Natural Herbal Soap
Since the beginning of time, we have always relied on natural plants. Herbs are a vital
part of our diet. We ate the leaves, roots, and stems of plants to cure our various discomforts and ailments. And
we crushed flowers and placed aromatic herbs in our baths to promote general well-being.
Today, we have tons of commercial products that can do what herbs can. We are fond of processed foods sold in
fast-food chains. Every year, a new kind of drug is synthetically produced to treat all kinds of diseases. And
countless synthetic beauty products line the shelves of many stores. But why would anyone want to give up a
centuries-old tradition for a box of nothing more than chemicals?
If you are simply tired of relying on chemicals to enhance your body, you are not alone. Many people are
beginning to see the merits of using natural products on their body. To start with, many manufacturers of beauty
products are slowly offering natural herbal soaps for those who are looking for something other than what’s offered
in the shelves today. Once you begin to use natural herbal soaps, you will discover the difference they will make
on you skin and your body. And chances are, you’ll never want to give them up and go back to using commercial
products again.
What are Natural Herbal Soaps?
Natural herbal soaps are soaps made from natural ingredients, which means that they contain only naturally
occurring chemicals and not the kind that are synthetically produced. Manufacturers of natural herbal soaps use a
wide range of natural ingredients in their products. However, as a general rule of thumb, the ones selected are
those that require the least amount of chemical extractions and solvents.
How are Natural Herbal Soaps made?
Natural herbal soaps are made by balancing all the theories and lessons of aromatherapy and incorporating it
into herbal therapy. Most natural herbal soaps being sold today are handmade. These soaps may be cold-processed or
hot-processed and both have their benefits.
Natural herbal soaps that are made by cold process involve mixing all the essential ingredients in a pot. Once
the mixture is ready, it is then poured into a mould for drying. The drying process is called saponification and it
usually lasts about 48 hours. After sapofinication, the newly dried natural herbal soap is then cut and left to
cure for a minimum of 4 weeks and sometimes even 6 weeks. This is to ensure the hardness of the natural herbal soap
bars. Hardness of the bar is an important quality as this keeps the soap from dissolving quickly.
Natural herbal soaps may also be made through hot process. In hot process, the herbal nutrients and essential
fatty oils are placed in a double boiler in order to accelerate saponification and the curing process. Afterwards,
the mixture is then poured into moulds ready to use within a few days.
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