Making My Own Soap - How To Choose My Base?

A couple weeks ago I got an email from "Herb Companion" about handmade soaps.  I have such a hard time finding natural soaps that I like the texture and the scent, that I have decided that this weekend I will be trying to create my first batch of soap!

So, the first thing I need to do is figure out what a beginner like me will need to know.  I find that there are hot processes and cold processes.  In addition, there are glycerin bases, goats milk bases, lye bases, clear bases, and cloudy bases... ok... too much to process for a beginner I believe.  We are just going to start with a simple basic recipe.  But I do want to know what the differences are between all of these things so I know the path I want to take in improving my soap making abilities.

As a reminder - antibacterial soap is NOT a good thing.  We are beginning to see super bugs / viruses / bacteria due to the excessive use of antibacterial soaps and hand sanitizers.  The best thing to keep away germs is to frequently wash your hands with soap and water. 

Neem Base - Neem is a natural antibacterial.  It is a resin from the bark of an evergreen tree native to Asia.  It is used primarily as a pest control, and a natural medicine to help heal skin problems, malaria, jaundice, bronchitis, diabetes, arthritis, intestinal parasites, among others. 


Aloe Vera Base - Aloe Vera is a well known desert plant that aids in the healing of burns, scratches, and the like.  Those suffering from skin rashes, and other topical challenges should consider using an aloe vera base in their soaps.  Honestly, we all should have a bar sitting around.

Find base: http://www.georgiabodyandbath.com/servlet/the-44711/aloe-vera-melt-and/detail

Cocoa Butter Base - Cocoa butter is a wonderful moisturizer.  If you have chronically dry skin (you may want to figure out why and correct your diet) this is a great choice for a base.  In addition, cocoa mass polyphenol (CMP) can suppress the immuno globulin (IgE).  In simple terms it means that cocoa butter naturally fights psoriasis, dermatitis, and other skin ailments.  Also remember that many of these bases have their own scent - when adding other essential oils to your base, you will want to find complimentary smells.

Find base: http://www.georgiabodyandbath.com/servlet/the-35841/cocoa-butter-melt-and/detail

Coconut Milk Base - Coconut Milk is high in antioxidants and is a wonderful moisturizer.  It is a natural antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral substance.  It is also rich in Vitamin E.  There are many good reasons to choose coconut milk as your base.  Coconut milk also has a calming effect on your skin - reducing rashes and other skin ailments.

Find base: http://www.georgiabodyandbath.com/servlet/the-54987/coconut-milk-melt-and/detail

Glycerin Base - This is the most popular base available.  In a later post (once I get going on my soap making adventure) I will provide the directions on how to make your bases, but I have heard that making clear base is extremely difficult, so we will leave that until another time.  Glycerin or glycol is a colorless or yellow sugar alcohol.  It is used for a whole host of things other than soap.  Glycerin's benefits on skin include moisturizing, healing (used on skin graft patients), makes skin more supple, aids in the life process of cells, reduces swelling and bruising, and protects skin against irritants.

Find base: http://www.georgiabodyandbath.com/servlet/the-35730/glycerin-melt-and/detail

Goat Milk Base - Goats milk has been used for centuries in the Mediterranean as a natural cleanser.  It is touted as being one of the best moisturizers and contains vitamins A and the B complex.  With the alpha-hydroxy acids in goats milk, you get rejuvenating properties for your skin while softening it.  Goats milk feeds the skin calcium, and allows the skin to find its natural PH levels.  This is my first choice for my first try at soap!

Find base: http://www.georgiabodyandbath.com/servlet/the-35732/goat-milk-melt-and/detail

Well... I have figured out my base... now tomorrow we will discuss scents... Blessings... E

Foods You Should be Eating - Turmeric

Turmeric is another Mediterranean spice that has many health benefits.  Here is a very comprehensive list from healthdiaries.com.

1. It is a natural antiseptic and antibacterial agent, useful in disinfecting cuts and burns.

2. When combined with cauliflower, it has shown to prevent prostate cancer and stop the growth of existing prostate cancer.

3. Prevented breast cancer from spreading to the lungs in mice.

4. May prevent melanoma and cause existing melanoma cells to commit suicide.

5. Reduces the risk of childhood leukemia.

6. Is a natural liver detoxifier.

7. May prevent and slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease by removing amyloyd plaque buildup in the brain.

