Gwyneth Paltrow is at it again, this time extolling the benefits of steam-cleaning her vagina.
The Oscar winner recommended the Mugwort V-Steam treatment at Tikkun Spa in Santa Monica on her GOOP website — a bit of TMI that has also been blasted by experts.
‘You sit on what is essentially a mini-throne, and a combination of infrared and mugwort steam cleanses your uterus, et al,’ Gwyneth says.
‘It is an energetic release – not just a steam douche – that balances female hormone levels,’ the actress continues. We’re not sure what that means, but it’s not good, according to a number of specialists who specialize in vaginal health.
According to Independent.co.uk, a trained obstetrician and gynaecologist named Dr Jen Gunter said: “Steam is probably not good for your vagina. Herbal steam is no better and quite possibly worse. Mugwort of wormwood or whatever when steamed, either vaginally or on the vulva, can’t possibly balance any reproductive hormones, regulate your menstrual cycle, treat depression, or cure infertility… Steam isn’t going to get into your uterus from your vagina unless you are using an attachment with some kind of pressure. Most definitely never, ever do that.”
Mugwort is a famous Asian plant that is used to cleanse the body, increase energy, relieve stomach discomfort, regulate periods, and even enhance mental health.
And such private parts therapy has been utilized on Chinese emperors for over 1,500 years. Today, though, we know better.
Dr. Amos Grunebaum, an ob-gyn at New York Presbyterian Hospital, told the Daily News, “I would never tell anybody to do this because the potential risks are much higher than the potential benefits,”
The best thing to do, according to Dr Anna McNulty, Director of Sydney Sexual Health, is nothing. She explains, “Your vagina is very good at keeping itself healthy. Just leave it alone.”
In reality, not only is it ideal to do nothing, but it’s also critical to be aware of what’s going on in the region. “It’s quite a delicate balance of bacteria,” Dr. McNulty adds. “Any intervention – like the trend of douching – can wash away the normal bacteria that keeps your vagina healthy.”