Common Yoni Steaming Questions

Who should be yoni steaming?

Yoni steaming is a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with your body and reignite your vibrance. We encourage most women to try a yoni steam (aka. vaginal steam)! You are likely to see great benefit to this ancient remedy if you suffer from irregular or painful periods, infertility, uterine fibroids, perennial tears, bladder and yeast infections, vaginal or ovarian cysts, hemorrhoids or scarring from C-sections, hysterectomies and laparoscopies. Yoni steaming is also recommended even if you are not experiencing any of the above, as it is a great way to soothe and pamper yourself, and is known to relieve anxiety in women.

Is yoni steaming only for women?

Yoni steaming is for anyone with a vagina! If you have a vagina but do not identify as a woman, you are seen and welcomed here. If you have a vagina but not a womb, you are also able to receive amazing benefits of this practice (see the section on hysterectomy below). Yoni steaming is not recommended for people without a vagina. In fact, we advise against men — or those with a penis and testicles — doing any form of steaming, as sperm thrive in slightly lower temperature and are harmed by excess temperatures (FUN FACT: this is why the testicles hang outside the body).

Who else should NOT be yoni steaming?

First and most importantly, women who are pregnant, or think there is any possibility that they might be, should NOT do any type of yoni steam. Doing so may endanger the pregnancy, as many of the herbs used can alter hormone levels and can cause contractions of the uterus. For the same reason, it is also not recommended for women who have an Intrauterine Device (IUD). Women who have any type of internal infection (cervical, uterine or ovarian inflammation), or a fever, are encouraged not to steam until the symptoms have passed. Women also should not steam while menstruating or when open sores or blisters are present.

How often should I yoni steam?

Although we can offer guidance, there is no official prescription when it comes to the folk wisdom of yoni steaming. As part of an overall self care routine, we recommend you steam once during the week before your period begins (luteal phase), and once after your period ends (follicular phase). If you suffer from PMS, try yoni steaming 2-3 times within the week before menstruation to find relief from pain, bloating or exhaustion before your cycle and once it begins. For fertility challenges, steam at least once per week for three months before intending to conceive. Steaming during ovulation will help to make sure that the tissue is moist and that the cervical fluids are clear and copious to support conception. For postpartum recovery, wait at least one week and then steam up to three times per week for four weeks to facilitate healing and toning of the uterus and vagina. Please be sure there are no open wounds, and that you are no longer bleeding or passing lochia. If you are menopausal or post-menopause, it will be helpful to steam at least three times per year for maintenance. Feel into what your body is calling for to determine the best yoni steam frequency for you.

When is the best time of the month to steam?

You can steam at any time of the month, as long as you are not menstruating. It is typically recommended that for treating menstrual pain, you do you at least two vaginal steams in the week leading up to your period. After doing so, you will likely see a change in the fluid you pass when your period begins. You may also steam once after your cycle ends, to clear out any excess materials.

What kind of seat should I use to steam?

Vibrant Souls holds reverence for the ancient practice of yoni steaming, and we are deeply committed to maintaining the practice as close to its original methodology as possible. As such, we do not recommend the use of plastic sitz baths, electric bidets or hotplates for use with yoni steaming herbs. We believe that in order for the treatment to be practiced safely, the water and herbs should always be at least 16 inches from the vulva, and that the steam should rise naturally without a consistent heat source. Thank you for helping us to maintain this standard of safety within yoni steam culture, and the women's health community at large. For a simple, convenient and effective steam, we recommend the original Vibrant Souls Yoni Steam Seat — to learn more, please visit our Yoni Steam Seat FAQ. Do I need a heat source (like a hot plate) to keep the water warm?

No, you do not! If fact, we strongly recommend against using any continuous heat source during your yoni steam — the water is plenty hot after it leaves your stove top if it is transferred to your seat set up within 5 minutes. Using a hot plate or any other heat source during your steam is not necessary, and increases the risk of burn.

What herbs are the best to steam with and why?

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.
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.
Rose Petals: A relaxing, uplifting and astringent herb that is wonderful for pampering.

What should I expect after doing the steam?

During and immediately after your steaming ritual you will feel more relaxed, pampered, connected….and maybe even a little turned on! You won't likely see any visible results right away, however, your menstrual cycle can and does change after doing a yoni steam. Much of the discomfort you experience during menstruation is due to a build up of material in the uterine lining. Yoni steaming has the subtle but powerful ability to support the uterus to effectively cleanse and restore the lining with the support of the. Sometimes this means your next cycle will be very heavy, dark and thick, but after just a couple of months of regular yoni steaming, your next period will be much more light and pleasant. For more information on what to expect, and whether or not your results are "normal" check out our blog about yoni steam results. I had discharge or bleeding after I yoni steamed. What does this mean?

