Lets face it — between menstruation, sexual intercourse, and childbirth, the vagina withstands a lot. When you add changing hormones and pelvic floor issues to the mix, sometimes the vaginal area is anything but comfortable.
Vaginal steaming is an age-old natural remedy said to cleanse the vagina and uterus, regulate menstruation, and ease period cramps and bloating.
How is it supposed to work?
Vaginal steaming directs herb-infused steam into your vagina. For a hefty fee, some upscale spas offer the process. You can also do it at home, although most doctors do not recommend it. The process is pretty simple — you just sit or squat over a container of herbal-infused steam.
Herbs often used alone or in combination include:
- Mugwort
- Wormwood
- Chamomile
- Calendula
- Basil
- Oregano
Most spas have a special seat (Paltrow called it a “throne”) with a hole for the steam to come through. It is a little more challenging to do at home.
Following is a suggested method of doing a vaginal steam at home. However, before you try it yourself, you will want to consider its supposed benefits and possible safety issues, as discussed below.
Add about a cup of your chosen herbs to a basin of hot water.
Let the herbs steep for at least a minute.
Remove your clothes from the waist down.
Stand or squat directly over the basin. Some people prefer to place the basin in the toilet and then sit on the toilet.
Wrap a towel around your waist and legs to prevent the steam from escaping.
The average steam session lasts between 20 and 60 minutes. Depending on how hot the water is, the steam may cool sooner.
What are the purported benefits?
It also allegedly relieves:
- Stress
- Depression
- Hemorrhoids
- Infections
- Infertility
- Hormone imbalances
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Digestive issues
- Generalized pain
There is no scientific evidence that vaginal steaming works. According to Dr. Manny Alvarez, chairman of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Science at Hackensack University Medical Center in New Jersey, vaginal steaming may help you relax but little else.
