Yoni Steam Review
Last I wrote, I mentioned that I had decided to try a V-steam after two friends had gotten pregnant after doing so. I looked online for a reputable company that used organic herbs and helped guide me through what it was and how it worked.
I came across a company called Vibrant Souls that really helped me grasp how the ancient old custom was good for a woman's physical health and emotional well being. I already know how integral adequate blood flow to the reproductive organs are through my work with TCM, acupuncture, castor oil packs, massage, etc so I grasped immediately how the steam would increase blood flow to the area. I also am well versed with essential oils and know how effective they are so understanding how the oils are released from the herbs (DO NOT use essential oils for a Yoni steam, it is WAY WAY too potent) also made a lot of sense to me.
Here is an excellent FAQ page to help you understand how it works and how to do it.
WARNING: Do NOT do this if you are pregnant or could be pregnant. If you are actively trying to conceive, do it before ovulation, or if you are like me and rarely or don't ovulate, take a pregnancy test first just to be sure.
I am quoting directly from their page the list of herbs in their Yoni Steam Blend:
What herbs are typically used to steam and why?
Last I wrote, I mentioned that I had decided to try a V-steam after two friends had gotten pregnant after doing so. I looked online for a reputable company that used organic herbs and helped guide me through what it was and how it worked.
I came across a company called Vibrant Souls that really helped me grasp how the ancient old custom was good for a woman's physical health and emotional well being. I already know how integral adequate blood flow to the reproductive organs are through my work with TCM, acupuncture, castor oil packs, massage, etc so I grasped immediately how the steam would increase blood flow to the area. I also am well versed with essential oils and know how effective they are so understanding how the oils are released from the herbs (DO NOT use essential oils for a Yoni steam, it is WAY WAY too potent) also made a lot of sense to me.
Here is an excellent FAQ page to help you understand how it works and how to do it.
WARNING: Do NOT do this if you are pregnant or could be pregnant. If you are actively trying to conceive, do it before ovulation, or if you are like me and rarely or don't ovulate, take a pregnancy test first just to be sure.
I am quoting directly from their page the list of herbs in their Yoni Steam Blend:
What herbs are typically used to steam 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.
- 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.
- Rose Petals: A relaxing, uplifting and astringent herb that is wonderful for pampering.
I sent Sierra, the owner of Vibrant Souls an email and described my condition and shared my journey and blog with her. I asked if she'd mind sending me a sample to try so I could review for you. She answered immediately and was warm, engaging and took interest in my diagnosis and encouraged and applauded that I was embracing holistic treatments and helping to mainstream them. I received my sample the following week. I was unfortunately out of town for a month so was unable to try it out. However, as soon as I got home and settled, I grabbed the package.
The package was beautiful and elegant. Retailing at $15 it came with enough herbs for three steams, so $5 each. Not bad. If I'd gone to the store on my own and tried to do a mix myself it'd have easily cost me about the same. Forget about adding in the price of gas and my time to do so. I also didn't know the appropriate mix of each herb. I loved these were organic. I wouldn't do the steam without them being organic.
Opening the package up I was impressed by the freshness of the herbs. I also love it comes with a resealable pouch so the herbs can stay fresh between uses. All of the herbs are in one pouch, so you have to measure the herbs out for your steam. They smelled awesome. I'm not entirely sure what I was expecting, but I wasn't prepared for such an appetizing aroma. Even my husband said they smelled amazing.
I carefully measured out my two liters of water and set it to boil. I put in the herbs and let it simmer for ten minutes.
Since I don't have a Devi Steam Seat (a seat with a hole in it) or the other suggested methods of doing so, I opted to just use my toilet. I am toying however with the idea of getting a seat if I continue the endeavor. It sounds a bit more relaxing than sitting on the can ;)
Thankfully, I'd cleaned the toilets earlier in the day with some chemical free essential oils so I knew my "throne" was clean and chemical free.
