Soapmakers cause their soap bars to be harder and longer lasting by hand milling their basic soaps. Once soap is remelted and ready to pour into individual and decorative molds, herbs can be added to give the soap special qualities.
All of the suggested recipes that follow are based on one general technique of hand milling soap. Each recipe uses different herbs that will create lovely soaps to meet different needs. Some herbs are antiseptic. Some herbs are astringent while others have hydrating qualities. And some herbs have aroma therapeutic properties.
Sage
One herb that makes lovely hand-milled soap bars is sage. Sage has mild antiseptic properties, and may soothe irritated skin, skin with small cuts or abrasions, and help treat acne. Native American traditions hold that the scent of sage restores inner tranquility and helps to calm emotions. This makes a sage bar of soap a nice choice for a bath after a stressful day.
For best results, use rubbed sage, which is finely powdered.
- 12 ounces grated soap
- 9 ounces water
- 1 or 2 Tablespoons rubbed sage
Add the sage to melted soap just before pouring into molds.
Chamomile
Chamomile is a popular herb but must not be used by people who are allergic to pollen. Many people enjoy chamomile's calming scent, and it is a popular her with which to make tea.
Topically, chamomile is considered both antibacterial and anti-inflammatory. It is a gentle treatment for acne, diaper rash, bruises and skin irritations.
Use either fresh chamomile finely chopped, dried chamomile, or even dried powdered chamomile. The dry flowers that come in tea bags are perfectly appropriate as long as the tea is 100% chamomile. Remove the flowers from their bags before use.
- 12 ounces grated soap
- 9 ounces water
- 1 cup chamomile flowers
- 1 teaspoon powdered ginger
Optional:
- lemon fragrance
- pale yellow dye
Ginger is reputed to soothe pain when used topically; the scent goes nicely with the chamomile and this is a soothing soap. The optional lemon fragrance is uplifting and will help prevent users from getting drowsy in the bath.
Calendula
Calendula is used to treat eczema, athlete's foot, acne and other skin infections and irritations. It has hydrating qualities, which makes it good for dry skin, and is both antimicrobial and antiseptic. Calendula is gentle enough that it is used for diaper rash and cradle cap, as well as soothing the nipples of nursing mothers if they are sore. It is recommended for slow-healing wounds, such as burns.
- 12 ounces grated soap
- 9 ounces water
- 1 cup flowers, either chopped up fresh or dried or powdered
For an especially soothing skin balm bar, add tea tree oil and powdered benzoin. Tea tree oil is well known for its healing properties. Benzoin has antiseptic qualities and can soothe irritated skin; it also acts as a preservative in soaps.
- 12 ounces grated soap
- 9 ounces water
- 3 ounces calendula flowers
- 1 tablespoon tea tree oil
- 1 teaspoon powdered benzoin
Start with a mild basic soap, such as pure castile soap. Made with mild soap, this recipe is especially soothing to skin rashes.
Rosemary
Rosemary is mildly astringent, and makes a nice bar of soap for people with oily skin. Using fresh rosemary finely chopped will help scent the soap. Rosemary has long been believed to refresh memory and rejuvenate the soul.
- 12 ounces soap
- 9 ounces water
- 2 tablespoons rosemary
Melt soap and water. Add rosemary just before pouring soap into molds.
Peppermint
Used externally, peppermint gives a cooling sensation and makes an especially lovely Summer soap. It is also soothing for itchy skin conditions, including bug bites.
Peppermint aroma is said to be quite relaxing and helpful in relieving stress. Breathing in peppermint scent can help clear congestion. Feel free to bathe with peppermint soap year-round.
- 12 ounces grated soap
- 9 ounces water
- 2 tablespoons peppermint
Finely chop fresh peppermint leaves for the best effect. Dried peppermint will also make a nice soap. Add peppermint to melted soap just before pouring into molds.
Rosemary & Peppermint
Rosemary and peppermint together are a popular combination for soaps, shampoos, hair conditioners, and skin lotions.
- 12 ounces soap
- 9 ounces water
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh peppermint leaves
- 1 tablespoons finely chopped fresh rosemary
Lavender
Lavender is well known for its relaxing fragrance and is considered highly aroma therapeutic. The scent is said to calm and relax people. It has been used to treat depression and anxiety.
Use dried lavender flowers with which to make soap. Either chop them very fine, or grind them in a blender.
- 12 ounces grated soap
- 9 ounces water
- 1 cup finely chopped or ground dried lavender
Melt together the soap and water, add lavender and stir gently, pour into molds.
Make and enjoy the above soaps for all of their different properties. Keep some, and give some as very personalized gifts to your loved ones.
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