OrchardPrincess
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- Joined
- Dec 12, 2012
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So, after reading several books cover to cover about soaping, soaps, and other beauty care I've come to realize a few things that I thought I would share. I guess this mostly goes for people that are living in bigger cities that are ethnically diverse, and have access to things that rural folks do not. Some of this information may save you time and money. I hope it helps!
1. Alkanet root is the same as the Indian spice, Rattan Jot. I made this discovery after reading about them both in a book that listed them separately. Alkanet Root is the term the English gave this herb when they were busy conquering India, so that is what you here most often. When I figured out that they were one and the same I called a local Indian Grocer (tiny place in Los Angeles) and low and behold- they had it! I bought two bags at 3 bucks a pop- but only after I originally payed 5 bucks plus shipping buying "Alkanet Root" - and it was only one bag! I know it's not a huge money saver, but why pay more when you don't have to? I think we have a habit in this country of paying more for something "ethnic"- but if you live in a big city, there is no need.
2. Annatto Seed is also the same thing as the Southern American Spice, Achiote (pronounced Ah-chi-oh-tay). Don't pay through the nose from someone on Amazon, you can find it at just about any Mexican or South American grocery store, in a plastic clear bag, and it's about 3-5 bucks. Not bad when you consider shipping costs. It's best when you blend it with oil and boil it like you would if you were canning something.
3. You can buy NOH lye at Home Deport, Lowe's, or most any other hardware store with a decent selection. It's just not referred to as lye, it's referred to as a natural drain cleaner, and you'll find it along with the other harsh chemicals. I think there is more than one brand, but the brand we bought was Roebic's. It's cheap, no shipping cost, and it works fine. We even used a bit to clean our drain too! So again, don't deal with Brambleberry wanting some form of documentation before you buy it, or pay through the nose. Buy it locally and cheaply.
I'm a big fan of buying locally if I can. I would rather support the hard working people in my own city than anyone else, and I'm sure you feel the same about the city or state you live in. Anyway hope this helps someone out! Happy Soaping!
1. Alkanet root is the same as the Indian spice, Rattan Jot. I made this discovery after reading about them both in a book that listed them separately. Alkanet Root is the term the English gave this herb when they were busy conquering India, so that is what you here most often. When I figured out that they were one and the same I called a local Indian Grocer (tiny place in Los Angeles) and low and behold- they had it! I bought two bags at 3 bucks a pop- but only after I originally payed 5 bucks plus shipping buying "Alkanet Root" - and it was only one bag! I know it's not a huge money saver, but why pay more when you don't have to? I think we have a habit in this country of paying more for something "ethnic"- but if you live in a big city, there is no need.
2. Annatto Seed is also the same thing as the Southern American Spice, Achiote (pronounced Ah-chi-oh-tay). Don't pay through the nose from someone on Amazon, you can find it at just about any Mexican or South American grocery store, in a plastic clear bag, and it's about 3-5 bucks. Not bad when you consider shipping costs. It's best when you blend it with oil and boil it like you would if you were canning something.
3. You can buy NOH lye at Home Deport, Lowe's, or most any other hardware store with a decent selection. It's just not referred to as lye, it's referred to as a natural drain cleaner, and you'll find it along with the other harsh chemicals. I think there is more than one brand, but the brand we bought was Roebic's. It's cheap, no shipping cost, and it works fine. We even used a bit to clean our drain too! So again, don't deal with Brambleberry wanting some form of documentation before you buy it, or pay through the nose. Buy it locally and cheaply.
I'm a big fan of buying locally if I can. I would rather support the hard working people in my own city than anyone else, and I'm sure you feel the same about the city or state you live in. Anyway hope this helps someone out! Happy Soaping!
