Herbal teas for lye solution

[Carlostx]

Hello all...I'm new to this forum and was just wondering what kinds of herbs do you know of that your can use to make teas for you lye solution?

Thanks in advance,
Carlos

 

[Yooper]

You can add anything- but the qualities/aroma won't carry over to the soap. I do infuse some of my oils with herbs, but I use those for lotion and not for soap.

 

[jenobandito]

Will the color of tea carry over into the soap? I am a new member and novice soap maker, but my three different batches have turned out well. I wondered about using a tea with a rich red color for the lye solution. Also, most people who like my soap have hard water, so am looking for a nice bubbling recipe for hard water. Thanks. I love this site.

 

[Yooper]

Depending on the color and the source if it, colors may morph or fade, but not always. I’d try a tiny batch first, to see. I’ve used some spices like annatto for yellow and that didn’t change.

For hard water, I’d use citric acid in the mix to work as a chelator to reduce the soap scum. Also, use castor oil at 5%, coconut oil at 20%, and 1 tsp of sugar per pound of also in the lye water to really enhance bubbles in any recipe.