8. May prevent metastases from occurring in many different forms of cancer.

9. It is a potent natural anti-inflammatory that works as well as many anti-inflammatory drugs but without the side effects.

10. Has shown promise in slowing the progression of multiple sclerosis in mice.

11. Is a natural painkiller and cox-2 inhibitor.

12. May aid in fat metabolism and help in weight management.

13. Has long been used in Chinese medicine as a treatment for depression.

14. Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, it is a natural treatment for arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

15. Boosts the effects of chemo drug paclitaxel and reduces its side effects.

16. Promising studies are underway on the effects of turmeric on pancreatic cancer.

17. Studies are ongoing in the positive effects of turmeric on multiple myeloma.

18. Has been shown to stop the growth of new blood vessels in tumors.

19. Speeds up wound healing and assists in remodeling of damaged skin.

20. May help in the treatment of psoriasis and other inflammatory skin conditions.

And speaking of skin - turmeric has some wonderful benefits for skin blemishes / freckles / acne - http://www.bewellbuzz.com/general/benefits-of-turmeric-for-skin-and-more/

Recommended reading: http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=78

More recommended reading: http://www.nutritional-supplement-educational-centre.com/turmeric-benefits.html

How to store?  Turmeric is very light sensitive - store in a dark glass container away from sunlight.  Spices purchased from the grocery store are usually potent for about 3 - 6 months depending on the spice - as well as the light and heat exposure. 


So... MANY good reasons to be using Turmeric in your cooking. 


Aloo Phujia (Spicy Potatoes, Tomatoes, and Onions): http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Aloo-Phujia/Detail.aspx
Barbequed Thai Style Chicken: http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Barbequed-Thai-Style-Chicken/Detail.aspx
Easy Chicken Korma: http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Easy-Chicken-Korma/Detail.aspx


Enjoy!!  E

Hey Honey!

Honey is a natural antibiotic and has been used for a long time with lemon in tea.  But there are many, many other uses and benefits to honey.  There are many different kinds of honey as well - so let's start there.

I have always been told to look for honey made in my region.  Honey is made from the nectar of flowers and pollen from those flowers finds its way into the honey as well.  For those of you tortured by allergies - honey consumed from your region is to help strengthen your immune system to fight allergies.  Another thing I have always been told is to choose the darkest honey available in your region.  The more types of flowers used - the darker the honey - this is another benefit for those of use with allergies. 

Antibacterial uses - Since honey is an antibacterial it can be used to help heal cuts, scratches, burns, and acne.  Clean the area with soap and water and put a little honey on the wound, cover with a band aid.  Repeat daily.  Honey helps to speed up healing and reduces scar visibility.
Moisturizer - Honey helps to soften skin - rough patches, rough heals, and dry skin.  Clean area with soap and water and spread a thin coat of honey over.  Cover with a warm moist wash cloth or towel and let sit for 5 - 10 minutes.  Rinse and pat dry.
Immune booster - A teaspoon of honey taken each morning with daily supplements has been professed to boost the immune system.
Energy booster - When you are in need of a quick boost, drink a cup of green tea with a tsp of honey.
Improve blood flow - The glucose in honey helps increase blood flow.
Colon damage prevention - Honey is high in antioxidants which strengthen the colon.  Daily dosage of honey helps to strengthen the colon and reduce the chances of colon cancer.
Parasite removal - When mixed with vinegar and water, honey can remove worms and other parasites in the body. 
Calming the mind and body - It is unknown how, but adding a teaspoon of honey to warm milk or tea has a calming effect on both reducing anxiety and nervousness. 
Cancer fighter - As a natural antibiotic and being high in antioxidants, honey has powerful capabilities in aiding the fight against cancer.
Calcium aid - By adding honey to your diet, you will retain more calcium in your body.
Heals stomach ulcers - Honey helps to balance stomach acids, and aids in the healing of ulcers.

Replacing processed white sugar with honey, gains you many more nutrients, minerals and gives your body more fructose (less harsh on your pancreas) in addition to the many other benefits.  Honey is the one product in your pantry that will never spoil.  Your baked goods will not dry out as quickly when made with honey as it retains moisture. 

Recommended reading for beauty secrets using honey: http://www.girlsustainable.com/beauty/jillion-honey/
Recommended reading for healing benefits of honey: http://www.honeyo.com/honeyhealing.shtml

Blessings.. E