Gifts to Give – Herbal Steam Stones

As we move into the heart of fall and the season of giving begins, we’re kicking off our annual Gifts to Give series,  a long-standing Byers Ranch tradition that celebrates simple, natural, handmade gifts. Each year, we share a new batch of easy, botanical DIYs you can craft with ingredients you likely already have in your pantry or apothecary cupboard.

If you’ve been following along over the years, you can explore all our past tutorials, from Mulling Spices and Fire Starters to Spoon Butter and Lavender Lemonade Cocktail Kits, in our Gifts to Give archive.

This time, we’re making something new and beautiful: Herbal Steam Stones, fragrant little stones that transform any shower (or simple bowl of hot water) into an herbal spa experience.

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What Are Herbal Steam Stones?

If you’ve ever wished you could bring the scent and calm of an herbal bath into your morning shower, this project is for you. Herbal Steam Stones are made from natural clays, baking soda, and essential oils. When exposed to warm water and steam, they slowly release aromatherapy goodness into the air — soothing your mind and body with every deep breath.

They’re easy to make, endlessly customizable, and they look gorgeous when gifted in a small jar or muslin bag.

What You’ll Need:

Base Ingredients

• 1 cup baking soda

• ½ cup clay of choice 

  • Bentonite Clay  - White/Grey

  • Rose Kaolin Clay - Pink/Red

  • French Green Clay - Soft Green

  • Rhassoul Clay  - Light Tan

• 2–3 tablespoons water or hydrosol

• 20–25 drops essential oil blend of your choice

Optional Additions

• Dried herbs or flower petals

• Mica shimmer (optional)

• Silicone molds or mini muffin tins

Supplies

• Mixing bowl

• Measuring cups and spoons

• Whisk or spatula

• Parchment paper or drying rack

  
  

Scent Blend Inspiration

Here are a few scent options to get you started, but this project lets you be as creative as you like and customize with your or your recipients' favorite scents. 

Breathe Easy

Fresh and clearing, perfect for winter wellness.

10 drops eucalyptus EO

6 drops peppermint EO

6 drops rosemary EO

Optional: Sprinkle a little dried sage or pine on top.

Heart & Calm

Soft and floral, grounding for body and spirit.

8 drops lavender EO

8 drops bergamot EO

6 drops clary sage EO

Optional: Press a few chamomile or rose petals into the surface.

Forest Awakening

Woodsy and bright, perfect for morning showers.

8 drops cedarwood EO

8 drops sweet orange EO

6 drops juniper or fir needle EO

Optional: Top with dried rosemary or orange peel.

How to Make Herbal Steam Stones

1. Mix your base.

In a medium bowl, combine baking soda and your chosen clay. Whisk to remove any clumps.

2. Add your essential oils.

Pour in your scent blend and stir until the aroma is evenly distributed.

3. Add water slowly.

Drizzle in your water or hydrosol a tablespoon at a time until the texture resembles damp sand. It should hold its shape when pressed, but not be too wet or sticky. Note: If you are sculpting these by hand, as I did, the clay should be a slightly damper consistency. 

4. Mold and decorate.

Mold into 1” - 1 ½” stone shapes, or press the mixture firmly into silicone molds or muffin tins. Smooth the tops, and add dried herbs or petals if you’d like, and press them in slightly.

5. Dry completely.

Let them air-dry for 24–48 hours until firm, or bake at 150°F for 20–30 minutes to speed things up. Cool completely before handling.

To Use:

In the shower: Place one or two stones near your feet or on a small dish, away from the direct water flow and drain. Let the steam do the work as it gently releases the essential oils. After your shower, simply rinse the area with warm water to prevent any buildup.

In a bowl: Drop a stone into a heatproof bowl and pour hot water over it for an at-home facial steam.

As sachets: Tuck a few into linen drawers or gift boxes for soft fragrance.

Packaging Ideas

For gifting, try creating a set of three stones, one of each color and scent. Package them in a small glass jar, a muslin bag, or a kraft box, tied with twine. Add a handwritten tag or label with their scent/scent blend names and simple instructions. Alternatively, if giving as a room refresher, consider arranging them in a small wooden bowl. Secure in place with plastic wrap and add a tag with the scent name.  

They’re beautiful on their own or paired with other natural gifts, such as herbal teas, bath salts, or handmade soaps.

FAQs About Herbal Steam Stones

This tutorial is relatively straightforward and easy to complete in an afternoon (minus drying time), but there are a few common questions people may have before diving into the project. 

Will these clog my drain?

Used as directed, Herbal Steam Stones should not cause any plumbing issues. They’re made from simple, natural ingredients like baking soda and clay, which dissolve or rinse cleanly with warm water. To keep things running smoothly, place your stone in the corner of the shower, away from the direct drain flow, and let it slowly dissolve in the steam.

If your home has older plumbing, or you prefer to be extra cautious, you can set the stone on a small dish or soap saver so it doesn’t sit directly on the drain. After use, a quick rinse with hot water will wash away any residue.

How long do Herbal Steam Stones last?

Steam stones are designed for one-time use. In the shower, they’ll release their scent for about 5–10 minutes, or up to 15 minutes if placed out of direct water flow. When used in a bowl of hot water, they’ll dissolve within 3–5 minutes. Stored dry in an airtight container, they’ll keep beautifully for 6 months to a year.

Can I make them ahead of time?

Absolutely! These stones dry hard and stay stable for months. Make them early in the season, store them in a cool, dry place, and they’ll be ready when it’s time to wrap and gift.

Can I make them without essential oils?

You can! Replace essential oils with a few drops of natural extracts (like vanilla or peppermint) or use finely ground dried herbs for a subtle, earthy aroma. The scent won’t be as strong, but they’ll still look and feel lovely.

Can I make them without colored clays?

If you prefer not to use colored clays, you can also tint your mixture naturally using a pinch of spirulina (green), beetroot powder (pink), or turmeric (gold), or add a tiny bit of mica powder for a touch of shimmer.

Happy DIY Gifting!

What do you think? Are these Herbal Steam Stones going on your handmade gift list this year? Tell us all about it in the comments below, and stay tuned for next week’s Gifts to Give tutorial: Botanical Whiskey Infusion Kits. Until next time,