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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.
All Posts


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


Seasonal Simmer Pots: Summer Solstice Scents with Citrus, Herbs & Flowers
Discover the magic of summer solstice simmer pots with citrus, herbs, and flowers. Create a seasonal ritual with summer solstice simmer pots today!
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


Simple Practices to Cultivate a Peaceful Mindset Every Day
Learn how to embrace a peaceful mindset. Discover simple ways to achieve a peaceful mindset and improve your everyday life.
Astrid van Essen
4 min read


Simple Practices to Cultivate Mindfulness in Everyday Life
Discover mindfulness with simple practices. Learn how mindfulness can enhance your everyday life. Embrace mindfulness today!
Astrid van Essen
4 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


Beeswax Alternatives for Herbal Salves - Vegan Friendly
If you want to make soothing, skin-loving herbal salves without beeswax, you're in the right place. Whether you're vegan, allergic to...
Astrid van Essen
2 min read


How to Make Herbal-Infused Oils At Home
Discover how to make herbal-infused oils at home with our step-by-step guide. Learn how to make herbal-infused oils for healing and beauty.
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
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