Let’s be honest: The vagina experiences a lot, from periods to childbirth. In addition, problems like pelvic pain, thrush, and vaginal infections can cause tremendous discomfort.

Celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow, Jada Pinkett Smith, and Chrissy Teigen have recently highlighted the process of vaginal steaming, claiming it’s an ancient remedy that cleanses the vagina, regulates periods, eases cramps, and more. Does it do the trick, and more importantly, is it safe? Here’s what the experts have to say.

Vaginal Steaming – What Is It?

Vaginal steaming is a practice for women that involves sitting or squatting over a pot of steaming hot water. People also call it yoni steaming or V-steaming. The water often contains herbs such as mugwort, lavender, basil, rosemary, calendula, and oregano. To contain the steam, you wrap a blanket around your lower body.

Although this practice has only recently become popular in the Western world, women have been using vagina steam detox for a very long time. Its roots trace back to ancient Greece to a remedy called ‘fumigation’ that required the woman to sit above a closed jar full of herbs. Practitioners would then heat the jar and use a reed to direct the smoke into the vagina. Why?

In Ancient Greece, there was a popular misconception that the uterus moved around in the body searching for moisture, so they developed fumigation to prevent this movement. In addition, they believed that the process would help prevent both infertility and hysteria.

How Do Proponents Claim It Works?

Proponents claim that V-steaming cleanses the vulva, stimulates natural rejuvenation, and boosts circulation as the herbal steam gets absorbed through the pores. Women do the process once a month, before or after their period. Some prefer to carry out yoni steaming more often if it’s new for them. The treatment takes 10 to 40 minutes, and you can customize the herbal mix according to your preferences.

What Are the Benefits of Vaginal Steaming?

Your vagina is self-cleansing, so it doesn’t require steaming for detoxification. However, vaginal steaming may offer benefits such as alleviating cramps and promoting general relaxation.

According to gynecologist Dr. Talia Crawford [1], the steam only reaches the outer area of the vagina and does not enter the cervix or uterus. There is not enough data to determine whether the beneficial compounds from the herbs reach the bloodstream through the vaginal tissue.

Nevertheless, some people believe there are several vaginal steam benefits, such as detoxification, balancing the hormones, and reducing stress. Here is a quick look at the supposed advantages of the practice.

1. Promoting Hormonal Balance

Proponents of the practice believe that V-steam stimulates hormone production to improve uterine health. They say that certain herbs like chamomile, rosemary, and lavender interact with the body to influence hormone levels and may even clear hormonal acne before and after periods. However, according to associate professor Dr. Alex Polyakov [2], it’s not biologically possible for steam to affect the internal structures of the vagina.

2. Detoxifying the Uterus

Some holistic practitioners use V-steaming for its vaginal wall ‘cleaning’ capabilities. Following the treatment, women often notice discharge and spotting of residual material from past menstrual cycles.

Some say this helps detoxify the uterus, but in truth, it’s more complicated than that. Vaginal steam detox can be dangerous as it may cause burns and disrupt the vaginal flora.

Many women think that by cleaning their vagina frequently, they are preventing a buildup of bacteria. However, the vagina naturally maintains its pH balance [3], and excessive cleansing or steam may cause an infection by disrupting the healthy balance of bacteria.

3. Speeding Up Healing After Childbirth

After women give birth, the uterus has to shed ten months of residue and lining. One purported benefit of steaming is to speed up this cleansing process.

According to one study [4], vaginal steaming is a traditional practice in Southeast Asia carried out by 86% of women after giving birth. The researchers report that 64% of users practice it to tighten their vagina and increase male sexual pleasure.

Many women use herb-infused steaming as a beauty treatment after birth to improve hygiene and scent, but there are no real reports of its effectiveness for vaginal rejuvenation. We do know that it speeds up the expulsion of blood, lochia (old tissue), and lining.

4. Supporting Fertility

People who believe in V-steaming think it moisturizes the uterine membranes, making the uterus more conducive to conception. While this is the most popular of the purported vaginal steam benefits, there is not enough research to support the claim.