After steeping for ten minutes, I took the herbs off the heat and allowed them to cool for an additional 10 minutes. I took a glass bowl and set it in my toilet. Because I was paranoid the extreme sudden heat might crack the toilet (paranoia I know) I put two cloth diaper liners down as "hot pads" to prevent the hot water in the bowl from resting against the porcelain.
I placed the glass bowl on the diaper liners and pouring the water with the herbs in. I stripped from the waist down, sat down and covered up in a large blanket. My steaming adventure was actually rather humorous looking back because I stupidly tried to do it while my two and a half year old son was awake and after about five minutes decided it was time for me to come out. I'll save that for another post, but long story short, he was so adamant I come out, he loosened the knob enough the lock slipped and I got locked in. Yup. Awesome.
Back to my Yoni experience ;) It was a bit hot to start, but like the instructions suggested, I just opened my legs a bit until it cooled enough. It was actually very relaxing. I started cramping after about five minutes, which for me, with POF (Premature Ovarian Failure) was a nice surprise. I don't often cramp or have much activity down there, so I took that as a good sign.
After about 35 minutes (I wish it could have been longer, but the whole getting locked in the bathroom with a toddler screaming on the other side - don't worry daddy was there with him) cut it short.
I am delighted to report that although I am on cycle day 146 of this cycle, I started to get cervical mucus a few days after my steam. To most women, that may not be a big deal, but for me, my estrogen is near 0, FSH was over 100, LH all over the place. What does that mean? My 36 year old self has the hormones of a 100+ year old post menopausal woman. Cervical mucus is HUGE.
I intended to try to steam again after a week, but I was unable and I told my husband I wouldn't try it again until I had a chance to take a pregnancy test as I'd had that patch of fertile cervical mucus.
I liked the steam and intend to continue using the products, this time as a customer. For the price, I figure it can't be beat. A lot of women pay top dollar in spas for it, and I prefer to do it in the comfort of my home at a price tag I can justify and afford.
My husband and myself continue to try naturally, but we are also nearing embryo adoption and could be transferring in as a little as a few months. I will absolutely steam and do acupuncture weekly to prepare my body for pregnancy. Unlike a normal woman, the blood flow is greatly restricted to that area. Many woman with my condition have ovaries the size of peas. I do NOT want that. For me, the steam is a way to ensure that my blood flow is adequate as well as prod my parts (and hormones) back into use and prepare my uterus to be strong for pregnancy.
I embrace holistic treatment and this compliments my regiment beautifully. I want to thank Sierra whole heartedly for sending me a sample and for educating and offering this service for women. I think it's important alternative treatments are more readily available, discussed and used not only instead of but in addition to traditional Western treatments.
The thing I'm pumped about as a customer is they have a monthly membership for $15. It's the same price as one bag of three steams, but it has free shipping, a free guided meditation (probably more relaxing then a 2 1/2 yr old banging on the door) and free perks like free samples or new meditation tracks.
If any of you ladies out there are debating or questioning it, I say GO FOR IT!! I was weirded out by telling people I was interested in it until a friend told me I should try it. Lo and behold another said the same thing. I've decided it isn't some crazy ritual that only the rich and foolish run out and spend hundreds on, it's a legit holistic endeavor to promote relaxation, well being and overall physical health.
**I did sign up to be an affiliate of Vibrant Souls and I will earn a small commission if you click through and order from the site using this link.
Opening the package up I was impressed by the freshness of the herbs. I also love it comes with a resealable pouch so the herbs can stay fresh between uses. All of the herbs are in one pouch, so you have to measure the herbs out for your steam. They smelled awesome. I'm not entirely sure what I was expecting, but I wasn't prepared for such an appetizing aroma. Even my husband said they smelled amazing.
I carefully measured out my two liters of water and set it to boil. I put in the herbs and let it simmer for ten minutes.
Since I don't have a Devi Steam Seat (a seat with a hole in it) or the other suggested methods of doing so, I opted to just use my toilet. I am toying however with the idea of getting a seat if I continue the endeavor. It sounds a bit more relaxing than sitting on the can ;)
Thankfully, I'd cleaned the toilets earlier in the day with some chemical free essential oils so I knew my "throne" was clean and chemical free.
