With my first baby, I had no idea about postpartum herbal sitz baths. To be honest, With my second birth, I was a lot more prepared to take care of myself postpartum. I had learned a little bit more about herbs and definitely wanted to incorporate them into my healing rituals post birth. Sitz baths are a perfect way to promote healing and restfulness. And they just smell so lovely. They’re a great way to get away for a few minutes (even if it’s just to the bathroom) and relax.
what is a sitz bath?
A sitz bath is a soothing and therapeutic bath using a shallow plastic bowl that sits over a toilet seat. It’s commonly used postpartum for healing the perineum from tears and any other irritations, inflammation and swelling down there. The use of warm water is comforting and it also increases blood flow to the area aiding in speeding up the healing process.
With both my first and second births I had minor second degree tears in my perineum along with a flare up of hemorrhoids. I only had a peri bottle and an herbal spray – (both were amazing! )to use after baby #1. Then, after learning more about the amazing healing properties of herbs, I was so thankful that I had everything I needed to prepare herbal sitz baths to use postpartum after my second birth.
which herbs to use in your postpartum sitz bath
There are so many options of herbs that you can use in your postpartum herbal sitz bath. The great thing about it is the recipes are very forgiving if you are missing an herb or two. The below are some really great ones to incorporate that have amazing healing and restorative properties.
chamomile: calming and anti-inflammatory properties; helps heal minor wounds; helps relax your mind, muscles, and perineal area during postpartum baths
calendula: known for its medicinal uses to speed healing, stop bleeding and fight infections
comfrey: soothes irritated skin; contains allantoin which boosts the growth of new skin cells, while rosmarinic acid helps relieve pain and inflammation
lavender: has a great calming effect; its believed to be useful in treating anxiety, insomnia and depression
marshmallow root: soothing to tissues, helps reduce pain and inflammation in minor wounds
shepherd’s purse: used for wound healing, blood disorders, menstrual disorders, and to improve circulation
uva ursi: like witch hazel, it contains tannins that act as an astringent and helps soothe skin irritations
witch hazel bark: has natural astringent properties that reduces inflammation; known to soothe hemorrhoids which are common in pregnancy / post birth
yarrow: helps to stop bleeding in wounds; has antimicrobial properties that prevent infection in the vaginal area.
It still blows my mind to learn about all of the benefits—physical and mental—that can come from using these little plants that the Lord created.
where to buy your herbs in bulk
I prefer to purchase high quality organic herbs to ensure no pesticides or chemicals have been used. Especially since they are coming in contact with my body in such a delicate area.
The following companies all offer a wide selection of quality herbs that I trust to use in creating my own diy bath soaks:
If you’re still unsure about what to put in your postpartum herbal sitz bath, here’s a quick recipe to get you started.
pre-made postpartum herbal sitz bath
If you don’t have the time to purchase and prep your own blend, there are several lovely pre-blended options available:
Wishgarden Afterbirth Sitz Bath
Thena Natural Wellness Sitz Bath Soak
Mother mother Organic Postpartum Herbal Bath
Whether you end up having a tear in your perineum or a case of hemorrhoids or you just need some relaxation, any postpartum herbal sitz bath you choose to do will be sure to soothe your bum.
**TIP: If you’re in a pinch, you can put your herbal infusion in your peri bottle and use any time you use the bathroom.
He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle, and herb for the service of man: that he may bring forth food out of the earth;
PSALM 104:14
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