EO infused oils for soap scents

[Laurabolyard]

I have more rosemary and lemongrass than I know what to do with, I can't even GIVE it away anymore! I've been on the fence about buying a distiller. I can, however infuse oils. Any thoughts on using this in soap? Would it retain its scent do you think? Has anyone tried??

 

[shunt2011]

You can certainly use infused oils. As for scent remaining, I’ve not had any survive the process. It takes a whole lot of material to distill your own. You could certainly give it a go if you have that kind of material to distill.

 

[Laurabolyard]

I'm at the point of making large piles of the lemongrass and not knowing what to do with it. I sure hate wasting it... it's overwhelming!!
I wonder if I superfat an infused oil at the end???

It's all flowering/seeding right now, if anyone wants seeds (or lemongrass!) let me know!!

 

[Kittish]

I'm at the point of making large piles of the lemongrass and not knowing what to do with it. I sure hate wasting it... it's overwhelming!!
I wonder if I superfat an infused oil at the end???

It's all flowering/seeding right now, if anyone wants seeds (or lemongrass!) let me know!!

I'd love some seeds, or a rooted clump of lemongrass!

I've tried using a very strong coffee infused oil as a superfat added at the end of a HP batch. The scent still did not survive, not even faintly.

 

[SaltedFig]

I am of the opinion that it takes a huge volume of plant matter to infuse oil (or wax, like for an absolute). The volatiles that are collected using oil/wax are not entirely the same ones as extracted during distillation.

Shame I'm not near you - I'd take a clump of lemongrass ... it's beautiful in a tea. I currently make do with my lemon verbena, but (although it's good) it's not the same at all!

 

[Laurabolyard]

It's a shame that it doesn't seem to work that way, I DO get it. I guess I might have to finally invest in that distiller, my biggest problem is where to keep it, and I guess time to mess with it!!

Kittish and saltedfig, pm me your addresses and I'll send you some clumps and/or seeds. Maybe it can be grown indoors as well

 

[dixiedragon]

I would donate it to a food bank. I bet some of their customers would enjoy fresh herbs!

Also, perhaps try infusing oils and making a lotion or a lip balm

 

[Laurabolyard]

I would donate it to a food bank. I bet some of their customers would enjoy fresh herbs!

Also, perhaps try infusing oils and making a lotion or a lip balm

That's something I hadn't thought of!! I've been wanting to try a body butter!! THAT might work?

I planted it, and the rosemary, years ago at school (I always do gardens with my students) and both have just gotten out of control!! I sent all of my students home with Rosemary wreaths at Christmas, mailed many large bags to a friend who infuses olive oils, and there is still so much!

 

[SaltedFig]

Thanks for the lovely offer, but I'm in Australia, so I can't take even the seeds (quarantine restrictions, they scan for organic material).

I do appreciate the thought, thank-you.

It's a shame that it doesn't seem to work that way, I DO get it. I guess I might have to finally invest in that distiller, my biggest problem is where to keep it, and I guess time to mess with it!!

Kittish and saltedfig, pm me your addresses and I'll send you some clumps and/or seeds. Maybe it can be grown indoors as well

PS. Could you post photo's of your distillation setup, if/when you set it up? I like a good still photo :mrgreen:

 

[Laurabolyard]

PS. Could you post photo's of your distillation setup, if/when you set it up? I like a good still photo :mrgreen:

THAT is very funny!!