Pelvic Steaming in My Taino Culture

Pelvic steaming, also known as vaginal steaming, is an ancient practice found in many cultures around the world, including among the Indigenous Taíno people of Puerto Rico. In the Puerto Rican context, this practice was rooted in botanical knowledge, spirituality, and women’s health traditions.

Historical and Cultural Context

In pre-Columbian Puerto Rico, the Taíno people, who were the island’s Indigenous inhabitants, had an advanced understanding of herbal medicine. Women played a vital role in preserving and practicing this knowledge, particularly in relation to reproductive health. Pelvic steaming was one method used to support postpartum healing, regulate menstruation, cleanse the womb, and maintain overall uterine health.

The Practice of Pelvic Steaming

Pelvic steaming involves a woman sitting or squatting over a pot or vessel of steaming herbal-infused water, allowing the steam to permeate the vaginal and perineal area. The warmth and herbal vapors are believed to increase circulation, relax pelvic muscles, and support the release of physical or energetic stagnation.

In Puerto Rico, two plants traditionally used for this purpose are:

Baquiña (commonly called “Monkey’s Hand”)

• Scientific name: Didymopanax morototoni or a similar species (the name "baquiña" can vary regionally).

• Uses: This plant is known for its anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and tonic properties.

• In steaming, it would be used to help cleanse the womb, aid postpartum recovery, and reduce swelling or infections.

Malba (Mallow)

• Scientific name: Malva spp., likely Malva sylvestris or a native Caribbean variant.

• Uses: Mallow is well-known globally for its soothing mucilaginous qualities. It softens and moisturizes tissues, helps treat irritation or dryness, and supports gentle healing.

• In pelvic steaming, malba would calm inflammation, ease menstrual discomfort, and promote hydration of the vaginal tissues.

Spiritual and Ceremonial Dimensions

Among the Taíno and other Indigenous Caribbean groups, health practices were often spiritual as well as physical. Pelvic steaming could be part of a ritual for renewal or cleansing, especially during major life transitions like menstruation, childbirth, or menopause. It was likely performed with prayer, chants, or under the guidance of a bohique (healer or shaman), emphasizing the sacredness of feminine cycles and the womb.

Contemporary Use and Revitalization

Today, Puerto Rican healers and midwives—especially those involved in ancestral or Afro-Indigenous medicine—are working to revive and reclaim these practices. Pelvic steaming is once again being recognized not just for its physical benefits, but as a form of embodied cultural memory, helping reconnect women to their roots, intuition, and earth-based wisdom.