Essential oils have numerous health benefits and can be incredibly relaxing. Used in both aromatherapy and skin care, essential oils can help you create spa-like experiences in your very own home. Treat your feet right with an invigorating peppermint foot cream and slough away dead skin cells with a DIY sugar scrub. You can even use whipped body butter to establish a smooth skin tone. 

Although the aromatherapy shower mist recipe in this article doesn’t turn back the hands of time, it can transform your shower into a full-on steam room. Spray the mist in your steamy shower and the aromas will transport you to a relaxing oasis. The best part is that you don’t even have to leave your bathroom!

Typically, spa scents are made with a custom blend of essential oils. Because you are making this aromatherapy blend, you can also customize to your liking. If you prefer more eucalyptus essential oil than peppermint essential oil, alter the recipe. You can also use essential oils that help contribute to more alertness and energy to help you get your day started. A relaxing blend of essential oils, including lavender essential oil, may be beneficial for winding down before bed. 

What Is A Shower Mist?

A shower mist is basically a spray that you spritz into the water or steam of the shower, which transforms it into a spa-like experience. The steam from the hot water creates a natural diffuser, spreading the aromas of the essential oils in the shower air. While showering, you’re surrounded by the shower steam and an amazing fragrance. 

A shower mist is about more than a pleasant aroma, though. The essential oils in the shower mist have therapeutic properties, which you benefit from during your steamy shower. A few spritzes in your shower may help relax the body, calm the mind, wake you up, lift your spirits, regulate emotions, and rejuvenate your senses. 

Shower Mist Vs. Shower Steamer

You may have heard of a shower steamer. In fact, you can click here for our DIY recipe! They are scented discs that you place on the shower floor. As hot water flows onto them, they release their aroma into the shower air. A shower steamer is very similar to a shower mist, as both release the aromas from essential oils that you choose. Shower steamers are not for everyone, though, especially if you use oils or butters to make them. They can cause the shower floor to become a bit slippery, which is dangerous if your balance is not 100%. 

A shower mist is also a lot easier to make. All you have to do is pour the ingredients in a bottle, screw on the cap, shake the bottle up, and you are good to go. A shower mist also does not depend on humidity, so you can use the same recipe whether the humidity level is 0% or 100%. Shower steamers are a lot harder to make if you live in a humid environment. Finally, there is no setting time for a shower mist. Use it as soon as you make it, unlike shower steamers, which occasionally take days to set. 

DIY Shower Mist

Ingredients:

• 20 drops lavender essential oil
• 15 drops orange essential oil
• 5 drops frankincense essential oil
• 1/4 cup high-proof grade alcohol (such as Everclear)
• Distilled water

Instructions:

• Add the essential oils to an eight-ounce spray bottle and then pour in the high-proof grade alcohol. 
• Should you choose to use other essential oils, that is also fine. The general recommendation for this recipe is 30-40 drops of essential oils. You can keep the high-proof grade alcohol and distilled water measurements the same in that eight-ounce bottle.
• Fill the rest of the bottle with distilled water (leaving a small amount of space at the top to prevent overflowing), screw on the cap, and shake well to combine. 
• Put your spray to use! Spritz the shower mist in your hot shower and reap the benefits.

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There is something magical about seeing a stuffed stocking on Christmas morning. No matter if you are young or old, waking up to a lumpy stocking full of surprises offers a special joy. Once you start taking gifts out of the stocking, though, your excitement may start to fade. That’s where we come in! We’ve put together a solid list of healthy and useful stocking stuffers that everyone will love. 

Nobody needs more socks, underwear, tissues, or lip balm in their stocking. Be creative and nab some fun things that your friends or family will actually use. You don’t have to put a brand new iPhone in the stocking; rather, keep it low-maintenance, low-cost, and incredibly unique. The stuffers don’t have to be boring, either. You don’t have to choose between candy bars and carrot sticks! 

