Vaginal Steaming: What It Is & How It Works?

Imagine someone told you that your vagina deserves a hot herbal spa day, every now and then, a little steam to ‘cleanse,’ ‘detox,’ and maybe even ‘balance your hormones’. Sounds dreamy, right? Or maybe a little weird?

Let’s clear something up right away: vaginal steaming isn’t just a fleeting spa trend or something influencers have made up for likes. It’s an ancient practice with roots stretching back centuries.

Sometimes called ‘yoni steaming’ (its Ayurvedic alter ego), it has popped up on wellness blogs and social media reels promising to detox, cleanse, and spiritually re-align your vaginal health. But what actually happens when you let herbal steam waft into your nether regions, and more importantly, is it safe?

If you’re now eyeing a pot of boiling water and a sachet of lavender with curiosity, slow down. First, let’s look at where this practice came from, what people say, what science knows, and how to avoid turning your vulva into a cautionary tale.

Your vagina doesn’t require steaming to detox itself. But vaginal steaming, also known as yoni steaming, may help you relax and ease cramping. There’s no research supporting that it helps any specific health condition.

The vagina is remarkably resilient, adapting to significant changes throughout a woman's life — from menstrual cycles and sexual activity to pregnancy and childbirth. However, hormonal fluctuations, ageing, and pelvic floor changes can affect vaginal health, making proper care essential for comfort and wellbeing.

Vaginal steaming is an age-old natural remedy said to cleanse the vagina and uterus, regulate menstruation, and ease period cramps and bloating. After receiving hig`h praise on Hollywood actress and owner of lifestyle brand Goop Gwyneth Paltrow’s website, the practice has surged in popularity.

But other than offering a soothing warmth down below, does it work? And is it even safe? Keep reading to find out.

What is vaginal steaming (yoni steaming)?

Vaginal steaming directs herb-infused steam into your vagina. The process is pretty simple: You just sit or squat over a container of herbal-infused steam. Some upscale spas offer the process for a hefty fee. You can also do it at home, although most doctors don’t recommend it. Historically, women used it for everything from easing cramps to ‘cleansing’ after birth, or just as a comforting ritual when the uterus was feeling a little ‘moody’.

Far from a modern wellness gimmick, this practice has been part of postpartum recovery and general women’s health in multiple cultures for centuries:

• Korea: Chai-yok, a postpartum steam ritual to support recovery after childbirth

• Africa: Various communities use steam treatments for feminine health and cleansing

• Central America: Indigenous women use steaming for reproductive wellness

• Ayurveda (India): Yoni steaming is part of holistic feminine health, believed to balance energies and improve circulation

It used to be a ritual, a moment of self-care, and a wellness practice all rolled into one. Women passed down these traditions from mother to daughter, using what nature offered to support their bodies in menstrual cycles, birth, and healing. And now it’s back as social media hashtags and influencer shoutouts.

But why is vaginal steaming getting the limelight again?

Well, a few reasons:

• Modern wellness culture: The surge in self-care, holistic health, and natural remedies made vaginal steaming the perfect candidate for a comeback.

• Social media buzz: Influencers and celebrities posting #yonisteam selfies and waxing poetic about their ‘vaginal detox’

• Desire for control: In a world where many women feel disconnected from their bodies, steaming offers a tactile, intentional ritual to reconnect.

• Spa trends: Wellness centres package it as a luxurious, relaxing experience. Think scented steam, candles, and calming music.

What are the benefits of vaginal steaming?

Here’s where it gets juicy or maybe steamy?

What fans claim:

• Helps with menstrual flow and cycle regulation

• Provides relief from period cramps and bloating

• Boosts fertility

• Tackles vaginal dryness

• Speeds healing post-childbirth

• Freshens you up with less odour or discharge

• A moment of emotional calm and connection with your body

Sounds dreamy, right? But let’s bring it back to earth.

What science actually says:

So the bottom line is, there is no strong scientific evidence to support the idea that vaginal steaming can detox your uterus, regulate hormones, or heal infections. Your vagina is already a self-regulating system. It doesn’t need assistance from mugwort.

In fact, according to experts, steaming can do more harm than good:

• It can burn delicate tissues

• It can disrupt your natural vaginal flora

• It can increase the risk of infection, especially if there’s already inflammation or imbalance

Vaginal steam at home: How to do it safely

If you’re still curious (or just want to try vaginal steaming for its calming effects), here’s how to do it without hurting your lady bits:

Step-by-step steam sesh:

1. Choose your herbs wisely: Stick to gentle ones like chamomile or calendula. Skip essential oils and anything too spicy.

