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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.


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


How to Use Essential Oils in Ayurvedic Rituals for Mind-Body Healing
Discover how to use Ayurvedic essential oils in daily rituals to balance your doshas, reduce stress, and enhance holistic wellbeing. Explore scent-based healing now.
Astrid van Essen
4 min read


Herbal Tea Stories: Nettle Tea Benefits: Energy, Skin & Strength
Discover the powerful Nettle Tea Benefits for energy, skin, and strength. Learn how nettle tea supports vitality and enhances well-being today!
Astrid van Essen
3 min read


Herbal Tea Series: Peppermint Tea Benefits: A Cool, Clear Brew
Discover the Peppermint Tea Benefits that make this herbal infusion a refreshing, versatile choice. Explore Peppermint Tea Benefits for wellness.
Astrid van Essen
2 min read


How to Make Natural Incense at Home: Step-by-Step DIY Guide
Discover how to make natural incense at home with our step-by-step DIY guide. Learn how to make natural incense using herbs, resins, and more!
Astrid van Essen
3 min read


DIY Natural Room Spray: Easy Recipe to Make at Home
Discover how to make your own Natural Room Spray with our easy DIY recipe. Enjoy a chemical-free, fresh scent with Natural Room Spray today!
Astrid van Essen
4 min read


DIY herbal salve ideas for lips and hands
Discover easy DIY herbal salves for lips and hands! Learn to make nourishing herbal salves for lips and hands using natural ingredients.
Astrid van Essen
4 min read


Refreshing Herbal Cold Brews: Best Summer Herbs to Keep You Cool
Discover the best herbs for Herbal Cold Brews this summer. Learn how to make refreshing Herbal Cold Brews to keep you cool and hydrated.
Astrid van Essen
4 min read


DIY Cocktail-Inspired Herbal Teas Part 1
Discover the vibrant world of Cocktail-Inspired Herbal Teas. Learn to craft delicious, alcohol-free blends that bring cocktail vibes to your tea time.
Astrid van Essen
3 min read


Herbal Tea Series: Lemon Balm Tea Benefits: Energy & Focus
Discover the soothing Lemon Balm Tea Benefits for energy and focus. Learn how Lemon Balm Tea Benefits can calm nerves and enhance clarity.
Astrid van Essen
3 min read


Herbal Iced Tea: The Coolest Way to Sip Summer
Discover the ultimate summer refreshment with Herbal Iced Tea. Learn how to craft delicious herbal iced cold brew blends using fresh or dried ingredients.
Astrid van Essen
4 min read


Herbal Tea Series: Sage Tea Benefits. A Grounding Brew
Discover Sage Tea Benefits for a grounding brew that supports hormonal balance, boosts memory, and soothes sore throats. Explore Sage Tea Benefits now!
Astrid van Essen
3 min read


Natural Sun Protection for Mature Skin: Gentle Ways to Prevent Dark Spots
Discover gentle sun protection for mature skin to prevent dark spots. Learn natural remedies that offer effective sun protection for mature skin.
Astrid van Essen
4 min read


Natural Remedies for Sunburn: Gentle Ways to Soothe and Heal
Discover effective Natural Remedies for Sunburn to soothe and heal your skin gently. Learn how to use these remedies for sunburn relief today.
Astrid van Essen
4 min read


Herbal Shower Bundles: Simple Rituals with Botanical Benefits
Discover the botanical benefits of Herbal Shower Bundles! Transform your shower into a spa with Herbal Shower Bundles and enjoy natural relaxation.
Astrid van Essen
4 min read


Herbal Tea Series: Lavender Tea Benefits: Fragrant & Soothes the Senses
Discover lavender tea benefits for relaxation and digestion. Unwind with lavender tea benefits and enjoy a fragrant, soothing experience.
Astrid van Essen
3 min read


Easy DIY Toners Using Herbal Teas & Flower Waters
Gentle, natural toners to support your skin at any age – a calming step in your basic skincare routine When I started creating a basic...
Astrid van Essen
4 min read


Embracing the Lavender Girl Lifestyle: A Soft Minimalist Approach to Mindful Living
Discover the Lavender Girl Lifestyle: a soft minimalist approach to mindful living. Embrace Lavender Girl Lifestyle for a serene, curated home.
Astrid van Essen
4 min read


How to Preserve Summer: Simmer Pot Recipes and Homemade Jam Ideas
Discover how to preserve summer with Simmer Pot and Homemade Jam. Learn to make delicious jams and fragrant simmer pots effortlessly.
Astrid van Essen
4 min read


Herbal Tea Series: Chamomile Tea Benefits: A Brew for Calm and Sleep
Discover Chamomile Tea Benefits for relaxation and sleep. Explore how this soothing brew can enhance your evenings with its calming effects.
Astrid van Essen
3 min read
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