For centuries, women went to great lengths to make sure they practiced self-care of their vaginas. But, somehow the art of taking care of the vagina has been lost. My close friend, who is an esthetician, and I were discussing some of the ways you can show love for your vagina. Often, this is an underappreciated and neglected part of our bodies. For instance, if you are taking a shower, did you know that you should not use your body wash on your private areas because this could deplete your vaginal skin of its precious natural oils?
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Or, were you aware, according to VH Essentials, that 70% of women at some point in time will experience an unpleasant odor because of an imbalance of their PH levels in the vagina? Taking care of the vagina is important, and lately, there has been a technique that has become more popular, gaining attention from celebrities like Tia (Mowry-Hardrict) and Tamera (Mowry-Housley). It’s called vaginal steaming.
What Is Vaginal Steaming?
Vaginal steaming, or v-steam for short, is a Korean treatment that provides a steam 'facial' for the vagina with the goal of detoxing the vagina. V-steams have been said to help women boost fertility, soothe menstrual cramps and offer other health benefits, although these claims aren't currently backed by clinical evidence.
The v-steam treatment works in this manner: You wear a big tent from the waist down and sit or squat without underwear over a steaming pot which is infused with herbs such as mugwort, basic calendula, oregano, marshmallow root, wormwood, and rosemary. The two dominant herbs in this steam bath are mugwort and wormwood. This process takes place for about 20 to 45 minutes and costs $20 - $75. During this treatment, the v-steam dilates blood vessels, helps to increase blood circulation, provides oxygen to this region and helps relax your pelvic floor muscles.
Mugwort
The American Cancer Society states that mugwort can contribute in treating stomach and intestinal disorders including cramps. Mugwort also helps bladder infections, clears hemorrhoids and kidney problems. It’s used to help menopausal women and women experiencing infertility issues.
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It's claimed that when women v-steam, the mugwort herb stimulates the production of hormones helping the maintenance of uterine health and protecting the uterus from ulcers and tumors. However, Mary Jane Minkin, M.D., clinical professor of ob-gyn at Yale School of Medicine disagrees. "The hormone factory is in the ovaries, and there's no reason why steam would affect the hormones produced there," she told Women's Health magazine. If the steam can reach the uterus (which she isn't certain of), Dr. Minkin says the bacteria found there doesn't need to be "cleaned out."
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Wormwood
Wormwood, the other major herb found in v-steams, it said to help digestive/gastric disorders and boost the immune system. One of the secondary benefits of this herb is that it contributes to regulating women’s menstrual cycle and hormones. Women reported that this procedure improves their chances of conceiving. Wormwood is antimicrobial and a sedative which detoxifies the uterus. For women who suffer from repeated bacterial and viral infections this treatment aids in releasing these toxins. When these herbs are used together with the steam, it's claimed to nourish, cleanse and tone the uterus, vaginal tissues, and the cervix.
READ: 5 Keys To A Happier & Healthier Vagina
Doctors are still on the fence about this treatment, but personal testimonials of women have given the procedure positive feedback. Dr. Camilo Gonima told Medical Daily that, “Herbal steams could have some relaxing effects and some beneficial superficial effects on the skin, just like a sauna or a facial steam would. Other than any possible involvement stress might have on these issues, I don't see any basis for any significant effects on fertility or menstrual cycles."
Eastern medicine has brought us many health alternatives such as acupuncture, homeopathic and herbal options to treat diseases. Some of these methods have proven to be helpful in improving certain ailments. If you are curious about the v-steam treatment, you can purchase a do-it-yourself kit online or wait for more research on the topic before you try it out. Don't be afraid to do your own research and ask questions if you go have a steam performed.
Remember, the vagina is a self-cleaning organ and has to be treated with lots of TLC!
