Scents are some of the most simple but pleasurable ways we can enhance our everyday lives.
Fragrant aromas like lemon and orange or homey combinations like vanilla and cinnamon can stir up warm memories that last forever. However, some of your favorite scents in candles, perfumes, and plug-ins contain harmful chemicals called phthalates that can affect your health [1]. Luckily, you don’t need to let go of your signature scent! Simmer pots mixing organic foods and spices can be one of the best ways to make your home smell amazing without sacrificing your health. Keep reading to discover the new scents you can make all from your kitchen.
What is a Simmer Pot?
You may feel like a wizard with a simmer pot cauldron - but it doesn’t take magic to get started! A simmer pot is stovetop potpourri. It’s an at-home mixture of fresh ingredients that can be used to create a signature fragrance.
Ingredients are usually boiled in water on the stovetop for a few hours to create a natural alternative for your favorite scents. By mixing wholesome ingredients such as orange peels, flower petals, herbs, and more, you too can experiment with fragrances all throughout the year.
Why Should I Make a Simmer Pot?
Making a simmer pot can be a great way to spend a weekend morning. Imagine gathering ingredients alongside family and friends and simmering new scents away while you serve up chocolate chip pancakes and freshly squeezed orange juice.
Sounds dreamy, right? Making a simmer pot is an easy activity that creates a fragrant space free of harmful chemicals.
Many scented candles and plug-ins contain phthalates, chemicals used to make scents last longer. Phthalates have been linked to various health issues, including hormonal disruptions, reproductive problems, and respiratory issues.
Spray fragrances pose additional dangers due to the propellants and benzene they contain. Propellants can contribute to indoor air pollution, while benzene, a known carcinogen, can increase the risk of cancer and cause other serious health problems [2].
Creating a simmer pot is a wonderful way to fill your home with nostalgic and festive aromas that evoke warm memories and seasonal cheer without toxic fragrances. It’s also a great way to tackle food waste and scraps. Save your leftover herbs and orange peel scraps for this affordable, zero-waste living solution for your fragrance needs!
Simmer Pot Recipes for Every Season
Neutralize odors and get into the spirit of things all year round. Check out these festive simmer pots that smell amazing, lift your mood, and set a vibe for every month!
January Simmer Pot Recipe for Warmth - Cinnamon Citrus Serenade
Kick off the new year with a warm hug for your nose! This spicy-sweet blend will make you feel cozy and motivated to tackle those resolutions.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups water
- Peels from one orange
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 tsp whole cloves
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
February Simmer Pot Recipe for Love - Cupid’s Garden
Love is in the air, and so is this romantic floral fragrance! Let the lavender and rosemary sweep you off your feet like a botanical Romeo and Juliet.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups water
- Peels from one lemon
- 1 tsp dried lavender
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
March Simmer Pot Recipe to Freshen Things Up - Springtime Fling
Spring has sprung, and this zesty concoction is here to chase away the winter blues! It's like a refreshing breeze bottled up to awaken your senses.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups water
- 1 sliced apple
- 1 sliced lemon
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
April Simmer Pot Recipe for Spring Cleaning - Spring Zest
April showers bring May flowers, but this peppy blend brings instant cheer! It's like a citrusy umbrella for your mood, keeping you bright and perky.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups water
- 3 slices of grapefruit
- 1 sliced Meyer lemon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp pink peppercorns
May Simmer Pot Recipe for Mood Support - Citrus Aromatic Bliss
May your home be as fresh as a daisy with this citrus explosion! It's like inviting a whole orchard to have a party in your living room.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups water
- 1 sliced orange
- 1 sliced lime
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
June Simmer Pot for Summertime Vibes - Poolside Lemonade
School's out for summer, and this fruity medley is your ticket to vacation vibes! Close your eyes, take a whiff, and you're instantly lounging by the pool.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups water
- 1 sliced lemon
- 1 sliced lime
- 1 sliced orange
- 1 sprig fresh mint
July Simmer Pot Recipe That’s Light and Refreshing - Herbal Orchard Breeze
Celebrate independence from boring scents with this herbal firework for your nostrils! It's like a picnic basket of aromatherapy goodness.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups water
- 1 sliced lemon
- 1 sliced lime
- 1 sliced orange
- 1 sprig fresh thyme
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary
August Simmer Pot Recipe to Beat the Heat - Velvet Fruit Basket
August heat got you down? This peachy keen blend is here to save the day! It's like diving face-first into the juiciest fruit salad ever.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups water
- 1 sliced peach
- 1 sliced apricot
- 1 sprig fresh basil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
September Simmer Pot Recipe for Fall Scents - Autumn Harvest Spice
Fall into autumn with this cozy concoction! It's like wrapping yourself in a warm, spicy blanket made of apples and happiness.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups water
- 1 sliced apple
- 1 sliced pear
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 tsp whole cloves
October Simmer Pot Recipe for Halloween Fun - Festive Hearth Embrace
Trick or treat yourself to this bewitching blend! It's the olfactory equivalent of carving pumpkins while sipping hot apple cider.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups water
- 1 sliced apple
- 1 sliced orange
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 tsp whole cloves
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
November Simmer Pot Recipe for Thanksgiving Festivities - Fireside Sweets
Give thanks for this aromatic feast that'll have your guests drooling before dinner! It's like Thanksgiving dinner for your nose, minus the food coma.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups water
- 1 sliced orange
- 1 sliced apple
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 tbsp dried cranberries
- 1 tsp whole cloves
December Simmer Pot Recipe for the Holidays - Winter Delight
Deck the halls with boughs of holly, and fill the air with this jolly fragrance! It's like Santa's workshop, and a winter wonderland had an aromatic baby.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups water
- 4 apple slices
- 4 orange slices
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 tbsp dried cranberries
- 1 tbsp whole cloves
- 2 small spruce tree clippings
How Many Times Can I Reuse a Simmer Pot?
You can reuse a simmer pot a few times, typically around 2-3 uses, depending on the ingredients and their potency. However, it's important to note that fruits should not be reused as they tend to break down quickly.
Each time you reuse the simmer pot with non-fruit ingredients, simply add more water to keep them from drying out and continue simmering until the aromas fade.
Over time, you may notice that the scents become less potent, signaling it's time to refresh with new ingredients. If you garden or participate in a compost program, you can save the scraps from your simmer pot for composting.
How Long Does A Simmer Pot Smell Last?
Who needs phthalates for long-lasting fragrances in your home? Simmer up some sweet aromas with a simmer pot!
The scent of a simmer pot typically lasts for several hours, usually between 3 to 4 hours, depending on the ingredients and the amount of water used. In some cases, the scents can linger in the air for a few days.
As the water evaporates, you'll need to add more to keep the simmer pot going and maintain the aroma. Over time, the potency of the scent will gradually decrease, signaling that it may be time to either refresh the ingredients or start a new simmer pot to continue enjoying the delightful fragrances.
Take Control of Your Health and Test for Phthalates
Phthalates are harmful chemicals that are found in many fragrances items such as candles, plugins, and perfumes. There is evidence that exposure to phthalates can lead to adverse influences on the endocrine system, which is tied to our reproductive health and immune function.
Unfortunately, switching out fragrances for simmer pots may not eliminate your exposure to these chemicals, as they are commonly found in personal care products, food packaging, and even medicines.
Learn about your exposure to phthalates and other harmful chemicals. Test your body with our Detect and Detox Kit today to understand your exposure and receive personalized guidance on how to change your lifestyle and optimize your health.
Resources
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8157593/