desired results you desire from this process.

Soft simmer the herbs for 10 minutes with the lid on, turn off the heat, and steep for an additional five minutes with the lid on. While the herbs are simmering, prepare a quiet place to sit and do the steam.

Preparing Your Space

This is often the most foreign part of the process and the hardest to dial in at first. There are a couple simple ways to setup the area to steam:

The easiest approach is to use the toilet. We know, it sounds weird and counter-intuitive but it works great. Turn off the water at the base of the toilet and flush it until there is no water left in the bowl. Ensure that the pan of herbal steam will fit in the bowl of the toilet. When the herbal steam preparation is done steeping put the pan in the dry toilet and sit directly on the seat, over the herbal water. This is the most straightforward way and the height above the steaming herbs is usually perfect. Easy-peasy.
You can also sit on the edge of a stool, the edge of a chair or even between two chairs. But, ensure that you are comfortable, and your entire bottom pelvic floor area is exposed to the steam. Make sure you are in a stable place before you start your steam.
You can use a three to five-gallon BPA free bucket with a toilet seat on top. They are often sold as portable commodes. You can get these at camping supply stores or online. For less than $20 it’s a small investment that will be a valuable tool for regular steaming.

When we do this in our clinical practice, women are positioned 8-12” above the pot of herbs. Use this as a guide when setting up your space.

The Steam

Place the pot of herbs under the stool, chair or in the toilet. If you want you can listen to your favorite playlist, a pod, or just relax while you steam. Sit bare bottom above the steam and wrap a blanket or a flannel sheet around your waist and all the way around your back to keep the steam in. We also recommend wearing socks to keep your feet warm.

Be aware of the temperature of the steam before you sit over it. Just like a cup of tea or a hot bath you should proceed with caution to ensure the steam is not too hot. Again, 8-12” above the herbs is generally a safe height, and what we use in our practice. Over time the temperature of herbs will cool, but until they do, there’s three ways to adjust the level of heat:

Stand up if it is too hot and let it cool down for a few minutes.
Adjust your height to be higher above the herbs. This may require a higher squat at first until you can lower down onto the seat. Adding cushions to the seat is also helpful.
Open up the blanket to release some of the steam if you feel it getting too hot.

Sit over the steaming herbs for 20 - 30 minutes. It should be pleasantly warm throughout, but never burning. Remind yourself of your intension during the steam. What healing do you want to come from this selfcare? If you have a meditation practice this can be a great time to turn inward and focus on the breath.

After the Steam

When you’ve finished steaming, head to your bed or couch and wrap yourself in a blanket and keep warm for the next 15 minutes. Dispose of the herbal water, in your garden, compost or toilet when finished.

Specific Considerations

Conception & Fertility: If using to support fertility, the steam should ideally be done the day of or day before ovulation. This cleanses the uterus and increases blood flow just before the egg is released, promoting an optimal environment for conception. If you’d like to learn more about the specifics of steaming for fertility, read our blog post Vaginal Steaming Is One of the Simplest Ways to Support Fertility.
Infections (UTIs & Yeast Infections): If you experience frequent UTI’s, you likely know when they are coming on. Begin steaming as soon as you start to feel the symptoms and continue once or twice per day until the symptoms have subsided.
Menopause: Extended periods are common during menopause and steaming can be a way to increase circulation and assist with fully emptying the uterus. Use daily until symptoms subside.

As always, we’re available to answer any questions that may arise, so don’t hesitate to reach out to hello@wildish.co.

A Beginners Guide to Vaginal Steaming