Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Goat's Milk
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24
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Soap Making
Soap making is a centuries-old art that, at its core, has changed little over time. Ancient
Babylonians would combine oils with ash to create soap. Today, oils and lye are used. Either way,
it is the reaction between an alkaline substance and oil that begins
saponification
—literally, “the
making of soap.”
Creating a chemical reaction in your kitchen may sound intimidating, but it isn't any more ambi-
tious than frying something in hot oil. You should use precautions to keep small children safe, and
wear protective gloves and eyewear just in case, but cooking is cooking—only this time, you are
making a bar of luscious soap instead of a platter of chicken-fried steak.
Health Benefits Infused in Soap
What would the cumulative effects look like for a wave of people to switch to homemade soaps?
For an individual, this will help you avoid potential toxins and actually infuse a number of benefits
into your skin, and therefore your body.
A plain soap made from coconut oil, olive oil, or almond oil can be refreshing. A goat's milk soap
adds another level of moisture and can also include vitamins, including vitamin A, which repairs
and maintains your skin's health; alpha hydroxy acids, which wash away dead skin cells naturally;
and even minerals such as selenium, which actually work to fight off damage and even skin cancer.
Herbs and essential oils stack even more benefits onto the list. The choice between carcinogens and
skin damage versus immune builders and skin repair should be a no-brainer.
For most people, it isn't the knowledge but the accessibility that is the roadblock. Goat's milk
soap might not be readily available or as seemingly affordable as their normal brand, even though
natural products tend to last longer. The thought of making your own soap seems rather daunting,
so it isn't usually thought of as an option. But soap making is easier than you think, and once you
try it you'll never want anything else for your family!
