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Simmer pots are a natural and creative way to fill your home with feel good aromas . They are a great non toxic alternative to scented wax melts, candles, and plug in or spray air fresheners. You can create a simmer pot in your own home or office by simply combining aromatic herbs, warm spices, dried fragrant flowers and citrus peels with water and just allowing them to simmer gently, adding water when necessary, as it will evaporate - In a crockpot you’ll want to put it on low heat- Pleasant smells have long been shown to enhance our overall well being and mood.  What’s even better is that when simmer pots are made with the intention of calling forth the spiritual properties of the ingredients, you also will benefit from the positive energetic shift as well. What’s more, a simmer pot crafted with certain medicinal herbs can help us to breathe easier and help to cleanse the air. Lavender and Balsam Fir are two of which have been used for centuries to purify the air and have antimicrobial properties. Whenever I make one of these fragrant, bubbling blends I feel as if I am taking a step back from our fast paced world and I am transported back to the days of yesteryear! New to Simmer Pots? Here are some frequently asked questions: Q: I see simmer pot recipes that use fresh fruit, what’s the difference between only using dried ingredients and adding fresh ingredients? A: ingredients like freshly picked herbs, apples, sliced up citrus fruits and berries can be wonderful addition to simmer pots. When you use these ingredients though, the simmer pot will only last about 2 days and if you’re not using a crockpot ( where the heat won’t stay on all the time ) then it would be best to refrigerate the contents in between uses. Dried herbs, peels and spices last longer-about 4 days and their aromas are more concentrated. Q: Can you drink the simmer pot liquid? A: You could certainly craft a simmer pot with consumption in mind. These simmer pots would be short simmers and not used for days and then consumed. An example would be a lemon, ginger and Thyme simmer pot. You would only simmer for an hour or two, adding water and honey at the end so it’s not so concentrated, and you could drink it to help ease cold symptoms. You would get the benefit of the lovely smell wafting in the air and have a nice hot beverage to comfort your cold. Q: Are Simmer Pots pet friendly? A: Yes, Simmer Pots are pet friendly. Always make sure your simmer pots are out of reach of pets. Some simmer pot recipes you will come across will include essential oils, which can be harmful to pets( and even humans-particularly children and the elderly)in large quantities, as a pet owner I don’t recommend using essential oils in Simmer Pots. Q: What are some other ways I can use the liquid from a Simmer Pot? A: You can make Simmer Pots specifically to use in room air freshener sprays and clothing/fabric refreshers. As with the consumable Simmer Pots, you’d not want to simmer for days.. just a few hours at max. Adding vodka prevents it from spoiling and growing bacteria and mold. I typically will add 1⁄4 cup of vodka to 3⁄4 cup of liquid. Just be aware that spraying directly on clothing and fabrics could cause staining so you would not want to use darkly colored liquids. Adding a very small amount of essential oils to these sprays( not to the Simmer Pot itself )is okay since you're not simmering the essential oils, of course if you have pets make sure they are considered safe for pets! Q: How do you dispose of Simmer Pot contents? A: You can strain the liquid, if not using it for the above mentioned purposes, and dump it down the drain. Solids can be thrown in the trash or put in composting pile.( not where pets can get to it though)  Leading up to the full moon I always keep my gratitude up and my negativity down. I want the best intentions to be a part of the process in making Full Moon Water Spray. I make this spray to offer to my family and friends as a tool for protection and as a way to utilize the astrological energy of a current moon along with the full moon’s support in illuminating things we all need to work on , and of course her ability to help us let things go. I make a beautiful Simmer Pot like this recipe I’ve included, while I begin setting my intentions. Once simmered and fully fragrant ( and always after I’ve said my prayers) I’ll strain the liquid into a glass jar and put it outside to bask in the glow and the powers of the Full Moon. The next morning I bring the jar in, add the appropriate amount of vodka and place it in the refrigerator until I can put it into individual spray bottles. You can also call in the energies of different stones and crystals. When I get to bottling the moon water spray I usually dilute the Simmer Pot liquid with plain moonwater I have made in a separate vessel. I may also add small amounts of various essential oils that call in the energies I am asking the spray to embody. Bottling and labeling are also done with gratitude and intention. Happy Simmering!!
