UPDATED On March 18, 2007
Disclaimer: All information on this page has been gathered from articles..books..personal experience or testimonials of others. I am not personally recommending use of any of the ideas presented here...It is for your information only. Information contained here may be subject to debate. Accuracy cannot be guaranteed. Kesti16 assumes no responsibility for how information presented is used by the public.
This is fun and easy....takes only ten minutes....Come on...
You can do it!!!!!!!
Health Food stores are charging $1.50 to 2.50 an ounce and MORE
for soaps like you can make for pennies by comparison.
Send here to get the best unscented glycerine soap I have found!!!
Write to:
Surrey
13110 Trails End Road
Leander, Texas 78641
Last year it was priced at $18.80 for 24 bars.
ask for price list for
"Pure Pleasure glycerin Soap"
The Formula for your OWN herbal ... healthy..... Exfoliating sand Soap
Four bars pure glycerin soap
in saucepan put in 2 teaspoons olive oil
1/2 cup liqued..and Two tablespoons of white sand. (sand is optional)
(you could also use ground oatmeal in your soap for exfoilating)
Put soap and other ingredients into pan and stir over heat until glycerine soap melts..set aside..when just warm enough to work with...shape into balls and set to harden on foil sheet.
My best batch so far was with ReaLemon juice.
I used 1/2 cup ReaLemon juice for the liquid .
My plans are to use real mint leaves from my garden..
So it will be..
'Real Mint Soap'
Chopped Mint leaves
1/2 cup water (with mint)
Two Tablespoons white sand
2 teaspoons of olive oil
4 bars glycerine soap.
The sand is optional ..it is for defoilating skin.
Use your imagination to decide what to add...experiment...you will get hard soap back...so it won't be wasted.
Some oils you could use or add are:
Emu oil... Jojoba...Melrose...Apricot..Olive....Primrose..Tea tree...etc;
(look around in the health food stores)
This is your chance to make the soap YOU want at a reasonable cost. You can use part olive oil and part more expensive oils..
Just so it will equal 2 teaspoons.
You could add aloe...willard water...cinnamon oil...OH
The Possibilities!!!!
Here are some other possible additions for your soap.
Grape seed extract
Aloe Vera
Vanilla
Rosemary
Elder Flowers
Sandal wood
Marigold flowers
Sage
Papaya
Arnica flowers
Comfrey
Parsley
Red Clover
Lemon
Peppermint
Rose Hips
Spearmint
Pachouli
Ylang Ylang
Coconut
Linden
Tea Tree Oil
Almond
Oil of lavender
Sage
Tamanu oil.
Clove
ginseng
Cinnamon
LANOLIN CAN BE ADDED
Marigold flowers could be allowed to set in oil until color was absorbed...then strained for Soap.
Marigold flowers are very good for the skin.
To make oils with natural scents to use in your bath or soaps...here
are the directions.
You put the flowers or leaves or natural scents you like in with the oil..
1/2 cup of flower petals to 2 cups of oil.
(can be any oil but for finer soap you may want to use the really expensive ones)
Leave in sunny window for two weeks..shaking once a day.
Strain before using.
(Keep unused strained oil in fridge for next batch of soap...
so it will stay fresh)
Ylang Ylang and Pachouli is said to be very good for skin Problems.
Almond oil is very good carrier oil.
JUST healing oil in hot bath is luxurious and in fact medicinally good.
Some candles burning in bathroom with a drop of medicinal oil on them will help you
relax and luxuriate in the tub...turn off the lights.... :)
I am putting a few drops of Rescue Remedy
in my bath and soaps also.
(I have found that the Lemon Soap that I made lasts much longer than plain
glycerine soap)
I will make soap from my goldenseal tincture and my other remedies too..a healing soap to use on sores or infected areas...
This is a nice formula to make for your skin.
Jojoba-Grapefruit Nighttime Body Moisturizer
Smooths dry skin
What's in it?
3 tablespoons jojoba oil
3 drops grapefruit essential oil
1 grapefruit (or about cup of peel)
How it works: Grapefruit is a source of AHAs, while jojoba oil
lubricates the skin and keeps it smooth.