Which stocking stuffers do you usually gravitate towards? Are you some who enjoys gifting classic holiday indulgences? Do you like finding unique toys or fun miscellaneous items? Leave your old habits behind this year and consider some of the following healthy and useful stocking stuffers. 

Bath Bombs

Taking a relaxing bath is a great form of self-care. Bath bombs only enhance the experience, and often contain ingredients that help encourage healthier skin. It’s up to you if you want to avoid intense colors because those colors can stain tubs. Don’t make more work for your friend or family member! Consider making a quality homemade bath bomb by clicking here. 

Hand Creams

Consider one excellent hand cream, or a variety of hand creams, because everyone could use a little extra moisture during the winter months. Hands tend to dry out and crack this time of year, especially if you are regularly washing them to help keep germs at bay. Both the cold weather and hot water, which your cold hands desperately crave when you want to wash them, will cause dryness, so help your friends or family members replenish moisture with hand cream in their stockings.

Essential Oils

You probably cannot fit an entire diffuser in a stocking, but you can definitely fit some essential oils in there. Distilled from plants, flowers, and seeds, essential oils offer myriad health properties. Typically used for aromatherapy purposes, essential oils can promote a sense of calm, which is a very useful thing during the holiday season and New Year. Peppermint, tea tree, eucalyptus, lavender, and lemon essential oils are great starter oils! Just make sure to get pure essential oils, being careful to examine ingredient lists for potential preservatives.

Herbal Teas

Everyone has someone in their life who loves to drink tea. Maybe they have become a master of matcha or a person who loves herbal varieties. Consider gifting them a unique tea set with various flavors. Typically, there are numerous tea sets available during the holiday season. Maybe you can accompany the different herbal teas with a nice mug, or better yet, an insulated mug that will keep hot beverages warm for hours during the winter. 

Squeezable Nut Butter Packs

Before you go out and purchase nut butter packs, make sure that the person you are buying them for does not have a nut allergy. After you cross that off the list, make sure you purchase high-quality nut butter packs. They can provide necessary protein, healthy fats, and fiber, all of which are great for keeping you full and energized between meals. Plus, they make traveling so much better! They take up very little space and are much healthier options than chips, sugary trail mixes, or salty nut mixes. 

Magnesium Lotion

Are you wondering what magnesium lotion is? First off, magnesium is a vital mineral that is linked to many health benefits, including better sleep, healthy heart, and relaxed muscles. Magnesium lotion can help calm discomfort by soothing the skin and reduce irritation and itchiness. It may also improve skin barrier function and support collagen regeneration. You may have even seen ads for magnesium lotion for babies because it helps them sleep more soundly.

Propolis Throat Spray

Show the immune system a little love with some propolis throat spray. Bees create propolis by combining various plant and tree resins with their own enzymes. It exhibits powerful antimicrobial, antioxidant, and immune-supporting compounds. Should the person you’re gifting this to be prone to sore throats or common colds, it will be of great benefit to them. The flavonoids help to protect and soothe the throat, especially when it is feeling scratchy.

Movie Tickets

This doesn’t necessarily count as a healthy gift, but it is useful to many people. Movie tickets are very expensive these days, so treat someone to a night out at the movies! It’s a great stocking stuffer idea that takes up little to no room. Feel free to include some healthy snacks along with the tickets so that the person can sneak them in the theater! Just don’t tell anyone we told you to do that last part.

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If we know one thing about winter, it is that the weather is colder and skin can dry out easily. The constant changing of environments does not do the skin any favors. Being bundled up outside in the cold and then going inside to the warm, dry heat is a recipe for dry skin. Fortunately, you can pamper your skin and bring it back to life with the homemade body butter in this article. It is filled with natural ingredients that help to leave the skin feeling soft, radiant, and supple. 

What’s The Difference Between Body Butter And Lotion?

