If you’ve spent any time on TikTok, Instagram, or even in women’s WhatsApp groups, you’ve probably heard about vaginal steaming.
Some women believe it helps them “feel clean,” “tighten up,” or even boost fertility. It’s often done with herbs like guava leaves, basil, or rosemary, and many describe it as a soothing self-care ritual.
But while it sounds relaxing and natural, not everything trending online is safe, especially when it involves your most delicate area.
So before you try it yourself, let’s talk about what vaginal steaming really is and where it came from.
Vaginal Steaming
Vaginal steaming, sometimes called yoni steaming, involves sitting or squatting over a bowl or pot of hot water mixed with herbs, allowing the steam to rise toward the vagina.
Many women do this at home using leaves like guava, basil, scent leaf, or rosemary, believing these leaves help to cleanse, heal, or refresh the body.
It’s not a new trend. This practice has been around for centuries in parts of Asia, Africa, and Central America, often linked to traditional postpartum or women’s healing rituals.
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In Nigeria and other parts of West Africa, studies have shown that women use hot herbal baths or steam after childbirth to help the body “heal” and “tighten up”.
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In Southeast Asia, postpartum steam baths are part of maternal recovery rituals and are believed to aid healing and relaxation.
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Traditional Mayan midwives in Central America also used “bajos” (herbal vaginal steams) as part of postpartum care to cleanse and tone the womb.
How It’s Usually Done
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Water is boiled and poured into a bowl or bucket.
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Selected herbs are added to the hot water.
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The woman then sits or squats over the steam for 10–30 minutes, sometimes covered with a wrapper to trap the heat.
While it might seem like a harmless herbal ritual or a form of self-care, the real question remains: does it actually work, and what does science say about it?
What Science Says (The Facts vs. The Myths)
Vaginal steaming might feel natural and soothing, but so far, no medical research has proven that it offers any real health benefits.
In fact, most experts agree that the vagina doesn’t need this kind of help to stay clean or balanced.
Here’s what science and doctors say:
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The vagina is self-cleaning.
The body naturally flushes out discharge and bacteria through normal secretions. Steaming or inserting herbs can interfere with this natural process.
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No proof of “cleansing,” “tightening,” or “fertility” benefits.
There’s no scientific evidence that steaming improves fertility, menstrual pain, or vaginal tightness.
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Possible harm to vaginal tissues.
The skin around the vulva and inside the vagina is extremely sensitive. Steam can cause burns, irritation, or dryness, especially when the water is too hot.
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In simple terms, vaginal steaming might feel relaxing, but it does more harm than good.
Risks That Come With This Practice
Many women see vaginal steaming as a harmless herbal routine. But in reality, it can cause more harm than good, especially when done frequently or with very hot steam. Here are the main risks you should know about:
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Burns and scalds: Steam can cause serious burns to the delicate skin around the vulva and vaginal opening. In one documented case, a woman suffered second-degree burns after steaming at home.
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Irritation and dryness: The heat and herbs can strip away the natural moisture and oils that keep your vagina comfortable, leaving it dry, itchy, or irritated.
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Increased risk of infection: Steaming disrupts your vagina’s natural pH and bacterial balance, which can lead to yeast infections or bacterial vaginosis (BV).
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Allergic reactions: Some herbs, like clove, mint, or rosemary, can trigger allergic reactions or cause burning sensations when used in high concentrations.
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Aggravation of existing conditions: For women with open wounds (after childbirth, surgery, or an infection), steam can worsen irritation and delay healing.
It’s easy to understand why vaginal steaming seems appealing; it feels “natural,” smells herbal, and promises freshness. But natural doesn’t always mean safe.
If your goal is to care for your vagina or improve hygiene, there are safer, proven ways to do it, and that’s what we’ll look at next.
What You Can Do Instead
1. Let your vagina clean itself
The vagina has its own natural cleaning system. Discharge isn’t “dirt,” it’s your body’s way of keeping your private area healthy. No steam, herbs, or soaps are needed inside.
2. Stick to gentle hygiene
Wash the outer area (vulva) with plain water and, if needed, a mild, unscented soap. Avoid douching or inserting any products; they do more harm than good.
3. Wear breathable cotton underwear
Tight or synthetic fabrics trap heat and moisture, creating the perfect environment for infections. Cotton keeps the area dry and comfortable, especially in Nigeria’s warm climate.
4. Change pads or tampons frequently during your period
This helps prevent odour, infection, and irritation. If you use menstrual cups, wash and dry them properly before reuse.
5. See a doctor for unusual discharge or odour
If you notice itching, a fishy smell, or thick discharge, it’s best to see a gynaecologist instead of trying home remedies. These could be signs of BV, yeast infection, or other treatable conditions.
6. Prioritise overall vaginal wellness
Eat balanced meals, stay hydrated, and wear clean underwear daily. These simple habits do more for your vaginal health than any herbal steam ever could.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to intimate health, it’s easy to get caught up in trends that promise quick fixes or “natural” results.
But proper care isn’t about doing what everyone else is doing; it’s about understanding your body and making choices that protect it.
Every woman deserves to feel clean, confident, and in control, but that confidence starts with knowledge. The more we separate fact from myth, the more empowered we become to care for ourselves safely.
So, before trying anything new, pause and ask: Is this safe, or just popular?
I’d love to hear from you. Have you ever heard of or tried vaginal steaming? What made you curious about it, and what do you think after learning more? Share your thoughts in the comments.
Researched by Victoria Odueso
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