Yoni Steaming 101: A Sacred Ritual for Feminine Wellness

Curious about yoni steaming and its benefits for your cycle and overall well-being? This post covers everything you need to know—from its ancient roots and powerful healing properties to the best herbs to use and step-by-step instructions to try it at home. Discover how this sacred practice can support menstrual health, ease cramps, and bring balance to your body.

Because Your Lady Parts Deserve a Spa Day

Let’s be real—your yoni does a lot for you. The least we can do is give her a little self-care moment, right? Enter yoni steaming, an ancient practice that’s basically a facial for your vagina (but way more beneficial). Used for centuries to promote balance, support menstrual health, and ease common cycle discomforts, this ritual is the ultimate blend of science and self-care.

Whether you’re here because your cramps are out of control, you're wanting to live more aligned with your cycle, your hormones need a reset, or you’re just a little intrigued by the idea of sitting on a steaming pot like a mystical goddess, we’ve got you covered. Keep reading to learn the benefits, the best herbs to use, and exactly how to make your first steam session a ritual of total relaxation.

The Yoni

Yoni translates to “sacred place” and is the word used for vagina in the ancient Indian language called Sanskrit. A yoni steam is the practice of sitting over a steaming pot of water infused with healing herbs to restore balance to a woman's body usually after the end of bleeding. Yoni steams help support a regular cycle, aid in relief from UTI’s and yeast infections, reduce cramping, support the healing of endometriosis, trauma release, and increase our libido. Consider trying this alternative practice instead of douching or using medicated creams. If you decide to incorporate yoni steams into your cycle as a monthly routine you may experience fewer or less intense PMS symptoms.

Yay for that!

Why Herbs? The Power Behind Yoni Steaming

Herbs have been used for centuries as nature’s medicine, offering powerful benefits for the body, mind, and spirit. When it comes to yoni steaming, specific herbs are chosen for their ability to support menstrual health, promote balance, and aid in healing. These botanical allies work by infusing their medicinal properties into the steam, allowing your body to absorb them gently and effectively. Choose from the following list of herbs to get you started on your Yoni Steaming Journey!

Oregano: Used to bring on menses. Increases scanty flow. This herb is used for its antiseptic, stimulating and strengthening qualities. Oregano is a wonderful herb for aiding in prevention of infection.
Marigold: Tagetes erecta is used to induce perspiration, cleansing of the vaginal tissues. It is also healing to wounds. Calendula officinalis aids in the healing of tight scarred tissues of the labia and perenium due to episiotomy, or vaginal tear. Note: Do not steam an open wound, this could cause pain and swelling.
Basil: May reduce painful menstruation. Helps to bring on menstruation.
Mugwort: In addition to fighting infection through its antibiotic and anti-fungal properties, mugwort balances female hormones and stimulates the production of hormones that help to maintain uterine health as well as protect the uterus from things such as ulcers and tumors. Mugwort steam opens the pores, allowing the beneficial herbs to penetrate into the blood stream. In addition, mugwort helps to stimulate menstrual discharge and ease cramping.
Rosemary: An aromatic and antimicrobial herb, rosemary treats bacterial infection, speeds wound healing, inhibits yeast growth, and stimulates menstruation.
Lavender: One of the most relaxing herbs we have, lavender supports healing, and it also promotes menstrual flow.
Yarrow: Astringent, tonifying and cleansing, yarrow is great for regulating menstrual flow, treating ovarian cysts and supporting overall uterine health.
Partridge berry: Revered as a wonderful herb for the female reproductive system, partridge berry treats infertility, regulates menstrual cycles and helps decrease severe menstrual pain.
Motherwort: Astringent, tonifying and cleansing, motherwort strengthens and relaxes uterine muscles, eases uterine cramping, and may help treat uterine fibroids. Motherwort stimulates uterine tone and blood flow.
Calendula: Aids in healing of scar tissue, vaginal tears, or hemorrhoids. -herbs list from ahimsaboutique.com

What You Need to Know Before Yoni Steaming

When to Skip the Steam

Yoni steaming is a beautiful ritual, but it’s not for every situation. Hold off on steaming if:

You’re pregnant (the steam can stimulate the uterus).
You have an IUD (it may shift or become dislodged).
You’re currently menstruating (your body is already in a natural release phase).
You have open wounds, sores, or infections (steam can irritate and worsen the condition).

What You’ll Need:

Dried herbs of your choice
A small saucepan for brewing
A freshly cleaned toilet bowl (or a special steam seat if you have one)

How to Steam Like a Pro:

Brew Your Herbal Infusion: Bring a small pot of water to a boil, then reduce it to a simmer. Add your herbs, cover with a lid, and let them steep for about 20 minutes to release their healing properties.
Set Up Your Space: Carefully bring the pot to your bathroom. Place it inside the toilet bowl—not in the water! (This keeps the steam concentrated.)
Steam & Relax: Gently sit down, allowing the warm steam to rise and work its magic for 15-20 minutes. Bonus points if you put on calming music, sip tea, or set an intention for your session.

Final Touches & Safety Tips

Temperature Check—Because Your Yoni Deserves Gentle Care

Before you settle in, always test the steam’s temperature—your yoni is delicate, and too much heat can cause discomfort (or worse, burns). Hold the back of your hand over the steam; if it feels too hot, give it a few minutes to cool down before sitting.

Set the Mood & Enjoy the Ritual

Turn your yoni steam into a true self-care experience! Play some soothing music, sip a warm tea, or read a book while the herbs work their magic. This is your moment to breathe, relax, and reconnect with your body.

Post-Steam Care

Once you're done, dispose of the herbal water by pouring it into the toilet or outside in nature (depending on your plumbing situation). Wash your pot, and most importantly, celebrate yourself—you just completed a powerful act of self-care. You’re amazing! ✨

Final Thoughts: Give Your Yoni the Love She Deserves

You take care of your skin, your hair, your nails—why not show the same love to your most sacred space? Yoni steaming isn’t just a wellness trend; it’s a powerful way to reconnect with your body, ease discomfort, and create a moment of deep self-care in your routine.

So light a candle, grab your herbs, and give yourself permission to slow down and steam it out. Your womb will thank you, your cycle might just high-five you, and hey—at the very least, you’ll have an excuse to sit still and relax for a glorious 20 minutes.