This article is for educational purposes only. All reported benefits are based on personal accounts and are not based on scientific studies. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. Consult a qualified health care professional if you think you may have a medical condition.
Herbal vaginal steams, also known as yoni steam baths, or bajos, as they are known in Spanish, or chai-yok in Korean have been are used for centuries to treat many conditions including painful or irregular periods, infertility, cervical stenosis, and vaginal dryness. The bajos have been used in conjunction with the Arvigo Techniques of Maya Abdominal Therapy® (ATMAT). Personally, I prefer to call them pelvic floor steams because the steam has a relaxing effect on the pelvic floor and warms the pelvic bowl and doesn’t actually enter the vagina.
The theory behind how vaginal steams work:
Because of the abundance of blood vessels and mucous membranes, it’s believed the essence of the plant compounds are more easily absorbed through the walls of the vagina. However, the vagina remains closed except for when pushing a baby through or during penetration, so the steam doesn’t actually go into the vagina. The V-steams are believed to work as a uterine lavage to soften and cleanse the uterine wall of accumulated debris. As I mentioned, the steam does NOT enter the vagina so it can’t enter the cervix or womb either. Nor would you want it to! I see the benefit more from the perspective of the warmth from the steam having a softening and relaxing effect on the lower belly and pelvic floor and increasing the blood and lymph flow in general. Proper blood and lymph flow is important for the health of the cells.
In the first few months of doing bajos in combination with the Arvigo® treatments, women have reported that their menstrual blood looks different. Some women have reported blood that resembles coffee grounds (old dried blood) or even the passing of fleshy tissue.  Usually, by the third-month women see a bright red oxygenated blood. Even women who haven’t bled in years because they’ve been through menopause have reported a “cleansing” of old indurated blood.  Improved blood and lymph flow increase the health of the tissue on a cellular level.
Energetic cleansing: Many women use vaginal steams as a symbolic cleansing to help clear the energy of sexual abuse, rape, past sexual partner or miscarriage. I’ve witnessed the power of clearing rituals in other cultures as well.
If you are going to try a v-steam do NOT do the Steams:
- when you’re pregnant or think you may be pregnant unless you are full term and in labor and directed by your midwife.Â
- if you have an IUDÂ (some say, it’s ok to steam with an IUD)
- when an infection is present
- If you have genital piercings, you must remove the jewelry first, otherwise, the metal would heat up and may cause burns.
- Avoid steams with a herpes outbreak (or other open sores) since herpes is a damp heat condition.
- with hormonal creams or rings.
How women are using steams:
- Three-month fertility protocol (ATMAT)-right before your period (this is if you are using a barrier method and know for sure you aren’t pregnant)
- One month fertility protocol-first day of your period or at the tail end of your period
- Hormonal migraines- Every other day up to three times in the week before your period.
- Dysmenorrhea or painful periods- the day before menses
- Menopause- as needed or four times a year at seasonal changes, for instance. Sometimes women who haven’t bled in years will report having what seems like another period, but it is actually a cleansing of old debris from the uterus.
- Postpartum- Timing of the steams or whether they are done at all depends on birth complications and other factors. Timing can vary between 3 days and 6 weeks postpartum. Traditionally oregano, marigolds, and basil are used at this time. Consult your midwife before doing a steam.
Vaginal steams are a pricey service option offered in some health spas (usually between $20-$75). Â DIY vaginal steam at home is convenient and inexpensive.
Women who do steam at home use a variety of set-ups.
Some use a U-shaped shower chair. It’s not as attractive as the chairs that are designed specifically as vaginal steam chairs, but it’s convenient with the adjustable legs. The back is removable, which is convenient for wrapping the blanket all the way around the chair to keep the steam in. You can also put hand towels on the seat for extra comfort.
The crockpot is used to control the heat. The water tends to cool off too quickly when using a regular bowl.
