How to Use a Steam Chalice: A Step-by-Step Guide to Herbal Steaming

italistcreations
Jun 13
2 min read

Updated: Jun 17

The steam chalice is a traditional herbal tool used in Rastafari culture for spiritual, therapeutic, and wellness practices. Whether you're steaming for relaxation, clarity, or connection, using the chalice properly ensures the best experience. Here's a simple step-by-step guide to help you master the art of steaming with a chalice. Hope you fulljoy this post "How to Use a Steam Chalice: A Step-by-Step Guide to Herbal Steaming" 🔧 Step 1: Assemble Your Chalice

Begin by putting together the parts of your chalice:

The base (filled with water)
The stem (used for drawing & creating the air)
The kutchie (herb bowl & shell holder)
The screen or clay grit inside of kutchie
Coconut charcoal shells

💧 Step 2: Add Water to the Base

Pour clean water into the base of the chalice. Pro tip: Draw from the stem to test the “bubble” — the sound will let you know if the water level is just right. You want a smooth bubbling, not too heavy or too light.

🌿 Step 3: Prepare the Kutchie

Add your chosen herbs or flowers into the kutchie. Some other great steaming options include:

Lavender (for relaxation)
Mint (for clarity and cooling)
Rosemary (for focus and purification)

🧱 Step 4: Set Up the Clay Grit & Coals

Place the clay grit or screen gently over your herbs.
Arrange your coconut shell coals on top. Pro tip: Use larger shells on top to prevent smaller pieces from flying away as they heat.

🔥 Step 5: Heat the Coals

There are three common methods to ignite your coals:

Torch Method: Use a torch to heat the coconut shells until they are glowing red. You can build up the fire by gently blowing on the coals.
Lighter Method: Light one corner of a coconut shell until it’s red hot. Place it into the kutchie and blow to heat the rest of the coals evenly.
Open fire method: Place shells on an open fire, once hot, use tongs to put onto gritty.

🌬️ Step 6: Begin Steaming

Once the coals are red-hot and the herbs begin to release their aroma, start drawing from the stem. The steam will build with each pull, delivering the therapeutic essence of your herb blend.

♻️ Step 7: After Steaming

When your session is complete:

Allow the kutchie and coals to cool.
Carefully remove the used material.
Pour out the water from the base and rinse your chalice for the next use.

🌱 Final Thoughts

Steaming with a chalice is more than just inhaling herbs — it’s a ritual of mindfulness, breath, and natural healing. Whether you’re using lavender to calm the mind or rosemary to awaken the spirit, your chalice can be a sacred part of your wellness routine.

Bless up and steam consciously.