After steeping for ten minutes, I took the herbs off the heat and allowed them to cool for an additional 10 minutes. I took a glass bowl and set it in my toilet. Because I was paranoid the extreme sudden heat might crack the toilet (paranoia I know) I put two cloth diaper liners down as "hot pads" to prevent the hot water in the bowl from resting against the porcelain.
I placed the glass bowl on the diaper liners and pouring the water with the herbs in. I stripped from the waist down, sat down and covered up in a large blanket. My steaming adventure was actually rather humorous looking back because I stupidly tried to do it while my two and a half year old son was awake and after about five minutes decided it was time for me to come out. I'll save that for another post, but long story short, he was so adamant I come out, he loosened the knob enough the lock slipped and I got locked in. Yup. Awesome.
Back to my Yoni experience ;) It was a bit hot to start, but like the instructions suggested, I just opened my legs a bit until it cooled enough. It was actually very relaxing. I started cramping after about five minutes, which for me, with POF (Premature Ovarian Failure) was a nice surprise. I don't often cramp or have much activity down there, so I took that as a good sign.
After about 35 minutes (I wish it could have been longer, but the whole getting locked in the bathroom with a toddler screaming on the other side - don't worry daddy was there with him) cut it short.
I am delighted to report that although I am on cycle day 146 of this cycle, I started to get cervical mucus a few days after my steam. To most women, that may not be a big deal, but for me, my estrogen is near 0, FSH was over 100, LH all over the place. What does that mean? My 36 year old self has the hormones of a 100+ year old post menopausal woman. Cervical mucus is HUGE.
I intended to try to steam again after a week, but I was unable and I told my husband I wouldn't try it again until I had a chance to take a pregnancy test as I'd had that patch of fertile cervical mucus.
I liked the steam and intend to continue using the products, this time as a customer. For the price, I figure it can't be beat. A lot of women pay top dollar in spas for it, and I prefer to do it in the comfort of my home at a price tag I can justify and afford.
My husband and myself continue to try naturally, but we are also nearing embryo adoption and could be transferring in as a little as a few months. I will absolutely steam and do acupuncture weekly to prepare my body for pregnancy. Unlike a normal woman, the blood flow is greatly restricted to that area. Many woman with my condition have ovaries the size of peas. I do NOT want that. For me, the steam is a way to ensure that my blood flow is adequate as well as prod my parts (and hormones) back into use and prepare my uterus to be strong for pregnancy.
I embrace holistic treatment and this compliments my regiment beautifully. I want to thank Sierra whole heartedly for sending me a sample and for educating and offering this service for women. I think it's important alternative treatments are more readily available, discussed and used not only instead of but in addition to traditional Western treatments.
The thing I'm pumped about as a customer is they have a monthly membership for $15. It's the same price as one bag of three steams, but it has free shipping, a free guided meditation (probably more relaxing then a 2 1/2 yr old banging on the door) and free perks like free samples or new meditation tracks.
If any of you ladies out there are debating or questioning it, I say GO FOR IT!! I was weirded out by telling people I was interested in it until a friend told me I should try it. Lo and behold another said the same thing. I've decided it isn't some crazy ritual that only the rich and foolish run out and spend hundreds on, it's a legit holistic endeavor to promote relaxation, well being and overall physical health.
**I did sign up to be an affiliate of Vibrant Souls and I will earn a small commission if you click through and order from the site using this link.
Hello, where did you those herbs
ReplyDeleteHi there, the link is above :) You can just click "this link" in the last sentence. Good luck!
DeleteHello, where did you those herbs
ReplyDeleteSO, its about a year later. Would you still tell people to try the steaming? Any luck with it? Thanks!!!
ReplyDeleteI thought it was beneficial. I haven't done it recently, because I was pregnant, but I should do one again. Thanks for the reminder :)
Delete