Some women use their toilet, but you must clean it out really, really, REALLY well and then flush it and then turn off the water shut-off valve while the toilet bowl is empty. Once your toilet is clean and empty, wrap the steaming bowl of herbs in a cloth to protect the porcelain and place the whole thing in the toilet bowl. The downside here is that you need to clean your toilet before your steam and make sure no one will need to use the bathroom for the next 20-30 minutes. And once you sit on the toilet your body may respond by wanting to empty the bladder. You can always get up and squat in the bathtub if you need to pee.
And finally, if you have a little money to spend you may want to try a chair specifically made for vaginal steams. This stool costs around $98.
Hardwood Steaming Stool by Phil Reddick
Now that you have your stool, you need to collect or buy herbs. Make sure you collect or buy organic herbs. Always collect herbs with prayer and gratitude as ATMAT practitioner Tricia Weber is doing here. But she’s doing so for a Spiritual bath.
Collecting plants with prayers. ©
Here is a short list of herbs that have been used for v-steams:
*Note-herbs used externally for v-steams do not have the same effect when used orally. Consult an experienced herbalist. Personally, I don’t see the benefit coming from the medicinal property of the herb when used this way, but more from an energetic (your connection to the plant and your intention) or aroma therapy benefit.
Basil-antibacterial, spiritual cleansing
Oregano-antiseptic
Red Clover-promotes healing (skin)
Rosemary- antiseptic, stimulates circulation
Motherwort- for suppressed menstruation
Lemon Balm-reduces itchinessCalendula- skin healing, vaginal fungus, lymph, spiritual healing
Calendula- skin healing, vaginal fungus, lymph, spiritual healing
Rose petals- gentle and astringent to tissues of the genitals
Lavender- calms the mind and body and is antiseptic to the vaginal tissues, it also has phytoestrogens that have been reported to plump the tissue
Blue Malva- soothing, dry vagina
Marshmallow- soothing, dry vagina
Sage- moves blood and chi through physical and emotional obstructions
Traditional Formula from the Arvigo Institute: Basil, Calendula, Oregano, Yarrow and Lemon Balm
IMPORTANT! Never use essential oils for a pelvic steam, they’re too concentrated.
Traditional Use:
Not to be used in pregnancy or acute infections.
- Collect organic plants with prayer and intention or use dried herbs (1 quart fresh or 1 cup dried)
- Bring the water to a soft boil.
- Turn off the heat and move the pot off the burner.
- Crush the herbs into the water as you give thanks to the herbs and infuse them with your intentions.
- Steep for 10 minutes with the lid on.
- Place the pot under the chair you will use to steam.
- CAUTION: Test the steam on your wrist before sitting down. You want a gentle comforting warmth, not hot, steam burns are very serious. Get undressed from the waist down (keep your warm socks on) and sit on the chair with a blanket wrapped around you to keep the steam in.
- Sit comfortably for at least 20 minutes, meditate or read a book. It should feel pleasant. I usually feel the warmth rise all the way up to my heart. If it feels too warm, remove the pot to let it cool a bit.
- Rest afterward stay warm and do something nurturing for yourself like drink a warm herbal tea of raspberry leaf, nettles, oat straw, and rose petals, or take a warm bath. Protect yourself from drafts.
Great Article! Am a recent ATMAT practitioner….loved your chair options and your visuals.
A huge thanks for posting this information to your blog. I was trying to find this piece of info for 4-5 months but was unsuccessful in finding any knowledge on this anywhere else!
What does this do for fibroids?
The steams help with hemodynamics in the pelvis, so the body can maintain homeostasis. Fibroids are a cold condition, so the steam combined with the herbs help to soften, and warm the tissues so there is better flow of fluids and energy.
Amazing web site. And so lots of wisdom to receive. I’m positive you are doing a very superb job.
What herbs would I need to use in order to get pregnant?
Hi Olga, Herbs from the traditional formula are what’s typically used.
Fantastic article. Why can’t it be done if one were to have an IUD?
Because it may stimulate cleansing of the womb and expel the IUD.
I suffer from a too much discharge, this is so embarrassing, both my husband and I are a bit concern. How can I tighten my linings aswell.
I would check with your OBGYN or Nurse Practitioner to find out if the discharge is abnormal.
