Postpartum Herbal Sitz Bath
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Time to read 3 min
20 minutes
30 minutes
about 4-6 baths
Herbal Remedies
United States
Welcome to Peace Love Hormones, AKA The Modern Woman's Apothecary! ✨
As I prepare to welcome my baby girl into the world, one thought keeps returning to me: after birth, the uterus is left with a large internal site, or wound, where the placenta once was, and it is about the size of a dinner plate. Birth is beautiful and sacred, but it is also a profound physical event, and the postpartum body deserves real care, rest, and support.
In the weeks after delivery, the uterus contracts, tissues repair, and the body begins the long process of replenishment. This is why so many traditional cultures treat the postpartum period as a sacred window of recovery, rather than a time to “bounce back.” Gentle rituals that support healing, circulation, and the nervous system can make a meaningful difference during this transition.
One of my favorite traditional postpartum practices is the herbal sitz bath. A sitz bath is a shallow, warm soak for the perineal area that helps soothe soreness, reduce inflammation, and support tissue repair after birth. It’s simple, effective, and deeply comforting...especially in the early days when the body is tender and adjusting to its new reality.
This blend features calendula, chamomile, plantain, lavender, yarrow leaf and flower, and rose petals. Together, these botanicals help calm irritated tissue, support skin repair, ease discomfort, and gently relax the nervous system. Energetically, they bring softness, warmth, and a sense of care to the fourth trimester.
You can use this preparation as a traditional sitz bath or steep it and add the infusion to a full-body bath when you’re ready for deeper relaxation.
Below is the simple recipe I’ll be using to support my own postpartum recovery.
Herbal Supplements for Women's Health:
Soothe: Designed to regulate hormones, support cycle regularity, and prevent PMS symptoms.
Crampy: If you need immediate relief from menstrual cramps, this tincture works quickly to ease discomfort.
Bitters: improves digestion and support nutrient absorption, and overall gut health.
Sleepy: promotes restful sleep and supports nervous system health.
Ingredients
Dry ingredients
- 1 oz dried calendula flowers (Calendula officinalis)
3/4 oz dried chamomile flowers (Matricaria recutita)
3/4 oz dried plantain leaf (Plantago major or P. lanceolata)
1/2 oz dried lavender buds (Lavandula angustifolia)
1/2 oz dried yarrow leaf and flower (Achillea millefolium)
1/2 oz dried rose petals (Rosa spp.)
Directions
Step 1: Mix and Store
Combine all dried herbs in a large bowl.
Gently mix until evenly distributed.
Transfer the blend to a clean, airtight glass jar.
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight until ready to use.
Step 2: Making the Infusion
Bring 4–6 cups of filtered water to a boil.
Place1/2–1 cup of the herbal blend into a large heat-safe bowl, jar, or pot.
Pour the hot water over the herbs.
Cover and let steep for 20–30 minutes (or up to 1 hour for a stronger infusion).
Once ready, strain the infusion to remove all herb material.
Step 3: Sitz Bath
Option 1: Sitz basin
Pour the warm infusion into a sitz bath basin.
Add additional warm water if needed.
Soak for 10–20 minutes.
Option 2: Shallow tub soak
Pour the infusion into a clean bathtub with a few inches of warm water.
Sit and soak the perineal area for 10–20 minutes.
Step 4: Full body Bath
Add the strained infusion to a warm full bath.
Soak for 15–20 minutes for deeper relaxation and nervous system support.
How To Use:
- Sitz baths are often used within the first few days postpartum, especially if there is swelling, soreness, or tearing.
- Full-body baths are typically best once bleeding has lessened and you feel ready, or as recommended by your midwife or provider.
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If you try this recipe, let us know—we love seeing your creations! Tag us on Instagram @peacelovehormones, and don’t forget to tune into the Peace Love Hormones podcast for more holistic wellness tips, herbal wisdom, and hormone-supportive recipes.
⚠️ Medical Disclaimer
This content is intended for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your healthcare provider before beginning any new supplement, herbal remedy, or wellness practice — especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications, or have a health condition. The information shared here reflects traditional herbal wisdom and current research, but individual responses may vary.
Herbal Supplements for Women's Health
- Soothe: Designed to regulate hormones, support cycle regularity, and prevent PMS symptoms. It’s the perfect companion for women looking to balance their hormones naturally.
- Crampy: If you need immediate relief from menstrual cramps, this tincture works quickly to ease discomfort.
- Bitters: Great for gut health and liver detoxification, bitters can help improve digestion and support nutrient absorption.
- Sleepy: For those nights when sleep seems out of reach, Sleepy promotes restful sleep and supports nervous system health.