How to make it: Combine the oils and set aside. Next, remove the yellow
skin of the grapefruit with a vegetable peeler, avoiding the white pith
underneath. Toss the peel into the oil mixture until it's coated. Set it
aside to infuse for at least 24 hours. Remove the peel, squeezing it
against a spoon to retain as much of the oil as possible and discard.
Pour the mixture into a storage container.
How to use it: This refreshing body moisturizer works while you sleep.
Be sure to wash it all off in the morning, however, because, like other
citruses, grapefruit is a photosensitizer that can cause skin to
discolor in the sun.
The following is a lot of information but worth the read...it is all about essential oils and what they are good for....I am sure by putting the dry or fresh herbs in oil or alcohol you can get similar results...If you want to buy them....go to www.google.com and type in name of herb followed by essential oils.
They are very expensive!!
Possible uses for herbs:
Basil (Ocimum Basilicum) has been found to be beneficial for alleviating
mental fatigue, spasms, rhinitis, and as a first aid treatment for wasp
stings and snake bites. It may also help when there is a loss of smell
due to chronic nasal catarrh.
Bergamot (Citrus Aurantium Bergamia) has been used in the Middle East
for hundreds of years for acne, boils, cold sores, eczema, insect bites,
insect repellent, oily complexion, psoriasis, scabies, spot varicose
veins, ulcers, wounds, sore throat, thrush, infectious disease and
depression. It is known to have about 300 chemical constituents and has
a refreshing uplifting quality.
Birch (Betula Alleghaniensis) has a cortisone-like action and is
beneficial for bone, muscle and joint discomfort. It has been helpful in
decreasing pain from arthritis, tendonitis, and rheumatism.
Cedarwood (Cedrus Atlantica) historically is recognized for its
purifying properties and is used in avoiding hair loss, dandruff, acne,
psoriasis, arthritis, congestion, coughs, sinusitis, cystitis and
nervous tension.
Chamomile (Roman) (Chamaemelum Nobile) may help with restless legs,
insomnia, muscle tension, cuts, scrapes, bruises and is anti-infectious.
Cinnamon Bark (Cinnamomum Verum) has been produced in Sri Lanka for over
2,000 years. It is used in the Middle East and Orient for fighting
viruses and infectious disease. Dr. J. C. Lapraz found that virus,
bacteria and fungus could not live in the presence of cinnamon oil.
Cistus (Cistus Ladaniferus) is high in phenols, which support and
strengthen the autoimmune and immune systems.
Clary Sage (Salvia Sclarea) is beneficial in regulating cells and
balancing hormones. It helps with circulatory problems and hemorrhoids.
Clove (Eugenia Caryophyllus) is anti-infectious, antibacterial,
antiviral, antifungal, antiparasitic, and antiseptic. It is used in
European hospitals for dental infections, viral hepatitis, bacterial
colitis, cholera, amoebic dysentery, infectious acne, nervites,
cystites, sinusitis, bronchitis, flu, tuberculosis, hypertension,
thyroid dysfunction, and fatigue.
Coriander (Coriandrum Sativum) oil, as shown in research from Cairo
University, lowers glucose levels by normalizing insulin levels and
supporting pancreas function. It also has anti-inflammatory and sedative
properties.
Cypress (Cupressus Sempervirens) is beneficial for decongesting the
circulatory and lymphatic systems, and may help edema, cellulite,
varicose veins, and water retention. It is anti-infectious,
antibacterial, and antimicrobial.
Dill (Anethum Graveolens) oil has been proven, through research at Cairo
University, to help lower glucose levels by normalizing insulin levels
and supporting pancreas function. In European hospitals it is also used
for bronchial catarrh and liver deficiencies.
Elemi (Canarium Iuzonicum) is distilled from the gum of a tree
originating from the Phillipines. Elemi has been used in europe for
hundreds of years in salves for skin, forming the bases of the
celebrated healing ointments such as baumeparalytique. A 17th century physician, J.J. Wecker, Used elemi on the battle wounds of soldiers.
