Herbal Treatments For Eczema

Eczema is characterized by inflammation of the skin, resulting in the formation of pustules that may emit a discharge of clear fluid.  Itching, redness, dryness and flakiness of the skin are also common symptoms. Usually, it appears on hands, wrists, arms, neck, face, upper chest and back of the knees.

Many alternative, herbal remedies exist for the treatment of eczema.  Try using the following listed below.  

Coconut oil - can be applied as it helps the skin to remain soft.

Oatmeal - is considered to be one of the best natural eczema treatments that anyone can use. Its vital ingredient is phenol, a known anti-germicidal compound that occurs naturally in many plants.  It works by acting as an anti-oxidant and stopping the effects of free-radicals on the skin.

Turmeric powder - mixed with the same proportions of bitter neem leaves is useful. Try applying these with a cold compress.

Blueberry - alleviates inflammation. 

Papaya seed - prevenst itching.

Herbal treatments are safe alternatives for treating any skin disorder.  They can be easily applied using a homemade herbal soap.  The only negative side effects of herbal treatments are allergic reactions.  Be sure to test the herb or herbal soap on a small portion of your skin before applying to the entire affected area.

Effects of Tea Tree Oil on Cystic Acne vs Benzoyl Peroxide

Tea tree oil may be used for the treatment of different forms of acne. The most common form of acne is acne vulgaris, also known as cystic acne.  Hard and painful nodules form deep in the skin's tissues with this type of acne.  The effectiveness of tea tree oil for treating cystic acne was demonstrated in a study that appeared in the 2007 January/February issue of "Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venerology and Leprology." The study found that the application of a gel that consisting of 5 percent tea tree oil significantly reduced the number of acne lesions and the severity of the acne over a 45 day period. 

Benzoyl peroxide is a popular over-the-counter medication used to treat acne.  It is a common ingredient in many facial cremes, lotions, and washes produced specifically  for the treatment of acne. The effectiveness of benzoyl peroxide and tea tree oil in the treatment on acne was the focus of a study published in the October 1990 issue of "The Medical Journal of Australia." Although this study found that gels containing 5 percent of either substance effectively reduced the number of lesions in participants with mild to moderate acne, the benzoyl peroxide produced results faster. However, tea tree oil yielded less side effects (skin dryness, redness, itchiness and burning).

 

Remember, tea tree oil is toxic and should never be ingested. Ingestion of tea tree oil can be fatal. Although there are no known interactions with medications or herbs, according to the MedlinePlus website, it should be used with caution and at the direction of your doctor.

Important Vitamins & Minerals in Common Herbs

Click the link below to view a list of important vitamins and minerals found in common herbs.  

Important Vitamins & Minerals in Common Herbs

Also, be sure to visit http://eherbalsoap.com/ for regular updates on the natural benefits of herbal soaps and their powers to promote healthy skin.

Uses of Eucalyptus Essential Oil

When used in an herbal soap, eucalyptus essential oil brings many useful benefits for the user. Eucalyptus oil can treat the following ailments: 

• Respiratory Problems: A study published in Laryngoscope in 2004 shows its usefulness in treating non-bacterial sinusitis. Patients suffering from non-bacterial sinusitis showed faster improvement when given medicines containing eucalyptus oil. Gargles of eucalyptus oil mixed with warm water are effective on treating sore throat.

• Wounds: Eucalyptus essential oil is a good antiseptic owing to its germicidal properties. On its exposure to air, ozone is formed which is a well-known antiseptic. Hence eucalyptus oil is used for healing wounds, ulcers, burns, cuts, abrasions and sores. It is also effective on insect bites and stings.
• Muscle Pain: During muscle and joint pains, massaging eucalyptus oil on the skin surface helps in getting relief from the pain. The volatile eucalyptus oil is analgesic and anti inflammatory in nature. Therefore it is often recommended to patients suffering from rheumatism, lumbago, sprained ligaments and tendons, stiff muscles, aches, fibrosis and even nerve pain. The oil is massage in circular motion on affected areas.
• Mental Exhaustion: An important reason why people like using eucalyptus oil is that it provides a cooling and refreshing effect. Eucalyptus oil, which is stimulating, removes exhaustion and mental sluggishness and rejuvenates the spirits of the sick. It is also effective in treating stress and mental disorders.

