Making soap from scratch is a time-consuming and complicated business.
However, personalised herbal soaps made from a base of pure, unperfumed soap, or soap scraps, are easy and fun to make. These soaps will cleanse and rinse away dirt just as effectively as commercially available soap products.
They will also exert their beneficial effect on the outer layer of the skin, making the skin smooth and soft.
An excellent emollient soap, which will moisturise as well as clean, can be made with honey, anhydrous lanolin and almond oil. Put 300 grams of grated soap, or soap scraps, in a saucepan, cover with water and leave to soak for 24 hours, making sure that you give the mixture an occasional stir.
Bring the soap mixture to the boil in a double saucepan, then reduce to a gentle simmer, stirring continuously while it dissolves. When the soap mixture has almost completely melted, add two tablespoons each of honey and anhydrous lanolin, continuing to stir until well blended. Remove from the stove and stir in 20 millilitres of almond oil, 15 millilitres of rose water, and five drops of rose oil, or a fragrant oil of choice. Pour the mixture into moulds and allow to harden for two weeks before using.
Herbal Soap Gel is an ideal soap that will make bath time fun for the kids. This jelly-like substance is also ideal for washing hands and can be kept in a large container by the bath or in the laundry.
Put one tablespoon each of dried lemon verbena and rosemary in a ceramic bowl and add one litre of boiling water. Cover and allow to steep overnight, then strain through muslin, squeezing all liquid from the herbs, and set aside. If you wish, you can substitute with any fragrant herb. Add 15 grams of grated soap and a quarter of a litre of water to a saucepan. Bring to the boil, stirring constantly until the soap has dissolved. When completely dissolved add one litre of boiling water, stirring thoroughly until blended, then pour the solution into a large bowl. Stir in the herbal water and leave until the mixture sets into a soft gel and then store in an airtight container.