Elemi belongs to the same botanical family as frankincense and myrr
(Burseraceae). It is Antiseptic and highly regarded today for soothing
sore muscles, protecting skin and stimulating nerves.
Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus Globulus) is a powerful herb when dealing with
viruses of the respiratory system. It is anticatarrhal, expectorant,
mucolytic, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and antiseptic.
Fennel (Foeniculum Vulgare) is antispasmodic, antiseptic, and
stimulating to the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. With its
hormone-like activity, it may help facilitate delivery and increase the
production of milk.
Fir (Abies Alba) has traditionally been used to help support the body
and reduce the symptoms of arthritis, rheumatism, bronchitis, coughs,
sinusitis, colds, flu, and fever. It has been found to be beneficial in
fighting air-borne germs and bacteria. It is antiseptic, anticatarrhal,
antiarthritic, and stimulating.
Frankincense (Boswellia Carterii) is considered the holy oil in the
Middle East, and was used religiously for thousands of years. It was
well known for its healing powers during the time of Christ. It is now
being researched and used therapeutically in European hospitals. It is
anticatarrhal, prevents scarring, antitumoral, immune-stimulating, and
antidepressant. It is stimulating and elevating to the mind and helps in
overcoming depression.
Galbanum (Ferula Gummose) a favorite oil of Moses, written about in the
book of Exodus, was used for both medicinal and spiritual purposes. It
is recognized for its antiviral properties and overall body strength and
supporting properties. When combined with other oils, such as fran
kincense or sandalwood, the frequency increases dramatically
Geranium (Pelargonium Graveolens) has been used for centuries for skin
care. Its strength lies in the ability to regenerate tissue and nerves,
and assist in balancing hormonal problems. It is excellent for the skin
of expectant mothers and its aromatic influence helps release negative
memories.
Ginger (Zingiber Officinale) has been used in the Far East for thousands
of years for relief from arthritis, rheumatism, sprains, muscular aches
and pains, catarrh, congestion, coughs, sinusitis, sore throats,
diarrhea, colic, cramps, indigestion, loss of appetite, motion sickness,
fever, flu, chills and infectious disease.
Grapefruit (Citrus Paradisii) may be beneficial for digestive
complaints, obesity, reducing water retention, and cellulite. It also
works well as a disinfectant.
Hyssop (Hyssopus Officinalis) was used by Moses because of its
anti-inflammatory and anti-viral properties. It opens the respiratory
system and discharges toxins and mucous. It is anti-catarrhal,
mucolytic, decongestant, anti-asthmatic, anti-infectious, antiparasitic,
anti-inflammatory of the pulmonary, regulates lipid metabolism,
anti-infectious, and prevents scarring.
Jasmine (Jasminum Officinale) is beneficial for the skin, reducing
problems such as dry, greasy, irritated or sensitive skin, muscle
spasms, sprains, catarrh, coughs, hoarseness, laryngitis, uterine
disorders, labor pains, frigidity, depression, and nervous exhaustion.
Juniper (Juniperus Communis) may work as a detoxifier and cleanser,
reducing dermatitis, eczema, and acne. It has also been used to help
promote better nerve and kidney function.
Laurus Nobilis (Laurus nobilis). Ancient Greeks and Romans used leaves
of the Laurus Nobilis or laurel tree to crown their victors. Both leaves
and black berries were also used to improve appetite and calm digestion.
The essential oil is used for fragrance in cosmetics and perfumes. It is
antiseptic and antimicrobial.
Lavender (Lavandula Officinalis) is known as the universal oil which may
be beneficial for skin conditions such as burns, rashes, psoriasis, and
may also help with insomnia. It is antispasmodic, sedative, hypotensive,
calming, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-infectious, cardiotonic, an
ticoagulant, prevents scarring and relieves headaches and P.M.S
symptoms.
Lemon (Citrus Limon) has been found to promote leukocyte formation,
dissolve cellulite, increase lymphatic function and promote a sense of
well-being. It is also beneficial for the skin, serves in the
purification of air and water, and works well in removing gum, oil and
grease spots.
