The word "Yoni" is a Sanskrit term that is often translated to mean "vagina" or "womb." Still, its meaning is more comprehensive than that. It is used in ancient Indian culture to refer to the female genitalia. It also represents the divine feminine principle and can be understood as a symbol of feminine creative power and energy.

In recent years, "Yoni steaming" or "Yoni steam baths" have become popular in wellness circles as an alternative treatment. Proponents believe it can offer numerous health benefits for women's reproductive health. It involves sitting over a bowl or pot of herbal steam, allowing the steam to ascend into the vaginal area.

Nope! Women who are pregnant or think they may be pregnant should NOT do a Yoni steam bath. The medicinal properties of the herbs can cause a fluctuation in hormones. They can cause the uterus to contract, which could be detrimental to the growing baby. Steaming is also not recommended for women with an Intrauterine Device (IUD), any internal infection (cervical, uterine, or ovarian inflammation), or a fever. Once the symptoms of infection have passed, women can begin steaming. Women also should not steam while menstruating or when open sores or blisters are present.

If a woman has an intrauterine device (IUD) in place, some practitioners advise against yoni steaming, and here's why:

Potential Displacement: The heat from the steam may cause the IUD's plastic frame to soften or warp, compromising its position and effectiveness. However, this is mainly theoretical, and there isn't concrete scientific evidence to confirm this.

Infection Risk: Introducing steam and herbs into the vaginal area could, in theory, increase the risk of infection ascending into the uterus, especially if there's a foreign body like an IUD in place. Again, there's limited scientific evidence on this, but it's a concern some practitioners have.

Interference with Function: Some believe the herbs or steam could interfere with the IUD's function. Copper IUDs work by releasing copper ions that are toxic to sperm. In contrast, hormonal IUDs release progestin to prevent ovulation and thicken cervical mucus.

While there isn't much scientific data on yoni steaming, especially in conjunction with IUD use, the caution arises from a mix of theoretical concerns and an overarching principle in medicine to "do no harm." Suppose someone with an IUD is considering Yoni steaming. In that case, they should discuss it with their healthcare provider to make an informed decision.

Mugwort: In addition to fighting infection through its antibiotic and anti-fungal properties, mugwort balances female hormones and stimulates the production of hormones that help maintain uterine health and protect the uterus from things such as ulcers and tumors. Mugwort steam opens the pores, allowing the beneficial herbs to penetrate the bloodstream. In addition, mugwort helps to stimulate menstrual discharge and ease cramping.

Rosemary: An aromatic and antimicrobial herb, rosemary treats bacterial infection, speeds wound healing, inhibits yeast growth, and stimulates menstruation.

Lavender: One of our most relaxing herbs, lavender supports healing and promotes menstrual flow.

Yarrow: Astringent, tonifying, and cleansing, yarrow is great for regulating menstrual flow, treating ovarian cysts, and supporting overall uterine health.

Partridgeberry: Revered as an excellent herb for the female reproductive system, partridge berry treats infertility, regulates menstrual cycles, and helps decrease severe menstrual pain.

Motherwort: Astringent, tonifying, and cleansing. Motherwort strengthens and relaxes uterine muscles, eases uterine cramping, and may help treat uterine fibroids. Motherwort stimulates uterine tone and blood flow.

Calendula Flower: Aids in healing scar tissue, vaginal tears, or hemorrhoids.

Comfrey Root: strengthens the uterus and pelvic floor.

Rose: A relaxing, uplifting, and astringent herb that is wonderful for pampering.

Steaming will likely change the course of your menses. Often, a great deal of material is "encrusted" or "left behind" inside of your womb, which is expelled after doing the yoni steam. The herbs have a powerful effect on the uterus -- cleansing and toning what needs to be healed. Sometimes this means your flow will change; instead of being light, it will be very heavy, dark, and thick. For other women, it may extend the length of their period. Ultimately, your cycles will be much more consistent after several treatments, and you'll feel relaxed, rejuvenated, and revitalized.

Emotionally, you'll feel your body letting go of past traumas and feel more connected to your body than ever before.

Modern science would likely say no. However, Yoni steaming is a remedy passed on from generation to generation. Women in ancient cultures have shared success stories with one another, which are now being shared with us. I highly recommend reading Red Tent to learn more about the sacred beauty of womanhood.

As part of an overall self-care regime, I recommend that women steam two to three times per month, always during weeks when they are not menstruating. Women who suffer from pain, bloating, or exhaustion during menstruation should steam two to three times within the week before menstruation. Women experiencing fertility challenges should steam once per week, and maybe twice during pre-ovulation, to ensure that the tissue is moist and that the cervical fluids are clear and copious. Expect to steam for three months before seeing full results. For the postpartum, a Yoni steaming may be done three times per week for four weeks to facilitate healing and toning of the uterus and vagina (please be sure there are no open wounds and you are no longer bleeding). Women experiencing or who have passed menopause should steam at least three times per year for maintenance but may steam more often if it feels right. You may want to steam up to three times weekly for chronic challenges to ensure the most significant results.

