Postpartum recovery is a critical period in a woman’s life, requiring special care to restore physical and emotional well-being. In Kerala (a state in southern tip of India), the traditional practice of Vethu Kuli, or medicinal hot water bath, is a time-tested method that supports new mothers during this phase. This Ayurvedic-inspired therapy combines herbal medicine and massages to promote healing and rejuvenation.

What is Vethu Kuli?

Vethu Kuli refers to a therapeutic herbal hot water bath provided to women after childbirth. It typically involves the use of several medicinal herbs in the preparation of therapeutic hot water. The hot medicinal water bath, along with herbal oils and massages, is believed to help the mother regain strength, improve circulation, and cleanse the body. This practice usually starts 5 days after a normal delivery and after 15 days in the case of caesarean delivery. Vethu kuli is often conducted over a period of 14 to 28 days, depending on regional and family traditions.

The Vethu Kuli Procedure

The unique procedure may be difficult for a non-Keralite or non-Indian (mainly due to the non-availability of ingredients used in Vethu Kuli). But if you visit Kerala, you can try this bath from an Ayurvedic wellness centre there. Even if you are not a new mother, you can try this bath. Because it is refreshing, rejuvenating and healthy.

1.Herbal Hot Water Preparation

The herbs used are:

• Guava leaves
• Mango leaves
• Ungu leaves (Pongam leaves)
• Turmeric
• Turmeric leaves
• Poovarasu leaves
• Ripened jackfruit leaves
• Nalpamaram barks (That is, barks of four trees-barks of Ficus Bengalensis, Ficus religiosa, Ficus infectoria, and Ficus carica)

Now clean and wash all the above medicinal herbs. Boil required amount of water the day before bath with all the above herbs put into it. And then heat it just before the bath.

We use separate water for head. Boil required amount of water for this with dry gooseberry, Ramacham, and Sandalwood put into it. Prepare it the day before bath. But don’t heat it next day before bath. Use it in normal water temperature.

2. Full-Body Massage (Abhanyaga)

Before each hot water bath, the new mother is given a full-body massage with Dhanwantharam thailam (a type of medicinal oil) for 10 to 15 minutes. For caesarean woman, leave the surgery and surrounding part from oiling and massaging. Turmeric paste can also be applied optionally. For head, use the oil that you apply regularly. This step helps:

• Relieve muscle pain and stiffness
• Improve blood circulation
• Nourish the skin

3. Warm Bath

After 10-15 minutes of boiling the medicinal water, the mother is given a warm bath using that herbal water. Ask the new mother to sit on a stool and then pour the hot water into the body (the mother should be comfortable with the temperature of water). Don’t self-pour this herbal water. Ask your mom or grandmom or sister to perform it. Instead of soap, use green gram (Bengal gram) powder. Don’t use shampoo on head. Use green gram powder on head and wash it with the specially prepared water for head.

4. Post Bath Procedure

• You must apply Rasnadi choornam on the head immediately after bath.
• Abdominal binding must be performed to strengthen abdominal muscles.
• The mother must rest at least one hour after the bath.

Benefits of Vethu Kuli

Uterus Contraction: The hot medicinal bath promote uterine contraction, helping the uterus return to its pre-pregnancy size.

Skin Health: The herbal steam enhances skin elasticity and clears pigmentation or stretch marks caused by pregnancy.

Pain Relief: Relieves body aches, especially in the back and joints, which are common after delivery.

Improved Circulation: The combination of massage and steam improves blood flow, which accelerates healing and rejuvenation.

Remove Fatigue: Vethu kuli removes fatigue and rejuvenates new mother’s body.

Pacify Vata Dosha: Vethu kuli reduces vata dosha (one of three humors or doshas) to restore equilibrium in the body.

Stress Reduction: The warmth and soothing effect of the treatment help reduce postpartum stress and anxiety.

Better Sleep: A relaxed body and mind improve sleep quality, which is crucial for new mothers.

Cultural and Ayurvedic Significance

Vethu Kuli is deeply rooted in Kerala’s Ayurvedic traditions, which emphasize balancing the body’s doshas or humors (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha). Post-delivery, the body is considered vulnerable, with an increase in Vata dosha. The oil massage and warm herbal water bath used in Vethu Kuli help pacify Vata dosha and restore equilibrium.

Modern Adaptations

While traditionally conducted at home by experienced elder women or midwives, modern adaptations of Vethu Kuli are now available in Ayurvedic wellness centers. These facilities offer customized postpartum care packages that blend traditional practices with modern conveniences, ensuring safe and effective treatment.

Want to try some unique Ayurvedic monsoon wellness cuisines of Kerala? Then read our articles about Karkidaka Kanji and Pathila Curry.

Conclusion

Vethu Kuli is a remarkable example of how traditional practices can address modern health concerns. Its holistic approach to postpartum recovery highlights the wisdom of Kerala’s ancestral knowledge. By embracing such time-honored methods, new mothers can experience a nurturing and rejuvenating recovery journey. Whether practiced traditionally or in a contemporary setting, Vethu Kuli continues to stand as a testament to the power of natural healing and care.