top of page
Simmer&Stir Blog – Natural Scents & Botanical Recipes
Welcome to the Simmer&Stir blog, where scent meets slow living. Here, you’ll find a fragrant mix of simmer pot recipes, herbal blends, and natural home fragrance ideas to bring calm and comfort to your space. I also share simple, thoughtful recipes —perfect for cooking or gifting. From seasonal potpourri and cocktail-inspired botanicals to cosy kitchen creations, it’s all about making your home feel warm, welcoming, and wonderfully scented—one stir at a time.
Botanicals
A curated collection of botanical recipes using herbs, flowers, and natural ingredients. Discover beautiful ways to use botanicals in everyday rituals, from cocktail and mocktail blends to simmer pots and simple syrups.


DIY Reed Diffuser Recipe: Naturally Scent Your Home with Essential Oils
Discover a simple DIY Reed Diffuser Recipe to scent your home with essential oils naturally. This DIY Reed Diffuser Recipe is easy and toxin-free!
Astrid van Essen
4 min read


5 Refreshing Infused Water Recipes for Natural Hydration
Discover 5 simple and refreshing infused water recipes using fresh herbs, fruits, and botanicals. Perfect for summer hydration and a healthy lifestyle.
Astrid van Essen
3 min read


How to Make an All-Purpose Vinegar Cleaner – DIY for Kitchen, Bath & More
Discover the magic of DIY Vinegar Cleaner for a natural, eco-friendly clean. Perfect for kitchen, bath & more, this DIY Vinegar Cleaner is a must-try!
Astrid van Essen
3 min read


6 Natural Cleaning Recipes with Vinegar, Baking Soda & More:
Discover 6 Natural Cleaning Recipes with vinegar and baking soda for a sustainable, chemical-free clean. Try these Natural Cleaning Recipes today!
Astrid van Essen
3 min read


How to Make Potpourri: A Natural Way to Freshen Your Home
Discover how to make potpourri for a natural way to freshen your home. Learn simple steps to create your own potpourri and enhance your space.
Astrid van Essen
3 min read


Natural Remedies: How Epsom Salt Can Help with Aches and Pains
Discover the benefits of Epsom Salt for aches and pains. Learn how Epsom Salt baths and compresses can naturally ease tension and discomfort.
Astrid van Essen
3 min read


DIY Epsom Salt Potpourri: 5 Seasonal Blends for a Naturally Fragrant Home
Discover how to create Epsom Salt Potpourri with 5 seasonal blends for a naturally fragrant home. Transform your space with Epsom Salt Potpourri.
Astrid van Essen
3 min read


Summer Skin Care: DIY Epsom Salt Soak for Sunburn Relief
Discover the benefits of an Epsom Salt Soak for Sunburn relief! Soothe and refresh sun-kissed skin with this simple DIY Epsom Salt Soak for Sunburn.
Astrid van Essen
4 min read


Greek Herbal Baths: Healing Waters with Timeless Benefits
Relax and restore with ancient Greek bath rituals. Learn how to use thyme, bay, and lavender for a nourishing soak.
Astrid van Essen
2 min read


Roman Bath Ritual at Home: Recreate Ancient Wellness with Hot & Cold Therapy
Recreate the Roman Bath Ritual at home with hot & cold therapy. Discover how the Roman Bath Ritual can boost wellness and relaxation today.
Astrid van Essen
3 min read


How to Create a Naturally Scented Home with Botanical Elements
Transform your space into a scented home. Explore botanical ways to create a beautifully scented home with natural elements.
Astrid van Essen
4 min read


Cleopatra’s Milk & Honey Bath: A Glowing Skin Ritual That Still Works
Recreate Cleopatra’s iconic milk & honey bath at home for radiant, nourished skin using natural, skin-loving ingredients.
Astrid van Essen
2 min read


DIY Epsom Salt Foot Soaks: Soothe Tired Feet at Home
Discover the soothing benefits of Epsom Salt Foot Soaks at home. Relieve tired feet with our easy DIY recipes for relaxation and soft, supple skin.
Astrid van Essen
3 min read


How to Make Aromatic Fire Starters with Natural Wax and Seasonal Botanicals
Discover how to craft Aromatic Fire Starters using natural wax and seasonal botanicals. Perfect for cosy fires and thoughtful gifts, Aromatic Fire Starters.
Astrid van Essen
4 min read


5 Beautiful Herb & Flower-Infused Honey Recipes (+ A Spicy Twist)
Discover 5 herb-infused honey recipes to elevate your pantry staples. Learn how to create unique herb-infused honey recipes with a spicy twist!
Astrid van Essen
4 min read


Epsom Salt vs Dead Sea Salt: What’s the Difference & When to Use Each
Discover the key differences between Epsom Salt vs Dead Sea Salt and learn when to use each for self-care and home rituals. Explore Epsom Salt vs Dead Sea Salt benefits now!
Astrid van Essen
5 min read


Herbal Facial Steam: A Slow Ritual for Glowing Skin & Quiet Moments
Discover the magic of Herbal Facial Steam, a slow ritual for glowing skin. Embrace Herbal Facial Steam to pause, breathe, and nurture your spirit.
Astrid van Essen
5 min read


DIY Ayurvedic Simmer Pots for Balance
Discover the art of Ayurvedic Simmer Pots to balance your doshas. Create natural scents and enhance your wellbeing with Ayurvedic Simmer Pots.
Astrid van Essen
4 min read


Ritual Bathing the Ayurvedic Way: Herbal Soaks & Fragrant Oils
Discover the Ayurvedic bath ritual to restore balance with herbal soaks and fragrant oils. Embrace the Ayurvedic bath ritual for self-renewal.
Astrid van Essen
4 min read


How to Sleep Better with Ayurveda: Best Herbs & Practices
Discover top Ayurveda Herbs for Sleep and practices to improve your rest. Learn how Ayurveda Herbs for Sleep can restore balance naturally.
Astrid van Essen
3 min read
bottom of page