Why Boiling These Garden Herbs Can Transform Your Home

It's a herb that many cooks who favor Mediterranean dishes are very familiar with, but did you know it may help improve your memory? Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) is a flavorful herb that is wonderful in all kinds of savory dishes, but one way that you can use it to improve your home is by simmering it in a pot of water on your stove. Inhaling the vapors of rosemary, according to prominent scientific studies, could help enhance your memory and improve your mood. And, of course, it's also one of the best natural ways to fragrance your home.

What makes using rosemary, and a variety of other herbs, in a simmer pot at home even more appealing is how simple it is. You don't need any expensive equipment, essential oils, or even rosemary in your garden (you can buy it at the grocery store) — just add a few sprigs to a pot of water and set to a low boil. As the herbs heat up, the natural oils are diffused into the air, filling your home with a fresh pine-like scent. And unlike chemical sprays or candles, this is a clean and natural way to create a cozy aroma. For millennia, people have been using rosemary to not just flavor foods but also for its ability to uplift the mood, soothe, and transform their homes.

When boiled, rosemary's essential oils can help clear the air, giving your home a cleaner and fresher vibe. The soothing aroma can decrease stress levels as well, perfect for winding down after a long, stressful day. You can also add some lemon, mint, or cinnamon to your simmer pot, depending on your mood or the season. Lemon or mint with rosemary can create a bright, clean scent, while cinnamon adds a touch of holiday warmth. This genius aromatherapy DIY doesn't just mask odors either — it can eliminate most stinky smells in your kitchen as well. A rosemary simmer pot can make your home smell amazing and more inviting. 

If you love decorating with a more natural touch, you can utilize fresh sprigs of rosemary in other ways as well. For instance, DIY rosemary wreaths smell amazing and look stunning in any home, combining the fragrant, earthy qualities of the herb with a trendy craft. And rosemary isn't your only option worth trying — there are many common herbs you can use from your garden for a cleaner home, like thyme, lavender, or even mint. You can also filter and use the water from your simmer pot, (after it's cooled), in a spray bottle for your own room freshener. Rosemary, no matter how you use it, can help make your home a place you want to spend time in.