Both body lotions and body butters work to moisturize the skin below the neck. Each of these skin care products can help soften skin and minimize dryness, but they work differently. The primary difference between lotion and body butter is the texture. While lotion has a higher water content and more liquid consistency, body butter is thicker and creamier. Body butter also tends to have a higher concentration of heavy moisturizers, such as shea butter. Body lotion tends to be formulated with glycerin, or other lightweight hydrators. 

Generally speaking, body butter is ideal for dry or rough skin. The ingredients work to replenish the skin’s natural oils and protect them from stressors that increase irritation or dryness. Below, we’ll detail two ingredients that make this body butter highly nourishing for the skin.

Shea Butter

Shea butter comes from the kernels of shea trees, which are native to sub-Saharan Africa. To this day, most shea butter still comes from this region. Shea butter helps promote hydration because it contains several types of fatty acids, including oleic, linoleic, palmitic, and stearic acids. These work to improve the skin barrier and protect the skin from damaging environmental pollutants. Shea butter also exhibits anti-inflammatory properties, making it great for nourishing inflamed or upset skin. Additionally, shea butter is thought to offer mild protection from the sun, although it is not a replacement for standard sunscreen. 

Coconut Oil

Promoted for its ability to moisturize dry skin, coconut oil offers many compounds that help improve overall skin health. It exhibits antibacterial, antioxidant, and wound-healing properties when applied topically. Studies have shown that it may help relieve symptoms of atopic dermatitis or eczema, which can cause itchy rash. The anti-inflammatory properties work to improve skin barrier function and prevent moisture loss. And while coconut oil may not be able to remove stretch marks, it is possible that topical application may help reduce their appearance. More research is necessary on that topic, though. 

Whipped Gingerbread Body Butter

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup raw shea butter
• 1/2 cup coconut oil 
• 1/4 tsp  gingerbread spice
• 4 drops ginger essential oil
• 4 drops cinnamon essential oil
• 2 drops clove essential oil
• 2 drops vanilla essential oil

Instructions:

• Add the shea butter and coconut oil to a heat-safe bowl or measuring cup. Melt the two ingredients in the microwave for one minute. 
• Remove and stir well. If the shea butter and coconut oil are not fully melted, heat in the microwave for an additional 30 seconds. Remove and stir well again to combine.
• Transfer the melted mixture to the bowl of a stand mixer and refrigerate for 30 minutes to an hour. 
• Remove from the refrigerator and use the stand mixer to whip the mixture on high for five minutes. Stop to scrape down the sides every minute and continue blending until you have a light, fluffy cream. 
• Add the gingerbread spice and essential oils and mix on low to incorporate. Spoon the mixture into a jar, cover, and store in the fridge. Use as needed.

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Sometimes, money is tight and you cannot afford to buy elaborate gifts for everyone. If you have a little determination and a love for all things DIY, then you can make some very cool homemade beauty gifts. Not only are these more inexpensive, but they are often more heartfelt and personal than a T-shirt or vest. 

This holiday season, you can create a luxurious body wash that makes you smell like Christmas cookies. Fair warning: we do not take responsibility for anyone who tries to take a bite out of their shoulder or other body part. You may smell like cookies, but resist the urge to eat yourself! 

Normally, when you have a body wash that smells so strongly, it typically contains problematic ingredients. One of those ingredients is methylisothiazolinone, which can irritate the skin, lungs, eyes, and cause immunotoxicity and neurotoxicity. Another toxic ingredient is lilial, which is a known endocrine disruptor. Many popular skin care products that have fun scents usually contain ingredients that receive terrible ratings from the Environmental Working Group (EWG). Not the recipe in this article, though! You can learn more about the ingredients in our Christmas cookie body wash below. 

Almond Oil

Almond oil is an emollient, meaning it is excellent for soothing dryness or irritation. Emollients form a film on the skin’s outermost layer, which helps enhance the skin barrier. Almond oil, and other emollients, attract moisture to the skin, prevent the loss of moisture, and help soften scaly or irritated skin. Because it is lightweight and non-irritating, almond oil is generally safe for sensitive skin. It can also help manage chronic skin conditions, including eczema, psoriasis, and acne. 