This post was written by Debra Romano, an apprentice at Herbs Love And Yoga
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 The fall equinox, a celestial event marking the equal day and night, is a time of profound spiritual significance across cultures. It symbolizes a pivotal moment in the natural cycle, a transition from the vibrant energy of summer to the introspective quiet of autumn. As the days shorten and the leaves begin their colorful descent, this equinox invites us to reflect, harvest, and prepare for the seasons ahead.
Spiritual Symbolism
Traditional Celebrations Throughout history, cultures around the world have celebrated the fall equinox with unique rituals and traditions. Here are a few examples:
Honoring the Equinox Today While the specific traditions may vary, the underlying themes of gratitude, balance, and renewal remain universal. To honor the fall equinox in your own life, consider these practices:
By embracing the spiritual significance of the fall equinox, we can align ourselves with the natural rhythms of the earth and cultivate a deeper sense of peace, gratitude, and renewal.
I don’t quite remember when I first started the tradition in my home, or where I came to learn of it, but for years now around this time of year I honor Goldenrod by harvesting a few of her stalks and creating a broom to bless my home with her radiant sunshine and good fortune. I will share with you a simple way to bring the warmth and prosperity of Goldenrod into your own home as summer fades. All winter long you too will be blessed with her warmth and good cheer!! Preferably, you would want to pick a day that is dry and sunny to go out foraging for the threeGoldenrod stalks that you will need to make your broom. On that day, it’s best to set out with a pair of scissors and a sense of gladness and joy. Spend some time walking amongst nature, reveling in her beauty, and feeling the warmth of the sun. One by one I like to choose the Golden rod plants that just seem to call to me. Offering thanks ( in my heart or out loud- usually both) I snip the Goldenrod, give her a gentle shake to make sure any little insects stay outside where life is best suited for them, and head home. You want to remove the leaves on the stems below where the flowering tops begin-you can leave a few leaves at the top, if you feel so inclined. To do this just wrap your thumb and pointer finger around the stem and pull downward. The leaves come off pretty easily. You should trim the ends of the stems so that they are all the same length.
Next, you wrap all three stems together with twine or ribbon beginning with the top by the base of the flowers. You want to wrap it pretty tightly so that it doesn’t come apart. Then you gingerly twist the stems a bit as you work your way down and do the same thing at the middle and again at the end of the stems. You’ll want to create a loop at the ends before you tie it off so that you will be able to hang the broom. You can hang her anywhere you like, some say it is tradition to place her above your front door. I prefer to find a place in my kitchen because that is where I spend most of my time and I enjoy the sunshine and good cheer she blesses me with all year long. In the photo here to the left, you’ll see how last year’s Goldenrod broom has faded, which is why I like to create a new one each year. I’ll take down the broom I made last September, offering thanks for her blessings, and place her in my garden so that she may return to the earth once more. May you enjoy Goldenrod’s yearly gift as the Autumnal Equinox approaches, and may she bring you through the winter with prosperity and warmth.
This post was written by Debrah Romano, an herbal apprentice at Herbs Love And Yoga.  Ah! As the autumnal equinox approaches, we are so fortunate to be able to see how nature surrounds us with her unimaginable beauty everywhere we cast our eyes. Here, on an ordinary Thursday, I am blessed to find myself in a field bejeweled with Goldenrod.
Goldenrod has been called on as medicine for centuries in Europe and for thousands of years by Indigenous Native Americans. Today she is still an asset in Herbal Medicine. The top one-third, or aerial parts are made into teas, tinctures, oils, and salves. Gldenrod can be employed for her diuretic, antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory effects, which is beautiful medicine for urinary tract issues and supports the body in the prevention of kidney stones. Her medicinal properties are also great to ease sore throats as well as mouth and gum infections. Her antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties are helpful for those dealing with rheumatism, sore muscles and gout. Herbalists also call upon Goldenrod when looking for an herb to treat allergies, colds, and flus because she is also a decongestant and a diaphoretic ( sweat that fever out!) Her bright golden plumage is a great addition to salves used for eczema, skin conditions and wounds too. What a beautiful gift she is!! |
Hi, I'm AlyssaMindfulness, yoga, and herbal medicine have been fundamental to my own journey in life. I hope to share my experiences and perspectives in order to inspire and connect with others. Archives
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Herbs Love And Yoga
111 Church Hill Rd., Suite 1 Sandy Hook, CT 06482 |
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