Today’s Solutions: May 19, 2025

If you live in the Northern Hemisphere, fall is in full swing and you’re likely looking for ways to make your home feel more comforting as the days get shorter. Conventional air fresheners can contain irritating chemicals, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make your home smell deliciously cozy. This MindBodyGreen recipe for stovetop potpourri will make all your autumn dreams come true and have guests asking what it is that makes your house smell so divine.

How to make stovetop potpourri

Stovetop potpourri takes advantage of evaporating liquid in a pot to dissipate wonderful smells through your home. Just throw together the ingredients and let them simmer away on low for a natural and affordable air freshener.

Ingredients

  • 4 cinnamon sticks
  • 2 tbsp whole clove
  • 8 cardamom pods
  • 8 star anise pods
  • 1 tbsp fennel seed
  • 1/4 cup rose petals
  • A pinch of black pepper

Feel free to adjust the recipe according to your preferences, and just continue adding water to keep the smell going. When you’re done, toss the mixture in your compost pile and go along with your day for a zero-waste scent experience. Potpourri makes your house smell festive and fresh, plus, research has shown that just the scent of fall smells will boost your mood as the seasons change.

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