Vegetable Glycerin

Used in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals, vegetable glycerin helps improve hydration, relieve constipation, and moisturize the skin. Also known as glycerol or glycerine, vegetable glycerin is a clear liquid made from coconut, soybean, or palm oils. It is popular in skin care products because it has moisturizing properties. According to research, applying vegetable glycerin to the skin can improve smoothness and supplements. Some studies found that using creams containing glycerin increased hydration in as little as 10 days. 

Essential Oils

In order to create that addictive Christmas cookie aroma, you will need a few essential oils. When purchasing essential oils, make sure that you get organic, pure varieties. You do not want diluted essential oils or oils that have other ingredients. Pure essential oils can play a significant role in supporting the overall health of the skin. Many of them exhibit diverse healing and antioxidant properties, but the key to benefitting from those properties is with proper usage. Make sure to properly dilute essential oils in carrier oils to prevent irritation or reactions. Always do a small patch test to avoid complications.

Christmas Cookie Body Wash

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons almond oil
• 1 tablespoon vegetable glycerin 
• 1 cup castile soap
• 20 drops ginger essential oil
• 15 drops lemon essential oil
• 15 drops vanilla botanical extract
• 8 drops nutmeg essential oil
• 8 drops cinnamon essential oil
• 6 clove essential oil

Instructions:

• Add all of the ingredients to an eight-ounce amber glass bottle in the order in which they are listed. 
• Screw on the lid and shake well to combine. Use when ready. Make sure that you shake well before each use, as the ingredients can often separate. 

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If you want to enter the world of DIY beauty products, lip balms are the perfect entry point. They are not extremely difficult to make, and you can customize their flavor using different essential oils. In the case of the recipe in this article, we chose an essential oil that evokes the holiday spirit. All you need is a double boiler and four ingredients to make this lip balm!

When people look at DIY recipes, they often see a double boiler on the list of required items or tools. You don’t need a double boiler, but you can get one if you plan on making a lot of homemade beauty products. You can make your own double boiler variation in two easy ways. Both ways involve a pot that contains an inch or so of water in it. Place that pot on the stove over medium heat. Once the water is warm, place the ingredients you need to melt inside a heat-safe glass jar or measuring cup. Don’t let the water boil and stir until fully melted. The other option is to place a heat-safe glass bowl over the top of the pot with water. The heat that builds up in the pot will help melt the ingredients in the bowl above. 

Shea Butter

Shea butter boasts a long list of moisturizing and nourishing compounds. One of the best benefits is that it is enriched with emollient properties and health fats, which the skin can easily absorb for optimal hydration. Even the driest of skin types are no match for shea butter’s moisturizing properties. Applying shea butter to your lips supplies them with extra nutrients without weighing them down. Shea butter doesn’t leave your lips feeling greasy or textured either. Plus, the humectant properties work to prevent moisture loss during the winter months. 

Beeswax

You are probably familiar with the many beeswax lip balms in existence, and for good reason. Beeswax is an excellent ingredient for lip balms because it helps to seal in moisture and protect against dryness. It works to create a barrier between your lips and the environment, making it ideal for cold, windy weather. Like shea butter, beeswax is a natural substance that is not likely to cause allergic reactions or irritation. Finally, the anti-inflammatory properties help to soothe chapped or irritated lips. 

Coconut Oil

Just like shea butter and beeswax, coconut oil offers impressive moisturizing properties, making it ideal for chapped lips. The reason that lips are susceptible to moisture loss is because the skin is so thin. They are more exposed to the elements than other parts of the skin, so they rely on you for protection. Coconut oil is considered to be an emollient, which is a non-cosmetic moisturizer that helps keep the skin moist. Emollients trap moisture into the skin, which is good news for your lips because they lose moisture easily.

