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What is Himalayan Rhubarb & Why Use It in Soap?
Himalayan rhubarb, also known as Rheum australe or Rheum emodi, is a wild plant found in India and Nepal. It is used for natural textile dyeing and is found in over sixty varieties. The roots contain emodin, a natural pigment that releases when cooked or steeped in oil. It also has antibacterial and antifungal effects, making it a beneficial skin care ingredient used in soaps. However, the shades obtained from other varieties may not be the same as those from Rheum australe.
Himalayan Rhubarb Soap Benefits
Aside from its hue, there are various Himalayan Rhubarb Soap benefits:
Natural Anti-inflammatory
Himalayan Rhubarb Soap contains natural anti-inflammatory properties. Rhubarb, particularly the Himalayan kind, has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe and relax the skin.
Mild Exfoliant
Himalayan Rhubarb Soap is a gentle exfoliant with a thin rhubarb root powder that gently removes dead skin cells, cleanses pores, and has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties for skin protection and healing.
Antibacterial Properties
Himalayan rhubarb soap, known for its antibacterial properties, is used in traditional folk medicine for treating skin illnesses due to its ability to suppress the growth of both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.
Rich in antioxidants.
Himalayan Rhubarb Soap is renowned for its high antioxidant content, including anthraquinones, flavonoids, and stilbenoids, which combat free radicals, preventing skin damage and premature aging.
Note: This herbal soap can significantly improve the condition of individuals with oily or acne-prone skin because it cleanses without depleting moisture.
Himalayan Rhubarb Soap – Step-by-Step Recipe
This is a simple, cold-processed Himalayan rhubarb soap recipe that is naturally colored with Himalayan rhubarb root extract, is vegan, and does not contain palm oil. The final color ranges from vivid raspberry to deep magenta. Technical Information: 1 lb./454 g. batch, 5% superfat, 35.7% water discount.
Ingredients
- Olive pomace oil - 500 grams
- Himalayan rhubarb powder - 7 grams
- sodium hydroxide - 63 grams
- Distilled water - 113 grams.
- Coconut oil - 114 grams
- shea butter (refined) - 91 grams
- olive pomace oil - 227 grams
- Castor oil - 23 grams
How to Make It
- To prepare this recipe, combine olive oil and dried rhubarb root powder in a glass jar, infuse in a warm place, shake daily, and remember to shake until the oil turns yellow in one month.
- When you're ready to manufacture soap, filter the oil through a sieve. (Avoid shaking rhubarb powder sediment before use to avoid a speckled appearance, as it may not provide a uniform tint.)
- Use this filtered infused oil to replace all of the olive oil in the soap recipe. You will have enough oil for two 1-pound batches.
- Dissolve sodium hydroxide crystals in water, stir thoroughly in an open area, preferably outside, and avoid breathing in the heat and steam.
- Allow the mixture to cool in a safe place or shallow basin, either indoors or outdoors.
- Melt the solid oils (coconut oil and shea butter) in a stainless steel pan over extremely low heat.
- Once melted, remove from heat and place on a potholder. Pour in the liquid oils (olive pomace oil and castor oil). If you have liquid oils in the same container, mix them together before pouring into the pan.
- Determine the temperatures of the lye solution (sodium hydroxide and distilled water) and the oils. You should strive to chill them both at around 120°F/49°C using a digital thermometer or an infrared temperature gun.
- Pour the lye solution into the oil pan, straining it with a strainer to remove any undissolved lye. The pot of golden oils will transform into a vivid crimson color.
- Stir the mixture with your immersion blender, which should be switched off.
- Next, bring it to the center of the pan and, using both hands, blitz it for a few seconds.
- Turn off the immersion blender and use it to whisk the soap batter as if it were a spoon.
- Repeat until the mixture has thickened to 'Trace.' This is when the batter creates a distinct trail on the surface. The consistency will resemble thin custard.
- Work swiftly to pour the soap into the mold. Give it a tap to let it settle.
- Your soap must now be gelled to ensure that it is genuinely vivid. It can be difficult to gel small batches in hollow molds while insulating with a cloth. Instead, place the soap in an oven preheated to 77°C (170°F).
- Turn off the heat and leave it overnight.
- The next day, remove the soap from the oven and lay it aside to rest for another day.
- After 48 hours, remove the soap from the mold. (This batch yields approximately six decent-sized bars of soap. The soap's color deepens when you remove it from the mold and start curing it.)
- Cure the bars for 28 days, allowing excess water content to evaporate completely on a protected, airy surface away from direct sunlight.
- After curing, your Himalayan Rhubarb Soap is ready for use.
Rhubarb Hand Wash DIY – A Quick Herbal Cleanser
A DIY Himalayan Rhubarb Hand Wash involves infusing olive oil with Himalayan rhubarb powder, then using the infused oil in a rhubarb hand soap recipe. This results in a natural pink to red tint when rhubarb powder comes into contact with lye.
Ingredients
- Himalayan Rhubarb Powder - 1 teaspoon per 100 g of olive oil
- Olive oil - enough to fully submerge the rhubarb powder
- Liquid Soap Base - (Choose a mild, plant-based formulation)
- Distilled Water - (To dilute the soap base as needed)
- Essential oils (of your choice) - 15 drops
How to Make It
- In a jar, combine the Himalayan rhubarb powder and the olive oil. Ensure that the powder is fully submerged.
- Seal the jar and store it in a warm, dark place for several weeks, shaking occasionally.
- After infusing, filter the oil using cheesecloth or a fine-mesh sieve to eliminate any powder.
- If using a concentrated soap base, dilute it with distilled water to achieve the appropriate consistency.
- Add the infused rhubarb oil to the diluted soap base. Include any desired essential oils and glycerin. If using a preservative, follow the manufacturer's directions.
- Stir all of the ingredients together thoroughly to ensure that they are evenly distributed.
- Pour the hand wash into a pump bottle or another appropriate container and use as needed.
Best Essential Oils to Pair with Himalayan Rhubarb
The earthy smell of Himalayan rhubarb goes well with flowery and citrus essential oils. These not only make the scent stronger, but they also improve the health of the skin. These mixtures are worth a try:
Rose + Patchouli
The soap, a blend of rose, patchouli, and Himalayan rhubarb, emits a warm, earthy scent with a hint of floral sweetness, adding a delicate pink tinge.
Geranium + Lavender
Geranium and lavender essential oils blend with Himalayan rhubarb to provide stunning colors in soapmaking, enhance visual appeal, and produce calming fragrances in soap and perfumes.
Grapefruit + Bergamot
A grapefruit and bergamot blend could enhance the flavor profile of Himalayan rhubarb by providing a bright, zesty top note and a slightly sweet, flowery perfume, which would enhance its tartness.
How to Store, Wrap & Gift Himalayan Rhubarb Soap
To avoid discoloration, store Himalayan rhubarb soap in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. To help it last longer, store it in a draining soap dish. Wrap it in breathable materials like wax paper or beautiful paper wrap when presenting, and add a ribbon or tag for a personal touch.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Himalayan rhubarb soap not only has a brilliant natural hue due to its unique plant qualities, but it also has several skin advantages, such as antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects. This DIY rhubarb soap recipe is a wonderful alternative to synthetic soaps, supporting both skin health and environmental sustainability.
