New here with question about botanicals

[ediesbeads]

Hi all!

I'm very new to the forum and soapmaking in general. I decided to start small and have ordered ingredients to make my own lip balms. But I have been reading, and have some questions...

We have several botanicals growing in our yard and in pots in our house, including lemon balm, sage, oregano, thyme, fennel, spearamint, chocolate peppermint, basil, rosemary, and curry.

Are any of these good to use as plant matter in soaps? What forms do I need? Dried, fresh??

Any help is appreciated!

Edie

 

[dagmar88]

You could look in to making your own infusions.
To me, herbs through or on top of soap aren't that appealing...

Most won't retain their color either.

 

[soapbuddy]

I would infuse them in oil and use as a bath or body oil. They will not add scent to your soap and will discolor to brown over time. Some people do use the infused oils in their soaps, but I haven't noticed any difference myself.

 

[nattynoo]

You could dry them and use then in or on your soap. They will eventually go brown like PP said but it depends what you're in to I guess. I like herbs in soap..... brown or not. Different strokes for different folks.....
Just watch how scratchy they r.
Exfoliation is good but scratchy is not cool