A Quick Note

One thing to note is that if you cannot get the Christmas Spirit essential oil, you can make a similar blend. All you need is three drops of cinnamon bark essential oil, three drops of orange essential oil, and one drop of Idaho blue spruce essential oil. You only need seven drops because you don’t want the scent to be overpowering, although you can add more if you so desire. 

All-Natural Holiday Lip Balm

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon beeswax pellets
• 1 tablespoon organic coconut oil
• 1 tablespoon shea butter
• 7 drops Christmas Spirit essential oil
• Lip balm containers

Instructions:

• Create a double boiler by adding two inches of water to a pot and place it on the stove over medium heat. 
• Combine the beeswax, coconut oil, and shea butter in a heat-safe glass jar and sit it inside the pot. Slowly bring the water to a boil and reduce the hit so that the water simmers. 
• Once the ingredients are fully melted, stir well and then carefully remove the pot from heat. Add the essential oil and stir to combine. 
• Carefully pour or spoon the melted mixture into the lip balm containers. Allow the balm to harden at room temperature, and then it is ready for immediate use.

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Some people start purchasing Christmas gifts in July, while others wait until the last minute. Maybe those people buy gift cards to save time and please the masses. Let us be clear about something: there is nothing wrong with a gift card. If you want to make gifts a little more personal this year, while simultaneously saving a little money, consider making gifts for the people in your life. 

No, you don’t have to join an assembly line and craft an entire train set from scratch. We are referring to some classic homemade beauty products that are beneficial for the hair and skin. In the following list, you will see everything from body scrubs to candles, which do not include harmful fragrances. Some of these recipes even share similar ingredients, so you can get more bang for your buck and diversify your DIY gifts. We hope you love these holiday gift ideas, but we really hope the people you give them to love them even more!

3-Ingredient Facial Moisturizer

Customize your facial moisturizer to your skin’s needs. Keep that glow alive with a simple blend of carrier oils and essential oils. Moisturizing with oils may be counterintuitive, but certain oils benefit the skin and can prevent dryness.

Click here to make the moisturizer. 

Vanilla Pumpkin Sugar Scrub

Pumpkin puree has several uses outside the kitchen! Your skin can absorb the nutrient from pumpkin when you apply it topically. Incorporate pumpkin into your sugar scrub and enhance the health of your skin with coconut oil, cinnamon, vanilla extract, pumpkin spice, and natural raw sugar. 

Click here to make the sugar scrub.

Sinus Relief Candle

The winter months can be brutal on your sinuses, especially with colds going around. Open up those nasal passages with an all-natural candle that contains tea tree oil, peppermint essential oil, and eucalyptus essential oil. 

Click here to make the candle. 

Peppermint Lip Balm

Chapped lips are very common in cold weather, but not anymore with this DIY lip balm. Made from ingredients that nourish the skin on the lips, this DIY recipe is moisturizing and holiday-themed. Consider painting the lip balm tins like candy canes to make them more festive. 

Click here to make the lip balm.

Apple Spice Sugar Scrub

Lather on a big dollop of this apple spice sugar scrub on your skin for maximum hydration, exfoliation, and moisture during drier weather.

Click here to make the sugar scrub.

Cinnamon Soy Candles

Skip the bags of scented pine cones at grocery stores or arts & crafts stores and make these DIY fall-inspired cinnamon soy candles instead. They will make the whole house smell amazing!

Click here to make the candles.

Citrus Mint Body Wash

Ditch the toxins and fragrances and awaken your senses with this DIY citrus mint body wash, which is made with all-natural ingredients.

Click here to make the body wash.

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If you are a fan of hot styling tools, such as flat irons, blow dryers, and curling irons, it’s time you learn about heat protectants. Although those hair styling products can do wonders for your look, they can damage your hair and cause breakage. That is why we want to turn you on to heat protectants, which can help your hair look its absolute best. 

What Is A Heat Protectant?

