01/16/2026
There’s a reason a winter simmer pot makes your space feel instantly calmer… it’s chemistry! As these ingredients warm, they release volatile aromatic compounds into the air.
🍊 Citrus peels give off limonene, which has been linked to mood elevation.
🤎 Cinnamon, clove, and star anise release compounds like cinnamaldehyde and eugenol, known for their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
🫚 Ginger adds zingiberene 🌿 while rosemary or pine contributes cineole, often associated with clearer breathing and focus.
Inhaling these aromas engages the olfactory system, which connects directly to the brain’s emotional and memory centers. Translation: your nervous system gets the signal to soften
💾 Save this to try on a slow afternoon or as the evening winds down and let your space do some of the work for you.