Everything you need to know about Simmer Pots
- 4shivanipr4
- Jan 3
- 3 min read
Before electric diffusers and synthetic fragrances, homes were refreshed in much simpler ways. Herbs, spices, flowers, citrus peels, and salt were gently simmered in water to scent living spaces and maintain a sense of warmth and clarity.
Simmer pots, sometimes referred to as stovetop potpourri, are a continuation of these household practices. They rely on heat and steam to carry the aroma of natural ingredients through a home, subtly shifting the atmosphere.
Today, simmer pots are often used not only for scent, but also as a quiet ritual. A way to care for the energetic environment of a space without complex rules or tools.
Why People Use Simmer Pots
Simmer pots are commonly used to refresh the energy of a home. Over time, stress, illness, emotional conversations, visitors, or long periods of inactivity can leave a space feeling dull or heavy.
The gentle movement created by steam helps circulate air and aroma, making a home feel lighter and more settled. Because scent is closely tied to emotion and memory, this shift is often felt quickly.
Another reason simmer pots remain popular is their simplicity. They do not require belief in a specific spiritual system and can be used as an intentional ritual or as mindful homemaking.
A Practice with Long Roots
There is no single origin story for simmer pots. Similar practices appear across cultures wherever herbs and spices were part of daily life.
In Europe, potpourri was used for centuries to scent rooms using dried botanicals and salt. In many traditional households, herbs and peels were simmered simply to freshen indoor air.
In Indian homes, related practices already exist from burning dhoop and sambrani to boiling herbs and spices for both practical and ritual purposes. Simmer pots fit naturally into this rhythm of home care.
How Simmer Pots Work Energetically
From an energetic perspective, simmer pots bring together the core elements of ritual work in a very natural way:
• Water forms the base
• Heat activates movement
• Steam carries the aroma through the space
• Herbs, fruits, spices, and salt ground the process
Because the process is slow and gentle, the effect is supportive rather than disruptive. This makes simmer pots suitable for regular use.
How to Build a Simmer Pot
Instead of fixed recipes, simmer pots work best when built using a simple structure. This keeps the practice flexible while remaining intentional.
1. Start with Water
Choose a regular pot or pan and fill it halfway with water. Place it on the stove and set the flame to low.
2. Add Salt
Add a small amount of salt to the water. Rock salt, sea salt, or sun-dried salt can be used. Salt helps stabilise and neutralise energy while grounding the blend.
3. Choose Your Botanicals
Select a small combination of ingredients, at least 3 to 6 in total. These may be fresh or dried.
You can think of them in categories:
Fruits or peels for freshness and upliftment
Herbs to influence emotional tone
Spices for warmth and movement
Flowers to soften and balance the space
4. Set an Intention
If using bay leaves, you may write a word, symbol, or short intention on them before adding them to the pot. This helps define the purpose of the simmer pot without spoken affirmations or formal ritual language.
5. Simmer Gently
Allow the water to heat slowly and release steam. Keep the flame low and add more water as needed. The pot should never be left unattended for long periods.
Seasonal Considerations
Simmer pots naturally change with the seasons.
During warmer months, lighter herbs and citrus often feel refreshing. During monsoon and winter, grounding ingredients and gentle spices are commonly preferred.
Seasonal awareness helps the practice feel aligned with both the environment and the body.
Using a Ready-Made Blend
On days when time or energy is limited, a ready-made blend can simplify the process without removing intention.
The Happiness & Positivity Home Simmer Pot Blend by Rainbow Child is created with herbs, fruits, spices, and salt chosen to support emotional warmth, lightness, and everyday home cleansing. It allows the ritual to remain consistent while removing the need to plan or measure ingredients. Water, intention, and presence remain part of the process.
How Often to Use a Simmer Pot
Simmer pots are well suited to regular use.
They are often used monthly as a reset, before gatherings, after emotionally heavy periods, or during quiet evenings at home. Because the practice is gentle, it can be repeated without feeling excessive.
Simmer pots offer a reminder that spiritual care does not need to be elaborate. Simple actions, practiced with awareness, often create the most lasting shifts.
For more guidance on herbs, rituals, and everyday spiritual practices, explore the Ritual Hub, a growing space for grounded, accessible learning.
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