Herbal soaking may be a good practice if someone is currently contraindicated to steam due to a burning itch. It is also good practice to follow a steam session with an herbal soak when treating active infections.
Prepare your herbal soak as follows: 1) Obtain a small tub or basin large enough for you to sit in. A non-plastic tub would be ideal.
2) Prepare your herbs as you normally would for a steam session using 1.5 liters or quarts of water.
3) Fill the tub with 1.5 liters or quarts of room temperature or cold water first.
4) Using pot holders, carefully pour 1.5 liters or quarts of prepared herbal tea into the tub. The combined temperature of the water should be lukewarm.
5) Remove your undergarments and sit in the tub.
6) Soak for 10-20 min or longer if you like.
7) Keep a blanket or towel nearby to cover yourself if you begin to feel cold.
IS THIS THE SAME AS A SITZ BATH?
A sitz bath usually refers to a small plastic bowl that fits on the toilet bowl.
A sitz bath can also be used for an herbal soak but is not ideal because:
1) Sitz bath bowls are made from plastic which can introduce toxins into the herbs.
2) A sitz bath contains a limited volume of water which limits the surface area that it can cover. It is best to submerge your lower body into the water, including the vulva and buttocks.
IS THIS THE SAME AS AN HERBAL RINSE?
An herbal rinse would usually refer to preparing the steam herbs, letting them cool and then using a peribottle, spray bottle or pitcher to then rinse the genitalia while sitting on the toilet. With a rinse. there is no sitting in the water.
Herbal rinses can be helpful, but soaking is most helpful for treating a burning or itching sensation.
CAN THIS ALSO BE DONE IN A BATH TUB?
Yes. If preparing an herbal bath you would want to use 1 cup of the Steamy Chick Cooling Herbs and 3 cups of the Steamy Chick Disinfecting, Cleansing or Gentle herbs. The herbal bath water is not very concentrated, but is still very beneficial and super relaxing. An herbal bath ensures that the majority of the body is in contact with the herbs.
Herbal baths are ideal for people who have abundant access to herbs that they grow or acquire on their own.
For an herbal bath, prepare your herbs in a large pot and fill the bathtub according to your desired temperature. Strain the prepared herbal tea to avoid clogging your tub or place the herbs in a muslin cloth bag or herbal tea ball before steeping in boiling water. After adding your prepared herbal tea to the filled bathtub, test the final water temperature before submerging your body in the herbal bath.
