Springtime Simmer Pot

Craft Your Own Springtime Stovetop Potpourri

stovetop potpourri with orange peels and thyme

As the seasons shift, there's something wonderfully refreshing about opening the windows and welcoming the essence of spring into our homes. The crisp, refreshing air, with a gentle hint of floral and earthy scents, helps drive out the winter stagnation. That first cracking of the seal is pure magical bliss.

Fresh air

Fresh Air, Fresh Mood

I love setting the mood in my house using aromas. Citrus scents help us to feel joyful and refreshed, piney scents help us feel invigorated and open, woody scents help us feel grounded and ready to face the day, earthy scents like patchouli help calm our minds, and florals can be soothing for the emotional heart.

It's no surprise that the world of perfumery is such a big industry. Indulging in perfumes and essential oils can sometimes come with a hefty price tag. Fortunately, our kitchens hold the key to creating delightful scents that are both natural and budget-friendly.

Why Simmer Pots Work So Well

Simmer pots—also called stovetop potpourri—are an easy, natural way to fill your home with fresh, seasonal scents. By gently simmering water with a mix of herbs, fruit, spices, and even extracts, you can create a subtle but noticeable aroma that feels clean and welcoming.

Unlike store-bought air fresheners, simmer pots don’t rely on synthetic chemicals. Instead, they release the natural volatile oils from your ingredients into the air, offering both scent and simple wellness support.

string potpourri

Benefits of Springtime Simmer Pots

• Natural: Simmer pots provide a natural and pleasing alternative to synthetic air fresheners and candles. Aromatic ingredients like herbs, fruits, and spices release fragrant volatile oils that gently scent the air, creating a welcoming and inviting atmosphere in your home.

• Easy to Customize: One of the greatest advantages of simmer pots is their versatility and customizability. You have complete control over the ingredients you use, allowing you to customize the scents to suit your preferences and mood, setting the perfect ambiance for any occasion.

• Budget-Friendly: Simmer pots offer a low-cost way to enjoy natural fragrance in your home, utilizing simple, everyday ingredients that are often readily available. You can even repurpose kitchen scraps to reduce waste and save money.

• Gentle Wellness Support: Beyond the simple aromatic enjoyment, many of the ingredients used can boast therapeutic properties that benefit your overall wellness. For example, many aromatic herbs and essential oils have airborne antimicrobial properties as well as mood-enhancing effects.

How to Make a Simmer Pot

Choose Your Ingredients

These are all optional suggestions to get your creative juices flowing. You can utilize either fresh or dried ingredients. Fresh can provide a stronger, more potent aroma, but dried herbs can be stored for an extended time. Whenever possible, use organic ingredients to minimize exposure to pesticides.

Common Ingredients to Try:

• Citrus peel or slices: lemons, oranges, or grapefruit

• Herbs: rosemary, thyme, mint, or conifer tips

• Florals: lavender, lilacs, or rose petals

• Spices: cinnamon sticks, cloves, bay leaves, or cardamom pods

• Extracts: vanilla, cinnamon, or peppermint

Ingredient Substitution Tips:

• No fresh herbs? Use dried herbs or even herbal tea bags (like mint or lemon balm)

• No citrus slices? Citrus peels alone are very aromatic and a great way to reduce food waste

• No florals on hand? Use a couple of drops of a floral essential oil, or a splash of a floral hydrosol, or tea bags (like lavender or chamomile)

Instructions:

1. Place your chosen ingredients in a small pot or saucepan.

2. Add enough water to fill the pot halfway to two-thirds full.

3. Bring to a gentle simmer over low heat.

4. Keep an eye on the water level, and add more as needed.

5. When finished, turn off the heat and discard the contents once cooled.

Important: Never leave a simmer pot unattended.

Tips

• Start simple, test your mix, then adjust as your nose desires

• Freeze or dry citrus peels or herb stems for later pots

• Use extracts sparingly—a half-teaspoon is enough

Simmer Pot Recipes

Citrus Bliss

Bright and clean, great aroma to get your morning started right

• 1 lemon, sliced

• 1 orange, sliced

• 2 sprigs of rosemary

• splash of vanilla extract

Floral Joy

Mild, calming aroma, great for relaxing

• 1 handful of lavender buds, or a sprig of lavender cutting, ok to leave on the leaves

• 1 handful of rose petals

• 1-2 sprigs of lemon balm

Spring Garden

Fresh and herbal, reminiscent of being in the garden

• 1 sliced lime or lemon

• 2-3 sprigs of thyme

• 2-3 sprigs of lemon balm or mint

• 1 sprig of rosemary

Lemon Spice

Warm, cozy, and perfect for having guests over

• 1 sliced lemon

• 2 sprigs of rosemary or your favorite mint

• 2 sticks of cinnamon or 2 pinches of fennel seeds

Citrus slices with rosemary

Gift Idea: DIY Simmer Pot Kits

Spring simmer pots make thoughtful, inexpensive gifts. Add dried ingredients to a small jar or muslin bag, and include a handwritten tag with instructions. They’re perfect for:

• Mother’s Day

• Spring thank-you gifts

• Hostess or housewarming gifts

• Care packages or spring gift baskets

Safety Tips

• Never leave a simmer pot unattended.

• Keep an eye on the water level to prevent it from evaporating completely.

• Use caution when handling hot ingredients or simmering pots.

Final Thoughts

Crafting your own springtime simmer pot (stovetop potpourri) is not only a delightful sensory experience but also a simple and budget-friendly way to infuse your home with the scents of the season. With these simple steps, you can craft your own aromatic bliss to fill your home with invigorating and therapeutic scents of the season.

Have a favorite springtime scent? I’d love to hear what’s simmering in your kitchen!