A Yoni Steam, also known as vaginal steam, is the ancient practice of sitting or squatting over steaming pot of water infused with herbs. It’s a powerful ally for women’s vitality in nourishing the uterus, regulating irregular cycles, reducing menstrual pain + imbalances and supporting fertility and reproductive health. It also supports spiritual and emotional cleansing and healing by reconnecting a woman with her feminine center. 

It’s important to understand that Yoni Steaming is not for cleaning your vulva or vagina. Your vagina is inherently self-cleaning.

When Yoni Steaming is described as cleansing, it is referring to the way the heat and steam supports our feminine bodies in their own natural release and vibrant vitality. More on the healing power of heat below. 

Yoni ~ meaning sacred place, vulva, vagina & womb. 

For me, it was love at first try. I find it to be such a deeply nourishing ritual. It anchors my awareness into my feminine center and softens my body. I  usually include it in my pre-menstrual phase to ease me into a slower pace for my moontime, and because I’ve found it to be a vital ingredient for pleasure-full bleeding. Afterwards I feel relaxed and at home in my feminine body + inner roots.

 

How Yoni Steams can help you through the sacred stages of womanhood

Heat is medicine for the feminine body. Where cold causes contraction, heat supports opening and release. The moist heat softens the womb and the tissues, increases vital blood flow and supports your womb in releasing any stagnant blood that may have built up.

For a pleasurable moontime and easing menstrual pain, imbalances and blood clots: Setting aside time for 1-3 Yoni Steam Rituals during your pre-menstrual phase are one of the best ways to prepare for your moontime / bleeding phase and nurture pelvic stagnancy and blood clots. The warming steam aids in cleansing and nourishing the uterine membrane. It’s important to know that healthy menstrual blood flows easily, in a bright red color with no clots.

For fertility: Yoni Steams are a great support in nourishing our feminine bodies into their natural state of fertility and creativity.  It helps to create uterine membranes that are moist and receptive for conception to happen. If you are actively trying to conceive, you can use the Yoni Steam during your pre-ovulation phase up until ovulation, to prepare for conception. Do not steam after possible conception.

After miscarriage: During the vulnerable time following a miscarriage, a Yoni Steam Ritual may support your body in releasing and can also be a wonderful tool for connecting with your feminine center an to avoid stagnant emotions taking root in your body. You can begin to Yoni Steam once your bleeding has ceased. It is important to take the time to honor the initiation of this experience and actively support the energetic and physical release.

Postpartum: Keeping women warm is at the heart of many women’s wisdom practices across the world, including traditional postpartum practices. Using Yoni Steams after birth brings nourishing heat, supports the body to release fluids, and aids the womb in shrinking back to pre-pregnancy size. If you have had a caesarian you want to wait a little longer than vaginal birth, until you’ve healed well.

Peri-menopause and menopause: When your cycles are slowing down or changing, the Yoni Steam can stimulate circulation and support your womb to continue to release fully. On the other side of menopause, the warming steam can be revitalizing for vaginal dryness while nourishing a deep connection to your feminine center and Inner Woman in a time of initiation and transformation.

Pelvic pain, tightness or pain during intercourse: For women experiencing pelvic pain, chronic holding, or tightness the Yoni Steam helps to soothe and relax the pelvic muscles. Combine the steam with breath awareness and full diaphragmatic breathing to relax your pelvic muscles and create a loving connection with your feminine center.

After Hysterectomy or other pelvic surgeries: The heat and warmth can be a soothing therapy for scar tissue. When combined with castor oil packs and massage it helps to increase vitality after surgery. Doing a Yoni Steam may also be helpful in emotionally and energetically reconnecting with your feminine center after an invasive procedure and experience. Your feminine center always remains even if you no longer have your physical womb or ovaries.

 

Avoid Yoni Steams if:

  • You are pregnant or think you may be pregnant!
  • You are currently bleeding.
  • Have an active vaginal infection or open wounds.

Use caution: 

  • If you have an IUD or another contraceptive device in place.
  • Experience very heavy periods. 
  • When trying to support infertility or a specific condition where there may be particular contraindications.
  • If you’ve recently given birth and/or have stitches and you are not sure how to support your body adequately when postpartum steaming. 

If you have questions or need personal support book a 1:1 Yoni Steam Consultation here. 

How to Yoni Steam at home

 
  1. Place your herbs into a large pot and cover them with your water. I usually use a 3 liter stainless steel pot with 2 liters of water and one handful or 12-20 grams of one of my Yoni Steam Herbal Blends. If you are using fresh herbs you will need around 2 handfuls. When working with fresh herbs I like to make a ritual of pouring my intention into the water and herbs while massaging them with my hands for few minutes. Call in the healing and nourishment your feminine body needs as you prepare your Yoni Steam pot.
  2. Bring your herbs + water to boil. Simmer on the stove for 10-15min. This will bring out more of the medicinal oils in the plants. 
  3. Enjoy your steam for about 20 minutes. If you have a Yoni Steam Chair, place your pot inside your chair. You may need to let it cool off for a brief moment before you sit down. It should feel warm, but comfortable like any type of sauna. You can purchase your Yoni Steam Chair here. A Yoni Steam Chair allows you to sit ergonomically which makes is key to getting the most out of Yoni Steam Therapy. It is one of the best investments you can make for yourself. Alternatively you may have to get creative finding another position. For an example, you can place the pot on the floor and squat or kneel over it. You can support your elbows on the floor, or on pillows. Make sure you wear socks, and wrap the blankets closely around you to  keep the heat stays inside.
  4. Rest and nurture yourself afterwards, stay warm, drink some herbal tea and move slowly. Breathe this feminine nourishment into your womb. 
Yoni steam chair top view

What herbs to use for Yoni Steaming

 The rule of thumb is to use organic edible herbs, either freshly picked or dried. Some traditions offer specific herbal formulas for different conditions. Different combinations of herbs can add nourishment, tone, and circulation because the vaginal tissues are so absorbent. I offer two powerful Yoni Steam Herbal Blends if you are looking to get the most effective blend for your Yoni Steam Therapy. 

