Nothing says fall like the aroma of seasonal spices wafting through your home. And while pumpkin spice candles and fall air fresheners may smell cozy, many are loaded with toxic ingredients. That’s where fall simmer pots come in.
What is a simmer pot? A simmer pot, also known as stove top potpourri, is a simple non-toxic way to fill your space with a warm, inviting scent. Simply toss natural ingredients like oranges, cinnamon sticks, and cloves into simmering water–and soon your entire home will smell like fall. It’s the ultimate natural air freshener.
Fall is the ideal time to use simmer pots. As the months grow colder and we spend more time indoors, we all could use more tender, loving care. The warm, familiar fragrances in fall simmer pots create a sense of comfort to enhance your mental well-being. Since simmer pots are all-natural, they also align with Clean program’s philosophy of keeping a toxin-free, harmonious lifestyle.
Ready to infuse your home with cozy fall feels? Keep reading to learn how to make a simmer pot for fall.
Wellness Benefits of Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is the practice of using natural scents to enhance your well-being. While rooted in ancient traditions, it’s also backed by science. Here’s how it works.
Your olfactory system, which lies inside your nasal cavity, is in charge of your sense of smell. Anytime you detect a smell, whether it’s flowers or freshly baked cookies, scent molecules bind to your olfactory receptors. These signals are then sent to your limbic system.
Your limbic system is part of your brain that regulates your emotions, behaviors, and memory. Certain scents elicit a specific emotional response, based on your memories and past experiences.
Unpleasant odors can trigger a stress response, while pleasant smells can promote positive emotions. For example, lavender’s aroma is known for its calming properties, while citrusy scents like lemon may boost your energy and mood.
Typically, aromatherapy uses essential oils, either by inhaling them or using a diffuser. Simmer pots offer another way to harness the power of aromatherapy. The only difference is that seasonal fruit and spices are used in place of essential oils.
Fall simmer pots also complement other wellness practices like meditation, yoga, and mindfulness. When your environment is infused with soothing scents, it’s easier to relax and let go of stress. Just as detoxification cleanses the body, aromatherapy helps cleanse the mind.
Best Ingredients for a Fall Simmer Pot
Like essential oils, the benefits of simmer pots vary depending on the ingredients. Some fall scents promote a sense of calm while others energize or enhance mental focus. This allows you to customize your simmer pot to support your wellness goals.
Some of the best ingredients for fall simmer pots include:
Orange: Bright, uplifting, and cheerful, orange is a great scent for combating seasonal blues or anytime you need a burst of positivity.
Apple: According to Yale researchers, the scent of spiced apples evokes feelings of relaxation and nostalgia (apple pie, anyone?). Apple’s calming aroma is even shown to help lower blood pressure.
Cinnamon: Warm and sweet, this classic fall scent is said to invoke feelings of comfort and promote alertness and mental focus. Cinnamon also boasts antimicrobial properties that may help purify air. Some research even suggests it may act as a mild aphrodisiac.
Ginger: This spicy root’s aroma has warming, stimulating properties. It's said to enhance concentration and soothe feelings of stress, sadness, or fatigue. Inhaling ginger oil is also shown to reduce nausea.
Cloves: Stimulating and energizing, the scent of cloves is said to boost focus and concentration and clear your airways.
Star anise: Star anise’s warm licorice-like aroma is believed to reduce stress and lift your mood. On top of that, its antibacterial and antifungal properties make it a natural air purifier.
Vanilla: Warm, sweet, and comforting, vanilla’s soothing scent reduces anxiety and promotes relaxation. Like cinnamon, its familiar aroma often evokes positive memories and a sense of nostalgia.
How to Make a Simmer Pot
Fall simmer pots are incredibly easy to make. All you need is a pot, fruit, and some festive fall spices. We’ve provided a recipe below, but feel free to modify it based on what you have on hand.
For example, if you don’t have fresh ginger, try ground ginger. If you don’t have star anise, add more cloves or an extra cinnamon stick. Simmer pots are extremely flexible. So experiment and see this as a rough template.
Here’s what you’ll need for this stovetop potpourri:
Ingredients
- 1 large orange
- 1 large apple
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 inch knob of fresh ginger
- 1 tbsp cloves
- 4 star anise
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Water
Directions
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Slice the orange, apple, and ginger into ¼ inch rounds. No need to peel them, as the apple and orange peels will enhance the aroma.
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Place the orange and apple slices into your pot of choice. Fill the pot with water, leaving about an inch of space at the top.
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Add the cinnamon stick, ginger, cloves, star anise, and vanilla extract to the pot. Give everything a good stir and place on the stovetop over medium-high heat until it reaches a low boil.
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Once the simmer pot starts bubbling, reduce the heat to low. Leave it uncovered, allowing it to simmer for at least 2-3 hours or the entire day if you like.
- Water will evaporate as the pot simmers. So be sure to check the pot every hour or so, adding water as needed.
What pot works best for a simmer pot?
Really, any pot will do, as long as you have room for the ingredients. A large saucepan, stock pot, or Dutch oven are all good options. You can also use a crockpot on the low setting.
Keep in mind that the smaller the pot, the more often you’ll need to replenish the water.
Incorporating Simmer Pots into a Wellness Routine
Whether you want to boost your mood or enhance relaxation, simmer pots are easy to integrate into your wellness routine. Energizing scents like orange and cloves are perfect for setting intentions as part of your morning ritual. In the evening, calming ingredients like vanilla and cinnamon can help you wind down and let go of the day. Simmer pots are a simple, non-toxic home remedy to create a peaceful environment. Used regularly, they can enhance your self-care rituals and support a clean, mindful lifestyle.
Recipe and photography by Mindy Palmer
Enjoyed this simmer pot and want more fall vibes? Try these pumpkin brownies or this fall harvest salad.
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