Lemon Grass (Cymbopogon Flexuosus) works well for purification. It may
be beneficial for the digestive system and has been reported to help
regenerate connective tissue. It is a vasodilator, anti-inflammatory,
sedative and supportive to the digestive system.
Marjoram (Origanum Majorana) is calming to the respiratory system, and
assist in relieving spasms and migraine headaches. It is
anti-infectious, antibacterial, antiseptic, soothing to the nerves, and
may work as a diuretic.
Melaleuca (Melaleuca alternifolia) often called "Tea Tree Oil," is one
of the most highly regarded antimicrobial and antiseptic essential oils.
Young Living's melaleuca has some of the highest levels of
terpinen-4-ol--the key active constituent in the oil
Mountain Savory (Satureja Montana) is antibacterial, antiviral,
antifungal, antiparasitic, immune stimulating, and a general tonic for
the body.
Myrrh (Commiphora Molmol) is anti-infectious and supportive to the
immune system. The Arabic people found it to be beneficial for skin
conditions such as athletes foot, chapped and cracked skin, eczema,
ringworm, wounds, and wrinkles. It was used to help with asthma,
bronchitis, catarrh, coughs, gingivitis (gum infection), mouth ulcers
and sore throat. It may also help alleviate diarrhea, dyspepsia,
flatulence, and hemorrhoids, decongests the prostate and normalize
hyperthyroid problems.
Myrtle (Myrtus Communis) may normalize hormonal imbalances of the
thyroid and ovaries as well as balance the hypothyroid, according to Dr. Pénoël. Research has shown it to help the respiratory system with
chronic coughs and tuberculosis, is suitable to use for coughs and chest
complaints with children and may help support the immune function in
fighting colds, flu and infectious disease
Nutmeg (Myristica Fragrans) has adrenal cortex-like activity, which
helps support the adrenal glands for increased energy. Historically it
has been known to benefit circulation, muscles, joints, arthritis, gout,
muscular aches, and pains, rheumatism, flatulence, indigestion, sluggish
digestion, nausea and helps fight bacterial infection. It helps to
support the nervous system to overcome frigidity, impotence, neuralgia
and nervous fatigue
Orange (Citrus Aurantium) brings peace and happiness to the mind and
body. It has been recognized to help a dull, oily complexion, mouth
ulcers, obesity, fluid retention, colds, flu, constipation and
dyspepsia.
Oregano (Origanum Compactum) has powerful antiviral, antibacterial,
antifungal and antiparasitic properties and may aid in the ability to
balance metabolism and strengthen the vital centers of the body.
Patchouly (Pogostemon Cablin) is very beneficial for the skin and may
help prevent wrinkles or chapped skin. It is a general tonic and
stimulant and helps the digestive system. It is also anti-inflammatory,
anti-infectious, antiseptic, tissue regenerating, works as a
decongestant, and helps relieve itching from hives.
Pepper, Black (Piper Nigrum) oil stimulates the endocrine system and
helps increase energy. It is anti-inflammatory, anticatarrhal,
expectorant, supportive to the digestive glands, and traditionally used
for rheumatoid arthritis. It also increases cellular oxygenation.
Peppermint (Mentha Piperita) oil is reported by Dr. Pénoël to help
reduce fevers, candida, nausea and vomiting and aid respiratory
function. It may be used in water for flavoring and helps in cooling the
body during hot summer days.
Pettigrain (Citrus Aurantium) is antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory,
anti-infectious, antibacterial, and re-establishes nerve equilibrium.
Pine (Pinus sylvestris). Hippocrates, the father of Western medicine,
was the first to investigate the medicinal value of pine, particularly
for the lungs and throat. Pliny the Elder, in the first century, used
Pine for the respiratory system. In 1990, Drs. Pénoël and Franchomme in
their medical textbook described pine oil as being antifungal and
antiseptic. Pine is used in massage for stressed muscles and joints. It
shares many of the same properties as Eucalyptus oil, and the action of
both oils is enhanced when blended.
