Making herbal soap is my passion. Herbs can add texture, fragrance, and health benefits to the skin. Most herbs can be used, but some work better than others.
Prepare Herbs to Make Soap
Pick your herbs when they’re at their best. The best time to pick your herbs is mid-morning after the sun has dried off the dew from the leaves and flowers, but before it dries the oils in the plants. You can dry your herbs in the sun or with a dehydrator. You’ll need to ensure that they’re completely dry and have no moisture left. If your spices aren’t completely dried, they could cause mold to grow in the soap. Or, lye can rot them. It’s not desirable.
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Once your herbs have dried, please place them in a container that is sealed like a canning pot. You can keep your herbs dry, see what is inside, and have them readily available. Leave them whole or powder them using a spice/coffee grinder.
The ten best herbs for herbal soap
Lavender
Lavender is the most popular herb for soap making. It is loved for its light, clean scent. It also gives a feeling of comfort. It can heal wounds and is antibacterial. It is known for its relaxing qualities and can be used as a sleep aid. Use whole lavender in herbal soaps for gentle exfoliation or powder it for an even more delicate effect. ( You can find organic dried lavender flowers here.
Chamomile
Chamomile has a soft, pleasant scent. It is a soothing herb that has a mild healing effect. It can help remove bacteria from the skin but not as effectively as lavender. You can find organic dried chamomile flowers here.
Calendula
Calendula, also known as pot marigold or aster, is not a member of the marigold family. It is allied to the asteroid. Calendula can be very healing, and it can remove redness on the skin. Calendula herbal soap is resistant to fading. Many herbs will turn darker after a few months in soap. ( You can find organic dried calendula by clicking here.
Lemon Balm
Lemon balm is still very effective in soap, even after it has dried. Lemon balm has antiviral properties and is believed to help kill germs. It has a darker green color and is a little rougher than chamomile or lavender. However, it does not irritate the skin. ( You can find organic dried lemon balm.
Marshmallow Root
Marshmallow root is one of the best herbs to use in herbal soaps. Powdered marshmallow root is used to make soap that soothes and softens skin. Its demulcent effect helps provide moisture to overworked fingers. You can find organic marshmallow powder here.
Comfrey
To heal skin, comfrey roots are ground and dried into powder. It is effective against acne and poison-ivy rash without being harsh. It won’t dry out the skin, but it will heal the skin. The leaf can be used, but the root is more effective. You can find organic dried comfrey roots here.
Plantain
Plantain is one of my favorite herbs to use in herbal soap. It’s not the banana-related plant but rather the herb or weed that you find in your garden. It is considered to be more healing than aloe. It’s demulcent, like marshmallow root. But it also has a nice color that won’t fade in soaps. You can find organic plantain powder here.
Mint
Most mints have antibacterial properties, which makes them ideal for soap-making. There are many types of mint. Some have a stronger minty scent than others. Peppermint is my favorite, followed by spearmint and chocolate mint. My newest favorite is grapefruit mint. It has a pleasant scent that is similar to grapefruit peel. Find organic spearmint leaves or peppermint leaves.
Rosemary
Rosemary is one of the best herbs for making herbal soaps. It’s antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral. Also, it is full of antioxidants. Rosemary Oil Extract (ROE) is used as a preservative in soaps and other products for the body. Since the leaves look like pine needles, I powder them. You can find organic rosemary leaf powder on.
Rose
Rose petals can be used to soften soaps. They are soft and have a calming effect. Rose petals can be used in herbal soap to soften skin and provide gentle exfoliation. Rose petals are rich in Vitamin C, which is beneficial for the skin. ( You can find organic dried rose petals here.
Oatmeal is also used extensively to make herbal soaps. Although it’s not an herb,, it was worth mentioning. Oatmeal exfoliates the skin while also soothing and softening it. You can use whole, ground, rolled, or old-fashioned oatmeal. Or you can make “oat milk” by soaking oats and draining off the liquid. You can use the juice to make soap.
What is your favorite herb to use in herbal soaps? Tell us!
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