Everything You Need to Know About Vaginal Steaming

Your vagina doesn’t require steaming to detox on its own. Vaginal steaming, sometimes called yoni steaming, might help promote relaxation and relieve cramps, but there’s no scientific proof it treats any particular medical issue.

Between menstruation, sexual activity, and childbirth, the vagina goes through a lot. Combine that with shifting hormones and pelvic floor concerns, and the genital area can often feel uncomfortable.

Vaginal steaming is an ancient folk practice claimed to cleanse the vagina and uterus, regulate menstrual cycles, and relieve period pain and bloating. After receiving prominent attention on Gwyneth Paltrow’s site Goop, the ritual has gained renewed popularity.

But aside from providing comforting warmth below the waist, does it actually help? And is it safe? Read on to learn more.

How does vaginal steaming work?

Vaginal steaming involves directing herb-infused steam toward the vaginal opening. The method is straightforward: you sit or squat over a vessel of steaming, herb-infused water.

Some higher-end spas charge substantial fees for the service. You can also try it at home, though most physicians advise against doing so.

Common herbs used individually or in blends include:

• mugwort
• wormwood
• chamomile
• calendula
• basil
• oregano

Many spas use a special seat — Paltrow referred to it as a “throne” — with an opening allowing the steam to pass through. Replicating that setup at home is less convenient.

Below is a frequently suggested way to perform a vaginal steam at home. Before attempting it, consider the claimed benefits and potential safety concerns described later.

1. Add roughly a cup of your chosen herbs to a bowl of hot water.
2. Allow the herbs to steep for at least a minute.
3. Remove clothing from the waist down.
4. Stand or squat directly over the bowl. Some people place the bowl in the toilet and then sit on the seat.
5. Drape a towel around your waist and legs to keep the steam contained.

Typical steam sessions last about 20 to 60 minutes. Depending on how hot the water is, the steam may dissipate sooner.

What are the benefits of vaginal steaming?

Vaginal steaming is promoted as a natural approach to cleanse the vagina, uterus, and broader reproductive tract. The list of claimed benefits goes beyond that.

Some proponents suggest it may help with:

• stress
• depression
• headaches
• fatigue

Does vaginal steaming really work?

There’s no scientific evidence that vaginal steaming treats any condition. In 2015, Dr. Jen Gunter, an OB-GYN, wrote that it’s unclear how fragrant herbs in steam would reach the uterus through a cervix that is typically closed at the top of the vagina.

When Paltrow tried vaginal steaming, she used mugwort. In traditional Chinese medicine, moxibustion involves burning mugwort near or on a pressure point or other body area.

Moxibustion is used as an alternative approach for various reproductive concerns.

A study found that, aside from correcting a breech presentation during pregnancy, research on mugwort is mixed and inconclusive. There’s no solid evidence that vaginal moxibustion is effective.

Is vaginal steaming safe?

There’s no scientific consensus on whether vaginal steaming is safe. The vagina isn’t designed to be steam-cleaned. Steaming may disturb the natural pH and microbial balance, creating conditions favorable for bacteria that cause vaginal infections.

Vaginal tissue is delicate, sensitive, and easily injured. Exposing it to a stream of warm steam could result in burns or scalding.

In one case report, a person who used vaginal steaming to try to address vaginal prolapse suffered second-degree burns.

No established medical guidelines exist for steaming the vagina. That means unless you consult an alternative practitioner, you’re left to decide which herbs to use and how often.

As with many natural remedies, internet instructions on vaginal steaming vary widely. Most sources include disclaimers that the practice isn’t proven to diagnose or treat medical problems.

While some alternative therapies have reliable evidence, vaginal steaming does not. If it’s used instead of a medical evaluation and proper treatment, a health condition could worsen.

It’s also unclear how vaginal steaming affects pregnancy or a developing fetus. Some herbs have been linked to miscarriage, so using steam or herbs vaginally during pregnancy is not advisable.

The bottom line

Your vagina is self-cleaning and doesn’t need an herbal steam to stay healthy. Vaginal steaming might help you relax and relieve cramps similarly to a heating pad, but the only support for claims that it cleanses the vagina or uterus, boosts fertility, or balances hormones is anecdotal.

Vaginal steaming could raise the risk of infection by altering the vaginal microbial environment. There’s no evidence that steaming with herbs enhances reproductive health.

Herbs are natural, but they can be potent. Applied topically, they may trigger allergic reactions — the last place you want an allergy is in your vaginal area.

There are safer ways to use heat and herbs for menstrual comfort. Try placing a hot water bottle on your pelvic region and drinking a warm herbal tea.

If you’re considering vaginal steaming, discuss it with your physician or a qualified alternative-health professional to weigh potential benefits and risks.