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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Depending on where you live, snowfall is well underway. Perhaps you are living your best life in the sunshine with beautiful holiday decorations that replicate a wintery vibe. No matter where you live or how much you decorate, you can take your holidays to the next level with some diffuser blends. Diffusing essential oils that are specific to the holiday season can enhance the spirit of holiday gatherings and activities. Have the room smell like a fresh Christmas tree lot while wrapping presents, for example!

Essential oils that remind you of the holidays typically have woody, citrusy, spicy, and refreshing aromas. Using oils that give off these scents can blend synergistically to your environment, enriching your holiday experience. Additionally, you may find that they brighten your space, elevate your mood, and comfort your soul. Continue reading to learn about some amazing essential oil blends for the holidays. 

Safety First

Using essential oils for parties and entertaining is great, but there are a few safety rules to take note of prior to using them. Keep the following in mind, particularly when it comes to diffusing essential oils in public gatherings:

• Inhaling essential oils can be harmful for certain groups and animals. Some of these groups include babies (especially six months or younger), children, pregnant or breastfeeding women, pets, and people with allergies or hypertension. 
• If your guest list includes anyone from the previously mentioned groups, it’s better not to diffuse essential oils at your event. 
• If you are diffusing essential oils, make sure that they are 100% pure varieties. You don’t want to skimp on essential oils because they may contain artificial fragrances, which can harm your health. 
• If you use an electric diffuser, only run the diffuser for little increments of time. Consider diffusing an hour before people arrive and then plug it in again after a couple hours. That will keep the aroma subtle and not overpowering. 
• Don’t diffuse in the kitchen or around food, snacks, and drinks. 

Choosing The Right Essential Oils For The Holidays

Pairing essential oils to put in a diffuser is not specific to the holiday season. This is a year-round practice that you can do, but certain essential oils evoke a festive, merry atmosphere. Pine, cedarwood, spruce, fir, cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg essential oils have different aromas reminiscent of different parts of the holiday season. Spruce and fir essential oils give off woody aromas, while clove and nutmeg essential oils give off aromas that smell like snickerdoodle or gingerbread cookies.

Citrus essential oils are also very popular to use during the holidays because citrus fruits are in season. Sweet orange and lemon essential oils offer a festive, bright balance to diffuser blends. You can also incorporate the cool, frosty scents of peppermint and eucalyptus essential oils. Last, but most certainly not least, you have the two holiday classics: frankincense and myrrh essential oils. Learn how to use all of these in the following diffuser blends. 

Candy Cane Celebration

A scrumptious blend of winter wonderland is exactly what this blend is! Think of powdery snow and the smell of the classic holiday candy. 

Ingredients:

• 2 drops wintergreen essential oil
• 3 drops peppermint essential oil
• 2 drops cinnamon essential oil

Winter Spice Blend

Do the scents of these essential oils embody the holiday season? That’s up to you to decide! This blend enriches your space whether you put up decorations or not. It truly is the perfect blend for sipping cocoa with loved ones, decorating the tree with kids, or doing any holiday activity at home.

Ingredients:

• 1 drop ginger essential oil
• 1 drop silver fir essential oil
• 3 drops bergamot essential oil
• 1 drop cassia essential oil

Cleansing Holiday Blend

Highlighted by the sweetness of patchouli essential oil, this blend exhibits floral and woody notes. It has a light, pleasant, and cleansing aroma that refreshes your space during the holidays. 

Ingredients:

• 4 drops patchouli essential oil
• 3 drops lavender essential oil
• 1 drop cinnamon bark essential oil

Wiseman’s Blend

Get into the classic Christmas spirit with this warming blending of frankincense and myrrh essential oils. Consider adding two drops of sweet orange essential oil to this blend in order to add a bright citrusy note. 

Ingredients:

• 3 drops frankincense essential oil
• 3 drops myrrh essential oil

Spiced Cider Blend

A warm, apple-infused drink with the perfect amount of sugar and spice is perfect for the holiday season. If you love the aroma of spiced cider but don’t enjoy the flavor, this is the blend for you. It has the quintessential cider notes because it calls for ginger, sweet orange, and cinnamon essential oils.

Ingredients:

• 3 drops ginger essential oil
• 3 drops sweet orange essential oil
• 1 drop cinnamon essential oil

Gingerbread House Blend

Would the holidays be complete without a trademark gingerbread house? Instead of making a mess with gingerbread, icing, and candy, diffuse this blend of earthy aromas to indulge your senses.

