Medicinal Herbal Steam Bath: The Ancestral Tradition That’s Conquering the World

The medicinal herbal steam bath, practiced for centuries by Indigenous Mesoamerican cultures such as the Mexica and Maya to enhance physical and mental health, is making a global comeback. This ancestral remedy eliminates toxins, improves blood circulation, relieves muscle and joint pain, clears the respiratory tract, reduces stress, and strengthens the immune system.

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 80% of the world’s population uses medicinal plants. On its website, the organization provides detailed catalogs outlining the uses and benefits of these herbs.

Lizeth Cuara, CEO of Misty Phases, has revived the Mexican tradition of herbal steam baths used since pre-Hispanic times, bringing it back to women as a natural, alternative, and practical resource to help them restore physical and emotional well-being during the postpartum period.

“It’s time to restore the true importance of care and attention that mothers need during the postpartum period—a time when many women experience fatigue, abdominal and back pain, and even depression,” says Cuara.

According to the product designer specializing in postpartum recovery, the herbal steam bath, a Mexican ancestral tradition also practiced in Latin America, China, India, Africa, and Europe, not only eliminates toxins and restores body warmth, but also reduces pelvic inflammation, encourages uterine contraction, and relieves afterbirth pains.

“We understand how difficult it can be to find the ingredients for this healing recipe passed down through generations by our mothers and grandmothers. That’s why at Misty Phases, we’ve carefully selected and packaged these medicinal herbs to deliver them directly to mothers in the comfort of their homes,” explains Cuara.

The traditional recipe, used by women around the world, blends the following healing herbs:

Lavender: Has antiseptic and healing properties that promote cell regeneration. Its relaxing effects reduce stress and anxiety and improve sleep quality.

Raspberry Leaf: Strengthens the uterus, pelvic muscles, and bones. Its astringent qualities help calm spasms and aid healing from childbirth or cesarean incisions.

Aloe Vera: Anti-inflammatory, hydrates the skin, and promotes wound healing.

Chamomile: Soothes body stress, enhances sleep, and balances postpartum emotions.

Rue: Eases body pain and helps heal wounds.

How to do a herbal steam bath at home:

Just put on a full-body steam bathrobe and sit on a chair. Then, place a tub of previously boiled herbs underneath your body so the steam is trapped inside the robe—creating a home-style sauna that supports the healing and relaxation process.

After years of research, Lizeth Cuara has recovered the wisdom of ancestral healing practices and modernized them to support mothers today. From the use of healing herbs to the design of postpartum girdles that help reduce pain, improve muscle tone, and bring abdominal muscles back together, Misty Phases is fully committed to the holistic well-being of women during this essential stage of life.