If you have a lot of “induration” (stuck material) inside your uterus, you can probably feel that it really wants and needs to come out. In this case, the herbal steam may immediately help to loosen it. This could result in the uterine lining shedding, which would of course mean bleeding, even if it is not the usual time of the month. Don’t be alarmed, even if a lot of material comes out over the next few days.

I experienced cramps after yoni steaming. Why would this be?

If the lining of your uterine walls is indurated, there is likely a great deal of material left over from past cycles that needs to be released. With the support of the herbs, your uterus will begin to work hard to release the stuck material. Because your uterus contracts when it works, this could cause some discomfort in the short term, but there is no need to worry! Your future cycles should be more comfortable as a result.

Does yoni steaming really work?

There will always be those who doubt remedies that are not proven by modern science. However, yoni steaming is a remedy that has stood the test of time. For generations, women have shared their success stories among one another, and are only now beginning to share them with the world. Still unsure? Read these testimonials from women who have used the Vibrant Souls Yoni Steam blend.

Yoni Steam Contraindications

Why isn't it recommended that women with an Intrauterine Device (IUD) do a yoni steam?

It is not recommended for women with any kind of IUD to steam because the medicinal properties of the herbs are intended to cause the uterus to contract and shed its lining. When an IUD is present, the risk is that this could cause the uterine tissue to shed or contract in such a way that it could dislodge, shift or expel the IUD. With that said, some women with IUDs have tried the Vibrant Souls Devi Steam and have reported great results, including reduced cramps during menstruation. However, Vibrant Souls does not advocate for steaming with an IUD, and doing so is at your own risk. You may want to talk to your local women's health care provider for his or her thoughts on this.

Why should a yoni steam not be done during menstruation?

During menstruation, the uterus is in its natural process of shedding and releasing. Because this is already an intense, downward moving energy, the added stimulation of a yoni steam may cause heavy bleeding and excess material to flow out. For this reason, it is best to yoni steam on the weeks in which the uterus is in its more restful state.

Why should a yoni steam not be done during pregnancy?

Yoni steams encourage the uterine lining to shed any excess build up each month. This is important to note because, in the case of pregnancy, the uterine lining is built up in order to create a nourishing haven for a fertilized egg and growing fetus. Therefore, anything that causes the uterus to contract and cleanse itself, such as a yoni steam, should be avoided so that the lining stays intact.

Isn't it contraindicated to steam if I have a bacterial infection (i.e. bladder infection, yeast infection, or bacterial vaginosis)?

On one hand, some say it is contraindicated to steam with any kind of bacterial infection because, in general, introducing heat and moisture to a bacterial infection is not the best way to treat it, and may make it worse. On the other hand, if you are using antimicrobial (anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal) herbs like mugwort, rosemary, and lavender (which are all contained in the Devi Steam), the properties of which are carried by the steam into the pores, then you may actually be effectively treating the infection by killing the microbes that cause it. We have heard several testimonials from women who have experienced rapid and thorough relief from yeast infections, bladder infections and bacterial vaginosis using the Devi Steam. So while you want to monitor your symptoms carefully to ensure they are not worsening, the steam is worth a try if you are experiencing chronic symptoms.

My doctor told me not to try vaginal steaming. Why would this be?

Some Western medical doctors may be resistant to the idea of vaginal steaming. This is not because the treatment is dangerous or ineffective. It is simply because this is an ancient remedy that is not taught in medical schools, and there are no scientific studies to "prove" its effectiveness, and Western doctors often feel quite uncomfortable about it as a result. However, the women who utilize this treatment understand that millennia of women's wisdom and testimonials are just as valid, if not more valuable, than a scientific study in a lab. We recommend that you ask your doctor his or her reasons for the resistance to the treatment to better understand if the recommendation to not steam is specifically related to your unique body, or is a general statement about the practice itself. Most importantly, listen to your own intuition as your guide.

Specific Health Concerns

I am struggling with fertility challenges. Can yoni steaming help?

Yes! Yoni steaming has been seen by many women to support with fertility. There may be many reasons for fertility challenges, but one of those reasons is induration (build up of material) on the uterine wall. Yoni steaming helps to loosen that material and allow it to release through menstruation, making space for the fertilized egg to successfully attach itself. We recommend combining yoni steaming with abdominal massage therapy – the deep external massage on the uterus — for a dynamic approach that has brought many women success.

