Lavender is one of the most popular scents in aromatherapy. It has many therapeutic properties. It is naturally calming, making it a favorite of new mothers with fussy babies. It’s also a safe and effective remedy for depression and stress. It can even be used to repel mosquitoes!

There is certainly no shortage of lavender products on the market. But those products often come at a premium price, despite the fact that lavender essential oil isn’t all that expensive. Making your own lavender soap is a great way to save money, and it also gives you complete control over the ingredients in the finished product. Here are some simple recipes to use.

Liquid Lavender Soap

What You Need

* 10 tbsp. finely grated castile soap
* 8 tbsp. boiling water
* 2 tbsp. crushed dried lavender flowers
* 4 drops lavender essential oil

Instructions

1. Place the soap and water in the top pan of a double boiler with water in the bottom pan. Heat on low to medium heat, stirring frequently until melted and mixed well.
2. Remove the soap from the heat and pour into a bowl.
3. Crush the lavender flowers to a powder. Add the powdered flowers and oil to the soap, and mix thoroughly. Pour into a glass or plastic bottle for storage.

Lavender Soap Balls

What You Need

* 2 bars of castile or vegetable-based soap (unscented)
* ½ cup dried lavender flowers
* 10 drops lavender essential oil
* ¼ cup warm water

Instructions

1. Grate the soap into a large bowl with a cheese grater.
2. Add lavender blossoms and essential oil to the soap, and mix thoroughly.
3. Add warm water and stir.
4. Take a heaping teaspoon of the mixture at a time, and roll it into balls. Repeat until all soap is used.
5. Place the soap balls on a cookie sheet and let sit for about 2 days or until completely dried.

Lavender Beeswax Soap

What You Need

* 4 oz. unscented glycerin soap
* 10 drops lavender essential oil
* Violet soap dye
* 1 tsp. grated beeswax

Instructions

1. Cut soap into chunks and melt in double boiler over low heat. Add grated beeswax and stir until melted and mixed thoroughly.
2. Remove the soap from heat. Add essential oil and enough soap dye to achieve desired coloring and stir until color is even.
3. Pour mixture into a soap mold and let set for 3 hours or until completely hardened.

These recipes are simple enough for anyone to use, even if you’ve never made soap before. Try one of them out, and experience the luxury of sweetly scented home-made lavender soap for yourself!