Question: I’m learning to trust nature for healing. How effective iss this practice? I have continued discharge, stinky odor especially after cycle or during ovulation. Ive been to doctor& paps come n back normal, I just found out I have a fibroid but, I’m doubtful it’s causing this smell? I’m starting to have pelvicpain& would do almost anything to get rid of this smell& discharge. It’s embarrassing!
Thanks for this post.. I especially like the 1st chair option. gonna consider getting it to do at home v-steams.
Hi Barbara,
Just a question about anatomy really, how can the steam reach up, because the muscular walls of the vagina sort of fold inwards blocking off the passage of steam upwards.
Is it necessary to squat? Sorry just a bit confused, want to steam my vagina and not labia!
Thanks 🙂
I always have pain from having sex with my husband and usually the pain will go away the next day but after I gave birth to our 6month old having sex hurts even more and it takes a couple days for the pain to go away, I think something could be tore. I heard that the v steam heals the vaginal area when it’s sore. What herbs do I need for my V to get back to normal?
Thank you!
I suffered a 16w2d pregnancy loss only 4 days ago. I am still bleeding, passing endometrial tissue, blood, etc.. I had vaginal steaming on my post-partum to-do list, but I feel this might be beneficial and comforting to me now. Can you suggest a formula for me? Many thanks.
I’m so sorry for your loss. I’m not comfortable suggesting steams in your situation or postpartum bleeding in general. I would consult a midwife. I know women who have done steams after miscarriage when the bleeding has stopped as a way to help energetically cleanse the trauma of loss. Oregano is traditionally used postpartum, but not with heavy bleeding or without the consent of the midwife. Basil and calendula are also traditionally used in spiritual cleansing. But I would add what calls out to me as long as you know it’s safe to use.
Thank you, apprecate your quick response. I have many herbs in my garden, I’ll investigate more in a while.
I’m seeing everywhere that you can’t do the steam while pregnant or if you think you’re pregnant. What is the reason behind that?
Correct, you do NOT want to do the steam if you may be pregnant.
My question is if steaming helps vagina tightening after child birth?
Its really a full info artical im planning to do vagi-steam for the 1st time n was confused .i had miscarriage in 2013 (12weeks) after that i dont had pregnancy even though me n my husband are perfect..i hate medication.thats why i want to try steam.after my periods my husband finds it struggling to enter his penis .i want the pregnency..kindly suggest formula and time for steam..love you.
Thanks very much for answering the IUD question! Sad I won’t be able to get one anytime soon, but have no interest in surprise pregnancies right now either. So, I’ll wait until mine expires. Peace & blessings!
Is it okay to use essential oils of the herbs you have mentioned…if the freshly picked herbs are not available or not an option? Just want to make sure if it’s okay to use EO’s instead of the fresh/dried herbs.
Essential oils are too powerful to use for the vaginal steams.
This is totally awesome.Although variety of article on this topic,this article contains some of the precious points which can never be read in other articles.
What do you think of this article?
