There’s something deeply comforting about walking into a home filled with natural aromas. Whether it’s the fresh, zesty scent of citrus or the warm, spicy notes of cinnamon, a simmer pot can turn your space into a fragrant oasis. But what if you want to amp up that aroma with essential oils? Can you safely add them to your potpourri simmer pot? The answer is yes, but as with all things involving essential oils, a little goes a long way.
In this guide, we’ll explain how to safely add essential oils to a simmer pot, give you instructions on how to create your own simmer recipes, and offer some tried-and-true simmer pot combinations that can fill your home with warmth, freshness, and seasonal cheer. Keep reading for specific recipe ideas below!
Can You Add Essential Oils to a Simmer Pot?
Adding essential oils to a simmer pot is a great way to enhance the natural fragrances of your ingredients. However, essential oils are highly concentrated, and using too much can be overwhelming or even potentially hazardous. Stick to a few drops—typically no more than 2-3 per pot of water—to get the best results without overpowering the scent or causing irritation. Essential oils like lavender, orange, eucalyptus, and rosemary are great choices to use in your simmer pot.
When using essential oils in a simmer pot, it’s essential to monitor the water level carefully. Unlike natural ingredients like fruit peels and herbs, essential oils evaporate more quickly and can burn if the pot runs dry. Be sure to add more water as needed, keeping the pot at least halfway full to prevent any burning or scorching.
How to Make a Simmer Pot
Making a simmer pot is straightforward and requires just a few ingredients you probably already have on hand. Here’s what you’ll need and how to do it. Simmer pots are highly customizable to your specific likes, but if you want some pre-set, specific recipes: please keep reading!
What You’ll Need:
- Water (fill the pot halfway)
- Fresh fruit peels (lemons, oranges, or even grapefruits)
- Whole spices (cinnamon sticks, cloves, or star anise)
- Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, or mint)
- 2-3 drops of essential oils (optional, but add these for a stronger scent)
Instructions:
- Fill a pot halfway with water and bring it to a boil.
- Add your chosen fruits, herbs, and spices.
- Once the water is boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer.
- Add 2-3 drops of essential oil if desired.
- Let the pot simmer for as long as you like, adding water every 30-60 minutes to keep the water level up.
If you’re using a simmer pot with orange or other citrus fruits, you’ll notice the refreshing smell immediately. Not only do citrus fruits bring a light and bright scent, but they’re also an excellent way to use up leftover peels that might otherwise be thrown away.
Best Essential Oils for Simmer Pots
Not all essential oils work equally well in a simmer pot. Here’s a list of the most popular essential oils to use and why they work:
- Lavender: Known for its calming effects, lavender is great if you want to create a relaxing atmosphere. It pairs well with citrus fruits like lemon and orange.
- Orange: Bright and uplifting, orange essential oil pairs beautifully with spices like cinnamon and cloves, making it ideal for a fall simmer pot or a new year simmer pot.
- Rosemary: Fresh and herbal, rosemary adds depth to your simmer pot, making it a great choice when combined with lemon or lime for a clean and refreshing scent.
- Eucalyptus: This essential oil brings a refreshing, cool aroma to your home. It works well with peppermint or pine for a holiday simmer pot.
Simmer Pot Recipes
Below are some specific simmer pot recipes you can try at home. Whether you’re looking to create a cozy fall vibe or refresh your space with citrus scents, these combinations will do the trick.
1. Classic Citrus Simmer Pot (with Orange and Lemon)
Ingredients:
- 1 orange, sliced
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 2 sprigs of rosemary
- 2 drops of orange essential oil
Instructions: Add all ingredients to a pot of boiling water and reduce to a simmer. This combination creates a bright and refreshing aroma that’s perfect for any season.
2. Fall Simmer Pot
Ingredients:
- Apple peels from 2 apples
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- Whole cloves (a tablespoon)
- 3 drops of clove essential oil
Instructions: Bring the water to a boil, add the ingredients, and let it simmer. The scent of apples and cinnamon will make your home feel warm and cozy. Perfect for fall evenings or when you’re getting ready for the holiday season.
3. Holiday/New Year Simmer Pot
Ingredients:
- Fresh cranberries (1 cup)
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 star anise
- Pine needles or rosemary sprigs
- 2 drops of peppermint essential oil
Instructions: This recipe is ideal for a new year simmer pot or anytime you want to bring the holiday spirit into your home. The peppermint essential oil combined with fresh cranberries and pine needles gives off a festive, cheerful aroma.
4. Easy Lemon Simmer Pot
Ingredients:
- Peels from 1 lemon
- 1 sprig of thyme
- 2 drops of lavender essential oil
Instructions: Simple yet effective, this lemon simmer pot recipe will freshen up any space with its clean, crisp scent.
5. Refreshing Eucalyptus Simmer Pot
Ingredients:
- 1 cup fresh mint leaves
- 1 sliced lime
- 3 drops of eucalyptus essential oil
Instructions: The coolness of mint and lime combined with the invigorating scent of eucalyptus will make your home feel like a spa.
Benefits of Using a Simmer Pot
Using a simmer pot has several benefits beyond just making your home smell great. It’s an eco-friendly alternative to chemical-based air fresheners, and you can often use ingredients you already have on hand, like fruit peels and herbs. Plus, simmer pots allow you to customize your home’s scent to fit your mood or the season.
For example, a citrus simmer pot with lemons and oranges will leave your home smelling fresh and clean, while a fall simmer pot with apples, cinnamon, and cloves brings warmth and coziness. Essential oils add a concentrated punch of fragrance, but they’re not necessary for a successful simmer pot.
What to Do with Simmer Pot Water After Use
Once you’re finished using your simmer pot, you might wonder what to do with the leftover water and ingredients. While you can reuse the ingredients once or twice (especially for milder scents), it’s generally recommended to discard them after use. Here are some options:
- Reuse the water: If the scent is still strong, simply add more water and continue simmering.
- Compost the ingredients: Leftover fruits, herbs, and spices are perfect for composting.
- Discard the water: Pour the cooled water down the drain or use it to water non-edible plants.
Final Thoughts
A simmer pot is an easy, natural way to fill your home with comforting scents, and adding essential oils takes it to the next level. By following the tips and recipes in this article, you can enjoy a variety of fresh, seasonal fragrances in your home without resorting to artificial air fresheners. Whether you’re looking for a fall simmer pot, a holiday simmer pot, or something light and citrusy, the possibilities are endless.
Just remember to use high-quality essential oils, keep an eye on the water level, and experiment with different combinations of fruits, herbs, and spices to find the scent that’s perfect for you.