Sacred Recipe: Postpartum Sitz Bath

Recipe By: Kandace Beck

Creator at Organic Butterfly

A sitz bath is a special bath used in the early postpartum period to help ease pain, promote healing and give good hygiene to the perennial area. This is particularly helpful after an episiotomy or tearing during birth. Though it also helps ease swelling in the perineum or a swollen labia.

In the hospital you may be given a portable sitz bath. This sits over a normal sized toilet. You fill a bag with warm water and sit on the sitz bath. The warm water then flows over your perineum allowing for healing and cleansing. You can add medication or herbal preparations at will.

You will need a combination of at least three of any of the following herbs:

½ cup of each

·         Comfrey (cell proliferant, vulnerary)

·         Rosemary (antiscptic)

·         Lavender (anti-microbial)

·         Myrrh

·         Calendula (anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory)

·         Sheppards Purse (hemostatic)

·         Epsom Salt

Add 2 cloves of garlic to each bath (optional)

In a large pot, bring 2 quarts of water to a boil, remove from heat. Place the herbs, salt, and garlic into a cheesecloth sack (can be added loose or in a tea steeping ball too). Add to the water, cover and let steep for 3-4 hours. The “tea” can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Use 2 cups of tea to each stiz bath you do.

Fill the tub with hot water, but just high enough to cover your perennial area when sitting, not to full or it will be diluted too much. Add the “tea” and soak for 20-30 minutes once or twice a day. You may also add a few drops of tea tree oil or a squirt of pure aloe vera to the bath for extra comfort.

Enjoy your postpartum bath 2-3 times per day for optimal results. Take care of yourself mamas, it's important!

This product can also be purchased at Organic Butterfly.