http://rationalwiki.org/wiki/Vaginal_steaming
It seems kind of negative, was wondering if you could address some of the points it has
Thanks for posting. Yeah, that article is pretty negative from the start. I’m not sure what all other proponents of bajos are saying, all I can do is address what I have written about here and what I know. I’ll start by saying there is a wisdom worth exploring in practices that have been passed down for centuries. In the article you linked to, they say, bajos are “fundamentally the same as douching”, but that’s incorrect. Yes, the vaginal steams are thought to work as a uterine lavage, to soften and cleanse the uterine wall of accumulated debris, but in an indirect way. The steam doesn’t actually enter the womb, but the warmth of the steam softens and relaxes the belly and pelvic floor (I know of PT’s who use it for tight pelvic floors) and increases blood and lymph flow. Improved blood and lymph flow increases the health of the tissue on a cellular level, I don’t think anyone is debating that. I agree that there are risks with using steams, but I mentioned that in the article. Using common sense and caution will prevent steam burns. I don’t think women need to be protected from themselves because there is a possibility of them doing something incorrectly. No one is suggesting that we shouldn’t drink hot coffee because we might burn ourselves. I also mentioned that I wouldn’t use the steam with a yeast infection. The author also talks about causing potential infection, but is referring to douching which again, is different. With the steams, you’re not directly putting anything inside the womb or vagina and you’re not doing it to “improve hygiene”. The vagina is self regulating and cleansing. As for the potential irritation to the herbs-yes, that is always a possibility when using herbs, or any medicine for that matter. In my personal experience or feedback from others, I haven’t heard of anyone having a steam burn or irritation (not to say it can’t or doesn’t happen). I’m just saying that if burns and negative reactions were a common occurrence, I don’t believe this practice would have been past down and repeated for centuries. As for the studies that are mentioned, I will have to read through them before commenting. A quick look at the one on alcohol extract isn’t relevant to bajos because alcohol extracts aren’t used in bajos. The first “survey” mentioned doesn’t even mention vaginal steams, so that one isn’t relevant either. I’m looking forward to reviewing the other four articles listed when I get time. You could also send me a specific question…
I’d also like to add that outside of improving blood and lymph flow and softening the pelvic bowl, I feel the vaginal steams can have a healing effect in a way that can’t be explained by science. Many woman use it as a ritual or symbolic cleansing to help clear the energy of sexual abuse, rape or miscarriage.
I’m wondering if it could work to squat instead of sit. That makes more sense to me as it would be a more natural position – even though it wouldn’t be quite as relaxing. I might try it, but I’m curious if you have any experience or advice about doing it that way.
If you have the strength and joint range of motion to do so. 20 minutes is a long time to be in a stationary squat and you have to take into consideration how close you are to the steam, which isn’t as easy to control in an unsupported squat. So, it’s hard to answer because not all squats are created equal and everyone is at different abilities.
Are vaginal steams safe to do on the “off” week of birth control? I have used uttara vasti in the past and know that it is not recommended with BC. Thanks!
I was wondering what dried herbs would you recommend for painful periods which I’ve had ever since starting my periods. I am also in perimenopause. I have had several maya abdominal massages along with chi nei tsang so I’m thinking this might be the frosting on the cake for me.
Hello, I have PCOS, retroverted uterus and infertile herbs in the steam should i use for this problem, please help me i really want a lil guy or girl to call me mummy, it has been my dream and will also be the one thing that might get me back to happiest because its making me very depressed
Thank you, Barbara.
I had an abdominal myomectomy 5.5 months ago to remove a large fibroid. All is very healthy now and would like to conceive.
Which herbs would be best to cleanse the dyes and other chemicals used during surgery?
If I do the one month fertility protocol, can I attempt to conceive that same month, or must I wait until the endometrial lining is shed?
With Gratitude
You wouldn’t want to try to conceive during the one month protocol either because you would be doing the massage (and possibly Female Tonic) and steams post ovulation-premenstruation-all of which you do not want to do if you may be pregnant.
I don’t know of specific herbs for clearing chemicals. Clearing chemicals or other toxins isn’t something that is done with spot treatment, it requires a whole body approach. I would talk to someone to guide you through a detox that may include dietary changes, massage, infrared saunas, and possibly herbal support. All of these things depend on where you are at in terms of health and require the assistance from a qualified ND or nutritionalist. Plus you don’t want to do a detox too close to trying to conceive.
I have fibroids and very heavy periods. What is the protocol for steaming during your period?
I had the idea to cut the center out of a bag lawn chair to save money on the chair. Do you think that would work just as well as the other seating ideas? Thank you! Great, informative article!
Yes, I know other women who have done the same. As long as the stability of the chair stays intact. 🙂
What herbs can I use for the V-Steam to tighten the vaginal wall/muscles?
Thank you
Hi! I keep reading here to do a steam pre period. I am living w/ a large fibroid. Would like to try a steam in the near future but I am just at the end of my period. Other sites I have read say to wait at least 3 days after U stop bleeding. Wondering what U would recommend regarding periods and steaming?? Also…. Does it have to be pre?? Would it be ok to do post period?? Thax so much for the website and knowledge. LUV you for this!!
