The Art Of Herbal Vaginal Steaming
Vaginal steaming ⦠say what?!
You may think this practice sounds painful or Old World or downright crazy, but in reality, herbal vaginal steaming is deeply nourishing and supportive. In fact, throughout the Americas, the practice is known as ābajos,ā which translates to ādown low,ā and is said to be part of many rituals for connecting with the wisdom that resides in the womb.
So, what happens during a bajo?
Since the main component is steam, bajos warm the inner and outer organs, which helps increase circulation to both the vagina and womb. This increased blood can result in a number of things:
It can help rejuvenate the reproductive system through fresh blood supply.
It can bring vitality to the internal and external vaginal tissue (think about how great the skin on your face looks after a facial massage ā thatās the increased blood flow, and the same thing happens ādown low.ā)
It can make for greater sensations during sex due to the excess blood flow.
It can carry the medicinal herbs even farther into the body, deep into the pelvic tissue, cervix, womb, and vagina.
For new mamas, the increased circulation can help speed up tissue repair necessary after any damage done during labor.
How do you pick the herbs?
Depending on what you hope to achieve during your bajo, there are many different blends you can use for various conditions. If youāre unsure where to start, please find an herbalist who can help you in picking a blend. As a menstrual awareness educator, I also craft herbal blends. In my experience, here are some of my most popular herbal blends and the conditions they help:
To soothe and moisturize, try a blend of comfrey leaves (high in vitamin C and calcium), plantain leaves (antibacterial and anti-inflammatory), violet leaves and flowers (moisturizing), and calendula blossoms (soothing).
To bless the womb: Calendula blossoms, rose petals, basil (antimicrobial), rosemary, mugwort (uterine stimulant), juniper (anti-inflammatory), and motherwort are a popular fertility blend as these herbs focus on the womb and support it. This blend feels very gentle and soft when used during steaming, which deeply honors the womb and yoni.
To tone and nourish vaginal tissue: The combination of rose petals (anti-inflammatory), motherwort leaves, plantain leaves, sagebrush (purported menstrual regulator), mugwort (balance), and raspberry leaves work on the vulva and bring deep nourishment, both internally and externally.
To balance vaginal bacteria: Rose petals, calendula blossoms, yarrow flowers and leaves, oregano (antimicrobial), basil (soothes itching), and chamomile (antiseptic) offer support for an optimal vaginal environment and work on maintaining balance.
To heal postpartum: New mamas should try uva ursi (antimicrobial), yarrow, plantain leaves, sage leaves, witch hazel leaves (anti-inflammatory), comfrey leaves and root, and sea salt (disinfectant). This blend is mainly used to heal from tears or an episiotomy and supports tissue growth and healing.
Once youāve found your herbal blend and are ready to try vaginal steaming for yourself, hereās an easy ritual you can do in your own home.