Benefits of Basil Essential Oil

In 

aromatherapy

, the crisp-smelling basil oil is often used to clear sinus congestion and bring down fevers. It also has a calming effect on the nerves as it induces calmness of mind and clarity of thought while removing mental fatigue. It’s excellent for stress-related headaches and migraines. It has an uplifting effect for those suffering from depression.

Basil has been proven to be useful in treating ailments relating to the respiratory tract. It provides effective relief for asthma, sinus problems and bronchitis. Relief could also be found for cold, influenza and whooping cough.

Basil essential oil works well in the treatment of infections. Its antibacterial properties are found to retard skin-related infections and those in cuts and wounds. It also works well for viral infections.

Basil's analgesic properties provide relief from painful conditions such as arthritis, sports injuries and sprains.

Stomach-related disorders can be alleviated with the help of basil essential oil. Indigestion, constipation, stomach cramps, flatulence and excessive gas in the stomach and intestines are among the conditions basil oil’s carminative properties can provide relief for.

Other ailments basil has been proven to be effective in treating are nausea and motion sickness, not to mention insect bites.

Read more: http://www.brighthub.com/health/alternative-medicine/articles/78711.aspx#ixzz1IhZbwJIB

Read more: http://www.brighthub.com/health/alternative-medicine/articles/78711.aspx#ixzz1IhZUwCGo

Coriander Essential Oil Benefits

The health benefits of coriander essential oil can be attributed to its properties of being an analgesic, aphrodisiac, depurative, deodorant, digestive, fungicidal, lipolytic, and stimulant. 

Analgesic: Components like Terpineol and Terpinolene makes Coriander oil and analgesic, i.e. an agent that reduces pain. This oil has been found to be effective for curing toothache, headache and other pains of joints, muscles and those resulting from injuries or collisions. It reduces pain by desensitizing the affected part.

Aphrodisiac: Coriander Oil can make your married life a heaven. It arouses and increases libido as well as cures temporary impotency, frigidity of both male and female, erectile dysfunctions and loss of interest in sex. It stimulates certain hormones that activate the sleeping Cupid in you and brings you to a mischievous mood.

Depurative: Coriander Oil cleans blood of toxins and thus acts as a detoxifier or blood purifies. It helps remove the regular toxins like uric acid, heavy metals and certain compounds and hormones produced by the body itself, from blood, as well as other foreign toxins which get into blood accidentally.

Deodorant: Like coriander, Coriander Oil is a good deodorant too. It clears bad breath and eliminates mouth and body odor, when used internally or externally. When consumed or ingested, the typical aroma of this Coriander Oil mixes with the sweat and fights body odor as well as fights oral odor as its scent, coming up from your stomach, fills your mouth. This also helps inhibit the bacterial growth in mouth and around sweat glands and thereby fighting odor. Mixed in water, when externally applied or used as a mouthwash, it again does the trick.

Digestive: Coriander Oil has very good digestive properties. It gives prompt relief in indigestion and flatulence and its aroma also acts as an appetizer.

Fungicidal: It inhibits growth of fungus and helps cure fungal infections. This property helps cure a number of skin diseases, most of which are caused due to fungal infections. It also helps cure dysentery, which is often caused due to fungal growth.

Lipolytic: People who are fed up of trying all possible methods to lose fat need to pay an attention over this property of Coriander Oil. It promotes lipolysis, which means hydrolysis of lipids and which in turn means hydrolysis or breaking down of fats and cholesterol. The faster the lipolysis, the faster you get slim and lose weight. The best part of it is that you need not go for a liposuction which has terrible adverse effects on health as well as costs a fortune.

Stimulant: It stimulates and warms up the organic systems and various functions going on inside the body. It stimulates hormone and enzymes secretions, digestion, excretion, brain functions and nerves. It also fights depression and boosts spirit.

Other Benefits: Improves appetite, regulates endocrinal secretions, cures nausea and tendency to vomit etc.

Few Words of Caution: Nothing serious. Only that if taken in excess, it can make you lose control over your senses for a while, as if you are spell bound. You cannot decide properly.

Blending: The other essential oils with which Coriander Oil can be blended well are Bergamot, Cinnamon, Grapefruit, Ginger, Neroli, Lemon, Lime, Orange and other Citrus fruits oils.

