Summer Simmer Pot Recipe – The Paleo Diet®

Summer is here! The sun is shining, the days are longer, and a light breeze carries the scent of fresh lavender from nearby fields. It’s the perfect time to relax and take a deep breath. Imagine the aromas of coconut and sweet citrus drifting through the warm air by a lake, or mint filling the room with freshness as it’s muddled in the kitchen for mocktails. 

But what if you don’t want to sit in the blistering sun to enjoy these sweet summer scents? While many turn to candles, incense, and air fresheners, these products can introduce harmful chemicals into your lungs. Instead, try a more natural approach to savor the scents of summer by creating a summer simmer pot recipe to infuse your home with sweet, tropical fragrances. 

What Is a Simmer Pot? 

A simmer pot is a natural method to extract fragrance from an ingredient by letting it simmer in water. The natural aromas offer a healthier alternative to other scented products like candles that are safer to breathe into your lungs.  

Making a simmer pot is easy. You could even create a bouquet with the ingredients you have in your kitchen right now. All you need is a medium pot and several aromatic spices, fruits, herbs, or foods that you prefer. For a simmer pot that really captures the essence of summer, try the recipe below.

Summer Simmer Pot Recipe

Ingredients: 

• 4 cups water 
• 1 lime, sliced 
• 2 sprigs dried lavender 
• 2 sprigs fresh mint 
• Eucalyptus leaves 
• 1 TBSP vanilla extract 

Directions:

1. To a medium pot or simmer pot, add water, lime, lavender, mint, eucalyptus, and vanilla extract.  
2. Heat pot over medium-low heat and cover until simmering.  
3. Remove lid and continue to simmer for up to 20 minutes, then remove from heat. Leave on stove for up to 20 minutes more, or until no longer fragrant. 

The Importance of Using Whole, Pure Ingredients

While you’re not technically ingesting the ingredients used in simmer pot recipes, you are breathing the compound into your lungs. Sticking with Paleo ingredients for your simmer pot or any other whole foods, herbs, or spices can help protect you from harmful volatile organic compounds. Moreover, these ingredients may offer various health benefits to your body when inhaled. 

• Lavender is known for its relaxing scent and has been proven to help reduce stress and anxiety. [1] 
• The aroma of mint has been shown to help improve brain functions like learning and memory. [2] 
• Inhaling eucalyptus vapor has been proven to help loosen phlegm in the body, especially when fighting off respiratory illness. [3] 

Make Your Own Summer Simmer Pot 

Simmer Pot Tips

A few things to keep in mind before you let your creativity loose and start creating your simmer pot recipes: 

• Simmer pots come in all shapes and sizes. I have a clear glass pot, and I love it! But be sure you know what material your pot is made of, what type of stove it’s good for, and how much heat it’s able to sustain. Glass can brake when put under extreme temperatures and should not be used on induction stoves. 
• For a stronger aroma, squeeze the juice of your leftover citrus (or any other fruit) into the simmer pot mix.   
• Fresh or dried florals, herbs, and spices will work equally well in a simmer pot. 
• You can swap out any of the whole foods with its essential oil counterpart.  

References:

1. Webmd. Lavender: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Dosage, and Warning [Internet]. Webmd.com. 2019. Available from: https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-838/lavender
2. 8 Health Benefits of Mint [Internet]. Healthline. 2017. Available from: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/mint-benefits
3. ‌Eucalyptus Information | Mount Sinai – New York [Internet]. Mount Sinai Health System. 2014. Available from: https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/herb/eucalyptus