A heat protectant is what we like to call a superhero hair product. It works to shield the hair from the heat of hair styling tools. It usually contains a formulation of ingredients, which create a barrier between your hair and the heat. That helps reduce the amount of damage that can result from higher temperatures. Plus, some heat protectants contain ingredients that also nourish the hair, helping to to lock in moisture, prevent dryness, and contribute to optimal shine.

Why Should You Use A Heat Protectant?

By using a heat protectant, you can help prevent damage to hair caused by high heat. Heat styling tools can reach temperatures of up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit, which causes brittleness and dryness. Using a heat protectant can help reduce the amount of heat that the hair absorbs, which ultimately keeps it healthier. Heat protectants may also contribute to shinier hair. Protect your hair’s natural moisture and keep it lively with the following heat protectant recipes. 

DIY Heat Protectant Cream With Shea Butter

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup shea butter (melted)
• 2 tablespoons refined avocado oil
• 10 drops lavender essential oil

Instructions:

• Combine the melted shea butter and avocado oil in a small mixing bowl. Allow it to cool completely. 
• Use an electric hand mixer to whip it until it is light and fluffy. Add the lavender essential oil and continue to mix for another 10 seconds or so. 
• Spoon the mixture into a dark glass jar to help preserve the properties of the essential oil. 
• Use this cream sparingly, as it is very rich. Store in a cool, dry place. 

DIY Heat Protectant Spray With Coconut Oil

Ingredients:

• 1 cup distilled water
• 1 tablespoon fractionated coconut oil
• 4 drops almond oil
• 1 tablespoon silicone conditioner

Instructions:

• Use a funnel to pour the water into a spray bottle. Pour the coconut oil into the same bottle, followed by the almond oil. 
• Screw on the lid and shake well. Carefully transfer the conditioner to the same bottle, screw on the lid, and shake well to combine. 
• The ingredients may separate, so just remember to shake well before each use. Work the spray through your hair with your fingers or a comb before styling your hair. 

DIY Heat Protectant Spray With Argan Oil

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup argan oil
• Oil mister spray bottle
• Funnel 

Instructions:

• This recipe is very simple, in that it only contains argan oil. We recommend that you get an oil mister spray bottle, as a normal spray bottle will get clogged. The oil mister is essential for even application. 
• Lightly spray the oil on the ends of your hair and apply a small amount to a brush or comb, which you will use to brush your hair from the roots to tips. 
• If your hair requires more oil, then repeat the process. Style as desired and then store the oil in a cool, dry place for up to six months. 

DIY Heat Protectant Spray With Aloe Vera

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup distilled water
• 2 tablespoons aloe vera gel
• 6-8 drops olive oil

Instructions:

• Use a funnel to pour the distilled water into a spray bottle. Add the aloe vera and olive oil, screw on the top, and shake well to combine. 
• Use the spray as a natural and inexpensive heat protectant. As a bonus, aloe vera can help repair dead skin cells on the scalp, which may reduce itchy scalp and dandruff.

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Have you been thinking about adding more natural items to your skin care routine? If you have, then this Epsom salt body scrub is a great place to start. After purchasing all of the ingredients, each jar you make ends up costing around two dollars. How incredible is that?! Not only can this be an excellent item to add to your skin care routine, but it also makes for a great gift for the upcoming holiday season. Decorate the jars to make the product a little more festive. 

Normally, people put Epsom salt in their baths to help soothe sore muscles and inflammatory skin conditions. Believe it or not, Epsom salt makes for a highly efficient body scrub. After you take a shower, gently massage wet skin with a handful of the scrub in this recipe. The coarseness of the salt crystals works to slough away dead skin cells. Epsom salt’s anti-inflammatory properties help prevent irritation during the exfoliating process. Rinse away the body scrub and then follow with a moisturizing body cream. 

Epsom Salt Benefits

Epsom salts are a type of mineral salt found in nature. This type of salt is rich in magnesium and sulfate, and the salt is very coarse, but it is not meant for cooking. Skin care experts note that you can use Epsom salt to remove dead skin from the face, body, and scalp. Some people also use it on the skin to relieve itchiness from poison ivy or mosquito bites. It also helps to soften skin affected by psoriasis, which causes scaly patches on the skin. 