Hi Lori, It’s fine to do a steam post period and even the tail-end of the period if you have very light bleeding. The steaming is thought to stimulate flow, so pre-period is traditional.
I want to do v steaming after I have my baby. To tighten, cleanse, and freshen.
Do you have a list of herbs I can use.
Please and thank you!
I would like to try this, bathing in the herbs and maybe squatting for awhile in the tub will that have the same affect?
Hi Barbara, i have the implant as a contraception method and my period has stopped, i feel around my waist and womb, abdomen like with gasses, can i do the vaginal steams? thank you
Hi Mariela, By implant, do you mean IUD? If you have an IUD, or Essure I would not recommend the steams. Or, do you mean the type that is inserted under your skin in your arm?
Hi Barbara, i am hoping you can help me since i am a bit confused about the timing of doing a steam. I am 35 with low amh and not too many follicles – am doing IVF cycle for egg freezing next month. I am due to get my period in about 3 or 4 days but would like to do a steam ASAP since i just found out about this recently and only received herbs a few days ago. Can you please advise how i should best prepare for my procedure and how many steams i should do before to help me get the best results. Thanks so much!
Thanks for the great information! I am on day 3 of my period. I wasn’t able to find a firm answer in the article or the other questions that have been asked to determine if I can do a steam during active menstruation. Thanks!
Traditional guidelines are that you would NOT do a steam during menstruation unless you’re lightly spotting at the tail end or right before your actual bleed.
What setting on the crock pot?
Depends on your crock pot. Mine just has one setting. You want steam, but not too hot. Check the temp on your wrist. It should feel warm and comforting.
Is it unsafe to try to induce labor with steaming? In place of a pitocin induction? Please answer why, if it’s not safe. If it doesn’t enter the womb, and just basically rids the contents of your uterus, wouldn’t it just start my labor? Thanks!
hi what herbs can i use for adenomyosis as i am having abdominal pains and my uterus is bulky.I am 40 yrs old and dont have heavy bleedings . Also which herbs can i use for this and how many times a week
I might try the endo formula: oregano, roses, yarrow and calendula. I would do three (every other day) in the week prior to menses (if you know for sure you aren’t pregnant) alternating days with castor oil packs. Listen to your body and do what feels comfortable.
I wouldn’t steam with the intent to induce. The baby will come when it’s ready. It definitely wouldn’t have the same effect as Pitocin. Some Midwives may use an oregano steam during active labor to soften the pelvic floor. I’m not comfortable saying whether this is a good idea. I’m sure it would depend on the individual case, so I would consult your midwife. I know the Maya midwife would have mothers who were in active labor squat over warm coals for the same reason (relaxing the pelvic floor). You may also want to check out my article on preconception to postpartum. https://alignmentmonkey.nurturance.net/2013/pregnancy-labor-postpartum/
Yoni steams are AWESOME !! And very easy to do. They are so gentle and make me feel so good. Steams have helped me tremendously with PMS (I will do one a week prior to period or a couple days prior) and cramps the day of my period. If I have a very slow flow start, on day one, I do a steam and it stops cramps and starts the flow. I do not have a chair. I use a large wide rectangular cleaning bucket, line it with a towel and put my large soup pot full of the steaming herbs in the bucket. I place the bucket on the floor near my sofa, so when I sit on it, I can rest up against the sofa. I roll up a couple towels around the top rim and sit on it while I cover with a wool blanket. The herbs stay hot for over 30 minutes and it relaxes my uterus and stops the cramps. If the bucket is not high enough for me to sit on, I’ve used yoga blocks under the bucket. I will go to Trader Joe’s and buy organic basil … and if I have enough in the garden, I use my own basil. I also use fresh white sage, rosemary and lavender from the garden. I have a lot of dried organic herbs I buy in bulk from Kalyx.com (a lot cheaper than other places and the site sells wholesale to many other sites) and can vary the steams with dried herbs and make my own teas for a lot cheaper than mountain rose herbs … Kalyx is never out of stock of any of the popular female herbs, either.