If you are experiencing fertility challenges, we recommend steaming once per week, and then twice during pre-ovulation, to clear your womb and make sure that the tissue is moist and that the cervical fluids are clear and copious. Steam for 2-3 months before you resume your intention to conceive. Do not try to conceive during your yoni steaming months, as the cleansing action may prevent the fertilized egg from attaching to the uterine wall. After you resume trying to conceive, you will hopefully have successful conception within one to three cycles. Also, see next question.

Do you recommend any other resources for overcoming fertility challenges?

If you are experiencing difficulty conceiving a child, you are not alone. And, there is HOPE. With just a few weeks of cleansing and nourishing, you can reset your reproductive system and fortify your womb in preparation to nourish your growing baby. To support you on your journey, Sierra Brashear, Clinical Ayurvedic Practitioner and founder of Vibrant Souls, has created The Art of Fertility, a comprehensive journey to conception that you can access from anywhere in the world. This very affordable program will guide you through a16-week journey in preparation for a healthy, balanced conception and pregnancy. You’ll begin by gently eliminating physical and emotional toxins, and will then move into gently building the optimal temple in which to call in new life. Learn more about The Art of Fertility | Journey to Conception here. Or start smaller with Get Pregnant, her introductory virtual workshop.

I’m starting the IVF process soon — when should I stop steaming ?

Yoni steaming for a few months prior to IVF is a wonderful way to clear and prepare your womb for successful conception and a healthy conception. You should stop steaming about two cycles before your IVF process begins, in order to ensure that your uterus is no longer shedding excess lining once the process is underway.

How long after birth should I wait to steam?

We recommend waiting until you are no longer bleeding before doing a yoni steam. Spotting, with dark colored blood, is okay. Obviously, in cases of extreme bleeding or hemorrhaging, a yoni steam would be contraindicated. There is not a point at which it is too late, as you will receive the benefits any time you decide to steam. Women who choose to do their first steam 4 or more months after giving birth often report getting their first cycle, even while still breastfeeding.

I have a uterine fibroid. How can vaginal steaming help me?

Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths of the uterus that develop from the smooth muscular tissue of the uterus. A vaginal steam may support this issue in that the medicinal properties of the herbs would help the uterus to shed the excess/non-essential tissue or cells, in this case the tumorous ones. The Vibrant Souls Devi Steam contains Motherwort because this plant is thought to be especially useful for treating fibroids and polyps. The blend also contains calendula and pink rose petals, which serve to cleanse and nourish your healthy uterine tissue. The catch is, you should not steam while you are bleeding, especially while bleeding heavily, as is often the case with uterine fibroids. When you are not bleeding, you may try a vaginal steam to gently but effectively encourage the uterus to take care of itself. Start by steaming twice per week, on the weeks that you are not menstruating, for 3-4 months to see if there is a shift.

How is vaginal steaming beneficial for women pre- or post menopause?

Yoni steaming aka vaginal steaming is a wonderful treatment for pre and post menopausal women, as it may help shed excess uterine material as well as keep you connected to your powerful creative center. Whether it's used for cycling or menopausal women, the steam contains herbs that are specifically indicated to help cleanse the entire reproductive system and purge anything that is built up inside the uterus. Teacher of Maya medicine Rosita Arvigo states that women who have gone through menopause should still steam at least three times per year, and that likely, material will come out every time. In addition, many have shared that steaming has helped with post-menopausal vaginal dryness, internal discomfort, and pain during intercourse.

I've had a partial or total hysterectomy. Are there any benefits of vaginal steaming for me?

Yoni steaming is great for all aspects of female health, so it can definitely still be beneficial for you! Although all or part of the physical uterus may have been removed, the energetic center remains and can benefit from the warmth and clearing. Steaming is also great for increasing circulation, eliminating odor and eliminating bacterial infections such as yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, cervicitis and Trichomoniasis (according to the Colorado School of Clinical Herbalism). Of course it is also a wonderful way to relax and pamper yourself, which is always a lovely benefit.

Does yoni steaming increase sex drive?

Yes, yoni steaming can definitely increase sex drive! On an emotional level, yoni steaming supports us to cultivate a profound sense of self-love and increases our self-confidence (especially as it relates to our yonis!), which has great implications for a woman's sex life. On the physical level, yoni steaming increases circulation and increases lubrication, which is clearly great for the libido and sex life as well. In fact, the very act of steaming is slightly arousing, which helps us get turned on!

Can I use essential oils instead of herbs?

No. Please do not use essential oils, as they are far too strong for this purpose, having the potential to cause damage. Only use fresh or dry herbs.