I do not recommend using essential oils as they are too concentrated for this purpose.

Let your intuition guide you towards the plants you need by choosing the ones you are currently drawn to. For more inspiration on working intuitively with plants, one of my favorite books on this topic is  “The Secret Teaching Of Plants” by Stephen Harrod Buhner.

Herbs to use include: rosemary, oregano, basil, comfrey, mugwort, motherwort, yarrow, raspberry leaf, calendula, lavender, fennel and basil, oregano, rose, nettle, sage, marigold, plantain leaves, damiana, lemon balm and many more.

Prayer and intention is an important part of working with plants and a deeply potent way of accessing support beyond the physical. You can’t do this wrong, just speak from your heart, plant your intentions, and ask for the healing support of the plant.

 

Shop Yoni Steam Herbal Blends

It’s not easy knowing which herbs to choose for your needs. I’ve taken the guessing out of it for you and formulated two effective Yoni Steam Herbal Blends that will support you to get the healing nourishment you desire from Yoni Steam Therapy. 

Womb Warmer blend is a nourishing and uplifting blend of organic herbs that is warming and stimulates pelvic vitality, or as I like to say “a womb in bloom”. It contains some of my personal favorite herbs for Yoni Steaming in a balancing amount to optimally compliment each other.

Womb Warmer is a “mover” – it is an ideal blend for symptoms related to stagnancy and cyclic phases like fertility challenges and pregnancy loss. It is my go to blend for menstrual imbalances, particularly for those with menstrual imbalances like PMS, period pain, period clots, and irregular cycles. 

Gentle Soother blend  is a soothing and moisturizing blend of organic herbs that contains a blend of both mildly warming and cooling herbs that can be especially nourishing around birth and menopause. This mixture can also be used to make a sitz bath. 

I love using the Gentle Soother blend when steaming after birth, especially early postpartum steaming. Or when steaming for dry conditions like vaginal dryness, lichen sclerosus, or inflammed conditions of the vulva. 

All my herbal blends are made with specially selected and thoughtfully sourced organic European herbs that work together in a unique and complementary way. Buy here. 

Inspiration for herbal blends 

Menstrual balance blend: Motherwort (great for fatigue, cramps, and to aid relaxation), Mugwort (promotes suppressed menses), Basil (Uterine stimulant), Rosemary (increases circulation to the reproductive organs),  Calendula (Cleansing, lessens inflammation), Chamomile (Soothing to the vaginal tissues).

Perimenopause / PMS blend: Mugwort (promotes suppressed menses), Oregano (soothing, brings circulations and cleansing to the uterus), Raspberry leaf (strengthens and tones the uterine and pelvic muscles, and is a pelvic and uterine relaxant),  Red Rose Petals (Cooling, gentle and astringent to the tissues of the genitals).

Menopause blend: Basil (Uterine stimulant), Raspberry leaf (strengthens and tones the uterine and pelvic muscles, and is a pelvic and uterine relaxant), Marshmallow (vaginal dryness), Sage (Astringent. Spiritually cleansing), Chamomile (Soothing to the vaginal tissues).

Fertility blend: Rosemary (increases circulation to the reproductive organs), Wormwood (Antifungal and antibacterial), Basil (Uterine stimulant), Calendula (Cleansing, lessens inflammation), chamomile, Red Rose Petals (Cooling, gentle and astringent to the tissues of the genitals), Lavender (antiseptic, antispasmodic, sedative, relaxing nerving).

Miscarriage blend: Mugwort (promotes suppressed menses), Oregano (soothing, brings circulations and cleansing to the uterus) Calendula (Cleansing, lessens inflammation), Lavender (antiseptic, antispasmodic, sedative, relaxing nerving).

Postpartum blend: Oregano (soothing, brings circulations and cleansing to the uterus), Rosemary (increases circulation to the reproductive organs), Raspberry leaf ( strengthens and tones the uterine and pelvic muscles, and is a pelvic and uterine relaxant), Calendula (Cleansing, lessens inflammation), Yarrow (Astringent. Cleansing. Antibacterial), Comfrey (healing and soothing).

Changes to expect after Yoni Steaming

Various changes may follow after Yoni Steaming, from healing and physical releases to blissful relaxation. Things you might see include changes in your menstrual cycle, release of dark blood and clots, a lighter cycle and increased awareness of your feminine body. If there has been stagnancy or menstrual imbalances, you may expect there to be some significant changes or dark syrupy blood releasing with your next moon-time. For others the changes may come more slowly, or be much more subtle.

During and after your steam you might feel tired or emotional, and it’s important you take the time to rest and stay warm after your Yoni Steam.

I hope this guide has given you the info you need to get started, if you have any questions please add them in the comments below.

And please share if you feel inspired to try or you’ve had your own experience with Yoni Steaming, so we can all be inspired by each other. I can’t wait to hear from you!