*Disclaimer: This website is not designed to, and should not be construed to, provide medical advice, professional diagnosis, opinion or treatment to you or any other individual, and is not intended as a substitute for medical or professional care and treatment. For serious.

***Do not try this at home if you are pregnant or think you may be as certain herbs have been known to induce labour. Consult your physician or naturopath before trying this home remedy.

***Also, do not do this if you have an IUD. Always consult your physician first.

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“Hallelujah!”

Marisa exclaimed, “I am having the best period! No sharp pains, cramping, or back aches like usual. I am traveling all this week for training and it would have been awful if I had my usual symptoms.”

Marisa was surprised and elated, by the incredible results she’d gotten from what may seem like a strange trend. A trend that has deep roots and is making a big difference for women.

The vaginal steam, known in other cultures as the bajo, Chai-yok or yoni steam, is a remedy that is becoming known today as the forgotten ancient wisdom for women’s healing and is being fervently revived by women today.

Although modernity had cast aside this tried and true method for centuries, women like Marisa are beginning to practice vaginal steaming again. Why? Because it makes every yoni happier.

An ancient remedy that has been passed down through generations before us, the vaginal steam has been known to keenly maintain the health of the miraculous uterus, treating everything from painful menses, to endometriosis, to infertility. Though this simple process may sound like a miracle remedy, the vaginal steam is an easy and inexpensive treatment for any woman to use on a regular basis at home.

It’s time for women across the globe to remember the wisdom of our grandmothers.

Effectiveness of the Vaginal Steam

Rosita Arvigo, Doctor of Naprapathy and Master Herbalist, has spent decades studying with Mayan women who use the remedy on a regular basis. In a recent interview Rosita says that vaginal steaming is “a woman’s treatment” that is “universally effective for any aspect of uterine pathology.”

Throughout history, many women have found yoni steams to have the following effects:

• Significantly reduce pain, bloating and exhaustion associated with menstruation.

• Decrease menstrual flow as well as reduce dark purple or brown blood at the onset or end of menses.

• Regulate irregular or absent menstrual cycles.

• Increase fertility, especially when combined with Mayan abdominal massage

• Speed healing and tone the reproductive system after birth.

• Treat uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts, uterine weakness, uterine prolapse and endometriosis.

• Assist with the repair of a vaginal tear, episiotomy or C-section scar.

• Assist with the healing of hemorrhoids.

• Treat chronic vaginal/yeast infections, and works to maintain healthy odor.

• Relieve symptoms of menopause.

• Detoxify the womb and remove toxins from the body.

How does a Vaginal Steam work?

A vaginal steam is done much like a facial or nasal steam, except that in this case, a woman allows the steam from a pot with boiled water and herbs to reach the outer lips of her vagina. The tissues of the vagina are exceptionally porous and absorbent, and the warmth of the steam works to soften and open them.

When the herbs are placed in the hot water, their medicinal properties, including volatile oils, are released and carried to the surface of your skin, and to the inside of the vagina, where they are absorbed into the bloodstream and into to the uterus. The herbal steam increases circulation, thins mucus, and cleanses the entire reproductive system, allowing it to shed unnecessary membranes and build-up. The results are varied, and amazing.

How to do a Vaginal Steam

It is easy to try this ancient remedy at home. Simply steep approximately one cup dry vaginal steaming herbs in a basin of hot water, and find a quiet place to relax with the steam below your bottom for 20-40 minutes.

There are several ways to do this.

One is to place a metal basin with the herbs and hot water inside your toilet bowl, and sit as you normally would. You may also set up two chairs with bottom rungs side by side about six inches apart, placing a cutting board on the rungs between the two chairs and placing the basin of water and herbs on the cutting board. Sit with a cheek on each chair, with the basin directly below.

Or, you may purchase a special vaginal steaming stool to use (a chair or stool with a hole in the seat).

In all cases, be sure the water and steam is not too hot so as to avoid burns.

Stay wrapped in warm blankets as you sit. This is a great time to write in a journal, meditate or set some intentions! Once the time has passed, remain wrapped in blankets and lie down in a warm bed for the night.

The herbs continue to work on your reproductive system as you sleep, and you’ll wake up feeling healed and pampered. If you are like countless other women who have tried vaginal steaming, you’ll notice that your next period will be more comfortable, with reduced cramps, limited bloating and no more fatigue.

There are many herbs that are great for vaginal steaming. Note that some of them can have adverse affects if you are pregnant, so consult your physician/naturopath and do your research first!  

If you’re not into the idea to steaming your behind with the same herbs you cook dinner with, though, there are numerous medicinal and aromatic herbs, some rare, that healers and midwives have used throughout history to support the female reproductive system.

These are the herbs that work wonderfully for vaginal steaming. Some of the most common vaginal steaming herbs are mugwort, motherwort, yarrow, lavender and partridge berry. The herbs work singularly, or combined in almost any ratio.

 “We as women need to embrace our femininity and feel good about how we were created. This is a great way to relax and heal in a natural way!” ~ Marisa

I believe it’s time for women everywhere to go inside our proverbial red tents to discover our own bodies, and to begin to understand the gifts the Earth has given us to treat ourselves.

I invite you to share this knowledge with the women in your life, because happier yonis mean happier women, and happier communities for everyone.

Relephant Read: 

Take Care of Your Vagina 

A Revelation About Massaging My Vagina 

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Author: Sierra Brashear

Editor: Ashleigh Hitchcock

Photo: courtesy of the author

Speaking of wellness 🙂

And, mindful sex?