Ravensara (Ravensara Aromatica) is referred to by the people of
Madagascar as "the oil that heals " because of its antiseptic activity
and aid in respiratory problems. It is anti-infectious, antiviral,
antibacterial, expectorant and supporting to the nerves. It has been
shown to help with rhinopharyngitis, flu, sinusitis, bronchitis, viral
hepatitis, cholera, herpes, infectious mononucleosis, insomnia, and
muscle fatigue.
Rosalina, Australian (Melaleuca Ericifolia) is a relatively unknown
essential oil with antiseptic, antimicrobial and calming properties.
Rose (Turkish) (Rosa Damascena) has the highest frequency of 320 Hertz.
Its beautiful fragrance is almost intoxicating and aphrodisiac-like. It
enhances the frequency of every cell, bringing balance and harmony to
the body. It is antihemorrhaging, anti-infectious and prevents scarring.
Dr. Pénoël states that it may help with chronic bronchitis, asthma,
tuberculosis, sexual disabilities, frigidity, impotency, skin disease,
wounds, ulcers, sprains, wrinkles, thrush, and gingivitis. It is
stimulating and elevating to the mind, creating a sense of well-being.
Rosemary (Rosmarinus Officinalis) may be beneficial for skin conditions
and dandruff, and may help fight candida and support the immune system.
It is anti-catarrhal, anti-infectious, antispasmodic, balances the
endocrine system, is an expectorant and helps overcome mental fatigue.
Rosewood (Aniba Rosaeodora) is soothing, creates skin elasticity and
helps the skin rid itself of irritations and problems, such as candida.
It is anti-infectious, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and
antiparasitic. Research at Weber State University in October of 1995 has
shown this oil to have the highest inhibition rate of all the oils
tested against gram positive and gram negative bacterial growth.
Sage (Salvia Officinalis) has been used in Europe for skin conditions
such as eczema, acne, dandruff and hair loss. It has also been
recognized for its benefits of strengthening the vital centers,
metabolism, and aiding in menopause. It may help in relieving depression
and mental fatigue
Sandalwood (Santalum Album) is similar to frankincense oil in its
support of the lymphatic, nervous and cardiovascular systems and
relieves the symptoms of sciatica and lumbago. Traditionally, it was
used for skin regeneration, yoga, meditation, and has been found to help remove negative programming from the cells and increase oxygen around
the pituitary and pineal glands.
Spearmint (Mentha Spicata) oil may aid the respiratory , nervous, and
glandular systems. It is antispasmodic, anti-infectious, antiparasitic,
antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory. Its hormone-like activity may help
open and release emotional blocks and bring about a feeling of balance.
It has been used to increase metabolism to burn fat.
Spikenard (Nardostachys jatamansi) is highly regarded in India as a
perfume, medicinal herb and skin tonic. Highly prized at the time of
Christ, it was used by Mary of Bethany to anoint the feet of Jesus
before the Last Supper. This relaxing, soothing oil helps nourish and
regenerate the skin.
Spruce (Picea Mariana) oil may aid the respiratory, nervous and
glandular systems. Its aromatic influences help to open and release
emotional blocks, bringing about a feeling balance.
Tangerine (Citrus Tangerina) is calming, sedating, anti-inflammatory,
anticoagulant, and helps with anxiety, dizziness, and nervousness.
Tarragon (Artemisia Dracunculus) has been used in Europe to reduce
anorexia, dyspepsia, flatulence, intestinal spasm, nervous digestion,
sluggish digestion and genital urinary tract infection. It may also help
reduce premenstrual discomfort and pain with nerves and sciatica. It is
neuro-muscular, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, anti-infectious,
antiviral, antibacterial, and prevents fermentation
Thyme (Thymus Vulgaris) may be beneficial in supporting immunological
functions and overcoming fatigue and physical weakness after illness. It
is antimicrobial, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral and works as a
uterotonic, neurotonic, and cardiotonic.
Valerian (Valariana officinalis) Valerian root has been used for a
thousand years for its calming, relaxing, grounding and emotionally
balancing influences. During the last three decades, it has been
clinically investigated for its tranquilizing properties. Researchers
have pinpointed the sesquiterpenes, valerenic acid and valerone, as the
active constituents that exert a calming effect on the central nervous
system. German health authorities have listed valerian root as effective
for restlessness and for sleep disturbances resulting from nervous
conditions.
