A Ritual Bath for Your Uterus

I recently had my IUD swapped out. For those who don’t know what that is, it’s a form of birth control that is inserted in your cervix and prevents pregnancy for 5-7 years without taking a daily pill. There are hormone and hormone free options and it is over 99% effective at preventing pregnancy.

There are so many methods of birth control out there and if you are someone with a uterus it is important to do your own research as well as talk to a trusted health care professional to find the right option for you. In my experience, IUDs have been the way to go, but I went on a journey to find my way to it.

I have had amazing experiences with my IUD and some not so amazing experiences. The insertion process is a quick and non-invasive procedure but that does not necessarily mean it’s easy. You are getting a tiny piece of plastic inserted into a muscle that is only supposed to open while giving birth. It hurts. I blacked out during my last procedure. Luckily my new doctor was incredibly kind and communicative and offered me heat packs and drugs to reduce the pain and stress of the situation.

There is also a certain amount of witchy care I took at home before and after the procedure to help aid my mental, emotional, and physical healing through the process. And that is what I want to cover today.

Not everyone is going to go through and IUD insertion or removal in their life, but many people menstruate and sometimes, especially in cases of gender dysphonia and transitioning, this can be it’s own traumatic process.

IUD or not, periods can suck. So here is a ritual bath idea to ease cramping, back pain, and the stress of the experience.

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The name of the game is Raspberry Leaf! It is an herb that helps anyone with a uterus. You can buy it in tea bags at most grocery stores and I recommend stocking up. Sip on it the week before your procedure or period and the following days after from some herbal, holistic relief (I find, in tandem with Advil this really kicks my cramps). Pour yourself a piping hot cup before you run your bath water.

To the Bath add:

5 Bags of Raspberry Leaf Tea

Tea is great for your skin and it’s nice to absorb the raspberry leaf internally through drinking as well as soaking externally. Using tea bags is a great way to add herbs to your bath water without the hassle of clean up! You can also add green tea if you like the smell. This will turn your bath water a nice green color (hello heart chakra) but it shouldn’t stain your tub any more than a bath bomb would.

5-10 cups of Epsom Salt

I live and die by Epsom salt. I make it into scrubs, I soak my feet in it, you can even use it as plant fertilizer. It’s amazing. And it is perfect for aching muscles and joints. It is the mineral that’s used in sensory deprivation tanks to make you float, but it also has the added effect of making your whole body relax and I find it perfect for uterine cramps. Soaking in warm Epsom salt water anywhere from 15 minutes to 2 hours can be a total game changer.

20-30 drops of Peppermint Essential Oil

Much like the Epsom salt, Peppermint Essential Oil is great for achy muscles. It’s natural icy-hot and can help relieve pain and tension. It does have a refreshing minty smell too (you can avoid it if you aren’t a fan of that). It does add a cooling sensation to the hot bath water so start with around 15-20 drops then add more if you like the sensation.

10-20 drops of Rosemary Essential Oil

Rosemary is an herb I associate with womanhood and with the root and sacral chakra – the areas that need a little loving during menstruation or IUD procedures. The smell is earthy and grounding and I find is balances well with peppermint and lavender. As you add it to the tub, set the intention of spreading self-love, especially to your reproductive areas. It goes a long way.

20-30 drops of Lavender Essential Oil

Lavender is all for aromatherapy and relaxation. Add as much as you want and breathe in deeply.

After filling the tub and adding your ingredients with love, surround your tub with whatever candles, crystals, and totems bring your joy and relaxation.

I also recommend providing a snack. I settled for some chocolate dairy free ice cream but eat whatever your body needs. When I am working with my reproductive organs I find things like red wine or tomato-based products evoke the healing I need (getting a Bloody Mary or a Michelada the day before my period really hits the spot, I swear by it!). But maybe some fresh cut veggies or a light smoothie is what your body needs.

Whatever it is, pop on some tunes or a good podcast, soak, snack, and indulge. Your body is going through a lot and expending lots of energy internally – so give yourself some love and time to recharge.

And know you aren’t alone in the journey you are on.

If you try this bath or have rituals you do regarding your uterus I would love to hear about them! Leave a comment and share with another mensuration friend. J

Until next time! – Riss