Two women have died after spending about eight hours in a traditional sweat lodge, according to prosecutors in Mexico.

The prosecutors’ office in the north-central state of Aguascalientes says the women died of dehydration, asphyxiation due to high temperatures and inhalation of carbon monoxide.

Four women entered the lodge – known as a temescal – at about 10am Monday, but one left after three hours because she didn’t feel well.

She remained outside until about 6pm, and when she re-entered, found her mother and another woman lying unconscious inside.

A third woman was revived and rehydrated.

Temescals are stone, brick or adobe structures that usually contain heated rocks. They have been used since pre-Hispanic times in Mexico for ritual and medicinal purposes.