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Home / How-to guides / How to use pestle and mortar

How-to guides

How to use a pestle and mortar

A pestle and mortar grinds dried herbs and resins for incense blends and kitchen use.

Step by step

  • Step 1. Add a small amount of dried herb or resin.
  • Step 2. Grind with a circular motion, pressing down.
  • Step 3. Add a little more at a time rather than overfilling.

Looking after it

  • Wash and dry thoroughly.
  • Keep one for food and another for non-edible resins if you use both.

Safety

  • Don't grind anything toxic in a mortar you use for food.

A note on beliefs

Where we mention traditional uses or meanings, we describe what people believe and practise. These products aren't medical devices and we make no health claims.

Questions answered

How do I use a pestle and mortar?

Add a small amount of dried herb or resin. Grind with a circular motion, pressing down. Add a little more at a time rather than overfilling.

Is a pestle and mortar safe?

Don't grind anything toxic in a mortar you use for food.

Ask Starseed

Answers come from our own guides, FAQs and shop pages. Traditions are shared for interest, not as advice.

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Updated 2026-10-30. Starseed UK describes spiritual uses as tradition and belief, never as health, medical or financial advice. Plain-text version · Home