A Soft return | Steam Satchel
This is a simple steam blend you can make at home using dried herbs and flowers. It’s meant to be approachable and flexible, something that you can adjust to what you have on hand or what you’re drawn to in the moment. Whether you follow it closely or use it as a starting point, the process itself is part of the experience.
This recipe shares how I make steam satchels at home. It’s simple, flexible, and offered as an invitation rather than a rule-book.
For educational use and learning. These formulations are shared for personal. DO NOT reproduce or sell commercially.
What is a Steam Satchel Exactly?
Steam satchels are little bundles of warmth and scent that can be enjoyed at home. Unlike teas or infusions, they are meant to be inhaled rather than drunk, offering a moment of pause, clarity, or refreshment with just a few breaths. They are not confined to this however; they may be enjoyed in the shower or steeped in the bath.
Making a satchel – The simplest way is to fill a small cloth bag with dried herbs and flowers (like rose, cardamom, or oats) and tie it closed. You can leave the herbs whole or gently pulse them for a more fragrant steam. Then, simply place the bag in hot water and let the aroma rise around you.
Optional extras – Some like to wrap the satchel in a double cloth for a gentler steam or to add a few drops of essential oil for extra lift. There’s room to experiment, find what feels good, and adjust for what your body or spirit needs in the moment.
Grounding and/or Uplifting – Steam satchels are meant to be a quiet pause, a way to breathe in warmth. Whether alone, in prayer, or shared with someone; they offer a small act of care.
All recipes and ideas shared here are for educational purposes. Every body is different; trust your senses, move at your pace, and enjoy the process.
Lets Talk Our Ingredients
<Amounts are listed below in printable>
Rose -> Grounding and hydrating to the skin. It encourages blood flow and can sooth stress. A natural humectants which means it can draw moisture from the air, and binds it to the skin.
Raspberry -> Soothes sensitive skin and brings a fruity balance to the spicy floral aroma.
Cardamom Pods -> Strong aromatic spice that brings warm and uplifting notes. It also contains cineole, which helps break down mucus and can ease congestion.
This is such a beautiful and multi-purpose blend. Rose is grounding and floral while raspberry is fruity and fresh. Cardamom is perfectly balanced between the two with the strong scent it carries.
How Does it Work?
It essentially works in two phases, due to the nature of a steam and the chemical reactions. I often reference a book by Holly Bellebuano for Herbal Formulary. She uses a method of four tiers where each herb is categorized via these tiers. One of the tiers is considered a vehicle or corollary herb: (Read more Here)
PHASE I : Unclogging
Thermal Softening: The moist heat from the steam softens the outermost layer of the skin and the sebum (oil) trapped within the pores. This makes hardened debris, like blackheads, easier to flush out.
Increased Permeability: Steam increases skin permeability and circulation, which encourages perspiration. This natural "flushing" action pushes bacteria and dirt toward the surface.
Cardamom’s Deep Clean: As an antiseptic and stimulant, cardamom’s volatile oils (specifically cineole) help "wake up" the skin and further clarify the pores during this softened state.
PHASE I : Tightening
Astringent Constriction: Rose and raspberry leaf are potent natural astringents. Their tannins bind to skin proteins, causing a temporary contraction of the tissue. This constricts the skin around the pore, making it appear smaller and more refined.
Raspberry Leaf’s Tissue Toning: Raspberry leaf is specifically valued for its "tissue-tightening" properties. It helps prevent sagging and maintains the structural integrity of the skin, which is essential for long-term pore refinement.
Oil Regulation: By binding to surface proteins, these tannins create a protective layer that helps regulate and reduce excess sebum secretion, preventing the pores from being immediately re-clogged.
Pro Tip: To lock in the "tightening" effect, follow your herbal steam with a cool water rinse. This helps solidify the protein contraction initiated by the tannins.
Welcome!
Hey, I’m Brit. I help you blend the comfort of the kitchen with the care of the apothecary.
What you Will Need
Herbs of Choice: See more ideas
Container for mixing if preferred + Storage method (I use muslin cloth)
Creativity and Curiosity!
Instructions
(1) Fresh or Dry?: I don’t like to get hung up on this or that, but I can recommend to use fresh mint plants since they tend to lose that strong and pungent aroma overtime. My recipe is based on dried rose petals and raspberry leaf.
(2) MIX: Blend the ingredients in a bowl before, or simply add directly to your satchel.
2 p Raspberry
1 p Rose
0.5 p Cardamom Pods (About 5 gently cracked once per bag)
(3) STORE: If using fresh herbs, it is recommended to use right away. Fresh herbs tend to contain more water content, and are at higher risk of spoiling than dried herbs. You can optionally keep your steam blend in a jar to scoop out when desired, or keep packaged steam satchels stored away from sunlight somewhere cool.
(4) STEAM: Enjoy your steam satchel whenever you need a little softening or feel extra stressed. You can also test it out for congestion too or when you need mild stimulation. This is a special blend with the ability to soothe while also stimulating! Enjoy alone for some self care, or with a partner when you need a little refresh. Keep your product dry, and it can last for ages!
[Read About How to Use] OR [Watch Tutorial]
For your Own Recipe
<PAIRING N’ PICKIN TIPS>
Start with safe and gentle herbs, ideally that you know works well for you. I mentioned some suggestions above: Start with pairing alongside other safe and gentle herbs that have a similar profile with slightly different personality.
Other Recipes & Resources
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Trusted Source for Herbs & Tinctures → [Purchase Here] & [Apotheosis] < My local supplier and friend.
Find your Flavor FREE Workbook → [Get Freebie]
Steam Cleanse -> [Read more] A
Ancient Practices -> [Learn more]
Cardamom in the Bible -> [Read about it Here]
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