Making herbal soap is really quite easy to do and it looks and smells wonderful. There are many combination’s you can use when making your own herbal soap.
In order for your herbal soap to have the desired effect you are after it is important to not only learn how to make herbal soap but to also have an understanding of the herbs you are using to make your herbal soap.
Below is a simple recipe for making herbal soap.
What you need:
1. A mild and unscented soap
2. A double boiler (preferably not metal) – If you do not have a double broiler then you can easily boil water in a pan and set a glass bowl on top of the boiling water.
3. The herb(s) of your choosing – see below for a list of herbs and their properties
4. Soap Molds
How to make herbal soap:
1. Start out by cutting the bars of soap into slivers and set aside.
2. Bring about 1/4 cup of water to a lite simmer and add 2-3 tablespoons of chopped herbs of your choice. Remove the pan from heat and steep the herbs for 15-20 minutes.
3. While the herbs are steeping, start melting the soap slivers in the double boiler.
4. When the soap is melted you can either just add the herb water to the melted soap slowly or add the herbs and water slowly to the soap mixture. I usually add the herbs also as it makes for a very pretty soap.
5. Stir the soap and water mixture until the are blended together and pour into a lightly oiled soap mold.
6. Let the soap harden in the molds (the soap will be of a softer consistency then when the bar of soap you started with).
7. After you have taken the soap out of molds let them cure for 3-4 weeks before wrapping them up and using them.
Play around with this recipe until you get the desired consistency and intensity of the herbs that you like.
If you want the soap to be colored add your coloring when you are blending the herb water and melted soap together.
And most importantly, have fun when your making herbal soap!
Herbs have the amazing power to enhance the mood you would like to be in. A variety of common herbs and what they are known for is listed below. Find the perfect ones to suit your needs and have fun experimenting!
Herb Properties (always test the herbs on a small patch of skin for 24 hours before you use them to make soap with to make sure you do not have a bad reaction to them)
Thyme, Tea Tree, and Lemon have antiseptic and antiviral properties
Basil, Hyssop, Spearmint, Rosemary, and Oregano all help invigorate your mind and body
Lavender, Jasmine, Anise, and Myrrh are reduce stress and promote calmness of your mind
Sage, Ginger, and Chamomile relax your muscles
Cedar Wood And Lemongrass are good for oily skin
Another way to decide which herbs to use when making herbal soap is to just use what smells wonderful to you.
