Amongst the wholesome things mother nature offers, aloe vera could be the most nourishing. It is certainly versatile and famed the world over for its soothing, cleansing and healing properties.
Aloe – the wonder plant
Aloe vera soap is packed with vitamins A, C and E; potent antioxidants that help to heal damaged skin and encourage cell regeneration; antihistamines to ease allergies and burns; and antibacterial properties that fight skin infections.
Many households keep a live plant so that the gel or aloe vera juices are on hand to treat and soothe minor burns, wounds, and common skin conditions such as acne, eczema and psoriasis. This amazing natural moisturiser also makes a pleasant and effective soap; however, many shop-bought versions are packed with chemicals, which is often inevitable due to the length of the processing, shipping and storage process.
It is much better to make your own soap for maximum health benefits and this is a simply process. If you are wondering what to do with aloe vera juices, why not give this a try?
A super-simple recipe for homemade aloe vera soap
You will need about two tablespoons of the special liquid from the aloe plant, known as aloin, which is obtained by squeezing the aloe leaves. Aloin cannot be ingested, as it would make you sick, but the benefits to your skin are amazing.
How to make the soap
1. Add 214ml mineral water to a large pan.
2. Slowly add 680g of lye (caustic soda) and stir gently – avoiding splashes – until it has dissolved. Always wear gloves/eye protection when working with caustic products such as lye. Monitor the temperature, which needs to reach 120-140°F.
3. In a different pan, heat 85g olive oil to 120-140°F while slowly stirring in 11.3g beeswax.
4. Take off the heat and add the lye mixture to the olive oil pan and stir slowly without splashing. Repeat every 15 minutes until the soap mixture thickens.
5. Stir in 51ml aloe vera juice and 5ml mint essential oil. Continue to stir for one minute.
6. Pour into lined soap moulds, tap lightly, cover with a towel and leave to stand for two days.
7. Release from the moulds and dry for one more day before cutting into bars, then dry for around another month.
