Today, everything is better when they are natural and herbal. Your skin deserves natural treatment too, so trying on herbal soap should not be a bad idea. The better news is that you actually can make your very own herbal soap in the comfort of your home.
Herbal soaps are those soaps that are mixed with natural ingredients such as juice, extract, or even chopped leaves of herbal plants. They are safe and natural, although those with sensitive skin should be wary of herbs that can irritate them.
While the steps on how to make herbal soap is mostly similar to that of general soap-making, the trickier part is choosing which herbs to put into your herbal bar soap.
Herbs Great for Herbal Soaps
For soaps for everyday use, good choices include mint if you want invigorating properties and lavender for soothing fragrance. If you would like to make a whitening herbal soap, you can choose from herbs such as papaya, calamansi or kamias. Avocado and cucumber are great for making herbal beauty soap. Herbs such as akapulko and guava can add medicinal (anti-fungal or antiseptic) properties to your soap. You can also do your own experiments and combine your favorite herbs to come up with a perfect combination.
Once you have decided on which herbs to add, you can now start making your very own homemade herbal soap.
What materials are needed for herbal soap making? The simplest way to make herbal soap is through the melt-and-pour method. This simply involves a plain soap base such as glycerin, ivory, castile or other mild, unscented soaps. You will also need a saucepan or glass container that you can use as double boiler.
Herbal Soap Making Procedure
Here is a step-by-step procedure that you can follow to make your own herbal soap:
- Bring 1/4 cup of water to a boil then add about 2 tablespoons of finely ground herbs of your choice. Let the mixture steep for about 15 minutes.
- Pour in the steeped concoction into your double boiler then reheat.
- Add in the soap (make sure it is cut into fine pieces or grated) and let it melt. You may add in coloring or essential oils at this point to make your soap more interesting.
- Once fully melted, pour in the mixture into the soap mold and allow to harden at room temperature. (It will be best to coat your soap mold first with vegetable oil before pouring in the soap mixture.)
- After a few hours, remove the soap from the mold then allow to harden for a day or two before finally using.
Note though that coloring and essential oils can irritate sensitive skin. Also, it will be best to use glass or plastic spoons and containers as metals may react with herbal ingredients.
Making herbal soap is very simple. It only takes a few hours of your time. So why not give your skin the natural treatment it deserves? Go on and try making your very own herbal soap today.