Vetiver (Vetiveria zizanoides) has a heavy, earthy fragrance similar to
patchouli with a touch of lemon. Distilled from roots of a scented grass
native to India. Psychologically grounding, calming and stabilizing.
Helps us cope with stress and recover from emotional traumas and shocks.
Vitex (Vitex negunda) is steam-distilled from the inner bark, branches
and leaves of the Chaste tree (Agnus castus). It has been extensively
researched in Europe for its effects on Parkinson's and other
neurological disorders. NOTE: It is different from the extract of the
chaste berry.
Wild Tansy (Tanacetum Vulgare) has been shown to be very supportive of
the immune system. It encourages an up-lifting feeling, a positive
attitude and a general feeling of well-being. It is antiviral,
anti-infectious, antibacterial, fights colds, flu and infections.
According to E. Joseph Montagna's P.D.R. on herbal formulas, wild Idaho
tansy may help with weak veins, promote suppressed menstruation, improve
weakness of the kidneys, tuberculosis, heart disorders, palpitations,
sciatica, rheumatism, inflammation, sprains, bruises, freckles, sunburn,
toothache, inflamed eyes, colds, flu, gout, dyspepsia, jaundice, stomach
sickness, diarrhea, soothes the bowels and tones the entire system.
Ylang Ylang (Cananga Odorata) may be extremely effective in calming and
bringing about a sense of relaxation. It is antispasmodic, balances
equilibrium, helps with sexual disabilities and frigidity, and has been
used traditionally to balance heart function.
LYE SOAP
OLD FASHIONED METHODS
(VERY INTERESTING)
Any of a group of organic compounds that are metallic salts of fatty
acids. A soap of tallow and wood ashes was used as early as the 1st
cent. A.D. by Germanic tribes. In the American colonies it was made from
waste fats and lye, which is a strong alkali leached from wood ashes.
The resulting chemical reaction, called saponification, remains the
basis of soap manufacture today. FATS AND OILS are heated with an
alkali, e.g., sodium hydroxide (which gives hard soaps) or potassium
hydroxide (which gives soft soaps). Sodium or potassium may be replaced
in the alkali by other metals, e.g., aluminum, calcium, or magnesium, to
make soaps used in industry as paint driers, ointments, and lubricating
greases, and in waterproofing. After the alkali and fats have reacted,
salt is added to form a curd of the soap. Glycerol (glycerin), a
valuable by-product used as a solvent and sweetener, can then be removed
by DISTILLATION. Varying the composition or method of processing
affects the lathering, cleansing, and water-softening properties. Soap
can be formed as bars, chips, flakes, beads, or powders and may contain
perfumes, dyes, germicides, or so-called builders, which assist in rough
cleaning. Like modern soapless detergents (usually sulfonated alcohols),
soaps cleanse by lowering the surface tension of water, by emulsifying
grease, and by absorbing dirt into the foam. Soap is less effective than
detergent in hard water because the salts that make the water hard react
with the soap to form insoluble curds (e.g., the ring left in bathtubs).
As we had no money to buy fat with when I was a girl, we made our own
by rendering it when we killed an animal. We cut off the fat, cleaned it
up, then cut it up finely with a knife. Then we put it in our big pots
and cooked it until all that remained was the cracklings floating in the
boiling fat. We drained off as much fat as we could, poured it into
pails, and stored it in the root cellar. We used this to make pies, and
to cook with. We put the cracklings away for another day when we would
make soap out of them. The cracklings still had a lot of fat in them. In
fact, the main reason we cooked the soap was to dissolve, or
disintegrate the cracklings into the soap.