You can steam any time of the month if you are not menstruating. You do at least two vaginal steams in the week leading up to your period when treating menstrual pain. After doing so, you will likely see a change in the fluid you pass when your period begins. You may also steam once your cycle ends to clear out excess materials.

We recommend waiting at least a week after giving birth to give your body time to heal on its own before introducing the warm steam. Obviously, in extreme bleeding or hemorrhaging cases, yoni steam would be contraindicated. There is no point at which it is too late, as you will receive the benefits any time you decide to steam. Women who choose to do their first steam four or more months after giving birth often report getting their first cycle, even while still breastfeeding.

Yes! Ancient Maya healer Dr. Rosita Arvigo shares how vaginal steaming benefits women trying to conceive. According to Dr. Arvigo, there may be many reasons for infertility. Still, one of those reasons is the induration of the uterine wall. When we combine vaginal steaming with abdominal massage therapy, such as The Shared Journey Fertility Program, we have a very dynamic approach in which we will see great results. Women trying to conceive should steam at least once per week, other than when menstruating, for three months before expecting results. After vaginal steaming and abdominal massage treatments, a woman may fall pregnant within one to three cycles. Learn More

Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths of the uterus that develop from the smooth muscular tissue of the uterus. A vaginal steam may support this issue in that the medicinal properties of the herbs would help the uterus to shed the excess/non-essential tissue or cells, in this case, the tumorous ones. Yoni steams at yinRoot contain Motherwort because this plant is beneficial for treating fibroids and polyps. The blend also contains calendula and rose, which cleanse and nourish your healthy uterine tissue. The catch is that you should not steam while bleeding, especially heavily, as is often the case with uterine fibroids. When not bleeding, you may try a vaginal steam to gently but effectively encourage the uterus to care for itself.

Teacher of Maya medicine, Rosita Arvigo, states that women who have gone through menopause should still steam at least three times per year, especially in the year after ceasing menstruation. Doing so, she says, women will still pass some dark colored dryish fluid each time. Rosita sees this as cleansing the uterus of any leftover materials and states, "Better out than in!". Of course, this does not imply that the woman's body is incapable of cleansing itself. It's just another opportunity to support our bodies to complete the miraculous tasks they already know how to do! Other experts, such as the Colorado School of Clinical Herbalism, say that vaginal steaming can help eliminate pre- or post-menopausal symptoms such as vaginal dryness, discomfort, and pain with intercourse.

Yoni steaming is excellent for all aspects of female health, so it can still benefit women who have had a hysterectomy. Even though the physical uterus may have been removed, the energetic center remains, and it can also benefit from the herbs' warmth and cleansing properties. Steaming is also great for increasing circulation, eliminating odor, and eliminating bacterial infections such as yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis.

If you're considering incorporating essential oils into a Yoni steam or any other wellness practice, it's vital to approach the matter with caution. Here are some important points to consider:

Concentration: Essential oils are highly concentrated and can be irritating or harmful if applied directly to the skin or mucous membranes. The vaginal area is susceptible, so using essential oils directly in a steam could result in irritation or burns.

Dilution: If you use essential oils, they must be diluted appropriately. However, even diluted essential oils might still be too potent for the delicate tissues of the vaginal area.

Quality: Ensure that essential oils are 100% pure, therapeutic-grade, and free from impurities or synthetic additives.

Research the Oil: Not all essential oils are safe for every application. Research each essential oil you're considering using to ensure it's safe for the intended purpose. Some oils can be particularly irritating or might have other side effects.

Possible Disruption: Like the concerns with herbs, there's potential that introducing essential oils to the vaginal area could disrupt the natural balance of bacteria or pH, leading to infections or other complications.

Allergic Reactions: Some people might be allergic or sensitive to certain essential oils, leading to itching, swelling, or rashes.

No Direct Contact: If you decide to use essential oils in a steam, make sure the steam itself (and not the water with the oils) is what comes in contact with the body. This indirect method can reduce the risk of irritation but doesn't eliminate it.

Consultation: Before trying new wellness practices, especially those involving sensitive areas of the body, consult a healthcare provider or a knowledgeable aromatherapist.

In summary, while essential oils have many therapeutic properties and applications, their use in yoni steam requires caution. It's crucial to prioritize safety and avoid causing any harm or irritation to such a sensitive body area. If you need more clarification, it's best to stick with traditionally recommended herbs or consult professionals who can provide guidance.