Simmer Pots: The Essentials and Three Recipes

Witchella Spells’ Favorite Simmer Pots

Here, I offer you three of my favorite recipes for simmer pots. They make my home smell amazing, and they offer several metaphysical benefits.

What is this simmer pot you speak of?

A simmer pot, also known as a simmering potpourri or simmering pot, is a mixture of ingredients that are simmered on the stove to release pleasant fragrances into the air. It is a natural and aromatic way to freshen up your home, and it's often used as an alternative to commercial air fresheners.

Typically, a simmer pot consists of a combination of water and various aromatic ingredients such as fruits, spices, herbs, and essential oils. Common ingredients include citrus slices (lemons, oranges), cinnamon sticks, cloves, vanilla extract, fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme), and other spices or botanicals. The mixture is heated on the stove at a low simmer, allowing the ingredients to release their natural scents into the air.

Why should I make one of these simmer pots?

Simmer pots are not only a great way to add a pleasant fragrance to your home but also a natural and chemical-free alternative to some commercial air fresheners. You can customize the ingredients based on your preferences, and it's a creative way to experiment with different combinations to create a welcoming and inviting atmosphere in your living space.

Additionally, the ingredients used in simmer pots contain natural and metaphysical properties. Set your intentions for cleansing your home and what you are inviting into your space while assembling the simmer pot. You can select specific ingredients based on your intentions or the season.

 Ok, sounds cool, but how do I make a simmer pot?

Each recipe will have various ingredients, but the process of making a simmer pot is easy. You can place the ingredients in a slow cooker or a pot or dutch oven on the stove. The pot can be heated and reused for a few days, but be careful not to leave any heated areas or flames unattended.

Making a simmer pot is easy, and you can customize the ingredients based on your preferences.

Here's an example of a basic recipe to get you started:

Ingredients:

- Water

- Citrus slices (lemons, oranges, or a combination)

- A few cinnamon sticks

- Whole cloves

- Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, or mint)

- Optional: Other spices like nutmeg or star anise

- Optional: Essential oils for a more concentrated fragrance

 Instructions:

1. Fill a medium-sized saucepan with water. You can adjust the amount of water based on the size of your pot.

2. Add your chosen ingredients to the pot. For example:

   - Citrus slices: Cut them into thin slices.

   - Cinnamon sticks: 2-3 sticks are usually enough.

   - Cloves: Add 1-2 teaspoons.

   - Fresh herbs: A small handful of rosemary, thyme, or mint.

3. If you want a more concentrated fragrance, you can add a few drops of essential oil. Popular choices include citrus, lavender, or eucalyptus. Be cautious with essential oils, as they are potent, and a little goes a long way.

4. Place the pot on the stove over low heat. Once the water starts simmering, reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer.

5. Keep an eye on the pot, ensuring there is always enough water to prevent it from drying out. You can add more water as needed.

6. Allow the simmer pot to release its fragrance for as long as you like. You can leave it simmering for hours, adding more water and ingredients as needed.

Remember to turn off the stove and discard the ingredients when you are done. You can reuse the ingredients a couple of times, but eventually, they will lose their potency. I recommend composting the items or offering them to wildlife in your yard (if safe).

Feel free to experiment with different combinations of fruits, spices, and herbs to create your own signature simmer pot recipe.

 Recipe #1: Super Citrus Simmer Pot

Ingredients:

In various traditions of witchcraft and magickal practices, different ingredients are associated with specific properties and purposes. Here's a list of the potential magkical properties or associations for each of the ingredients in this recipe:

*You can add drops of orange oil or other essential oils to increase the potency of any ingredient.

1. Grapefruit:

   - Purification

   - Removing anxiety and worry       

   - Cleansing negative energies

   - Refreshing and uplifting spells

2. Lemons:

   - Purification and cleansing

   - Love and friendship

   - Vitality and energy

3. Apples:

   - Love and attraction

   - Healing and health

   - Divination and abundance

4. Mandarin Oranges (or any type of oranges):

   - Joy and happiness

   - Prosperity and good fortune

   - Communication and creativity

5. Cinnamon Sticks:

   - Passion and love

   - Prosperity and success

   - Protection and purification

6. Cloves:

   - Protection and banishing negativity

   - Love and friendship

   - Enhancing magical power

7. Bay Leaves:

   - Protection and purification

   - Psychic powers and divination

   - Success and achievement

8. Poppy Seeds:

   - Restful sleep and relaxation

   - Fertility and abundance

   - Transformation and change

9. Black Pepper:

   - Banishing and protection

   - Breaking hexes or curses

   - Adding potency to intentions and spells

It's important to trust your intuition and personal experiences when incorporating these ingredients into your magickal workings. Additionally, always be respectful and mindful of the sources of your magical tools and ingredients.

Recipe #2: Lala Land Lavender Simmer

Creating a simmer pot with lavender for relaxation while incorporating metaphysical properties can enhance meditation and sleep.  

Relaxing Lavender Simmer Pot:

Ingredients:

- 4 cups of water

- 1 cup of fresh lavender sprigs or dried lavender buds

- 1-2 lemons, sliced

- 1-2 tablespoons of dried chamomile flowers (optional)

- 1-2 teaspoons of vanilla extract or a vanilla bean (optional)

- 5-10 drops of lavender essential oil (optional, for a more intense fragrance)

Metaphysical Properties:

1. Lavender:

   - Calming, relaxation, purification, protection, and love.

2. Lemons:

   -  Purification, cleansing, love, friendship, and energy.

3. Chamomile Flowers:

   -  Relaxation, peace, sleep, and purification.

4. Vanilla Extract or Vanilla Bean:

   -  Soothing, love, and happiness.

5. Lavender Essential Oil:

   -  Enhances the properties of lavender, promotes relaxation, and spiritual healing.

Instructions:

1. Pour the water into a medium-sized saucepan.

2. Add the fresh or dried lavender to the pot.

3. Add the lemon slices to the pot.

4. Optionally, include chamomile flowers for an extra calming effect.

5. If desired, add vanilla extract or a vanilla bean.

6. If you want a more concentrated lavender scent, add 5-10 drops of lavender essential oil. Adjust the amount based on your preference.

7. Place the pot on the stove over low heat. Allow the water to come to a simmer, then reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer.

8. Let the pot simmer for as long as you desire, adding more water as needed. The fragrance will fill your home and create a relaxing atmosphere.

9. Turn off the stove when you are finished enjoying the simmer pot.

As you create and enjoy this simmer pot, focus on each ingredient and how it contributes to the atmosphere of relaxation and tranquility. Allow the energies associated with these ingredients to enhance your magickal practice and promote a sense of well-being.

 Recipe #3: I’m in Love With You and This Brew

This simmer pot is intended to breathe love, warmth, and hugs into your home. Embrace the scent and fall into the arms of each other.

Creating a simmer pot for love can be a delightful way to infuse your space with romantic and positive energies. Here's a recipe for a love-themed simmer pot:

I’m in Love With You and This Brew Simmer Pot:

Ingredients:

- 4 cups of water

- 1-2 vanilla beans or 1-2 teaspoons of vanilla extract

- A handful of rose petals (dried or fresh)

- 1-2 cinnamon sticks

- 1-2 tablespoons of dried lavender buds

- 1-2 teaspoons of chamomile flowers

- 5-10 drops of rose or jasmine essential oil

1. Vanilla:

   - Love, sensuality, happiness, and relaxation.

2. Rose Petals:

   - Love, romance, passion, and psychic powers.

3. Cinnamon Sticks:

   - Passion, love, success, and spiritual healing.

4. Lavender:

   - Love, calming, purification, and protection.

5. Chamomile Flowers:

   - Love, relaxation, peace, and purification.

6. Rose or Jasmine Essential Oil:

   - Enhances the properties of rose petals, promotes love, and enhances spiritual connections.

Instructions:

1. Pour the water into a medium-sized saucepan.

2. Add the vanilla beans or vanilla extract to the pot.

3. Add a handful of rose petals to the pot.

4. Break the cinnamon sticks in half and add them to the pot.

5. Add the lavender buds and chamomile flowers to the mix.

6. If you desire a more concentrated floral scent, add 5-10 drops of rose or jasmine essential oil. Adjust the amount based on your preference.

7. Place the pot on the stove over low heat. Allow the water to come to a simmer, then reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer.

8. Let the pot simmer for as long as you desire, adding more water as needed. Enjoy the enchanting fragrance that fills your space.

9. Turn off the stove when you are finished enjoying the simmer pot.

As you simmer this love-infused blend, focus on the intention of attracting love, enhancing romantic energies, and creating a warm and inviting atmosphere in your home. Visualize your desires.