Coconut Oil Benefits

Coconut oil may help prevent and treat skin rashes, such as atopic dermatitis. One study found that coconut oil extract was able to improve skin barrier function. Scientists believe that coconut oil works to strengthen the skin barrier for infants with a low birth weight, potentially protecting them from health complications. Coconut oil may also help to reduce inflammation that results from UVB rays. Cellular studies indicate that coconut oil exhibits anti-fungal, antibacterial, and antiviral activity. 

Peppermint Essential Oil

The antimicrobial and antiseptic properties in peppermint essential oil may help reduce the appearance of pimples and other blemishes. Because it contains menthol, it offers a cooling sensation when topically applied to the skin or scalp. Researchers note that applying peppermint essential oil topically (only when properly diluted to avoid skin irritation) stimulates blood flow to the skin, which may enhance skin tone. Finally, peppermint essential oil helps regulate sebum production, making it great for oily, combination, or acne-prone skin. 

Eucalyptus Essential Oil

According to lab studies, eucalyptus essential oil may increase the production of ceramide, which helps moisturize skin, reduce inflammation, and prevent UVB-induced collagen degradation. Researchers have observed that cineole, the active compound in eucalyptus essential oil, has analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant effects. Additionally, topical application can help ease inflammation and aid wound healing, thanks to the antimicrobial properties. 

DIY Epsom Salt Body Scrub

Ingredients:

• 1 cup coconut oil
• 1/2 cup Epsom salt
• 20 drops eucalyptus essential oil
• 10 drops peppermint essential oil

Instructions:

• In a medium bowl, mix together coconut oil, Epsom salt, and the essential oils. Make sure the ingredients are thoroughly combined. 
• Spoon the scrub into a glass jar and screw on the lid. Decorate with some ribbon or label. Increase the size of the batch in order to give this scrub as a gift during the holidays.

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What smells do you think of when you think of fall? Pumpkin spice, naturally! You are most likely thinking of the spices in pumpkin spice mix, which include cinnamon, cloves, allspice, and nutmeg, among a few others. You probably think of warm apples and maple leaves as well. The simmer pot recipe in this article ties in all of those scents to make your home smell like a cozy, fall evening. 

What Is A Simmer Pot?

Simply put, a simmer pot is an assortment of ingredients that you combine together in water inside a large pot over medium-low heat to simmer for several hours. While the pot is simmering, the ingredients release a concentrated aroma into the air, filling your house with good smells. You know how a pot of soup can fill the home with a tasty aroma? Well, the same thing happens with a simmer pot. It’s a much healthier version of an air freshener spray or plug-in, many of which contain harmful chemicals. 

Scent is integral to setting the ambiance and creating a specific mood. An interior designer makes sure to decorate well and set lighting to establish the right feel and atmosphere, right? Well, you can set the fall mood in your home by filling it with the aroma from a fall simmer pot. 

Why You’ll Love This Simmer Pot

If you visit home stores, or almost any store for that matter, during the holidays, you probably see a lot of holiday-themed candles. Sugar cookie delight, apple cider, and cinnamon pine cones are all popular candle scents. Although candles are great, there is something more homey about creating your own scent with natural ingredients. Plus, you know that the simmer pot will not release any harsh chemicals or faux fragrances into the air. 

What you will smell is a delightfully warm scent that lasts for a couple days. You can warm this simmer pot recipe for one day and wake up still smelling that intoxicating fall scent the following day. 

How To Make A Simmer Pot

The good news about simmer pots is that you can be very creative with your ingredient blends. If you enjoy more cloves than cinnamon sticks, use more of them! Having control over the amount of each ingredient allows you to have certain scents be more dominant than others. Alternatively, you can keep an even measurement for ingredients to create a uniquely cohesive and balanced simmer pot aroma. The exact measurements we used, including instructions, are detailed below. 

