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A yoni steam is something I have been reading about for about a year, but never actually took the plunge. If you know me by now, you know I LOVE trying unconventional, natural ways to improve health and wellness. Well, spoiler alert, I finally tried a yoni steam and luckily for you I am writing a post all about the benefits of a yoni steam, my experience and why you should do one!

Benefits of a Yoni Steam

First of all…..What is a Yoni?

A Yoni is the sanskrit (Indian) word for vagina, the source of all life, also translated as sacred space. Yoni refers to both the outside as well as the inside (uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, etc.) Vaginal health is an important aspect in maintaining a woman’s overall health and can be affected by medications, diet, clothing, exercise and even increased stress.

So What is a Yoni Steam?

For millennia, women have shared this knowledge among one another, inspiring each other to connect with, love and heal our bodies. Today, countless women are rediscovering the practice, along with its vast and varied benefits. It’s basically like a facial for your lady parts and benefits just about everyone.

Many challenges such as menstrual cramps, infertility, excessive flow, general fatigue, vaginal dryness, and menopausal symptoms and vaginal laxity can be helped with a Yoni Steam.  Done using a custom blend of organic herbs in a mild steam while sitting on a specially designed Yoni chair while wearing a full length gown in a private linen room.  A Yoni Steam works by using gentle steam to carry that carries dried organic herbs to the exterior tissues of the vagina (the tissue referred to as the vulva). The warmth and moisture increases circulation to the vulva, causing it to open up and expose the inner labial mucous membranes. These tissues are very porous and absorbent, allowing the herbs to infuse their benefits. The result is a healthier, more relaxed and balanced connection to yourself.

Many reproductive challenges such as menstrual cramps and infertility are caused when there is excess build up of uterine lining that was not shed in previous cycles “encrusted” to the inside of the uterus. Because this material is built up over time, the uterus and the muscles around it work excessively hard to shed it, often causing pain and fatigue. A yoni steam works by applying gentle heat, as well as moisture that carries medicinal plant oils, to the exterior tissues of the vagina (referred to as the vulva). The warmth and moisture increases circulation to the vuvla, causing it to swell and expose the inner labial mucus membranes. These tissues are very porous and absorbent, allowing the bloodstream to pick up the medicinal oils and and carry them into the inner reproductive system, including the uterus. There, they work to help the uterus cleanse and release what is built up on its lining, ensuring that the next cycle is easy and pain-free, helping an egg to implant, and reducing other uterine abnormalities. The result is a healthier, more pleasant cycle and a more connected woman.

Signs you need to do a yoni steam

• Dark blood at the beginning or end of the menstrual cycle
• Postpartum, post miscarriage or post DNC
• Menstrual Complaints & Irregular Cycles
• Endometriosis
• Pelvic MuscleTension, Pelvic Pain
• Uterine Prolapse
• Dysmenorrhea, Amenorrhea
• Hemorrhoids, Constipation
• Fibroids, Ovarian Cysts, PCOS
• Fertility, Infertility, Conception preparation
• For preventative care – 1 week before the 1st day of bleeding.
• For cysts, prolapse, pelvic pain, fibroids, endometriosis– 2 – 4 x a week

When to avoid a yoni steam

• When infection is present
• During Pregnancy
• During Menstruation
• If there are symptoms of damp or moist heat in the pelvis, vagina or colon i.e.: vaginal infection, candida, yeast infection, bacterial infection, herpes outbreak.
• After a DNC or miscarriage – wait 3 weeks; make sure there is no infection prior to steaming.
• Post delivery, wait 6-8 weeks, making sure you are not bleeding and there is no infection.

*** Do Not Yoni Steam if you fall under any of these contraindications:

• Fresh Menses spotting or red
• During your period
• During Pregnancy
• When Trying to conceive after insemination
• If experiencing constant bleeding or two periods per month

It is always best to consult with a certified yoni steam facilitator before you begin. Improper steaming can result in more harm than good. This is a therapeutic modality and incorrect herbs, temperature and steam time can have an impact on results. For example, steaming too hot for too long can bring on the period earlier by increasing too much circulation. To find a certified vaginal steam facilitator in your area you can go here.

Herbs you can use in your yoni steam:

If you don’t have to worry about making your own blends I highly recommend buying them directly from Steamy Chick here. She has them already formulated which is such a time saver! Mixing the wrong herbs can cause more harm than good so please consult an herbologist when creating your own blend.

Red Raspberry Leaf Tea dried loose leaf – (where to buy) This herb is great for Uterine Toning, Heavy Menses, Painful Menses, Endometriosis, Skin Purification, Cramps, Blood Purification, Vitamins A, B Complex, Normalizing Blood Flow, Healing after Uterine Surgery, Calcium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Silica.

Mugwort tea loose leaf – (where to buy) Cleansing – physically & spiritually. Can help bring on menses.

Rosemary – (fresh is best) Increases circulation to the reproductive organs, aids in clearing out of old fluids, is also antiseptic and purifying.

Lavender – (where to buy) One of the most relaxing herbs, calms the mind and body. Nourishing to the nervous system. Lavender is antiseptic to the vaginal tissues. It is also an antispasmodic, aiding in healthy uterine function.

Chamomile – (where to buy) Relaxing, calms the mind. Soothing to the vaginal tissues. Anti-inflammatory.

Dandelion – (where to buy) Strong anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, antiviral and antibacterial. provides nutrients.

Oregano – (fresh is best) This herb is specifically good for aiding in the reduction of menstrual cramps. Also helps with UTI’s. Anti-spasmodic, and antimicrobial.

Rose Petals – (where to buy) Rose petals are gentle and astringent to tissues of the genitals. Rose is a relaxing and uplifting herb.

Himalayan Sea Salt – (where to buy) Helps regulate the blood flow in your body. It’s also great for balancing your pH.

***As a certified Aromatherapist I do NOT recommend using Essential Oils for a yoni steam. Essential Oils are much more potent than herbs. The oils combined with the steam can cause much more harm than good. Only fresh or dried herbs should be used for a yoni steam.

Add the fresh and dried herbs to a pot of water and bring to a boil. Turn the heat down and let it simmer for about 20 minutes and turn the heat off. Allow water to cool slightly before using for your yoni steam. You don’t want it to be so hot that it scolds and burns the skin, but you want it to be still hot enough to create steam which contains benefits. You can get more info from this video here.

You can use a specially designed Yoni Seat (where to buy) or a Yoni stool (where to buy) to do your yoni steams. But if you want to wait and try it out before you commit to buying a full on seat you can do a simple DIY hack which I will share with you.

You can also place  a stainless steel bowl (like this—>where to buy) in the toilet seat and pour the boiling mixture of water and herbs into the bowl. It allows it to fit perfectly in the toilet so that you can sit down and receive the benefits of the steam. Sit on the seat over the bowl and wrap a towel around your waist to help trap most of the steam in. Make sure you allow a place for the steam to vent. Make sure you are warmly clothed on the top of the body, you can wear socks as well. Afterwards be gentle with yourself during the day.

My Yoni Steam Experience

I started steaming towards the end of 2018 and was so excited when in February 2018 I met Keli Garza the owner of Steamy Chick and world’s vaginal steaming expert! She was such a wealth of knowledge on natural, preventative wellness for vaginal health. I loved getting to know more and learning from her and was excited when we connected after the conference. I did a recorded interview with her that is jam packed with amazing information such as how to treat fibroids, PCOS, Endometriosis and unexplained infertility. You can checkout the two part interview here!