Ingredients:

• 2 drops ginger essential oil
• 1 drop clove essential oil
• 1 drop cardamom essential oil
• 2 drops cinnamon essential oil

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This Granny Smith applesauce is not only 100% raw vegan, but it also comes together in a matter of minutes. Granny Smith apples are the green ones, in case you didn’t know, and they provide a touch of tartness to the applesauce. If you do not enjoy the subtly tart flavor of Granny Smith apples, you can opt for whatever your favorite apple is. Some people may prefer Gala apples, while other may enjoy Honeycrisp or Fuji varieties.

This applesauce only contains five ingredients: Granny Smith apples, water, lemon juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg. The lemon juice complements the tart apple flavor, while the warming cinnamon and nutmeg give you that signature fall essence. Should you require more sweetness, you can drizzle in a little grade A maple syrup or raw agave nectar. We happen to like the tarter flavor that this applesauce provides, but to each their own.

As long as you have a food processor or high-speed blender, this recipe will come together in five minutes or less. Blend everything until you reach your desired consistency. Some people prefer applesauce that is luxuriously smooth, while others enjoy a little chunkiness. You don’t want to have huge apple cubes in there, though! When you serve it in a bowl, feel free to add a little pinch of cinnamon to the top. You can also refrigerate for 30 minutes before you enjoy if you want it colder. We hope you like this healthy snack!

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With this recipe, comfort is guaranteed within five minutes because it only takes five minutes to make. Although you cannot enjoy this recipe while cleansing, you can have it once you finish your cleanse. Not only does it burst with autumn flavors, but it also is much healthier than most other pumpkin spice creations. How do we know this? Well, to put it in perspective, the average pumpkin spice latte from Starbucks contains about 12 teaspoons of sugar.

Pumpkin pie spice is a popular spice blend in North America, and it has taken the world by storm. This spice blend contains cinnamon, ginger powder, ground cloves, ground nutmeg, ground allspice, and occasionally some black pepper. All of these spices boast incredibly health benefits and flavor, which really brings this tea to life. The pumpkin pie flavor is very forward in this variation of a classic chai tea, which contains similar spices.

We know what you’re going to ask so we have the answer ready. The reason you cannot drink this tea during a Dherbs cleanse is because it uses black tea. As you know, you cannot consume caffeinated beverages during the cleanse. For this recipe, you also don’t have to make your own almond milk. You can can use a store bought variety, but make sure that there are no added sweeteners. You can also use oat milk if you prefer.

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Summer is stone fruit season, which means that summer is cherry season! If you have the the ability, go to a cherry orchard and take part in some cherry picking. It’s a great activity for families because you get to be out in the sun picking and eating cherries. How can you not have fun doing that? Pick one, eat one, pick one, eat one, and continue that cycle. Well, maybe don’t do that because you don’t want to get sick or avoid paying for cherries. Sneak a few here and there for us, though.

Cherries come in several varieties, and this raw vegan sorbet recipe calls for tart cherries. If you can only get your hands on a certain variety, go ahead and use those. Using tart cherries for a sorbet makes it a little more refreshing for these hot summer days. Sweeter varieties will also be great! Cherries also exhibit some incredible health properties. Because they work to reduce uric acid and nitric oxide build-up, cherries help reduce gout and arthritis flair ups. They may also reduce inflammation and increase natural melatonin production, which may improve your sleep.

You may notice a couple interesting ingredients that may seem out of place in this recipe. We are talking about black pepper and nutmeg. You only need a pinch of each spice because you don’t want to overpower the other ingredients, especially the sweetness of the cherries. Black pepper actually helps awaken the cherries and a little hint brings a pleasant kick to the mix. Too much and, well, you will ruin your sorbet. A pinch of black pepper and nutmeg is a wonderful balance of harmonious flavors we think you’ll love.

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Apples are some of the best fall produce items. They are as crisp as the chilly nights and deserve all of your love and attention. Eat them fresh, bake with them, add them to smoothies or juices, and add them to salads. When you don’t feel like eating them, why not rub them on your skin? Okay, maybe don’t do that, but you can use classic apple pie spices in a homemade sugar scrub. 

There’s never been a better time to pamper yourself. The cold weather contributes to dryer skin, so you need to hydrate it and lock in that moisture. Additionally, you have to remove any dead skin cells or bacteria, and that’s where the exfoliating powers of brown sugar and coconut oil come in. These natural exfoliators are not too abrasive, making them excellent if you have sensitive skin. 

If you already have a dynamite skin routine and flawless skin, perhaps this apple spice sugar scrub would be an excellent gift for family or friends. Everyone can use a pick-me-up for their skin, and we’ve detailed the standout ingredients of the scrub below. You already know the benefits of brown sugar and coconut oil for the skin, but you may not be aware of how the following ingredients nourish the skin.