Thank you Kelly, for sharing your experience! I’d love to see a picture your steaming set-up. Would you be able to email me a picture?
Is a cycle/cleansing after steaming normal? I steamed a day or so after my cycle ended and a week later my cycle began again.
I haven’t heard of that happening, but wondering if it was a cleansing of old indurated blood that didn’t cleanse with your period?
I know this question is repetitive, so why isnt a good idea to v-steam with a IUD in place? Would it hurt us that have them? I feel we need it the most.
Hi Raven, We (Arvigo® practitioners) were originally taught training to not steam with an IUD present because there is a greater chance that the IUD could be expelled due to the softening of the cervix. The AI has now changed their stance on that.
From the Mirena website…”Expulsion occurs when your IUD falls out of the uterus. It may fall out partially or completely. It’s not always clear why an IUD is expelled, but the risk of it happening is higher during your period.”
Hi…I have been diagnosed with low ovarian reserve and just read elsewhere that heat is harmful to egg quality. Does this apply to vaginal steams as well? Unfortunately, I did not read this until after doing a steam this evening as recommended by my fertility masseuse. I am undergoing IVF and am fearful that I may have compromised the few eggs I have left. I also did a steam last month before our IVF cycle and none of our three embryos made it. Hoping for some reassurance here.
In theory, the pelvic steam shouldn’t heat up the ovaries any more than a hot bath or sauna. Does your IVF doctor tell you to not take hot baths or saunas? IVF can be tricky with a lot of factors that come into play, as I’m sure you know. I know many practitioners recommend the steams at certain times during an IVF cycle to relax the pelvic floor and increase blood flow and have reported having success doing so. Personally, steams during IVF cycles is not part of the protocol I recommend to my clients, so I don’t have personal experience with outcomes.
Question: I’m trying to find the best combination of herbs to help the shedding of the uterine wall….. any suggestion
Oregano is typically used in this way as a uterine stimulant.
What about advance stream? Not a cock pot!
Kelly! The Vag stream seats good for a spa? Phil has for sale? thinking about using those two seats in a private room.
Hi Barbara –
I have the contraceptive implant in my arm. Can I still steam?
Thanks!
Yes, women with implants in their arm can still steam.
Hi Barbara-
I have steamed once before and I’m looking to clear out old energy from past unhealthy relationships that seem to have created an imbalance in the yoni and sexual organs. I have used yoni eggs in the past and my morning meditation has me calling to begin yoni steaming with red clover as one herb to clear out candidiasis and vaginitis with discharge along with hemorrhoids. Is there any other intuitive herbs you suggest I try for these lifelong issues that are looking for balance and harmonization? I guess I’m trying to understand to use warming or cooling herbs as well as what would be best for my situation. Thankyou
My personal opinion is not to steam with inflammation or candidiasis since candidiasis is a damp heat condition. I know others may disagree.
Hiya fellow RES here!
I’ve tried using the tall squatty potty as a seat with a wider pot below it. Not to squat but to sit on it, basically using it backward. It has helped shorten ease and brighten periods. I’m interested in steaming to heal scar tissue in the vaginal wall. Any tips or suggestions since this is a less common steaming goal. I can’t find as much on it.
I have a question about the preparation process as well.
is it improant to keep the pot covered after bringing herbs and water to a boil? If one let the herbs boils would the helpful compounds boils off? Im wondering so about the details and want to maximize the benefit I can get from steaming practice. Thanks for being so awesomely informative 🙂
~Beth
Hi Beth, Have you considered Holistic Pelvic Care (intravaginal work) for the scar tissue? http://www.wildfeminine.com/
Once the water boils, take it off the burner and then put the herbs in and cover to keep the herbal compounds from evaporating.
I recently had a laparoscopy back in March for endometriosis. Now three months post op, I’m still healing but bleeding more and heavier during my menses with large clots. I am wanting to conceive soon. I was wondering how many times per month should I steam? What time of the month? Also, which herbs are best for my condition?