DIY Fall Simmer Pot

Ingredients:

• 1/2 orange, thinly sliced
• 1/2 lemon, thinly sliced
• 1 apple, thinly sliced
• 3 cinnamon sticks
• 3 bay leaves
• 4 star anise
• 9 whole cloves
• 1 sprig rosemary

Instructions:

• Fill a medium-sized pot halfway with water and place it over medium heat. 
• Add the ingredients to the pot once the water starts to warm up. Stir in the ingredients and bring the liquid to a simmer (about five to 10 minutes).
• Reduce the heat to low and let simmer for at least two hours. Keep an eye on the water level and add more if it starts to get too low. 
• Remove from heat and leave uncovered for hours to let the aroma fill your home.

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The leaves are changing, the days are shorter, and the weather has a certain chill that seems to cut through your layers. You may also feel a slight tickle in the back of your throat, which can induce panic. There’s nothing quite like a cold threatening to mess with your plans and take you out of commission for a week or so. 

We’ve got you covered with a simple DIY throat spray made with all-natural ingredients. It may help soothe the pain of a sore throat and promote quicker recovery. The best part is that it only takes a few minutes to prepare. It goes great with peppermint tea, but you can use green tea, black tea, or even Throat Coat tea if you prefer those varieties and flavors. Continue reading to learn more about some of the ingredients. 

Szechuan Peppercorns

These peppercorns are commonly used in both Chinese cuisine and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Szechuan peppercorns contain anti-inflammatory properties, which may help reduce inflammation or irritation. Some studies found that compounds in these peppercorns exhibit antimicrobial effects, which may help combat viruses and bacteria. Finally, Szechuan peppercorns have a numbing effect, which may help relieve pain and discomfort, especially in the mouth and throat. 

Manuka Honey

Manuka honey exhibits antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, and antioxidant properties. Researchers attribute these health benefits to the active ingredient: methylglyoxal (MGO). This is created in Manuka honey because of dihydroxyacetone (DHA), which is high in Manuka flowers. The antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects offer relief from a sore throat. The honey can help fight against the bacteria that cause pain in the throat. In fact, research confirms that people who use Manuka honey have a decrease in the presence of Streptococcus mutans, which can cause sore throats.

Peppermint Tea

Hot herbal teas are great to consume when you have a sore throat. They promote hydration and offer soothing benefits. Peppermint tea is rich in polyphenols, a group of powerful antioxidants that help reduce inflammation. It also contains menthol, a compound that offers a cooling effect by interacting with calcium channels in the body. Some traditional medicinal practices used peppermint to treat various conditions, including symptoms of sore throat. 

Apple Cider Vinegar

According to studies in human cells, apple cider vinegar proved effective against E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. It also acted against methicillin-resistant S. aureus, which is a significant threat to humans. Laboratory studies found that apple cider vinegar exhibits antimicrobial properties against certain bacteria and yeast. Currently, however, there are not enough human trials to back up that statement. Although there is anecdotal evidence for apple cider vinegar reducing sore throat symptoms, scientific studies are necessary to prove its efficacy. 

DIY Throat Spray

Ingredients:

• 2 peppermint tea bags
• 1 teaspoon Szechuan peppercorns
• 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 teaspoons Manuka honey
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
• 3 drops peppermint oil
• 3 drops lemon oil
• 5 drops clove oil

Instructions:

• Bring one cup of water to boil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Turn off the heat once the water is boiling and add the tea bags and peppercorns. Allow them to steep for five to 10 minutes. 
• Stir in the remaining ingredients and then pour through a fine mesh strainer and collect the liquid in a bowl or cup. Allow the liquid to cool. 
• Get two four-ounce glass spray bottles and divide the mixture between these two bottles, using a funnel to pour in the liquid. Screw on the tops and store in the refrigerator for up to one month.
• When ready to use, shake well and then spray towards the back of the mouth as often as needed.

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