Perineal Healing

By: Nikiah Seeds

There are many natural remedies that you can use following your birth to assist in healing and help relieve discomfort. Our Perineal wash, is a traditional mixture of herbs known to aid in healing of bruised and torn tissue. NOTE: These herbs are not to be taken internally- This is a topical tea only.

METHODS OF USE
First make a strong infusion of your herbs:
Bring two cups of water to a boil then remove from heat and allow to cool slightly (you never want to pour boiling water directly onto your herbs). Pour the water over two heaping teaspoons of the desired combination of herbs and cover tightly. A wide mouth jar or teapot is useful. Allow the mixture to steep for at least one half hour (overnight is best) then strain well. Keep any unused mixture in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Spritz Bottle
Put the undiluted herbal mixture into your peri bottle or a clean spray bottle and keep next to the toilet. Sprtiz the area as needed, especially after urination.

Sitz Bath
Soak the Perineal area in a basin of water with the full two cups of your herbal tea added to an additional 6 to 10 cups of clean water. Use cold water if there is inflammation or swelling. Once that has subsided, experiment with warmer water until you are comfortable. Some women find that very warm water helps encourage blood flow to the area and provide relief, whereas others find the opposite is true for them.

Regular Bath
Add the full two cups of Perineal wash tea to your bath water, or try our new Perineal Wash Bath bags, toss one in and let it steep.

Peri-Bottle 
A favorite! This is a plastic squirt bottle (a water bottle with a pop-top can do in a pinch) that can be used to irrigate the Perineal area. This can greatly reduce stinging if used during urination. Dilute the tea by one half with clean water and fill the bottle.

Compress 
Soak a washcloth in the cooled mixture and apply to the sore area. Disposable breast pads, soaked and then inserted on top of your sanitary pad, can provide continual contact. Try freezing either the washcloth or pads ahead of time for a cold compress

This information was put together for you by Stacelynn Caughlan, a Clinical Nutritionist and Certified Herbalist who specialized in Prenatal and Pediatric Health. Stacelynn and Nikiah Seeds, also a certified Herbalist and owner of Mama Goddess Birth Shop, who have now paired up to offer the web-site Mother and Child Health This site is a fantastic resource for parents.