3 Simple Postpartum Sitz Bath Recipes

These postpartum sitz bath recipes are wonderfully healing and comforting. Giving birth can do a number on your body and using sitz baths help by increasing blood flow to inflamed areas (1). You can purchase ready-made blends of herbs but it’s very easy to make your own.

Postpartum sitz baths are a great way to nurture yourself after the hard work of bringing your baby into the world. After giving birth it’s all too easy for your body and mind to feel disrupted. Similar to the benefits of using castor oil packs, this postpartum sitz bath recipe helps to restore the balance, allowing you to care and comfort your self through this self-care ritual.

A sitz bath is a shallow bath in water that is just high enough to cover your hip bones. They are safer and easier in the early stages of postpartum. Sitz baths are great for soothing inflammation of the vagina, hemorrhoids, or stitches (2).

Increasing circulation is an important aspect of healing (3). Sitz baths apply the principles of hydrotherapy to draw fresh blood to the pelvic area. The herbs in this postpartum sitz bath recipe are uplifting, astringent, and antiseptic. they can reduce inflammation, aid in tissue repair, and overall recovery.

Sitz baths can be enjoyed as a postpartum treatment or used more frequently as a self-care or healing program. Sitz baths are usually taken in a specially designed shallow, round basin that fits over your toilet seat. But it’s also perfectly fine to use your bathtub as long as it’s clean. (ask a friend or family member to clean it for you)

Sitz Bath Salts & Tea | Postpartum Care Essentials

5 Postpartum Sitz Bath Recipes

1. Comfrey and Calendula

Comfrey and calendula are renowned for their skin healing properties while the lavender in this recipe creates a soothing finish.

  • 1/2 cup (15g) comfrey leaves
  • 1/2 cup (18g) dried lavender
  • 1/2 cup (5g) calendula blossoms
  • 1/2 cup sea salt
  1. In a medium pot bring 4 cups of water to boil.
  2. Add comfrey, lavender, and calendula
  3. Remove from heat and let steep for 20 minutes covered.
  4. Strain tea water and use in the sitz bath also with sea salt.
  5. Once the water temperature is comfortable, relax in your sitz bath for 15-20 minutes.

2. Lavender and Dead Sea Salt

Lavender essential oil provides relaxation and soothing benefits. It also has antibacterial and anti-fungal properties. Baking soda soothes irritated skin, relieves itching and reduces burning sensation. Dead sea salt contains 21 minerals that are known for healing ailments of the skin.

  • 10-20 drops of Lavender Essential Oil
  • 1 Cup Dead Sea Salts
  • 1/2 Cup Baking Soda
  • 1 Cup Epsom Salts
  1. Mix all ingredients together in a bowl.
  2. Store in glass jars with tight lids.
  3. Add 1 cup to a full bath or 1/2 cup to a shallow sitz bath.

3. Lavender, Sage, and Rosemary

You can’t get away from lavender in these postpartum sitz bath recipes. It encourages healing and is extremely soothing. Sage is a potent anti-inflammatory and can help treat inflammation. Rosemary alleviates pain and boosts circulation.

  • 1/2 cup dried lavender flowers
  • 1/2 cup dried comfrey leaves
  • 1/2 cup dried sage leaves
  • 1/2 cup dried calendula flowers
  • 1/2 cup dried rosemary
  • 1/2 cup sea salt
  1. In a medium pot bring 4 cups of water to boil.
  2. Add sage, comfrey, lavender, rosemary, and calendula
  3. Remove from heat and let steep for 20 minutes covered.
  4. Strain tea water and use in the sitz bath along with sea salt.
  5. Once the water temperature is comfortable, relax in your sitz bath for 15-20 minutes.

4. Witch Hazel and Healing Essential Oils

Sitz bath postpartum witch hazel is amazing as an astringent for the skin with its potent anti-inflammatory properties. Essential oils are a great option too. The ones used in this recipe are have healing, anti-inflammatory, and anti-bacterial benefits. 

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 8 drops lavender essential oil
  • 8 drops chamomile essential oil
  • 1/2 cup Epsom salt
  • 2 tablespoons baking soda
  • 2 tablespoons witch hazel
  1. Add the ingredients to sitz bath if you choose to use your bathtub instead of a sitz bath you can double up on the ingredients.
  2. Soak for 20 minutes.

5. Plantain, Yarrow, Witch Hazel

Plantain has been used for centuries in order to heal inflammation and promote quick healing. Yarrow has wonderful antibacterial and antifungal properties. Chamomile has a relaxing scent and is helpful for soothing anxiety and inflammation.

  • 2 ounces lavender blossoms
  • 2 ounces plantain leaf
  • 2 ounces yarrow
  • 2 ounces calendula
  • 2 ounces chamomile
  • 1 cup of sea salt
  • 2 ounces witch hazel
  1. In a medium pot bring 4 cups of water to boil.
  2. Add lavender, plantain leaf, yarrow, chamomile, and calendula.
  3. Remove from heat and let steep for 20 minutes covered.
  4. Strain tea water and use in the sitz bath along with sea salt and witch hazel.
  5. Once the water temperature is comfortable, relax in your sitz bath for 15-20 minutes.

Postpartum Sitz Bath Tips

Temperature: Studies show a cold sitz bath may provide more pain relief but warm or lukewarm water that falls within the range of 98° to 105° F is healing, promotes good circulation and stimulates blood flow, and is much more comfortable to sit in than cold water.

Time: most instructions for sitz baths recommend soaking anywhere from 10 to 20 minutes one to two times per day. But your midwife or OB may give you specific instructions.

Alternatives: if you don’t have a bathtub or don’t have enough time to sit in the bath. A postpartum sitz spray in an alternative. You can use the recipes provided and place them in a peri bottle. After a shower, spritz a few sprays on your perineum—no soaking required! Or after every bathroom visit gently dab dry with toilet paper or washcloth, and then finish off with a few sitz sprays.

Postpartum Sitz Bath Benefits

Reduces pain

Tears and stitches may cause you to feel a slight stinging sensation, and a sitz bath can ease this feeling. A postpartum sitz bath helps with inflammation and itching and relaxes the muscles in the perineum, which can relieve the pain of a tear or episiotomy.

Cleanses perineum

Postpartum sitz baths are a great way to keep the perineum clean without having to press on delicate, sore tissue. Many of the herbs used in these recipes have antimicrobial and antibacterial properties that can decrease the risk of infection dramatically (3).

Increases healing

Warm water and many of the essential oils and herbs increase circulation. By increasing blood flow to that area you can boost your recovery time. Your body will use the extra oxygen from the excess blood to heal (4).

Reduces swelling

It’s normal to experience swelling and most women experience swollen labia post-birth. Improved blood flow to the perineal area reduces swelling and inflammation.

Promotes relaxation

Labor and delivery take a toll on your body. It’s essential to help the healing process along. Self-care not only does miracles for your body but also elevates your mood. If you make time for yourself, even if it’s just a 20-minute postpartum sitz bath, you will have more energy and strength to care for your new baby.