2. Boil and steep: Toss 1-2 tablespoons of dried herbs into 4 cups of boiling water, let it steep for 5-10 minutes.

3. Mind the temperature: The steam should feel warm, not volcanic. Aim for 43°C-46°C. Test on your wrist first. If it’s too hot there, it’s definitely too hot for down south.

4. Set your throne: Use a vaginal steaming seat (yes, that’s a thing) or a sturdy chair with a heatproof bowl. 

5. Steam time: Sit, stand or squat over the bowl (Some people prefer to place the bowl in the toilet and then sit on the toilet) for 20-60 minutes. The average steam session lasts between 20 and 60 minutes. Depending on the water temperature, the steam may cool sooner. Wrap yourself in a towel for warmth and privacy. 

6. Skip steaming if: You’re pregnant, on your period, have any infections, or have sensitive skin, without medical advice.

Is vaginal steaming safe? Things that could go wrong

Let’s be real. Just because something sounds ancient and ‘natural’ doesn’t mean it’s risk-free.

• Burns happen: The vulva and vagina are delicate. Steam temperatures too high can cause serious burns or irritation, and these can lead to infections or long-lasting discomfort.

• Vaginal flora disruption: Your vagina is home to a community of good bacteria that keep infections at bay and maintain pH balance. Excess heat and moisture can disrupt this ecosystem, increasing the risk of yeast infections or bacterial vaginosis.

• Infection risk: If you already have an infection or skin condition, steaming might worsen symptoms by increasing moisture or irritation.

• False promises: Using steaming to ‘treat’ serious conditions like infections or fertility issues may delay proper medical treatment and diagnosis.

Your body’s natural detox system is your liver and kidneys, not a bowl of hot water and herbs.

Steaming the vagina: Myths vs facts

Let’s clear up some fog with a myth-busting showdown:

• Myth 1: Vaginal steaming cleanses the uterus.
  Fact: It doesn't. Your kidneys and liver are responsible for detoxifying your body.

• Myth 2: It treats infections naturally.
  Fact: In reality, steam can disrupt your natural vaginal flora and may actually make infections worse.

• Myth 3: It balances hormones.
  Fact: Hormonal balance is managed by your endocrine system, not by herbs or steam.

• Myth 4: It tightens the vagina.
  Fact: There's no scientific evidence to support this claim, and steaming may lead to irritation or burns.

• Myth 5: If it’s traditional, so it must be safe
  Fact: Tradition alone doesn't guarantee safety, medical advice and proper precautions are essential.

Parting thoughts

There’s no scientific evidence that vaginal steaming helps any condition. Back in 2015, Dr Jen Gunter, an OB-GYN, questioned how steaming herbs are supposed to gain access to the uterus through a tightly closed cervix at the end of the vagina.

When Paltrow tried vaginal steaming, she used mugwort. In traditional Chinese medicine, moxibustion is the process of burning mugwort on or over a pressure point or other areas of the body. Vaginal steaming may increase your risk of vaginal infection by altering the vaginal bacteria ecosystem. There’s no evidence that vaginal steaming with herbs improves your reproductive health.

Herbs may be natural, but they’re also potent. Used topically, they may cause an allergic reaction. And the last place you want an allergic reaction is your vagina. There are safer ways to use heat and herbs for period relief. Try applying a hot water bottle to your pelvic area and sipping a warm cup of herbal tea. If you want to try vaginal steaming, talk to your doctor or a qualified alternative health practitioner to weigh the pros and cons.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can vaginal steaming help with fertility?

There is no scientific evidence supporting the claim that it boosts fertility. Talk to a healthcare professional if you are facing infertility issues. 

2. Is vaginal steaming safe during pregnancy or menstruation?

It’s best avoided during pregnancy and menstruation due to infection risks and potential complications.

3. What herbs are safe for vaginal steaming?

Mild herbs like chamomile, calendula, rose, and lavender are considered safe. Avoid anything you have the slightest doubts you might react to.

4. Can vaginal steaming prevent or treat infections?

No. If you suspect an infection, seek medical advice. Steaming might worsen infections or irritation.

5. How often can I steam safely?

If you choose to steam, limit sessions to once a week or less, and never overheat.