5. Healing Hemorrhoids

Based on a 2022 research review [5], approximately 40% of pregnant and postpartum women develop anal fissures and hemorrhoids in the third trimester and 1 or 2 days after childbirth. Many women who have tried vagina steaming claim it helped their hemorrhoids heal more quickly and eased discomfort from the sutures.

6. Boosting Energy

There is a popular theory that says the herbal steam is absorbed through the pores and boosts energy. In addition, it may stimulate blood circulation and reduce the fatigue that sometimes accompanies menstruation.

7. Alleviating Headaches

Dehydration can cause headaches, and yoni steaming directs herb-infused steam into the vagina to moisturize and hydrate the tissue. Some people believe that this type of vaginal wall cleaning can decrease headache frequency. However, it’s important to note that there is no direct biological mechanism that links V-steaming to headache relief.

8. Easing Pain

Some people use vaginal steaming to relieve the general pain, bloating, and discomfort of menstruation. The belief is that the outer labia absorbs the healing oils from the yoni steam, which enter the bloodstream to expel the excess debris causing menstrual discomfort.

9. Reducing Stress and Depression

Many people use herbs like lavender in a vaginal steam detox to create a serene environment for them to relax and de-stress. It’s a well-known fact that spending time in a steam room releases endorphins, decreases cortisol levels, and calms the mind. If you enjoy steam therapy in general, then you might find this practice useful in improving your mood.

V-Steaming Info

Does V-Steaming Work?

There is no scientific proof that vaginal steaming benefits any health condition, and we do not know for sure whether the herbal steam reaches the uterus through the cervix. Generally speaking, we need more data to determine whether v-steaming works.

Mugwort is one of the most popular herbs in v-steaming, used in traditional Chinese Medicine in a moxibustion practice that involves burning mugwort near a pressure point or problematic area on the body. Moxibustion is a possible holistic option for managing reproductive system issues, but a 2010 review [6] discovered inconclusive and contradictory results concerning its efficacy.

Some people find that the v-steaming method improves scent, but to treat it effectively, you need to know the underlying causes of vaginal odor.

Is V- Steaming Safe?

The skin of the vagina is sensitive and delicate, and if you steam it too often, you can disrupt the natural flora and increase your risk of infection. In addition, you can burn your skin if the steam gets too close, the water is too hot, or your tissue comes into contact with the pot. Accidental trips and falls could cause a second-degree burn.

As with many natural remedies, there is no guarantee that it will treat any particular medical condition. Some holistic treatments have research supporting their benefits, but V-steaming does not. Talk to a physician first and get approval if you are pregnant and want to practice yoni steaming.

Alternatives to Vaginal Steaming

If you want to try something similar to vaginal steaming but safer, these are some of the options:

  • Sitz or Warm Baths: Soaking in a bath can help you relax and de-stress, so this is a great option if you want to avoid the potential risks that come with V-steaming.
  • Vaginal Hygiene: Be gentle when you wash the outer area of your vagina, using mild soap and warm water to keep it clean regularly. Pat the skin dry after cleansing to prevent discomfort.
  • Meditation and Mindfulness: Even a couple of minutes of meditation [7] daily can offer notable improvements in depression, anxiety, and pain.

For those who want natural relief from hormonal issues, the Menoquil menopause supplement can provide significant benefits. The formula includes potent natural ingredients that boost energy, increase estrogen levels, eliminate mood swings, and reduce menopause symptoms.

FAQ’s

How do you steam your vagina at home?

To steam your vagina at home, fill a pot with water and bring it to a boil. Let it steep for a couple of minutes while you prepare the steaming area. Put the pot on the floor or place it under a steam chair, then sit or squat over it and cover yourself with a blanket. Stay in this position for about 10 minutes, then flush the water down the toilet.

Can I steam my vagina while on my period?

You shouldn’t v-steam while you are currently on your period, as the steam boosts blood flow to the reproductive system and can increase bleeding.

Wrap Up

If you want to cleanse your vagina, less is more! Do not overdo it with steaming because it can affect pH balance and make you more prone to infection. In addition, be careful not to burn yourself. Speak to a gynecologist and get approval before you try vaginal steaming, particularly if you have existing health issues.