Teach Soap

Im a big EO lover, also a keen green thumb. Im moving house soon and want to set up an area growing my own plants that will help with my candle and soap making.
What can you suggest - throw anything at me as im so new to this im open to it all

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Nikkie - lover of all things handmade and natural
DS1 2002 *my sweet babe in heaven*
DD1 2005 & DD2 2008
DS2 & DS3 2011 double trouble

You can use most garden herbs in infusions. I would definitely want lavender, sage and mints. Rose petals work nice in potpourris. If you can grow climbing roses, you get a lot more blossoms per plant. Calendula petals can also be used in soaps.

In addition to my usual culinary herbs, this year I'm going to try growing comfrey because of it's properties. I want to use it in salves. Carrots are also good to add color to CP soap.

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Linda
I know the voices in my head aren't real, but they sure have some great ideas!

Yes, I forgot about comfrey, it has great healing properties. I grow Russian comfrey because it doesn't spread much like some varieties.

I have infused rosemary and sage in my oils, but the scent will not come through. I do grow calendula and dry it for my soaps. Most of my garden is for eating. I am growing loofa gourds again this year. My mom did them last year for me... it will take 9-12 months before you get what you can use. I usually grate my loofa up to put in soap... it is VERY scrubbie.

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Susie
Sometimes A Mistake is so much fun, You just have to do it again!

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Linda
I know the voices in my head aren't real, but they sure have some great ideas!

excellent thank you!
How do you extract the oils etc?

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Nikkie - lover of all things handmade and natural
DS1 2002 *my sweet babe in heaven*
DD1 2005 & DD2 2008
DS2 & DS3 2011 double trouble

It takes special equipment and a ton of plant material to make essential oils. You can make hydrosols, tinctures and infusions from plant material, but IMO you really can't extract essential without specail equipment like a distiller.

http://www.floragenics.com/homeGrown.htm

http://www.crucible.org/essential_oil_d ... ration.htm

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Irena
Closed minds are like faulty parachutes; they refuse to open.

my father in law has one so thats no issue

_________________
Nikkie - lover of all things handmade and natural
DS1 2002 *my sweet babe in heaven*
DD1 2005 & DD2 2008
DS2 & DS3 2011 double trouble

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Irena
Closed minds are like faulty parachutes; they refuse to open.