The Magic of Intention-Driven Simmer Pot Recipes
- Astrid van Essen
- Mar 2
- 6 min read
Introduction:
I’ve always loved flowers and plants. There’s just something about having nature around me that makes my space feel more alive. That’s how I got into simmer pots in the first place—I wanted to bring those fresh, natural scents into my home without relying on artificial sprays or candles.
At first, I was tossing in whatever smelled good, but over time, I realised that certain ingredients carried different energies. A pot of cinnamon and citrus made my home feel warm and inviting. Lavender and rosemary helped me relax after a long day. Sage and pine gave the air a fresh, clean vibe. It became more than just making my house smell nice—it became a way to set the tone for my space and my mindset.
Now, making simmer pots is one of my favourite little rituals. They’re easy, completely natural, and can be customised for whatever mood or intention I’m going for. In this guide, I’ll share some of my go-to intention-driven simmer pot recipes, whether you’re looking for something cosy, uplifting, calming, or magical.
So grab a pot, pick a few ingredients, and let’s make your home smell amazing.
The Meaning Behind Simmer Pots
Simmer pots, also known as stovetop potpourri, have been around for ages. Different cultures have used fragrant herbs, spices, and botanicals for cleansing, healing, and setting intentions. Whether it’s burning sage to clear negative energy, using cinnamon and cloves to invite prosperity, or infusing a home with floral scents for love and harmony, the idea of using scent to shape our environment isn’t new.
The beauty of a simmer pot is that it’s simple but effective. Unlike store-bought air fresheners, which just mask odours, a simmer pot fills your home with natural, deep scents that linger. Even better, your chosen ingredients can reflect what you need at that moment—relaxation, energy, focus, or a cosy atmosphere.
How to Make a Simmer Pot: Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners
Making a simmer pot is incredibly easy. You don’t need fancy equipment—just a saucepan, water, and a few ingredients from your kitchen or garden. Here’s how to do it:
What You’ll Need
A saucepan or a small pot
Water (or apple cider for a richer aroma)
A selection of herbs, spices, fruits, or flowers
A hob or slow cooker
Step-by-Step Guide
Fill your pot – Add 3-4 cups of water to your saucepan.
Choose your ingredients – Pick your herbs, spices, and fruits based on your intention (see recipes below).
Bring to a boil – Heat the pot until the water bubbles.
Reduce to a simmer – Lower the heat so it gently steams, releasing the scent into the air.
Top up the water – Check the pot occasionally and add more water to prevent it from drying out.
Enjoy the aroma – Let the natural fragrance fill your home for as long as you like!
Tip: If you have a slow cooker, use it on a low setting to let your simmer pot work its magic for hours without worrying about water levels.
Love & Light Simmer Pot Recipe
In a world filled with uncertainty and challenges, now more than ever, we need spaces filled with warmth, healing, and positivity. The Love & Light Simmer Pot blends Himalayan salt, rosemary, lavender, and rose to cleanse negative energy, invite peace, and uplift the heart—helping to create a sanctuary of calm and comfort amidst the chaos.
Here’s how each ingredient contributes:
Himalayan Salt – Purifies the air, clears negative energy, and promotes emotional balance.
Rosemary – Known for protection, mental clarity, and uplifting energy. It’s also great for cleansing a space.
Lavender – A powerful herb for relaxation, stress relief, and promoting peaceful sleep.
Rose Petals – Encourages love, self-care, and emotional healing while adding a beautiful floral scent.
Intention & Best Uses for This Simmer Pot
This simmer pot is perfect for:
Energy cleansing – Use it after a stressful event or to reset your space.
Relaxation & stress relief – Great for winding down after a long day.
Self-love & emotional healing – Ideal for moments of self-care.
Meditation or bedtime rituals – These help create a peaceful atmosphere.
How to Make It
Fill a pot with 3-4 cups of water.
Add a teaspoon of Himalayan salt (or a small handful if using coarse salt).
Toss in a few sprigs of fresh rosemary (or a teaspoon of dried rosemary).
Add lavender buds (about a tablespoon or a few fresh sprigs).
Sprinkle in rose petals (dried or fresh).
Bring to a boil, then reduce to a low simmer. Let the natural aromas fill your space.
You can also add a drop of rose or lavender essential oil for a stronger scent.
Best Simmer Pot Ingredients for Every Mood & Intention
Not sure what to add to your pot? Here’s a quick guide to help you choose ingredients based on the mood or energy you want to create:
For Relaxation & Stress Relief
Lavender, chamomile, vanilla, lemon peel
For Love & Connection
Rose petals, cinnamon sticks, orange slices, cardamom
For Energy & Focus
Peppermint, eucalyptus, lemon, rosemary
For Prosperity & Abundance
Bay leaves, cloves, allspice, orange peel
For Protection & Cleansing
Sage, rosemary, pine needles, juniper berries
For Seasonal Celebrations
Winter: Apple slices, nutmeg, cranberry, cedarwood
Summer: Mint, basil, cucumber, lime peel
Setting Intentions with Your Simmer Pot
A simmer pot can be more than just a fragrance booster—it can also be a way to set an intention for your space. Like lighting a candle or brewing a cup of herbal tea, choosing your ingredients and watching them gently bubble can be a mindful practice.
How to Infuse Your Simmer Pot with Intention
Think about what you need – Before you start, take a moment to reflect. Are you looking for peace? Motivation? A cosy, welcoming vibe?
Choose ingredients that match your intention – Each herb and spice has a different energy. Pick ones that align with what you want to bring into your space.
Set a small ritual – While your pot simmers, you can say an affirmation, write in a journal, or sit quietly and breathe in the scent.
Some people like to time their simmer pots with moon phases or seasonal shifts, while others do what feels right. There’s no wrong way—go with what works for you.
Practical Tips for Storing & Reusing Ingredients
If you want to make the most of your simmer pot ingredients, here are a few ways to reuse them:
Dry out herbs and flowers – Once they’ve simmered, spread them on a tray to dry and use to make potpourri.
Freeze citrus peels and spices – Keep leftover lemon, orange, and cinnamon sticks in the freezer to use in future simmer pots.
Use simmered water for energy-cleansing sprays – Once cooled, strain the water and add it to a spray bottle to mist around your home.
Make a natural floor wash – Some simmer pot blends, like those with rosemary or sage, can be used as a floor wash for an extra cleansing boost.
FAQ: Answering Common Simmer Pot Questions
Can I reuse my simmer pot?
Yes, you can reuse the same simmer pot for a day or two. Just keep adding water as needed and store it in the fridge overnight when not in use.
What’s the best pot to use for simmering?
A stainless steel or enamel-coated saucepan works best. Avoid non-stick pots, as some ingredients can stain or degrade the coating.
How long should I let my simmer pot simmer?
Most simmer pots last 2-4 hours. Keep an eye on the water level and top it up as needed.
Can I make a simmer pot in a slow cooker?
Yes! Use the low setting on your slow cooker and let the ingredients infuse the air throughout the day.
Intention-driven simmer pot recipes: wrapping it up
Simmer pots are a simple way to make your home feel warm, inviting, and energetic. Whether setting an intention, celebrating the seasons, or wanting a fresh-smelling home, there’s a blend for every mood.
I’d love to hear about your favourite simmer pot combinations. Have you tried any of these recipes or have your own go-to mix? Let’s share ideas and keep the inspiration going.
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