Yoni oils, herbal lubes and vulva care!

Many of you don't know that I used to be a sex educator in my 20's. I started working at a sex shop when I was 19, never really having spent any time in one before. This was one of the many jobs I had in college as it was a very expensive private school and I was basically living off of credit cards. 
I was super excited to have this job. My art already dealt with sexuality, erotisism and queerness, and my personal interests and exploration of human connection and behavior led me to be continually curious about sex and intimacy. 
Lube became one of my favorite subjects to talk about at the shop and in my personal life. Why was this something we were so ashamed to need? Why was there so much stigma attached to it? Of course in the world where femme and socialized female folks resolve to faking their orgasms instead of asking for what they need it wasn’t super surprising to hear that people were embarrassed about wanting or needing to use lube.

There are lots of different reasons one might need to use lube. Depending on what your hormone cycle is doing, pregnancy,  breast feeding, hydration levels, medication or any other number of things your body is experiencing may lead to variation in the lubricant your body can actually produce. Perimenopausal, menopausal, and transgender folks experiencing drastic hormonal shifts may need this magical tool to prevent tearing, discomfort, micro abrasions, and generally make sex feel much better. And who doesn’t want that?!
Go ahead and Google lube, it’s a fascinating subject to read about. Then, visit your friendly neighborhood progressive sex shop to purchase your very own bottle.


There are lots of different kinds of lubricants on the market you can research. Everything from water-based to silicone and oil based- everybody has their own preferences. With more and more herbal lubes coming on the market I thought I would give a CBD infused lube a try for you guys, all in the name of research of course! This lube is infused with aphrodisiac plant allies, and helps increase circulation to the genitals while also protecting and moisturizing the delicate tissue.

Botanical infused herbal lubricant is especially helpful for perimenopausal or menopausal people as well as trans masculine folks. The common factor here is the thinning of the vaginal walls due to hormonal shifts which causes tearing and friction more often and to be more painful. Botanical infused oil has anti-inflammatory benefits that will give you a substantial amount of comfort and relief as a daily moisturizer as well as a lubricant. This book by Merry Jane is a great resource to learn more about this powerful plant and it's benefits during sex! 

I’ve really been enjoying the Botanical Infused Herbal oil as a moisturizer. I find it helps me connect back to myself and feel more present in my body if I'm feeling disconnected from myself. Herbal lube does not need to be used with a partner-- or for sex, and is generally really nice when you’re experiencing more dryness due to your moon cycle, diet change, or any of the other million things that could be happening. Try applying it after the shower or bath, connecting back to personal intimacy, thanking your body and making sure to send all parts of yourself- including your vulva some sparkle. I like this practice especially when I’m setting intentions around manifestation, desire, and calling my power back to myself.

On a similar note, I’m also going to include some information on herbal yoni steams, which are like a cup of tea for your vagina! When we start to engage in holistic care of our entire bodies, including our vulvas and pelvic floors, it will help root us down into the earth, creating more balance and inviting magic back in. I have found this practice helpful for anxiety, personal power, and connecting my body to the earth in my magical practice. 
Yoni steams are also a really amazing way to invite movement and circulation, move stagnation (magically and physically). and engage your sex organs in magic, ritual and and self-care. Making a yoni steam in a ritual and magical way is one of my favorite things to do. Choose plans you have a connection with or plants that are appropriate for the spell work you’re doing. Rose is great for healing the heart, inviting love and sweetness as well as protection. Yarrow is a personal favorite for boundary work. Here are a few more:

Plants for Yoni Steams
You can purchase pre-made stems, use a sitz bath blend, or make your own. Here are a few favorite garden herbs for a steam blend: 

Rosemary: An aromatic and antimicrobial herb, rosemary treats bacterial infection, speeds wound healing, inhibits yeast growth, and stimulates menstruation.
Lavender: One of the most relaxing herbs we have, lavender supports healing, and it also promotes menstrual flow.
Yarrow: Astringent, tonifying and cleansing, yarrow is great for regulating menstrual flow, treating ovarian cysts and supporting overall uterine health.
Calendula: Aids in healing of scar tissue, vaginal tears, or hemorrhoids.
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