Soapwort

Many people are allergic to soap. If that is your problem try making a strong brew of saponincontaining soapwort (Saponaria officinalis) which is both mild and at the same time cleansing.

This common garden plant, known as `Bouncing Bet’ or the pink creeping Australian phlox, is actually something of a pest in the garden as it spreads everywhere and once you have it, you can never get rid of it. Its wonderful healing, cleansing and revitalising properties, however, make up for its nuisance value. Line the garden bed with thick pieces of plastic, to a depth of at least 50 cm, if you want to curb its encroaching habit.

Herbal Beauty

Pick flowers, leaves, stems and roots, and fill a large enamel or stainless steel pot with them. Cover with water and bring to the boil. Boil for 15-20 minutes. Stand, steep, strain and use while still warm enough to be pleasant. Use as a soap for the face and body, and as a shampoo for brittle, dry, heat-damaged, dyed or tinted hair.

Almond Soap

This is a soothing soap substitute. Make a jarful at a time and use a knob for washing. It is particularly good for sunburnt skins. Smooth it on as you would a face pack and leave it for a few minutes before washing off with clear water.

25 ml (2 tbsp) almonds, finely ground 25 ml (2 tbsp) kaolin (fine white clay) 2-5 ml (1/2-1 tsp) borax

Little almond oil

Mix all the ingredients together (the almond oil will bind them). Add a little rose-water if you like.

Herb Bath Bags

Fresh herbs such as scented geranium, lavender, myrtle, rosemary, sage, lemon verbena, or yarrow can be tied into a bundle in a square of net or pushed into an old stocking. Add a handful or two of large-flake oats and bran, and then use as a wash ball. The herbs will soften and cleanse the skin and the oats will soothe. This is a wonderful way of washing for those who are allergic to soap. Rub well into the skin and add a dash or two of herb vinegar to the bathwater to cleanse the skin of oiliness. Replace the herbs with fresh ones for each bath.

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Use Herbs to take Bath to Substitute Soap