On the day we made soap, we took the cracklings and put them in our
big copper kettle. As they were heating on the stove, we added our lye,
sprinkling the crystals on top of the cracklings. Then we added the
water and started stirring it. We boiled this mixture until the
cracklings disappeared. If there was any little pieces of meat in the
cracklings they wouldn't dissolve and we had to take them out with a
wooden spoon, or lift them out on the end of our stirring stick. We
continued to stir and boil it, checking it every 20 minutes or so to see
if it was done. We did this by taking a spoon full out and pouring it on
a plate. We knew it was done when it hardened to the consistency of soft
cream cheese after it cooled. Sometimes there was streaks of water run
ning through it. If this happened we knew it needed more water. We
poured more water in, boiled it some more, then tried it again. If it
ran off the stirring stick like water, we knew it had too much lye and
needed more water. We knew it was right when it left a creamy layer on
the stick. We didn't have any recipes in the early days when I first
learned how to make soap. After a bit of the mixture had cooled, I put
it on the end of my tongue. If it's bite was just right I knew I had the
lye/fat ratio correct.
When the soap had finished cooking, we poured it out of the kettle,
sometimes as much as 4 inches deep into a small galvanized tub. The soap
didn't set up really hard immediately. I waited until the next morning
to tip the tub upside down, knock the soap out of it, and cut it up into
bar sized pieces. Then I sat the bars outside on a board to continue
drying. It wasn't too many days before it was ready to use. To store it,
we threw it into a box.
Sometimes we didn't get to the soap making right away and the
cracklings went rancid. This didn't matter, however, as during the soap
making process the lye cleaned them right up, and the soap that came
from them was just as nice smelling as if we had used fresh cracklings.
Home made soap makes great pre-wash. Get the clothes damp and rub the
soap bar on the bad spots. It works as well as the expensive stuff from
the store.
I've seen dozens of soap making recipes. But let me tell you, as an
old soap making expert, I haven't seen any better soap made than the
soap I've manufactured with the three simple ingredients: fat, lye, and
water.
Never Fail Soap
* 5 lbs cracklings
* 1 gal soft water
* 1 can lye (1 lb.) (This recipe lye heavy. Use 10.6 oz. lye)
See the above information to see how long to boil it. Remove from heat
and stir until thick. Perfume it if you like and pour it into molds if
you prefer, in the wash tub it does a good job of cleaning soiled
clothes.
Home Made Soap
* 9 lbs fat
* 1/4 lb. borax (optional)
* 1/4 lb. rosin (this makes the soap softer, but again optional)
* 2 small cans Gillette Lye (This recipe lye heavy. Use 19 oz. lye)
* 5 Quarts water
Boil together for 2 or 2 1/2 hours
Set for three days, then put in tight wood box lined with newspapers.
The two recipes come from Mrs. Mertz's little book she put together for
the ladies of the community back in the 50's called Remember Moma's
Recipes.
Lye soap
6 pounds grease(lard, bacon fat, Chicken fat, beef fat)
1 can lye
3 cups water
Put lye in cold water in large stainless steel container. It will boil
and be very hot! Let cool to lukewarm. Heat fat to melt. Let cool to
lukewarm. Mix fat into lye water. Stir until it starts to thicken like
pudding. Pour into containers. Let harden for a few days. If container
is large, cut soap into bars. Ready for use in 6 weeks. Makes 25 to 30
bars of soap for $2.50 to $3.00. Soap is good for hand soap or the
laundry.
PLEASE wear eye protection when working with lye.
TO COPY AND PASTE THIS PAGE...HIGHLIGHT...GO TO EDIT
CLICK COPY... THEN CLICK PASTE AND PASTE IT ONTO A NOTE PAD..LETTER...SIMPLE TEXT...OR WHATEVER YOU HAVE TO SAVE IT ON YOUR OWN HARDRIVE....Kes.
8-25-2003
Update: I just found this great link with soap recipes...GO SEE IT!
Soap Naturally - Natural soapmaking recipes
http://www.soapnaturally.org/recindex.html
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Click on link below:
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UPDATED On March 18, 2007
Check out my Popcorn Flour Recipes
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I have had over ONE MILLION visitors to this, My AOL Site in the last nine years.
The counter kept reverting back to zero, but I kept my own records each week.
I have now attached my two sites together under one counter starting at 2000.
This is March 15, 2007.
I hope I will not have any more trouble with counters. Sincerely, Kesti