What is Yoni Steaming?
Yoni steaming (also called vaginal steaming or V-steaming) is a practice where you sit over warm herbal steam, traditionally used to support relaxation and womb connection.
I yoni steam roughly once a month, or whenever I feel called to, as part of my own self-care. It's an old ritual, used by many cultures for centuries. For me, it's a way to release stagnant energy from my womb, and to feel more connected to my body and myself. It's a gentle at-home practice that many women find relaxing and nourishing, a way to slow down and reconnect with the body.
I've also noticed that my own cycle feels steadier when I steam regularly, though this is just my own experience, and not something research supports.
Yoni steaming is one of the practices woven through my self-paced course, Red Sanctum, as a gentle way to arrive before deeper womb work.
Important note: while many women find yoni steaming supportive, it is not medically proven and may not be suitable for everyone. Please consult a healthcare professional if you have any concerns or pre-existing conditions before trying it at home.
What Many Women Describe
Yoni steaming is a traditional ritual, not a medical treatment, and it isn't proven to treat or prevent any condition. Still, many women who practice it describe:
Warmth spreading through the pelvis, and deep relaxation
A softer, more spacious feeling in the body
A quiet way to slow down and connect with the body
A feeling of being nurtured and cared for
A sense of ritual and self-care around the cycle
Essential Safety Tips for Yoni Steaming at Home
Don’t yoni steam if:
you’re on your period, including light spotting
you’re pregnant or could be, or you’ve given birth in the last few weeks
you have a UTI, any active infection, open sores or irritation
you have an IUD
you’ve recently had gynaecological surgery or a procedure
you have reduced sensation in your lower body, since you might not feel if the steam is too hot
Never use essential oils. They’re far too strong for the sensitive vaginal area and can cause irritation or harm.
Steam can burn. Always let the water cool until the steam feels gently warm, never hot, and keep your skin well above it.
Listen to your body. If anything feels off, stop.
If you’re unsure whether steaming is right for you, ask your doctor first.
How Long to Steam
Start with about 10 minutes, and stay no longer than 15. Stop sooner if anything feels too warm, uncomfortable, or simply not right. There's no need to steam longer to get more from it.
My DIY Yoni Steam Recipe: Which Herbs to Use
When it comes to nurturing my womb, I love taking an intuitive approach, letting the plants call to me. Still, if you're new to yoni steaming, it helps to have a starting point. Below are some gentle herbs traditionally used in yoni steaming.
Always choose organic, high-quality herbs for your yoni steam.
The herbs I suggest for your first steam:
Chamomile – calming, and traditionally used for emotional release and relaxation
Calendula – soothing and gentle; daisy-family plant, so go gently if you're allergic to ragweed
Rosemary – traditionally linked to circulation and a sense of protection
Nettle – rich in iron and minerals, and nourishing as a tea
Mugwort – linked to intuition and dreams; avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding, and if you're allergic to ragweed
Simple yoni steam recipe
A handful of dried organic herbs, about 2–3 tablespoons in total. For example: chamomile, calendula and a little mugwort
About 1–2 litres of water
Simmer 5–10 minutes, then steep with the lid on for another 5–10
Let it cool until the steam feels gently warm, never hot
Want to explore more? My full guide, 9 Womb Herbs for Tea, Yoni Steaming & Ritual, goes deeper into these herbs and others.
If you're drawn to deeper womb work, I also have a Womb Cleansing Ritual using a black obsidian yoni egg, a beautiful practice to pair with steaming, or to explore on its own.
How to Yoni Steam at Home: Step by Step
1. Prepare your sacred space. Create a calming environment by lighting a candle, playing soothing music, and setting an intention.
2. Prepare your yoni steam herbs. Boil purified water in a pot. Add a handful of organic yoni steam herbs (like mugwort, chamomile, or calendula) and simmer for 5–10 minutes. Remove from heat, cover, and let steep another 5–10 minutes.
3. Set up your yoni steaming seat. There are many options:
Use a specially designed yoni steam seat or steaming stool
Squat over a heat-safe bowl on the floor (not the cooking pot)
Or, for a simple setup, place a designated metal bowl inside a clean toilet bowl (my personal favourite: easy and comfy)
4. Begin your yoni steam. Let the water cool until the steam feels gentle, not hot. Test it with the back of your hand at the height your skin will sit before you begin. Never sit over freshly boiled water. Carefully pour the cooled infusion into your bowl. Wrap a towel or blanket around your waist to hold the warmth in.
5. Relax and receive. Sit or squat over the steam for about 10 minutes, up to 15. Let yourself soften. This is a time to slow down and be present with your body.
6. Close with gratitude. If you can, offer the used herbs and water back to the earth in thanks.
Download Your Free DIY Yoni Steam Recipe
Want a ready-to-go guide for your practice? Download my free yoni steam recipe, with clear step-by-step instructions and recommended herbs.
Take the Ritual Deeper
Steaming is one way to come back to your body. There are many more.
If you love working with plants and the rhythms of your body, Red Sanctum brings it together: your cycle, the moon, and real ritual practice for your womb, including herbal infusions for your cycle and moon water rituals. Self-paced, with an 80+ page ebook and a guided audio journey. Pay what feels right.
This article is for reflection and personal practice, not medical advice. If you have pain, unusual discharge, bleeding or any health concern, please see a doctor before steaming.
With love,