FAQ on Vibrant Souls Products

Why choose Vibrant Souls? Founded by a Certified Ayurvedic Practitioner, herbalist and doula, Vibrant Souls has been the leading expert in yoni steaming since 2015. Our original Devi Steam® Yoni Steaming Herbs have a synergistic effect on the womb that has been found to address a wide range of women's health challenges. We stand by this blend as the only one you need because, traditionally, one simple and trusted yoni herb mix would be used to support many aspects of womb wellness. Our single blend has stood the test of time, having changed thousands of lives and having gained a loyal following of women who know it works.

How long will the Devi Steam® Yoni Steaming Herbs last?

As long as they are stored in a cool, dry place, Devi Steam® herbs will last for approximately two years. Beyond two years, the herbal blend will still work to some degree, but may be less aromatic and potent. Herbs are thoroughly dried and sealed into a pouch that maintains freshness, and as long as herbs do not absorb any moisture from their environment, there is no risk of the herbs becoming toxic over time.

Are Vibrant Souls products certified organic?

Not yet. We are always committed to using natural, wild crafted and certified organic ingredients, however our end product has not yet undergone the certification process. This is an expensive process that our small business will happily do when we are ready.

Are Vibrant Souls products gluten free?

Yes. All products are gluten-free.

Are Vibrant Souls products hypo-allergenic?

All ingredients are generally safe for all skin types, yet some people may still have individual allergies to certain plant botanicals. (The same holds true for any cosmetic or food ingredient). Those with sensitivity to plants should test for reaction by placing the herbs on the back of the hand. If itchiness or discomfort occurs, do not use. Vibrant Souls offers an open disclosure policy regarding ingredients, so if there is any particular botanical you seek to avoid, you will see it clearly listed on the label.

Are Vibrant Souls products GMO-free?

Yes. Our products are created using non-GMO ingredients.

What does the word "yoni" mean and why is it used?

Although the terms are interchangeable, we use the term "yoni steam" rather than "vaginal steam" because the word yoni describes the women's reproductive system in its entirety, rather than a singular part. Indeed, the steam treats the entire system, not just the vagina. Yoni is a Sanskrit word meaning "vagina", "womb" and "origin of life". It is the symbol of the Goddess (Shakti or Devi), the Hindu Divine Mother.

What does the word "Devi" in Devi Steam™ mean?

In India, the Great Goddess is often referred to as Devi. Devi is the sum of all manifestations or forms of The Mother. Devi is also the Sanskrit root-word of Divine. Devi is synonymous with Shakti, the female aspect of the divine, as conceptualized by the Shakta tradition of Hinduism.

I want to share the wisdom! Does Vibrant Souls offer an affiliate program?

Yes! The Vibrant Souls affiliate program is called the Wellness Tribe. This is a wonderful way for you to earn an income while sharing the ancient women and quality products you love. As a member, you'll have access to our exclusive Wellness Tribe HQ where you'll find juicy content for spreading the word, and you you'll make a 20% commission on every order you refer! It's absolutely free to sign up and there's no obligation whatsoever. Learn more about the Vibrant Souls Wellness Tribe.

Is the Vibrant Souls Devi Steam® blend available for wholesale?

Yes! Vibrant Souls offers wholesale accounts for purchasing our original Devi Steam® blend via our wholesale partner, Faire. You must have an established business with a website and active social media presence in order to be considered as a wholesale customer. We also sell our blend in bulk for use in spas, private practitioners and wellness centers, etc. If you would like more information on our products, the cost and procedure please visit the Vibrant Souls wholesale shop for details.

Can I have my Vibrant Souls Devi Steam™ delivered to me internationally?

Yes, we ship via United States Postal Service to Canada and Mexico, and FedEx to Australia and Europe. If your country isn’t listed, please know that the reason for this is that we have tried many times in the past to ship to your region, only to have items returned to us months later. We apologize and hope you can find a local solution!

"I didn't receive the right product." OR "The product I received was damaged" OR "My package never arrived." What should I do?

If any of the above statements apply to you, please check out our Customer Satisfaction Policies page for what to do next.

I have more questions. Who can I talk to?

Vibrant Souls sells a product that we know is beneficial to many women, and while we are here to answer your questions, please keep in mind that our staff is not able to offer medical advice or provide consultation on personal health issues. Our knowledge is based on personal experiences, anecdotes, and research, but we are not qualified to give medical advice. To get support around your specific health concerns, consider booking an appointment to talk to our founder, Sierra Brashear, MA, who is an Ayurvedic Practitioner. You can book an appointment with her through her joint practice at Cultivate Balance. Please note, Western doctors often do not have experience with ancient medicine, and therefore will have their doubts. Most importantly, please follow your own intuition as you make decisions about your body.

Common Yoni Steaming Questions

FAQ on Vibrant Souls Products

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