How to Simmer Homemade Potpourri With Bay Leaves

Potpourri makes use of natural materials to freshen your environment.

Homemade potpourri adds aromatic freshness to your home environment without the need for burning candles or incense. Potpourri simmers slowly as it releases these scents into the air, and can comprise a wide range of aromatic ingredients. For example, you can create an invigorating herbal and floral simmering potpourri at home using ingredients found around your kitchen and home garden area. Dried or fresh bay leaves can become a big part of this fragrant concoction.

Things You'll Need

• 10 bay leaves
• 20 rose petals
• 20 lavender florets
• 1/2 cup lemongrass
• 1 gallon distilled water
• 6-quart pot

Instructions

1. Fill the 6-quart pot with distilled water. You can use tap water, but distilled water has no scent, so it won't interfere with the botanicals added to it. Alternatively, you can use floral waters such as rose and peony hydrosol, which are found in craft shops.

2. Add the bay leaves, fresh or dried, to the pot. Bring the water to a fast, rolling boil. Immediately reduce the heat to a low simmer. This quick boil brings the oils out of the bay leaves quickly, which enhances the scent.

3. Add the rose petals, lavender and lemongrass to the water.

4. Simmer the pot of botanical materials for about 40 minutes, uncovered. This fills the environment with the fusion of floral and herbal scents. Even when you turn the stove off, the potpourri releases scented vapors as it cools.

References

• "Potpourri: The Art of Fragrance Crafting;" Louise M. Gruenberg; 1990