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

SUPER foods - Herbs / Spices

The best way to a healthier you... is to add a little "spice" to your meals.  Get creative with what herbs and spices you add to your meals.  It doesn't have to be complicated or hard... my favorite use... add as many fresh herbs as I can find to my salad... mmmm... a little balsamic vinegar.

http://www.herbcompanion.com/ is a great site.  Lots of good info.  Recipes - how to grow herbs - where to find organic farms in your area.
http://www.whfoods.com/ is another great site for information.

Mint - Peppermint has the highest concentration of menthol of any in the mint family.  It is commonly used to settle stomach indigestion, soothes nausea, protects the body against the formation of cancer cells, cleanses the body, and clears congestion.  Peppermint oil is known to aid in relieving the pain of a migraine by rubbing a drop of oil on the temples and at the base of the neck.  Boiling water and adding both peppermint oil and eucalyptus oil and breathing in the vapor helps to relieve congestion (both sinus and chest) and helps to heal lung infections.

Ginger - We use the tuber root / rhizome of the beautiful tropical ginger plant.  The Asians have used ginger for thousands of years as a healing herb.  When taken internally, it helps prevent motion sickness, reduces morning sickness during pregnancy, reduces inflammation and the effects of arthritis, fights colon cancer, and fights tumors.  When used in the bath it is an anti-inflammatory, a stress reliever, and helps reduce the affects of cold/flu. 
Turmeric - Turmeric is an active ingredient in mustard and curry.  It has a very distinctive taste and color.  Turmeric is known for it's great anti-inflammatory characteristics and for its relief for arthritic joints.  It is a powerful antioxidant that helps prevent cataracts, colon cancer and Alzheimer’s disease.

Dill - I absolutely love fresh dill in my salads.  I grow it in my garden, because I eat so much of it... it gets too expensive! :)  Dill helps with digestion, has cancer fighting properties, helps regulate menstrual cycle, fights insomnia, and promotes good oral hygiene.

Thyme - I was surprised to find how many health benefits Thyme has.  Thyme when drank as a tea (fresh thyme, honey, lemon) has a variety of benefits - expels parasites, soothes and relaxes the mind and eases sleep, eases menstrual cramps and the effects of PMS.  Insects do not like thyme so plant some in your garden or around your favorite roses to deter them.  Thyme increases brain function and cell regeneration.  There are too many benefits to list here.  Thyme can be used fresh, dried, as a tincture, and as an essential oil.  It can be used to aid in healing almost any ailment.

Cinnamon - my favorite spice is also my favorite scent.  The most common benefits of cinnamon is a healthy heart and lower cholesterol. Just 1/2 t. of cinnamon has been known to reduce the LDL and triglycerides.  It has also been shown to reduce blood sugar levels.  There are also studies showing that cinnamon helps fight cancer.  Specifically slowing the growth of leukemia and lymphoma cancer cells.  It helps clear sinuses and reduce coughing.  Cinnamon reduces nervous tension and increases alertness, memory, and concentration.  Many women use it to ease menstrual pain and cramping.  Cinnamon aids in digestion, reduces urinary infections, and boosts immune system functions.

Garlic - one of the oldest medicinal herbs known, many consider it a wonder drug because of its many benefits.  There are so many benefits I can't name them all here... Garlic is a natural mosquito repellent.  It helps normalize cholesterol levels, strengthens the natural ability for the body heal itself, fights cancer, strengthens the body against allergies, helps regulate blood pressure, helps the body maintain a healthy weight, helps fight strokes, and promotes a healthy heart.

Hot Peppers - spicy food has long been known to aid in heart health, breaks up congestion, and as an analgesic (pain killer).  It also helps reduces the symptoms of Asthma, fights free radicals that cause cancer, boosts immunity, helps one maintain a healthy weight, and fights ulcers. 

Aloe Vera - aloe has long been known to help heal skin rashes, burns, and other skin ailments.  It also has been shown to regenerate skin cells.  An anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and immune stimulant herb with wonderful benefits. 

This is only a start... every herb and spice out there has some healthy benefit... the more herbs you use in your food - the less salt you need.- obviously your heart will than you there!  Try using one of the many Mrs. Dash products more and salt less... I know!  this is a work in progress.. we take baby steps!  Just giving you some great alternatives.  :)