Benefits of Rose Oil in Herbal Soap

Rose oil in herbal soap is well-known for its relaxing and massaging properties. Adding a drop or two in facials, massages and even baths will surely provide luxurious relaxing and even a soothing experience. It also helps in glowing skin and also used as toner. This particular oil is preferred in lotions, powders, creams and many cosmetics. Rose water is also available which is useful for refreshing up skin when washed with it. Another remarkable property of rose oil is that they are romantic, gently cheering and even creative oil! The source of these oils is the rose flower and is extracted from the petals. Traditionally it was used as astringent. It is special oil that is capable of blending with all floral oils. Jasmine is specially recommended in this case. The major ingredients in this oil are very complex such as geraniol, phenyl ethanol, stearopten, nerol and citronellol. The only precaution that has to be taken is to prevent its use during pregnancy!

Rose oil is frequently used in medicinal purposes. It is highly recommended to use Rose oil when having burning or itching sensations in the eyes. You will have to soak cotton pads in diluted Rose oil solution and place it on eyes for 10-15 minutes. Keeping the cotton for a few minutes provides a remarkable change in the stress levels of eyes and also in any other eye problem. It can also be used in cooking to impart a unique flavor or aroma to your food. Rose oil is highly recommended for massages as it has no side effects and can be used by any type of skin. It is not at all harmful even if used on cut or wounded skin. Due to its romantic and pleasant smell it is well sought by people through out the world and is highly in demand.

Herbs for Treating Acne

Acne is a skin infection that is caused by the excess of production of sebum. When too much sebum is secreted, it clogs the pores of our skin. This often results in pimples or acne and makes the skin look unhealthy.

People of all age groups can be affected by this skin disorder but it is most commonly seen in teenagers when there is hormonal imbalance in the body. Males and females are both prone to this. Females are more prone to acne during their menstruation as there is a hormonal imbalance.  Acne can result in scars on the face and body if treated improperly.

The following herbal remedies have been suggested as alternative methods to prescribed medications for treating acne:

1. Aloe Vera: Aloe Vera is commonly used in many creams and ointments. This herb has antibacterial property. Aloe gel can be directly applied to the affected area.

2. Tea Tree Oil: Tea tree oil can be directly applied on skin too.

3. Lavender: Lavender has anti-inflammatory properties.

4. Neem: Neem is very useful for all kinds of skin problems. The leaves can be crushed and applied to the skin.

5. Echinacea: This helps in improving the body immunization which helps the system to heal and get rid of toxins.

Reference: http://www.articlefield.com/163836/5-effective-herbal-remedies-for-acne-that-work/

Sandlewood Soap Benefits

Sandlewood is a herb that has been used since ancient times because of its ability to soothe the body and mind.  The ancient Egyptians, Indians, and Chinese used it to bring calmness to the mind, reduce depression, and to treat skin disorders.  Sandlewood's scent has long been considered an aphrodisiac as well by many cultures throughout history.  Today, sandlewood is most often used in herbal soaps or in aromatherapy oils.  The main mental and physical benefits of sandlewood are summarized below.

Soothes and Calms the Mind

In ancient cultures, such as that of India, the scent of sandalwood has long been appreciated for its affects on the mind, some would even say on the soul. Sandalwood has been used in a religious context for thousands of years, helping to calm the mind and ease meditation. It’s not surprising that today sandalwood is used by practitioners of aromatherapy to offer relief from stress, anxiety, and depression. Clinical studies, according to the National Cancer Institute, have demonstrated some positive benefit from aromatherapy, and researchers continue to study its potential.

Helps the Skin Supple and Healthy

The skin is the largest organ of the body, serving to protect all that is underneath it in part by blocking harmful bacteria from entering. Protecting it from becoming too dry is important, not just for appearance, but also for health. When skin gets dry to the point of cracking, those cracks in the surface of the skin offer an opportunity for germs and bacteria to enter the body. A good quality sandalwood soap, made with true Sandalwood oil, cleanses without drying, its own oils remaining to protect the skin, helping to keep it soft and supple.

Antiseptic and Other Properties

In the ancient Ayurvedic system of medicine, still relied upon by many in India today and gaining recognition throughout the world, sandalwood is believed to have antiseptic and antimicrobial properties. Because of this, it is commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat a broad range of skin disorders, ranging from mild abrasions to acne to dermatitis. Clinical studies are in progress to determine how effective this traditional remedy is, and some researchers are even seeking to test its effectiveness in helping to treat serious skin diseases, such as cancer, according to the American Association for Cancer Research.

Read more about sandlewood benefits: http://www.livestrong.com/article/164706-sandalwood-soap-benefits/#ixzz1FdQPm0XQ

Differences Between Psoriasis and Eczema

Many people often confuse the symptoms of psoriasis with those of eczema.  While some symptoms may be similar, they are in fact two completely disorders. 

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is characterized by reddish bumps that itch and flake off, causing the skin underneath to bleed.  Two common types are plaque psoriasis and guttate psoriasis. 

Plaque psoriasis is the most commonly diagnosed version.  In this, the reddish lesions form silver scales which eventually fall off.  The scales are excess skin produced when certain substances in the body become unbalanced, and cause skin cells to grow out of control. In severe cases skin cells grow at a rate up to 1,000 faster than normal growth.

Guttate psoriasis appears most often in children and young adults, showing as small, red bumps the size of drops of water on the skin. It usually appears suddenly, often several weeks after an infection, such as strep throat.

Eczema

Eczema is almost identical to psoriasis.  The main difference between the two is that in eczema, the skin does not usually flake off like it does in psoriasis.  Also, the skin may or may not be rough and form small bumps.

Eczema is generally erupts in response to environmental factors such as exposure to products containing harsh chemicals. Psoriasis, on the other hand, usually has a genetic link, and is a response to factors occurring inside of the body.

Who is suffering from these skin disorders can be a good sign of whether the affliction is eczema or psoriasis. As a general rule, psoriasis tends to strike adults most often, while eczema is more commonly seen in children.

Both psoriasis and eczema are maddening, inconvenient, irritating and embarrassing skin diseases presenting coping difficulties for both adults and children. Under any circumstances, a visit to a dermatologist is a must to address diagnosis and treatment options.

 

Essential Oils for Common Summer Ailments

Essential oils can be used to ease the effects of many common summer ailments.  Nearly every essential oil, with the exceptions of lavender oil and tea tree oil, should never be ingested nor applied directly to the skin due to their strength in their concentrated forms.  Always mix them with a carrier base, such as olive oil, coconut oil, or a herbal soap.  Before using an essential oil to treat one of your summer ailments, be sure to consult your physician first.

The recommended essential oils for your summer ailments are listed below:

• Athletes Foot - This ailment can be treated with Tea Tree oil, which is antifungal, antiviral, antibiotic and antiseptic in nature. Add 10-20 drops of this oil to a footbath and then soak your feet in it for about fifteen minutes, three times every day. Make sure you dry your feet thoroughly, especially in between the toes. In addition, you an also apply 2-3 drops of the oil to a cotton ball and then dab the area.
• Bruises - Bruises are especially common during the summers. So, to reduce bruising and swelling, you must soak a piece of cloth in cold water and wring out the excess water. Then add about 2-5 drops of Lavender oil. Hold the cloth on the affected area for about fifteen minutes.
• Burns - Burns are also treated with Lavender oil using the same technique as you would for bruises. Lavender oil is one of the only few aromatherapy oilsthat can be added directly to the skin. Add about 3 drops to a cotton swab and dab the area.
• Dry Skin - Relief from dry skin can be obtained by using Rose, Sandalwood or Lavender oil. Rose is floral, Sandalwood is earthy and Lavender is herbal. Combine these oils with carrier oils or a skin lotion or cream and apply to your skin.
• Fatigue and Exhaustion - Geranium is a good essential oil to use for comforting and healing purposes. It helps bring back balance to the body. Add about 10 drops to your bath water and let it soak for fifteen minutes. Or, combine and gently massage it onto your skin.
• Insect Bites - Insect bites cause swelling, itching and redness and relief can be found by using Tea Tree oil or Lavender oil. Since both these oils can be applied directly to the skin, the best way to apply them is to add 2 drops to a cotton ball and then dab on the affected area. If there are many insect bites, then add 10 drops to your bath water and let it stand for fifteen minutes.
• Insect Repellant - Make an insect repellent concoction by combining Witch Hazel or Olive oil with Citronella or Clove oil. Use 10 drops of any carrier oil to 1 drop of the essential oil. Clove can cause irritation so use carefully. Place is a spray bottle and shake before you use each time.

Benefits of Pineapple Soap

Pineapple Soap has numerous skin care benefits.  It removes dead skin cells and helps remove blemishes by softening and removing debris from our pores.  Some practitioners of alternative medicine apply pineapple juice to she skin because it acts like an inti-inflammatory drug and can lessen the symptoms of certain types of arthritis. A list of skin care benefits is below:

Rich in Vitamin C

1 cup of fresh pineapple chunks (165 grams) has 131 percent of the daily recommended vitamin C value. This vitamin helps produce collagen, a protein that aids in repairing the skin.

Removes Dead Skin Cells

Pineapple has high concentrations of malic and citric acid. These acids in pineapple soap help lift and wash away dead skin cells, revealing brighter skin.

Cleans Pores

Bromelain, a pineapple enzyme, softens proteins and thereby loosens pore debris for deeper cleansing when used in soap

Acts as an Anti-Inflammatory Drug

Some patients topically apply pineapple enzymes to help speed healing of bruises, sprains and strains and treat swelling, tenderness and pain.

Relieves Pain

Some health practitioners use pineapple enzymes topically, such as in soaps, as alternative medicine to relieve pain from types of arthritis. They claim that pineapple enzymes function much like an anti-inflammatory drug, such as ibuprofen.

Be sure to use sunscreen when using pineapple soap as the acidity may cause the skin to burn easier.  All in all, however, pineapple soap is a wonderful herbal soap that many people may not know of.

Read more: What Pineapple Soap Can Do for Your Skin? | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/facts_5783200_pineapple-soap-can-do-skin_.html#ixzz1Ez2sWdum

Essential Oil Chart for Herbal Soap Making

Check out this list of essential oils that can be used for making your own herbal soap:

http://www.soapmakingforum.com/essential-oil-chart.html

Almost any combination of herbs and essential oils can be added to your handmade soaps.  Experiment and enjoy!

Skin Care Benefits of Olive Oil in Herbal Soap

Some herbal soap recipes call for the use of olive oil.  Olive oil has many natural skin care benefits, some of which are listed below.

Renews Skin Cells

Olive oil contains many antioxidants that neutralize the effects of free radicals, which have been shown to lead to skin cancer and the aging of skin. Olive oil is also rich in vitamins A, B, C, D, E and K, which are the essential vitamins for overall skin health.

Anti-inflammatory

Olive oil contains oleocanthal, a soothing enzyme, which relieves pain and inflammation.

Moisturizes

Olive oil is a natural humectant, meaning it draws and holds in moisture in a light protective layer over the skin. It is mild and gentle and useful for dry, flaky, chapped,and sensitive skin.

For more information on olive oil, visit http://www.natural-goat-milk-soap.com/benefits-of-olive-oil.html

Cold Process Soap Recipe

Check out this cool herbal soap recipe:

Recipe

8 oz Coconut Oil

 1.0 oz Jojoba Oil

11.20 oz Olive Oil

8 oz Palm Oil

1.6 oz Palm Kernel Flakes

1.0 oz Shea Butter

1.3 oz Sweet Almond Oil

4.5 oz Sodium Hydroxide

10.5 oz Distilled Water

1.5 oz Moonlight Pomegranate

1.5 oz Moroccan Mint

1 Tablespoon Shredded Loofah 

1 Teaspoon Super Pearly White

9 Bar Baltic Birch Mold

ONE: In your soaping gear (gloves, goggles and long sleeves) prepare your Lye Water.

TWO: Heat/melt and combine the Coconut Oil, Jojoba Oil, Olive Oil, Palm Oil and Sweet Almond Oil. Then mix in the Shea Butter until fully melted and incorporated.

THREE: Carefully add your Lye water to the oils and mix with your stick blender.

FOUR: Once all of the ingredients are combine split the batch in two containers (make sure they're big enough to mix in). Does not have to be perfect but try to eyeball it the best that you can.

FIVE: In one half of the batter, add 1 tablespoon of shredded loofah and 1.5 ounce of Moonlight Pomegranate fragrance oil. Mix well. Moonlight Pomegranate is an Advanced Soaper Fragrance; it will want to separate on you but if you keep mixing and mixing and mixing with the stick blender you’ll get it to incorporate. The fragrance combo is worth the effort! But, if you want something easier because you're not quite sure you want to deal with a fragrance that likes to separate? Mangosteen or Berry "I smell horrible out of the bottle but soap up way nicer" Wine would be great with Mint!

SIX: Pour this layer into your lined, 9 Bar Baltic Birch Mold.

 SEVEN: In the second half of your batter, add about ½ teaspoon of Super Pearly White mica and 1.5 ounce of Moroccan Mint fragrance Oil. Give it a mix with the stick blender and pour the second layer.

EIGHT: Carefully smooth the top layer out with your spatula. Leave as is or texture the top of your soap using a spoon or whisker. Have your dividers assembled already and carefully place them in the mold.

NINE: Let the soap harden up for 24 hours and it’s ready to unmold and cure for 4-6 weeks.

Read more about herbal soap here.

Rosemary Herbal Soap Benefits

Herbal soap with rosemary essential oil stimulates skin cell renewal. It is believed to improve dry or mature skin, eases lines and wrinkles, and heals burns and wounds. Rosemary is traditionally believed to help clear acne, fight blemishes and dull dry skin by fighting bacteria while normalizing sebaceous secretions. Rosemary improves circulation and can reduce the appearance of broken blood capillaries and varicose veins. Rosemary essential oil is believed to help overcome mental fatigue and sluggishness by stimulating and strengthening the entire nervous system. Rosemary improves mental clarity while aiding alertness and concentration. Rosemary oil is great for stressful conditions and helps you see things from a clearer more mindful perspective.

Health Benefits of Lavender Herbal Soap

Lavender has many benefits when used as an ingredient in herbal soap.

Reduces Tension and Stress

The lavender herb has a soothing scent that eases headaches and nausea. Aromatherapists widely use lavender oil to help patients deal with the symptoms of stress. The lavender herb can also reduce tension in your body and can reduce muscular aches and pains. Lavender oil alleviates anxiety and depression because it has a calming effect on the nerves.

Induces Sleep

Lavender is believed to have mild sedative properties that benefit people who suffer from insomnia.

To induce sleep, keep lavender flowers close to your pillows or bed sheets. Or you can apply lavender oil to a piece of cloth; inhale the scent from the cloth.

Treats Minor Respiratory Ailments

The lavender herb has been used in the treatment of respiratory ailments such as asthma, colds and coughs. It helps expel mucus, clear the respiratory pathway and ease breathing. Because it also relaxes the tissues in your bronchial lining, the lavender herb can speed up your recovery.

Treats Skin Problems

Lavender possesses antibacterial properties that help in the treatment of skin problems such as acne, psoriasis, eczema, infections and burns. It is also anti-inflammatory, which makes it a good choice for faster healing. The lavender herb can help soothe skin affected by insect bites or sunburn. It is also beneficial in the treatment of cuts and scrapes because it hastens the healing process by forming new tissue.

Apply the lavender herb to your skin in the form of a balm or oil.

Improves Circulation

The herb also aids in blood circulation, so it can help reduce the severity of blood pressure problems and heart ailments. It is also beneficial for the treatment of rheumatism and arthritis. It helps relax muscles and alleviate pain.

Add lavender oil to a warm bath or apply it as a massaging rub on your body.

Disinfects

Because the lavender herb has anti-fungal and antibacterial properties, you can use it in cleaning solutions for your home. This herb offers multiple advantages because of its sweet fragrance and its ability to disinfect.

You may also apply lavender oil to your skin to act as a topical disinfectant.

Treats Digestion Problems

The lavender herb may even reduce excessive bloating and gas. For people who have trouble consuming enough food, lavender may help improve appetite.

Read more: http://www.doityourself.com/stry/7-health-benefits-of-the-lavender-herb#ixzz1DeK8W8en

Interesting Soap Facts

1. The world produces 10 billion pounds of soap per year.  The U.S. makes and uses about one-third of this amount.
2. Per capita soap consumption is highest in the U.S. at 25 lbs/person, followed by the Netherlands (24 lbs/person) and the United Kingdom (20 lbs/person).  Other per capita consumption rates: Japan, 7 lbs/person; Brazil, 6.8 lbs/person; Russia, 5.7 lbs/person; British India, 4 oz/person; and China, 2 oz/person.  The world average is 6.6 lbs/person.
3. In the U.S., 85% of soap is used for laundry, 12% for toiletry uses, and 3% miscellaneous.  For the entire world, 92% of soap is used for laundry.
4. The use of soap dates back to 2800 BC, when Babylonians made it by mixing water with alkali and cassia oil in clay cylinders.
5. Historically, soap was made by mixing animal fats with lye. This was a dangerous procedure which could easily result in serious chemical burns or blindness due to the caustic lye. Before lye was produced on a commercial level, it was produced at home by using the ashes from a wood fire.
6. Early Romans made soap out of urine in the first century A.D. Urine contains ammonium carbonate which was reacted with the oils and fats found in sheep’s wool for a partial saponification.  People called fullones walked the city streets collecting urine to sell to soap makers.
7. In the 1500s, most people got married in June because they took their annual baths in May and, according to the standards at that time, still smelled pretty good by June. However, they started smelling a little bad by the time the wedding came around, so brides carried a bouquet of flowers with them to hide the odor. This is where we get today’s custom of brides carrying a bouquet of flowers at their wedding.
8. In medieval Europe, soap was seen as a great source of revenue by the government so heavy taxes were imposed upon it.  This tax went as high as 3d per pound.  Tax inspectors had to lock up soap boiling pans at night in order to prevent illegal production.  This tax was repealed in 1835.  Prior to this, the government was making £1 million a year from it.
9. Most soaps purchased in stores aren’t soaps at all; rather, they are bars of detergent.  The process of soap making results in a bar that contains glycerin, which is a very good skin moisturizer.  Commercial companies remove this glycerin and sell it for other purposes, resulting in a bar of detergent instead of a bar of soap.  The glycerin is replaced with cheaper synthetic chemicals which can be harsh on our skin.
10. There are several different stories about where we get the name “soap”.  One comes from an ancient Roman legend that states that the name comes from Mount Sapo, a mountain on which animals were sacrificed.  Whenever it rained, the water flowed through a mixture of melted animal fat and ashes and into the Tibet River below.  Woman who washed their clothes in this river noticed the mixture made their clothes cleaner and began calling the mixture soap.

Interesting Soap Facts

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1.      The world produces 10 billion pounds of soap per year.  The U.S. makes and uses about one-third of this amount.

2.      Per capita soap consumption is highest in the U.S. at 25 lbs/person, followed by the Netherlands (24 lbs/person) and the United Kingdom (20 lbs/person).  Other per capita consumption rates: Japan, 7 lbs/person; Brazil, 6.8 lbs/person; Russia, 5.7 lbs/person; British India, 4 oz/person; and China, 2 oz/person.  The world average is 6.6 lbs/person.

3.      In the U.S., 85% of soap is used for laundry, 12% for toiletry uses, and 3% miscellaneous.  For the entire world, 92% of soap is used for laundry.

4.      The use of soap dates back to 2800 BC, when Babylonians made it by mixing water with alkali and cassia oil in clay cylinders.

5.      Historically, soap was made by mixing animal fats with lye. This was a dangerous procedure which could easily result in serious chemical burns or blindness due to the caustic lye. Before lye was produced on a commercial level, it was produced at home by using the ashes from a wood fire.

6.      Early Romans made soap out of urine in the first century A.D. Urine contains ammonium carbonate which was reacted with the oils and fats found in sheep’s wool for a partial saponification.  People called fullones walked the city streets collecting urine to sell to soap makers.

7.       In the 1500s, most people got married in June because they took their annual baths in May and, according to the standards at that time, still smelled pretty good by June. However, they started smelling a little bad by the time the wedding came around, so brides carried a bouquet of flowers with them to hide the odor. This is where we get today’s custom of brides carrying a bouquet of flowers at their wedding. 

8.   In medieval Europe, soap was seen as a great source of revenue by the government so heavy taxes were imposed upon it.  This tax went as high as 3d per pound.  Tax inspectors had to lock up soap boiling pans at night in order to prevent illegal production.  This tax was repealed in 1835.  Prior to this, the government was making £1 million a year from it.

9.      Most soaps purchased in stores aren’t soaps at all; rather, they are bars of detergent.  The process of soap making results in a bar that contains glycerin, which is a very good skin moisturizer.  Commercial companies remove this glycerin and sell it for other purposes, resulting in a bar of detergent instead of a bar of soap.  The glycerin is replaced with cheaper synthetic chemicals which can be harsh on our skin.

10.   There are several different stories about where we get the name “soap”.  One comes from an ancient Roman legend that states that the name comes from Mount Sapo, a mountain on which animals were sacrificed.  Whenever it rained, the water flowed through a mixture of melted animal fat and ashes and into the Tibet River below.  Woman who washed their clothes in this river noticed the mixture made their clothes cleaner and began calling the mixture soap.