5 reasons to consider a vaginal steam

The Vaginal steam or V-steam, consists of sitting naked on an open-seated chair, over a boiling pot of herbal steam for 20 to 30 minutes. Inspired by a similar remedy long used in some Asian cultures, vaginal steaming is taking American women by storm, with spas and holistic health centers offering the service for between $35 and $75.

Hormones can be absorbed by the vagina... why not herbs?

The highly aromatic medicinal herbs quickly absorb into the bloodstream and circulate directly to every tissue of the body, delivering their therapeutic powers to each and every cell. Herbal steam simultaneously cleanses the body from the inside and the outside, providing a doubly detoxifying effect as well as a very relaxing, soothing experience.

Other cultures have been using vaginal steaming. In Sudan, for example, in the days leading up to their wedding, brides-to-be sit on a hole in the ground that emits perfumed smoke, in the belief that the embers smooth and tighten their skin. Women in Korea, where they refer to the vaginal steam bath as 'chai-yok', often do it after their monthly periods. And in parts of South America, women call the intimate steam cleanses 'bajos'.


 

1. Fertility
The therapeutic effects of thermotherapy and aromatherapy contribute to the effectiveness of this treatment. Overall the bath aids as a uterine lavage or internal cleanse of the membranes that often accumulate incompletely flushed debris/fluids from cycle to cycle. In addition, the bath introduces healing warmth and softens and nourishes internal membranes. The baths can safely be combined with either natural cycles or any cycle involving assisted reproductive technology such as IUI or IVF. Consider adding vaginal steam baths to your self care routine if you experience painful periods, dark blood at the beginning or ending of your menstrual cycle, irregular periods, fibroids, cysts, endometriosis, cervical stenosis, vaginal dryness or painful intercourse.

2. Hemorrhoids
The steam can be very soothing for hemorrhoids and fissures of the rectum.

3. Recurrent vaginal infections
One of the herbs used in the steam baths is mugwort, which contains natural antifungal properties, and anti-viral wormwood

 4. Ease menstrual cramps
Heat is a useful tool for managing muscular pain. Taking a herbal steam bath is an excellent method of speeding up the healing process of hurt tissues and muscles. Heat allows the blood vessels to enlarge which boosts the blood circulation, letting increased oxygen arrive at injured parts of the body. This has the twofold effect of pain reduction and accelerating the bodies healing response. 

5. Fibroids and endometriosis
If toxins are at the root cause for fibroids and endometriosis, the herbal steam is a great way to combat these conditions.





 Directions:

 Obtain vaginal steam bath herbs from Natural Womens Care (call 832-237-4200).
 The contents of one bag of herbs is enough for 2-3 vaginal steam baths.
In a large pot containing about a gallon of water, place the herbs.
 Bring to a soft boil for 5 minutes then steep for 10 minutes with the lid on.
Place the pot of water/herbs under a slatted chair, lawn chair, or even in your toilet.
 Sit over the pot without underwear.
Be careful to make sure the water/herbs have cooled enough so that you do not burn yourself!!
Drape yourself with a blanket from your waist down to the floor so that no cold air is introduced.
Sit over your pot of herbal steam for approximately 20 minutes.
The side effects of a steam may include a temporary increase in menstrual flow (more dark fluids, debris) and/or menses may start earlier that usual due to a cleansing effect.

 *Vaginal steam baths are contraindicated during pregnancy!