An Underappreciated Practice: Simmer Pots

Between the first big snowfall and the air feeling a bit drier in my home, I’ve been pleasantly nudged to start doing some simmer pots again for the season.

A simmer pot is quite simple: a pot of water with some (fresh or dried) herbs added to it which is then simmered on low for as long as one may desire - unlidded to allow the steam and the aromatics of the herbs to make its way into the home. Adding more water to the pot as needed.

This ‘practice’ is so simple and so underappreciated, in my opinion.

Simmer pots offer gentle humidity to the air while also adding aromatics from the herbs,

which can have any number of benefits depending on the herbs chosen - cleansing/purifying, calming/uplifting - but all aromatic herbs have some degree of

antimicrobial action.

As you start to simmer the herbs, you may even choose to do facial steam as well and get further benefit to your upper respiratory tract (sinuses and lungs) and even your skin! Just be sure to remove the pot from the stove and test the temperature of the steam with the back of your hand before leaning your head over.

The herbs one might choose for a simmer pot are vast but here are some examples to get you started (feel free to mix and match however suits your sense of smell):

Rosemary, Thyme, Sage, Mints, Lavender, Citrus, Basil, Chamomile, Cloves, Cinnamon, Star Anise, Bay Leaves, Cedar leaves, Pine Needles, Rose Petals, etc.

Have fun with different combination of herbs and see which you and your loved ones enjoy the most!