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Ayurvedic Simmer Pots: Easy DIY Recipes for Holistic Balance

Natural Fragrance Recipes Inspired by the Doshas

In Ayurveda, balance is everything. When your body, mind and environment are in harmony, you feel clearer, calmer and more yourself. One gentle way to support this balance at home is with simmer pots, fragrant herbal blends that gently infuse your space with healing scents.


These warm, fragrant blends work much like herbal teas for the air, except instead of sipping them, you let them simmer on the stove to release their natural aroma.

A flat lay of a stovetop simmer pot scene. Three small pots or saucepans filled with water and a few natural ingredients: one with apple slices, chamomile and lavender; one with rose petals, orange peel and mint; one with ginger, lemon zest and eucalyptus.
DIY Ayurvedic Simmer Pots for Balance

In this post, we’re exploring how to make Ayurvedic simmer pots that match each dosha: Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Whether you need grounding, cooling, or energising, there’s a simmer pot recipe here to support your wellbeing.


What Are Simmer Pots?

Simmer pots, also known as stovetop potpourri, are a natural and nontoxic way to scent your home. Add fresh or dried herbs, spices, fruits and flowers to a pan of water, bring to a gentle simmer, and let the scent infuse your space. You can also use a slow cooker for a longer-lasting aroma.


In Ayurveda, scent is an integral part of sattvic living, as it calms the senses and brings balance to the mind. When tailored to your dosha, a simmer pot becomes more than just a lovely smell – it’s a supportive ritual.


A Quick Guide to the Doshas

  • Vata (Air + Ether) – Light, cool and dry. Needs warmth, moisture and calm.

  • Pitta (Fire + Water) – Hot, sharp and intense. Needs cooling, sweetness and softness.

  • Kapha (Earth + Water) – Heavy, damp and slow. Needs stimulation, warmth and movement.


DIY Ayurvedic Simmer Pot Recipes by Dosha


Vata Balancing Simmer Pot

To calm the mind and warm the body

a flat lay with 1 small apple, sliced, 1 tsp ground cinnamon or 1 cinnamon stick, 1 tsp dried chamomile, 3-4 cardamom pods, gently crushed and lavender sprigs
Vata Balancing Simmer Pot

Ingredients:

  • 1 small apple, sliced

  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon or 1 cinnamon stick

  • 1 tsp dried chamomile

  • 3–4 cardamom pods, gently crushed

  • 1 tsp dried lavender or 1 lavender sprig

  • Optional: splash of vanilla extract or a few rose petals


Why it works: This blend is warming, grounding and sweet – perfect for soothing scattered Vata energy, especially in cold or windy weather.


Pitta Cooling Simmer Pot

To reduce heat and soften sharp edges

a flat lay with the peel of 1 orange or lemon, A handful of rose petals, 1 tsp dried mint or a few fresh sprigs 1 slice of cucumber, 1 tsp coriander seeds
Pitta Cooling Simmer Pot

Ingredients:

  • Peel of 1 orange or lemon

  • A handful of rose petals (fresh or dried)

  • 1 tsp dried mint or a few fresh sprigs

  • 1 slice of cucumber (optional but wonderfully cooling)

  • 1 tsp coriander seeds


Why it works: This blend is refreshing and floral, helping to cool and soothe Pitta when you're feeling irritable or overheated – ideal in summer or after a stressful day.


Kapha Invigorating Simmer Pot

To energise and uplift heavy energy

a flat lay with 2-3 slices fresh ginger, 1 small sprig of eucalyptus or a few drops of eucalyptus essential oil, Zest of ½ lemon or lime, fresh thyme, 1 cinnamon stick
Kapha Invigorating Simmer Pot

Ingredients:

  • 2–3 slices fresh ginger or 1 tsp dried ginger

  • 1 small sprig of eucalyptus or a few drops of eucalyptus essential oil (added once water is warm)

  • Zest of ½ lemon or lime

  • 1 tsp rosemary or thyme (dried or fresh)

  • 1 cinnamon stick


Why it works: This is a bold, herbal blend to stimulate circulation, lift your mood and get things moving. Especially helpful on damp, grey days or when you feel a bit sluggish.


How to Use a Simmer Pot

  1. Fill a small saucepan with water – about halfway.

  2. Add your chosen herbs, spices and fruits.

  3. Bring to a gentle simmer on the hob. Top up with water as needed.

  4. Never leave it unattended – always keep an eye on it.

  5. Inhale deeply and enjoy the gentle shift in mood and atmosphere.


Tip: You can reuse your simmer blend one or two times – store it in the fridge and reheat it the next day.


Making It a Ritual

To turn a simple simmer pot into a mindful moment:

  • Light a candle before you start

  • Choose a blend based on how you feel (not just the season)

  • Take a few deep breaths while it simmers, or journal nearby

  • Let the scent signal a reset – whether that’s to slow down, cool off or get going


Final Thoughts

Ayurvedic simmer pots are a beautiful way to bring nature, scent and balance into your everyday life. They're simple, soothing, and easy to customise – whether you're warming your space on a chilly evening or bringing calm after a busy day.


Which blend are you most drawn to today? Let your senses guide you.


FAQs: Ayurvedic Simmer Pots

1. Can I mix dosha blends if I relate to more than one?

Yes! Many people are a combination of doshas. You can mix elements from different recipes or choose the one that suits your current mood, season or state of mind.


2. Can I use essential oils in simmer pots?

Yes, add them once the water is hot and simmering, not before, as oils can evaporate quickly or become overpowering. Always use high-quality, pure essential oils.


3. Do simmer pots scent the whole house?

They gently scent nearby rooms, especially with the lid off. For a stronger scent, simmer for a longer period and top up the water as needed.


4. Can I reuse the simmer ingredients?

Absolutely – you can reuse the blend 1–2 times within a day or two. Store it in the fridge between uses and refresh the water as needed.


5. Is this safe around pets or children?

Yes, but with care. Keep simmer pots supervised and out of reach. Avoid ingredients that may be irritating for pets (like eucalyptus or citrus oils if diffused in large amounts).


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