Improving Your Mood One Simmer Pot At A Time

Originally published on our sister site, Botanical Blueprint, we thought this article would resonate with our Menopause Foodie community as well. Creating a harmonious home environment is essential for managing menopausal symptoms and enhancing overall well-being. We love sharing simple, natural ways to improve your daily life.

One of the easiest and most affordable ways to transform your home into a cosy, inviting sanctuary during the colder months is by using simmer pots. These all-natural air fresheners combine the soothing scents of fruits, herbs, and spices to fill your space with fragrant, seasonal aromas. Not only do they make your home smell amazing, but they can also help create a calming atmosphere that may alleviate some menopausal discomforts. In this post, we'll share five of our favourite simmer pot recipes that contribute to your comfort and well-being during menopause and beyond.

Improving Your Mood One Simmer Pot At A Time

What is a Simmer Pot and How Does It Work?

A simmer pot is a natural home fragrance made by gently heating water mixed with aromatic ingredients like fruits, herbs, and spices. As the water simmers, the ingredients release their fragrance into the air, creating a calming, inviting atmosphere.

We encourage using organic or locally sourced ingredients for your simmer pots. This aligns with our commitment to sustainability and supporting eco-friendly choices. Not only does this reduce waste, but it also ensures that your home is filled with the purest, most beneficial aromas in a budget-friendly way.

How to Create a Simmer Pot:

1. Choose natural ingredients: Select fragrant ingredients such as citrus peels, fresh herbs, or dried spices. Opt for organic or homegrown when possible.

2. Add water: Place your ingredients into a pot or slow cooker, cover them with water, and heat on low.

3. Simmer gently: Keep your pot on low heat and check it periodically, adding water as needed to maintain the fragrance throughout the day.

Benefits of Using Simmer Pots in a Wellness-Focused Home

The air you breathe significantly affects your overall health and well-being. Simmer pots offer several benefits, including:

• A natural air freshener: Replace artificial sprays and candles with the pure fragrances of nature.

• Aromatherapy benefits: Ingredients like lavender, cinnamon, and citrus can help reduce stress, uplift your mood, and promote relaxation.

• Seasonal comfort: Customise your simmer pot to match the seasons, creating a cosy, homey vibe during the colder months.

3 alternative ways to help keep Simmer Pots warm and fragrant:

1. Tea light warmer: Use a tea light or candle warmer designed for wax melts. Place a heat-safe container with your simmer pot mixture on top.

2. Add glycerin: Mix a small amount of food-grade glycerin into your simmer pot. It helps retain moisture and fragrance, extending the life of your potpourri.

3. Repurpose a coffee warmer: An electric mug warmer designed to warm coffee can work well for smaller simmer pots.

What are the best pots or pans to use?

The ideal pot depends on your specific needs and your method. Here are some suggestions:

1. Enamelled cast iron pot:

   • Durable and retains heat well

   • It can be used on a stovetop or in an oven

   • Attractive enough to serve as decor

   • Examples: Le Creuset or Lodge enamelled Dutch ovens

2. Stainless steel pot:

   • Easy to clean and doesn't retain odours

   • Works well on stovetops

   • Look for a medium-sized pot with a thick bottom

3. Ceramic crock pot:

   • Perfect for the slow cooker method

   • It comes in various sizes and designs

   • It can double as a decorative piece

4. Glass pot or jar:

   • Great for visibility of contents

   • Works well with candle warmers

   • Mason jars or decorative glass containers work well

5. Copper pot:

   • Excellent heat conductor

   • Aesthetically pleasing

   • A traditional choice for stovetop simmering

     
     

When choosing, consider:

• Size: Match your needs and heating method

• Material: Should conduct heat well and be safe for your chosen warming method

5 Simmer Pot Recipes for a Wellness-Enhanced Home

Whether you're looking to relax, refresh, or bring seasonal cheer to your home, these simmer pot recipes inspire a sense of calm and comfort.

1. Citrus & Cinnamon: Cosy Winter Warmth

Ingredients:

• 1 organic orange, sliced

• 2 organic cinnamon sticks

• 1 tsp whole cloves

• 2 star anise pods

5 Easy Simmer Pot Recipes for Every Mood and Season

This warm, festive blend is perfect for creating a welcoming, warm atmosphere during the colder months. The bright, uplifting scent of citrus pairs beautifully with the spicy richness of cinnamon and cloves, making it perfect for holiday gatherings.

