How to make your own herbal soap

[JadziaDax]

Make your own herbal soap

You can easily make fragrant, pretty herbal soaps by using castile soap and adding fragrant herbs and a few drops of essential oils. Castile soap is a pure soap made from vegetable oils, without any added colorings or perfumes.

Materials needed
1/4 cup water
2 tablespoons dried fragrant herbs, finely ground
Saucepan and enamelware or glass container to use as a double boiler
2 bars of castile soap, grated (approximately 2 cups)
essential oils
waxed paper

Procedure
Bring water to a boil. Add ground herbs, and steep for 15 minutes.

Pour the steeped liquid into the enamelware or glass container, set over a saucepan of water, and reheat. Add the soap and a few drops of essential oil. Stir on low heat unitl the soap mixture is the consistency of softened butter.

Knead the soap mixture together and shape into plum-size balls. Dry on waxed paper for two to five days, and then store in plastic bags.

Helpful hints: Avoid using metal containers or spoons when you are making herbal soaps because the metal can react with herbal ingredients.

Although natural, some essential oils may irritate sensitive skin. Test the essential oil by putting a drop or two on the pad of an adhesive bandage strip and placing the strip on your inner arm between the wrist and the elbow. Leave the strip on for 24 hours, then check your skin for any redness or irritation.

[JStrider]

hmmm... oooo that'd make a good gift....(hopes arie doesnt see this one...)

what herbs would be good to use?... and can i go to walmart or hobby lobby and get all these ingredients?... and would they all be pretty cheap?

[JadziaDax]

Most of the ingredients you can get at any craft store. Walmart may have some in their craft department, but don't put all your eggs in the Walmart basket. If you have stores like Michael's or AC Moore, these stores definitely have all the materials necessary. They even have kits for soap making and molds to make different shapes.

[JStrider]

coolness...

we have michaels and a hobby lobby here... so im sure theyll have it...

any recomendation on some good herbs?

[mew]

That is such an awsome recipe..Thanks JadziaDax! Lavender is a great scent to add..it relaxes the mind (good for a b4 bedtime bath)and even repels mosquitos..or so Ive been told..

[SparklingDot]

What about making loofah soaps? Its supposed to be really easy. You need a big round loofah sponge (easy to get in the bath section at walmart or similar stores), some glycerine soap, essential oils, stuff for a double boiler, plastic wrap, tape (masking or packing tape) and a pitcher. You melt the soap, add a bit of the oil, a little food coloring if you're brave (not too much, it could dye the skin!). Set the melted soap aside and pick up your loofah and plastic wrap. Tear off a sheet of plastic wrap at least twice as long as the length of the loofah. Spread your uber long plastic out flat, set the loofah on its short end (so that it is standing tall), and wrap the loofah, making sure that the bottom is sealed, and the top is open (for the time being). Multiple sheets of plastic may be needed. Use the tape to secure the plastic in place, covering all seams to create a watertight seal and somewhat rigid cylindrcal shape. Stand the loofah in the pitcher, and once secure, pour the soap into the loofah. Close the end and let the soap harden overnight. Unwrap the fully hardened soap, and using a sharp knife, carefully and patiently cut the soap into usably sized pieces.

Most materials can be found at places like walmart or michaels. For bonus points, use her favorite smell, something that reminds you of her, or something that reminds he of you since you guys are apart. Then, create a bathtime basket for her. Include a CD, candles (which you can also make in a similar way) etc.

If you do the herb soap, you can always include small, plastic toys in them. Rosemary, mint, thyme, and eucalyptus are always nice scents. Check for allergies though.