Simmering Potpourri
As seen on the Sonoran Living program.

Simmering Potpourri is a versatile and easy way to scent your home with inviting aromas. One little pot simmering on the stove can sent wafts of sweet scent throughout your home, especially, of course in the kitchen and the adjoining rooms.

I like to utilize old herbs and spices this way Add a little bit of essential oil to them if needed to perk them up. Jars of simmering blends make a nice house warming gift. You could even include a little simmering pot with the potpourri that can be used just for scented blends, and not for daily cooking.

For visual appeal, I like to look for interesting colors and textures.

Make sure you watch your water level in the simmering pot so that it does not run dry! If you keep it on a low simmer, it should be able to go for at least an hour, depending on what size pot you use and how much water you start with.

Use these often and you will find that over time, the aroma will become a part of your home, and you will find that people will tell you how good your house always smells when they visit.

Of course, this method of scenting is all natural, no synthetic fragrances to be concerned about. You will be using essential oils to heighten the scents, though that is optional, especially for the blends that already have a lot of natural scent. Use the amount of essential oils that you prefer. I use an average of about 10 drops per two cups of herb/spice.

Here are a few different blends to try. All herbs and spices are dried:

Sweet Allspice Blend: - Encouraging, motivating, cheerful and warming to the spirit
Cinnamon sticks
Cloves
Allspice berries
Nutmeg, broken pieces
Star Anise, whole
Orange Peel (could use fresh orange slices)
Essential oil of Sweet Orange

Heart and Soul Blend: - sensual, harmonizing and sense of well-being
Rose Petals
Vetiver Root
Sandalwood
Essential oils of Rose Absolute, Vetiver and Sandalwood

New Autumn Blend: - invigorating freedom and clears mental chatter
Juniper Berries
Bay Leaves
Essential oils of Juniper Berries and Bay

Calming Lavender: - balancing
Lavender flowers
Essential oil of Lavender