Nutmeg

This classic baking spice has a heavenly aroma, but it also has natural astringent properties. Anyone who suffers from hormonal or cystic acne can benefit from astringent ingredients. Nutmeg is a natural exfoliator, but it also provides moisture as it exfoliates, making it excellent for people with dry skin. Nutmeg is also great for anyone with dull skin, as it helps to brighten skin tone and improve overall complexion. 

Cinnamon

Known for the woody flavor and sweet aroma, cinnamon has always been a featured ingredient in traditional medicine. It contains an array of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, but it also contains antibacterial and anti-fungal properties. People with dry skin can benefit from cinnamon because works to enhance blood flow to the skin, moisturizing the skin in the process. It also works to remove dead skin cells to give your skin a smoother appearance. It’ll be looking supple in no time!

Cloves

Cloves may be one of the most classic holiday spices. The aroma is strong and wonderful, and so are the health benefits. According to several studies, cloves exhibited antibacterial and anti-fungal properties against acne and pimples. Because cloves are very pungent, you have to be very careful around the eyes. The high antioxidant levels in cloves make them excellent for maintaining healthy collagen levels. These antioxidants fight the effects of premature aging by combating inflammation and oxidative stress on the skin. 

DIY Apple Spice Sugar Scrub

Ingredients:

• 2 cups brown sugar
• 1/4 cup unrefined coconut oil
• 2 tablespoons apple pie spice
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground cloves
• 2 teaspoons vanila extract
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Instructions:

• Add all of the ingredients to a medium-sized glass mixing bowl. As you mix all of the ingredients, the coconut oil will begin to break down, becoming less clumpy. 
• Once the ingredients are thoroughly combined, transfer the scrub to a small Mason jar and screw on the lid. Store in a cool dry place and use within 3-4 weeks. 

How To Use:

• Jump into the shower and wet your body. Use a generous dollop of sugar scrub and begin massaging your skin, or focus on dryer areas. 
• Rinse immediately and pat dry once you exit the shower. 

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It’s that time of year again, folks…and we couldn’t be happier to start the fall season with a pumpkin spice foaming hand soap. The pumpkin-flavored or pumpkin-infused recipes will be coming soon, but regular hand washing takes precedence at the moment. Rather than just using the same old boring unscented soap, this pumpkin spice soap embraces the fall season.

One of the things to know about store bought scented soaps is that they contain dangerous chemicals. In fact, several studies found that the artificial ingredients and chemicals in those soaps disrupted endocrine function. The endocrine system produces and secretes hormones that the body uses to carry out various functions, so disrupting this system can lead to hormonal imbalances. Keep your endocrine system healthy by taking 10 minutes to make a homemade, all-natural, scented soap.

Clove Essential Oil

Clove has a signature spicy aroma and the essential oil has powerful anti-aging properties. That’s why you see clove essential oil on a lot of cosmetic creams or oils. It works to remove dead skin cells and increase blood circulation, which contributes to healthier, youthful skin.

Ginger Essential Oil

Another staple spice in the pumpkin spice blend, ginger exhibits anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidant activity. In fact, ginger essential oil has some of the highest antioxidant activity, according to several studies. It can actually help to moisten your skin, reducing roughness, which is more common as a result of increased hand washing protocol.

Cinnamon Essential Oil

Cinnamon essential oil can stop the creation of protein biomarkers that contribute to inflammatory skin conditions. If you experience any rash or acne, cinnamon’s anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties are very beneficial. Just make sure to mix it with a carrier oil to avoid skin irritation.

Nutmeg Essential Oil

Nutmeg is a signature baking space, but it has a history of use in traditional medicine. Many people have used nutmeg essential oil to ease digestive discomfort or muscle spasms. This spicy oil has a woody aroma and a little goes a long way. Nutmeg essential oil has antiseptic and antibacterial properties, making it a great ingredient for hand soaps.

DIY Pumpkin Spice Foaming Hand Soap

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons unscented Castile soap
• 1 tablespoon fractionated coconut oil
• 5 drops vitamin E oil
• 10 drops cinnamon essential oil
• 6 drops clove essential oil
• 3 drops ginger essential oil
• 3 drops nutmeg essential oil
• 1 cup distilled water
• Foam soap dispenser

Instructions:

• Pour the Castile soap into the foam soap dispenser bottle and stir in the fractionated coconut oil. 
• Add in the vitamin E oil and essential oils. Give the bottle a few swirls to blend the mixture together. 
• Next, fill the bottle with distilled water, place the pump on, give the bottle a good shake to combine the ingredients, and then you’re good to go!
• Pump the soap when you wash your hands and you’ll smell that pumpkin spice deliciousness. 

