sitz bath — benefits + full recipes

there’s something sacred about tending to the body after birth—especially the parts that carried, opened, stretched, and released.

a sitz bath is a simple yet powerful way to offer your perineum that love and care. it’s a moment of pause. of warmth. of healing.

rooted in centuries of ancestral wisdom, sitz baths have long been used across cultures as a gentle remedy for postpartum recovery and pelvic wellness. from warm herb-steeped waters poured into shallow basins in ancient europe and asia, to modern-day adaptations made for convenience and comfort, this practice has endured because it works. it soothes. it restores. it reminds us that healing doesn’t have to be rushed—or sterile.

physically, a sitz bath helps reduce swelling, ease soreness, encourage blood flow, and support tissue repair. It can relieve itching, irritation, and hemorrhoids, and create the perfect environment for stitches or tears to mend with less discomfort. emotionally, it’s a quiet offering: a few minutes of stillness in the wake of so much transformation. a time to breathe. to soak. to be held.

whether you’re freshly postpartum or seeking relief any time your pelvic bowl calls for comfort, these herbal sitz bath blends are an invitation to soften, release, and return to yourself.

as always, consult with your healthcare provider before using herbal remedies—especially if you have allergies, stitches, or a history of complications. every body heals differently, and your care should be just as unique as your birth.

  • gentle recovery blend

    ingredients + benefits:

    ½ cup calendula: known for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, it promotes tissue healing.

    ½ cup chamomile: offers calming effects and reduces inflammation.

    ¼ cup lavender: provides relaxation and has antiseptic qualities.

    ¼ cup plantain leaf: soothes irritated tissues and supports healing.

    ¼ cup yarrow: helps control bleeding and reduces inflammation.

    ¼ cup comfrey: encourages cell regeneration and tissue repair.

    ¼ cup epsom salt: relieves muscle tension and supports healing.

    instructions:

    combine all herbs and epsom salt in a bowl.

    store the mixture in an airtight container.

    to prepare the sitz bath, boil 2 quarts of water.

    add 1 cup of the herbal blend to the boiling water.

    remove from heat, cover, and let steep for 20 minutes.

    strain the liquid into your sitz bath basin or tub filled with warm water.

    soak for 15–20 minutes.

  • deep healing blend

    ingredients + benefits:

    ½ cup comfrey – promotes tissue repair and reduces inflammation

    ½ cup yarrow – aids in stopping bleeding and accelerates healing

    ¼ cup rosemary – antimicrobial and improves circulation

    ¼ cup sage – antiseptic and anti-inflammatory

    ¼ cup uva ursi – helps prevent urinary tract infections

    ¼ cup sea salt – cleanses and soothes irritated skin

    instructions:

    mix all herbs and sea salt together

    store in an airtight container

    boil 2 quarts of water and add 1 cup of the herbal blend

    cover and steep for 30 minutes

    strain into a sitz bath basin or warm tub

    soak for 15–20 minutes

  • calming floral blend

    ingredients + benefits:

    ½ cup rose petals – soothing aroma and gentle astringent properties

    ½ cup lavender – promotes relaxation and has antiseptic qualities

    ¼ cup chamomile – reduces inflammation and calms the skin

    ¼ cup calendula – supports healing and reduces swelling

    ¼ cup witch hazel bark – acts as an astringent, reducing inflammation and promoting healing

    ¼ cup epsom salt – eases muscle tension and supports recovery

    instructions:

    combine all ingredients and store in a sealed container

    boil 2 quarts of water and add 1 cup of the herbal mixture

    let steep for 20 minutes, then strain

    pour the infusion into your sitz bath basin or tub with warm water

    soak for 15–20 minutes