Postpartum Herbal Sitz Bath DIY Recipe

I have always believed that after giving birth, women should be able to look forward to a nice, quiet vacation and recovery time. Instead, we were given a precious baby with the sleep deprivation that often accompanies them. This DIY sitz bath recipe is at least a little healing and pampering during your postpartum recovery.

postpartum seat bath

Herbal remedies are very effective postpartum and help speed up recovery time.I have used my healing ointment It works well for C-section scars and small tears (after the second day) to speed up healing. This sitz bath recipe uses herbal infusions in a relaxing bath to relieve aches and pains and speed recovery. You can also use it in a bottle or cooling pad for extra comfort.

I use a variety of herbs here, but you don’t need them all. Here’s what a sitz bath is and why it’s so effective for new moms!

What is a sitz bath?

Sitz is derived from the German “sitzen” meaning “to sit”. Simply soak your buttocks briefly for targeted relief of discomfort in the genital area. They can help relieve pain, increase blood flow to the area, and speed healing. Sitz baths are recommended for:

• hemorrhoid
• anal fissure
• episiotomy suturing
• Pain or damage to the vulva and perineal area
• pain in the rectum or anal area

Great for postpartum use! Even if you don’t cry during labor, warm water and soothing herbs can help reduce discomfort and swelling.

How to take a sitz bath (two methods)

Pharmacies sell sitz bath kits that fit over the toilet. They include a shallow basin and sometimes a bag for pouring warm water into the bidet. You can also find a simple plastic bidet without any bags or accessories. These are great because they concentrate the soothing water where you need it.

If you don’t have a bidet, a bathtub will work too. However, it should be cleaned before each use. You don’t want bacteria or old soap scum on your still-healing butt!

Here are the detailed steps for a sitz bath:

1. If using a sitz bath, place a clean container under the toilet seat. Pour in about 1/2 full of warm water or herbal tea and Epsom salt. Make sure the water temperature is not too hot to avoid burns.
2. If using a bathtub, make sure the tub is freshly cleaned and filled with a few inches of warm water. When you sit in water, you want the water to cover your thighs. You will add herbal tea and/or Epsom salts to the shallow bath.
3. Soak the buttocks in warm water for 10-20 minutes, 1-4 times a day.
4. Pat the area dry with a clean towel or let it air dry. Do not scrub the area.

What to use when taking a sitz bath

Now that you know what sitz baths are and how they work, what should you put in a sitz bath? There are several herbs that are gentle in nature and can help heal sensitive areas (more on this below). You can also add a small amount of baking soda and Epsom salt to your sitz bath to speed up the healing process.

If you have hemorrhoids, try applying a little witch hazel to your rectum after bathing. There are also some things you shouldn’t do in a sitz bath!

While I love essential oils, they do not disperse in water alone and are too harsh for the delicate perineal area. Scented bath salts, bubble baths, and similar products should also be avoided.

Herbs I used

Herbs are a great choice for a DIY sitz bath, and you’ll notice that I use a lot of them. You don’t have to use all of them for it to still work, so just use what you have.

• Lithospermum leaves – This herb is a sedative that soothes dry, irritated tissues. It also reduces swelling and bruising and has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. It stimulates tissue repair and tones loose tissue.
• lavender flowers – Smell helps relieve tension and stress. Lavender also has antibacterial properties that help fight infections, relieve itching and pain, speed wound healing, and reduce swelling.
• plantain leaves – Soothes inflammation, fights infection, gently calms irritated tissue, relieves pain, burning and itching, and stimulates collagen production and accelerates wound healing.
• red raspberry leaves – Tighten loose tissue and reduce inflammation. Many nutrients are also very high.
• yarrow flowers – Relieves inflammation, pain and swelling.Stops excessive bleeding, accelerates wound healing, helps regulate blood flow, and specializes in the treatment of hemorrhoids
• marigold – Soothes irritated tissue and has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties. Soothes cuts, bruises and scrapes. It has astringent properties and is a blood decongestant that helps treat hemorrhoids.
• Shepherd’s purse – Helps reduce bruising and heavy bleeding. Used in wound healing and has anti-inflammatory effects.
• bear leaves – An astringent used to treat lower urinary tract infections and inflammation. Antibacterial and helps prevent urinary tract infections.

More ways to use it:

• Brew according to the above proportions and add to Peri bottle for use after going to the toilet.
• Pour some of the pre-cooked herbal mixture onto the pad and freeze into a pain relief ice pack.
• Use the diluted mixture around the baby’s umbilical cord stump to promote healing.

This also makes a wonderful addition to new mom gift baskets and homemade gifts Natural baby care products and Lotion bar for mom.

Have you used any herbs after giving birth? Did they help you? Share it below!