How to DIY Potpourri & Air Freshener

KhadiYah Preciado
Dec 5, 2021
3 min read

Updated: May 20

There’s something so comforting about walking into a space that smells like home.

Not the kind of fragrance that gives you a headache — I’m talking about deep, warm, natural smells: orange peels, cinnamon, dried flowers, and a little something spicy in the background.

Making your own potpourri is easy, affordable, and one of my favorite ways to use up scraps from my kitchen or garden.Whether it’s dried fruit, shriveled-up flowers, citrus peels, or leftover herbs — almost everything can find a second life in a simmer pot or satchel.

And if you’re ready to build a full cabinet of natural, seasonally inspired remedies and recipes, make sure you check out my book, Recipes for the Earth.

Inside, I walk you through 40+ projects like this one — from teas and tonics to balms, syrups, and soaks.

But first… let’s make your home smell like autumn.

Get the recipe here!

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Ways to Use Homemade Potpourri

This recipe is super versatile. You can:

Simmer it on the stove for a cozy home scent
Bag it up in satchels for your car or dresser drawers
Gift it to friends for the holidays
Even hang it in the bathroom or toss it under your sink

I like to make different blends depending on the season — floral fusions in spring, decongestant blends in winter, and calming satchels with lavender and vanilla for bedtime.

Today we’re making an autumn spice potpourri — warm, spicy, and soothing.

Start with Dried Citrus or Fruit

For this first part, gather your dried fruit peels and slices. I usually use:

Dried orange or lemon peels
Dehydrated apple slices
Dried acorns if I’m out of citrus

It doesn’t need to be fancy — sometimes I just save the peels from snacks or citrus that’s gone soft and let them dry out naturally.

This is where Recipes for the Earth comes in handy — it teaches you exactly how to dry, preserve, and reuse your scraps so you waste less and heal more.

Add Whole Spices for Warmth

Next up: whole spices. These give the potpourri that deep, spicy, cozy scent. My go-to’s are:

Cinnamon sticks
Whole cloves
Cracked nutmeg
Fresh ginger or star anise (if simmering)

If you want to get real fancy, throw in half a vanilla bean. It’s expensive, yes — but the scent is warm, rich, and adds a sensual note that makes your home feel like a spa.

📝 Want more recipes that help you get the most out of your herbs and spices — not just potpourri?

They’re all inside Recipes for the Earth — along with toner blends, body scrubs, and healing oils.

Bring It All Together with Essential Oils

This is the fun part: boost the smell with essential oils. I like to match the oils with the ingredients already in the mix — that way, it helps the aroma pop even more.

Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Spicy: Nutmeg, clove, cinnamon, allspice, cardamom
Uplifting: Orange, lemon, grapefruit, frankincense
Relaxing: Lavender, vanilla, cedarwood, sweet myrrh

Start slow — a few drops at a time — and stir between each one. You can always add more, but once it’s overpowering… there’s no going back!

💡 Pro Tip: If you’ve never blended oils before, my book Recipes for the Earth includes formulas, dosages, and pairings that actually smell good and last.

How to Store or Simmer Your Potpourri

Once your blend is ready:

Store it in mason jars or cellophane bags
Transfer to satchel pouches if gifting or hanging
Or pour into a pot and simmer it on low with just enough water to cover

Let it gently release aroma — don’t boil it. When the scent fades, just add a little more water (1–2 times max). Once it’s done, compost the leftovers.

And enjoy the peace that comes with knowing exactly what’s in your home — no artificial anything, just Yah-given herbs and spices doing what they do best.

Want More Recipes Like This?

📖 Grab your copy of Recipes for the Earth — it’s a collection of my most-loved herbal projects, all simple enough to make at home with what you have.

Inside you’ll learn: