As the cool weather moves in, many of us feel the calling to turn inward and reach for soft textures, rich smells and nourishing foods. Humans have long been creating elixirs to boost both immunity and comfort in the more dormant months of the year.

Simmer pots fit into this category perfectly — they warm you from the outside in, cleanse the stagnant air around us and a pleasant sense of comfort. Local herbalist and apothecary owner Jocelyn Laferriere, also known as The Belden Witch, sat down with us to discuss simmer pots, their benefits and recipes for a few different mixes. Keep reading to explore the world of herbalism and tap into comfort this season.

Recipes by Jocelyn Laferriere:

CLEANSING FACIAL STEAM SIMMER POT

1 tsp dried mint

1 tsp dried eucalyptus

1 tsp dried lavender

1 lemon sliced or peels from one lemon

Put all ingredients in a small stock pot on the stove over low/medium heat. Fill with water. Just before it comes to a boil, remove from the stove, place on a kitchen towel or trivet on a table. Create a tent over your head with a small towel, placing your head over the pot to allow the steam to rise up onto your face as you take deep belly breaths. Be sure to close your eyes! The volatile oils from the herbs will help to clear nasal passages, help with congestion, sore throat and any cold or flu symptoms.

If you don’t have fresh herbs on hand, use one to two drops of each essential oil.

WARM SPICE SIMMER POT

1 cup of fresh or dried cranberries

1 orange sliced or peels from one orange

2 cinnamon sticks

2 star anise

1 tsp cloves

2-3 sprigs of fresh pine

Add all ingredients to a small sauce pan. Fill with water until ingredients are just about covered. Simmer on low heat, and keep adding water as necessary. This simmer pot can be used for two to three days. Be sure not to leave unattended on the stove!

A perfect way to use the extra clippings from your holiday tree. Option: add a splash of vanilla extract for an extra warm scent.

Originally published in the Winter 2024-25 issue of Spoke+Blossom.

Seasonal Simmer Pot Recipes For Comfort