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Honey is much more than just a natural sweetener we add to our foods and drinks. Considered the nectar of life by our ancestors, raw honey has been a staple in the human diet for thousands of years. Its benefits have been published everywhere from ancient books to clinical trials in modern society. It is full of antibacterial and anti-fungal properties, it accelerates the growth of body tissues, and it can be a great natural remedy for many physical ailments.

Raw honey is honey that has not been filtered or processed by pasteurization or heating. This most natural state of honey has the most healing properties, which is why you should use it for the home remedies that are detailed below.

For Healthier Skin

Naturally rich in antioxidants and antibacterial properties, raw honey has the ability to treat damaged skin and has been used in homemade skincare regimens for a long time. Not only can it help prevent acne, slow down aging, and unclog pores, raw honey is also extremely moisturizing and soothing for the skin. You can use it as a simple moisturizing mask by spreading a teaspoon of raw honey on clean skin, letting it sit for 15-20 minutes, and rinsing with tepid water. Or you may try it as a gentle exfoliator by mixing with ground oats, massaging the mixture on your skin for a minute or two, and rinsing off.

As A Natural Sleeping Aid

One of the main reasons why raw honey can help you sleep at night is because it provides an adequate supply of liver glycogen, ensuring that you may get through the night before the brain triggers a crisis search for fuel. When you consume raw honey before bed, you are less likely to suddenly wake up from a deep sleep, due to the fact that your glycogen levels are stable. Try mixing a teaspoon of cinnamon and a tablespoon of raw honey in a cup of hot water and consume an hour before bed.

Raw Honey, Orange Juice, And Nutmeg To Treat Anxiety

Research has shown that oranges have a calming effect that can provide relief from exhaustion and anxiety. Additionally, oranges are rich in vitamin C, which helps you curb the adrenal glands and calm the brain down in stressful situations. Nutmeg has anti-anxiety and antidepressant properties, while raw honey enables serotonin production, a neurotransmitter responsible for boosting your mood. Squeeze a couple fresh oranges into a glass before adding 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg powder and a tablespoon of raw honey. Drinking this mixture every morning may help alleviate anxiety levels throughout the day.

Ginger And Honey To Relieve A Sore Stomach

Ginger root has been known to effectively treat stomach ailments because it reduces inflammation in a similar way to anti-inflammatory drugs. Raw honey also contains a number of enzymes that aid in digestion. This combo is easy to turn into a homemade drink by adding one-inch of finely chopped ginger root and a tablespoon of raw honey to 1 cup of hot water. Let the flavors infuse for a few minutes and drink when you have an upset stomach or feel nauseous.

Always keep in mind that honey is best when it’s raw. It may give you benefits by simply taking a spoonful of honey a day, but combining it with other healthy ingredients may also provide even more benefits to your body.

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There’s nothing worse than a night spent tossing and turning, attempting to get comfortable, even though you don’t fall asleep. If you are constantly tired after not sleeping through the night, this can take a toll on your body. Sleep is one of the most important aspects of life because it helps the body heal and regenerate.

Since roughly 30% of American adults have insomnia and 10% Americans say that they have trouble sleeping, there are many sleeping medications that are readily available. The problem with these medications is that they can negatively affect your health and even cause you to become addicted.

The Side Effects of Sleeping Pills Include:

• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Loss of Appetite
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Gas
• Stomach Pain
• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Headache
• Heartburn
• Dry Mouth or Throat

If that list isn’t enough to deter you from sleeping pills, you can also develop asthma or other respiratory conditions by regularly ingesting sleeping pills. There are many herbal remedies that can help you sleep, and we have one of the best ways.

You’ve heard of nutmeg, right? This common baking spice is good to have on hand. It is a natural sedative that can help improve the quality of sleep and control insomnia. Nutmeg is rich in myristicin, which is a compound that prevents the release of stress-causing enzymes. Stress plays a major role in sleep conditions, so nutmeg is a great natural remedy.

There are two ways that you can consume nutmeg to help you sleep. After measuring out ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg, mix it with raw, organic honey to make a paste. Swallow this with a few sips of water. Alternatively, you can mix the ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg in a cup of warm water and drink it. Do either of these an hour before going to bed. This will help the body naturally relax and should help you have a pleasant night’s sleep.

For a more in depth description of insomnia and more natural remedies, you can click here.

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