Wellness Benefits: Citrus is known to elevate mood, while cinnamon and cloves provide grounding, comforting scents that help create a sense of calm and relaxation.

2. Lavender & Rosemary: Calming Herbal Blend

Ingredients:

• A handful of homegrown lavender sprigs

• 3 fresh rosemary sprigs

• 1 lemon, sliced

• 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)

Lavender & Rosemary: Calming Herbal Blend

Lavender and rosemary are popular aromatherapy ingredients because they can soothe and relax both the body and mind. This calming simmer pot is perfect for unwinding at the end of the day or setting a peaceful mood throughout your home.

Wellness Benefits: Lavender is known for its stress-relieving properties, and rosemary has been linked to improving memory and focus, making this blend a perfect complement to your wellness routine.

3. Apple & Vanilla: Sweet Comfort

Ingredients:

• 1 organic apple, sliced

• 1 tbsp vanilla extract

• 1 cinnamon stick

• 1 tsp ground nutmeg

Apple & Vanilla: Sweet Comfort

This sweet and comforting recipe fills your home with the delightful aroma of fresh-baked apple pie. It's perfect for family gatherings or when you want to create a warm and cosy environment.

Wellness Benefits: Apple promotes feelings of nostalgia and warmth, while vanilla adds a sense of comfort and relaxation. Cinnamon, with its grounding properties, further enhances this effect.

4. Pine & Eucalyptus: Refreshing and Uplifting

Ingredients:

• A handful of pine needles (or a few drops of pine essential oil)

• 2 eucalyptus leaves (or eucalyptus oil)

• 1 lemon, sliced

Pine & Eucalyptus Simmer Pot

This blend of pine and eucalyptus is the perfect choice for a refreshing, crisp scent that clears the air and energises the senses. Eucalyptus is known for its respiratory benefits, especially for cold and flu season.

Wellness Benefits: Eucalyptus helps open the airways and clear congestion, while pine provides a naturally clean, purifying scent that promotes mental clarity and invigoration.

5. Cranberry & Orange: Festive and Bright

Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh cranberries

• 1 organic orange, sliced

• 2 cinnamon sticks

• 1 tsp whole cloves

Cranberry & Orange Simmer Pot

This cheerful blend of cranberries and citrus is ideal for the holiday season. Its bright, fruity aroma brings festive warmth to your home, making it perfect for when you have guests over or want to lift your spirits during the shorter days of winter.

Wellness Benefits: Cranberries help neutralise odours, while citrus and cinnamon create an uplifting, energising atmosphere.

Transform Your Home with Our Simmer Pot Recipes

We’re passionate about using the power of plants to create healthier, more harmonious living spaces. Simmer pots are a beautiful, eco-friendly way to fill your home with the benefits of natural aromatherapy and create an inviting atmosphere during the colder months.

These recipes not only make your home smell wonderful but also contribute to your overall sense of well-being. Try one of these blends today, or experiment with your combinations using ingredients from your garden or kitchen. Your home is your sanctuary, and with the power of natural fragrances, you can make it an even more nurturing space.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I reuse simmer pot ingredients, or do I need to start fresh each time?

While you can reuse simmer pot ingredients for another round, the fragrance will weaken over time. If you plan to reuse them, refrigerate the mixture between uses and add fresh water when reheating. However, after one or two uses, starting with new ingredients is recommended to get the most potent and fresh aroma.

2. What other natural ingredients can I use in my simmer pot for different benefits?

Simmer pots are highly customisable, and you can experiment with a variety of ingredients based on your needs:

• Energising Scents: Lemon peels, peppermint, and ginger provide bright, uplifting aromas.

• Relaxation: Chamomile, sandalwood, or cedar offer soothing scents.

• Air Purification: Bay leaves, rosemary, and thyme help purify the air while adding subtle herbal notes.

• Seasonal Cheer: Pomegranate, cinnamon, and dried oranges bring festive warmth during the colder months.

  
  

3. How long can I leave a simmer pot on, and is it safe to let it simmer all day?

You can safely leave a simmer pot on for several hours if you monitor the water level. Add water periodically to prevent the ingredients from drying out. For longer use, a slow cooker set on low is safer and requires less monitoring. This way, you can let the aroma fill your home throughout the day without worrying about the pot running dry.