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Simmer&Stir Blog – Natural Scents & Botanical Recipes
Welcome to Simmer & Stir — a place for seasonal inspiration, natural home fragrance and simple botanical recipes. Discover simmer pots, potpourri, herbal drinks, homemade syrups and easy ideas for bringing the scents and flavours of the season into your home.


7 Autumn Simmer Pot Recipes for a Cosy, Naturally Fragranced Home
Try 7 autumn simmer pot recipes with apple, citrus, herbs and spices for a cosy, naturally fragranced home.
Astrid van Essen
5 min read


Natural Autumn Home Fragrance: 7 Ways to Make Your Home Smell Amazing
Create a natural autumn home fragrance with 7 simple ideas, including room sprays, reed diffusers, simmer pots, potpourri and scented sachets.
Astrid van Essen
5 min read


Herbal Bath Sachets: An Easy Botanical Bath DIY
Make reusable herbal bath sachets with dried herbs, flowers, salts and optional colloidal oats, with blend ideas, storage and safe-use tips.
Astrid van Essen
6 min read


12 Everyday Herbs for Natural Wellness
A gentle introduction to twelve well-loved herbs — from calming chamomile-style botanicals to adaptogens like ashwagandha — and how people traditionally use them.
Astrid van Essen
2 min read


Warming Drinkable Simmer Pots for Cold and Flu Season
Discover warming drinkable simmer pots made with citrus, herbs and spices for a comforting seasonal drink during colder months.
Astrid van Essen
3 min read


5 Gut-Healthy Smoothie Recipes with Herbs & Botanicals
Five easy smoothies built around fermented ingredients, fibre and gentle botanicals — a tasty way to support digestion and everyday energy.
Astrid van Essen
2 min read


7 Best Essential Oils for Sleep & Relaxation
Discover the Best Essential Oils for Sleep and Relaxation, including lavender and chamomile, plus tips and blends for a peaceful bedtime routine.
Astrid van Essen
5 min read


How to Make Rosemary Infused Oil: A Simple DIY Recipe
Discover how to make rosemary infused oil with our simple DIY guide. Learn how to make rosemary infused oil for natural beauty and self-care.
Astrid van Essen
4 min read


How to Make Rosemary Water for Your Hair: A Simple DIY Recipe
Rosemary water has become one of the most popular natural hair care remedies in recent years. Across social media, thousands of people share how they use homemade rosemary water as part of their hair care routine. But what exactly is rosemary water, how do you make it, and how should you use it? The good news is that you don't need expensive products. With just two simple ingredients, you can make a fresh herbal infusion at home in less than 30 minutes and easily add it to yo
Astrid van Essen
4 min read


Rosemary: Benefits, Uses and DIY Recipes for Hair, Skin & Wellbeing
Discover the amazing rosemary benefits for hair and skin! Learn how to use rosemary in DIY recipes for healthy hair and glowing skin today.
Astrid van Essen
5 min read


What Is Dry Brushing? Benefits, Technique & Tips for Softer, Healthier-Looking Skin
Discover What Is Dry Brushing? Learn the benefits, technique & tips for softer skin. What Is Dry Brushing? Explore this mindful self-care ritual.
Astrid van Essen
3 min read


How to Make Herbal Bath Salts with Dried Botanicals
Learn how to make herbal bath salts with properly dried flowers and herbs, including a safe base recipe, blend ideas, storage and gift packaging.
Astrid van Essen
3 min read


7 Healing Spices to Add to Your Smoothie (and Why They're Worth It)
Discover the power of 7 Healing Spices For Smoothies! Transform your daily blend with these spices for added flavor and health benefits.
Astrid van Essen
4 min read


Herbal Remedies for Dry Eyes: Natural Ways to Soothe Dry, Irritated Eyes
Discover effective Herbal Remedies for Dry Eyes to naturally soothe irritation. Explore trusted herbs and tips for healthier, comfortable eyes.
Astrid van Essen
3 min read


Prep Herbal Ice Cubes for Instant Glass Skin: An Easy Natural Skincare Ritual
Discover the secret to radiant skin with Herbal Ice Cubes for Instant Glass Skin. Easy to make, these cubes offer a natural glow effortlessly.
Astrid van Essen
4 min read


Pumpkin Spice Wax Melts or Sachets – Handmade Autumn Home Fragrance
Discover the charm of Pumpkin Spice Wax Melts for a cosy autumn vibe. Handmade Pumpkin Spice Wax Melts bring warmth and a hint of spice to your home.
Astrid van Essen
3 min read


What Is a Bouquet Garni? How to Use This Classic Herb Bundle
If you enjoy making homemade soups, stocks or slow-cooked meals, you've probably come across the term bouquet garni. This classic bundle of fresh herbs has been a staple of French cooking for centuries, adding subtle depth and aroma to a wide range of dishes. Although a bouquet garni serves a similar purpose to a herb sachet, the two aren't exactly the same. If you're new to herb sachets, start by reading our guide to What Is a Herb Sachet? to discover how they work and when
Astrid van Essen
4 min read


What Is a Herb Sachet? Everything You Need to Know
Discover what a herb sachet is and how to use it in cooking, tea, and wellness. Learn everything about what is a herb sachet and its versatility.
Astrid van Essen
3 min read
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