Herb and Oatmeal Soap

This soap is the only one I make from caustic soda. So many of the students who attend my cosmetic workshops at the Herbal Centre ask for this recipe that I couldn’t possibly leave it out. They seem to enjoy the satisfaction of making their own soap in the old-fashioned way.

NB: Do not make this soap while children are around. I find it safer to use the caustic soda outside so that the fumes are dissipated. Do not lean over the bowl and inhale, and make sure that you wear long sleeves and rubber gloves as the caustic soda burns. Should a drop fall on your skin, wash it off immediately with cold water.

Herbal Beauty

50g (2 oz) fresh herb, such as rosemary, lemon verbena, comfrey, elder, lavender or scentedgeranium, finely minced

150 ml (1/4 pt) boiling water

15m1 (3 tsp) caustic soda

300 ml (1/2 pt) almond oil

100g (4 oz) coconut oil

12,5 ml (1 tbsp)glycerine

25 ml (2 tbsp )fine oatmeal

10 ml (2 tbsp) essential oil, such as rosemary or lemon verbena

Line 2 or 3 small soap dishes or bowls with clingwrap, thin tinfoil, waxed paper or (my favourite) a piece of fine material wrung out in water.

Pour the boiling water over the chopped herb and infuse for 20-30 minutes. Strain into a glass or china bowl, then very carefully stir in the caustic soda (I sprinkle in a little at a time). Leave until lukewarm. Put the oils and the glycerine into an enamel or stainless steel pot and gently warm to dissolve. Then very carefully pour the oil and glycerine mixture into the herb and caustic soda mixture and stir with a wooden spoon until it thickens (about 15-20 minutes). If you have an electric beater, put it on to the lowest speed. The stirring/beating is essential as there is a chemical reaction between the ingredients which makes the ’soapiness’.

Gradually stir in the oatmeal, herb and the essential oil. Pour into the lined and prepared moulds, cover with a clean cloth and allow to set for 2-3 days.

When the soap is set take it out of the mould, wrap it in fresh wax paper and leave to mature in a cool, dry cupboard for 2-3 weeks.

Wash Balls

This covers anything from a handful of fresh herbs tied up in muslin or net, a lump of shaved soap mixed into herbs and spices, to a bath bag of herbs and soap. Here are a few ideas, all of which are a delight to use:

Lavender Wash Balls

500 ml (2 cups) dried lavender leaves and flowers 750 ml (3 cups) grated lavender soap

25-75 ml (2-6 tbsp) fine oatmeal

12,5 ml (1 tbsp) lavender essential oil

250 ml (1 cup) boiling water

Place the soap and the water into the top of a double boiler and melt gently until soft. Stir in the herbs and the oatmeal. Blend well, then add the essential oil.

Take tablespoons and place in heaps on greased paper. Allow to harden for about a week. Tie the washballs up in squares of nylon net and use as a sponge. Place them in a bath glove, or use as a soap.

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