LEIAMOON’s Guide to V-Steaming Herbs

Vaginal Steaming, commonly known as v-steaming or yoni steaming, is a rejuvenating and restorative process. It involves setting up a relaxing steam spa for your lower body, releasing it from any strain it may be experiencing. V-steaming has been practiced for generations, and is a powerful healing tool still used by women today, all across the globe. 

There are a number of benefits associated with regular v-steaming sessions. With the aid of this ritual, women of the past and the present say they feel a stronger connection to their uterus, reduced period cramps, more intense pleasure, and a clearer relationship with their hormone cycles. New moms report that steaming postpartum gives them much needed relief, and helps their wombs efficiently shed lochia and return to their pre-pregnancy state. Steaming has also been known to help with fertility and the transition to menopause. More and more ways in which v-steaming supports the female body are being discovered each day.

Why Are Herbs Needed for the Steam? 

The cross-section of plants selected for vaginal steam sessions is as diverse as the cultures who have passed down this self-care tool over time. Researchers recorded a total of sixty different plants used for traditional vaginal steaming in northern Indonesia alone! Adding herbs to the v-steam experience provides an aromatic effect and can infuse the steam with essential oils. These oils can be uniquely cleansing, rejuvenating, and purifying.

The moist heat, which naturally hydrates and warms the pelvic area on its own, is very much enhanced by the addition of specific herbs. Aside from their material effects, plants also offer the experience of feeling into their subtle energetics via the steam.

When deciding which herbs you’d like to steam with, it’s important to get clear on your intentions. Are you wanting more support postpartum? Are you preparing for pregnancy? Do you want to ease cramping? Are you in need of more self-care time and introspection? Knowing WHY you are steaming helps you choose which herbs you’d like to steam with.

Working with Multiple Herbs

Some singular plants may capture all of the qualities you are looking for in your v-steam on their own, but it’s more likely that you’ll want to use multiple herbs to get a more tailored experience. It is all about creating the right balance. For example, say that you want to incorporate thyme in your vaginal steam. Thyme is a disinfecting which can be used for deep cleansing and soothing irritation. However, it may have a drying effect, so you might want to counter that by adding in an emollient like Mauritian mallow. By blending these two plants, you benefit both ways — you are able to deeply cleanse and also maintain the right level of moisture. 

Plants Used in our Favorite V Steam Blends

Be it for relaxation or for restorative purposes, mother nature has us fully covered. Here is a list of some of our favorite herbs, and their typical characteristics, as they relate to yoni steaming:

MUGWORT (Artemisia vulgaris)

  • Green leaves with silvery undersides
  • Cleansing, balancing
  • Promotes warmth and clears stagnation
  • Mover of energy and matter
  • Energetic attributes: strengthens intuition/dreams, wildness, named for Artemis—Greek goddess of fertility and nature

CALENDULA (Calendula officinalis)

  • Yellow flowers
  • Cleansing, warming, flowing
  • Gentle, calming effect
  • Alleviates temporary discomfort
  • Reduces tightness
  • Energetic attributes: shine bright, embrace uniqueness, pride

YARROW (Achilea millefolium)

  • Small white flower buds and green feathery leaves
  • Purifies skin
  • Cleans out pores
  • Carrier of fluid
  • Energetic attributes: protection and power, healthy boundaries

ROSE (Rosa centifolia)

  • Fuschia flowers
  • Gentle on soft tissues
  • Calming, uplifting
  • Sensual
  • Energetic attributes: heart-opening

Always use fresh or dried herbs when v-steaming. Don’t use essential oils, as they are too concentrated, and give you less of a direct connection to the plants you’re introducing. Depending on your specific reasons for steaming, you may want to consult with an herbalist or local vaginal steam facilitator to craft a personal blend formulated to your individual needs. Our signature herb blends can be found for sale on our website, so please connect with us if you need further guidance getting started. We welcome you on our shared mission to EMPOWER THE WOMB!