patchouli-orange organic glycerin soap

I am going to do a series of blogs in honor of my new soaps. You don't get to smell them so I can at least describe what they are and how they smell :c)

I will start with my favorite and perhaps the most controversial! :c) A controversial soap you say?? How could it be?? Well it is one that most people either love with all their hearts or totally despise.. risky business there. :c) Patchouli! patchouli patchouli patchouli.. what is it? Many people are unaware of the source of patchouli but they have some negative associations with it as it has been given a bad name by stinky hippies everywhere. What they may not realize is that most high end perfumes contain patchouli as it is one of those rare oils that actually gets better with time and is extremely fixative (ie. it lasts for ages). I use it in my patchouli-orange glycerin soap that is made with organic coconut and palm oils and added vegetable glycerin for super softness (or a less "squeaky clean" feel than most soaps, as my sister might say).

It comes from the patchouli plant, a bushy little herb that is a cousin of mint. They do not grow very well here in our desert (or at least I did not have success) as it tends to enjoy more tropical regions. The essential oil is steam distilled from the leaves of the plant that have a spicy, woodsy scent. It gained its association with the hippies when it exploded onto the scene in the 60s and 70s in the form of incense. Unfortunately for patchouli, the scent is associated with people who generally were not fans of deoderant/antipersperant/or sometimes showering... hence the stinky hippie affiliation. Poor patchouli! Patchouli does not smell like stinky people - stinky people who wear patchouli make it stinky. Sorry.. it had to be said. It is found in many high-end perfumes and men's colognes. It is used in aromatherapy to enhance feelings of relaxation and romance. Yowza! It is also used in traditional herbal medicine to treat headaches, colds, nausea, diarrhea and abdominal pain. Well patchouli is fabulous on its own but I just wasn't feeling it for the Spring time.. I wanted something fresh, something invigorating as well as intoxicating. The solution!

pine needle essential oil


sweet orange essential oil


ylang-ylang essential oil

The fresh green scent of pine needle essential oil gives it a very clean and uplifting scent. *I will note that pine oil that is used in most cleaning products (pinesol, etc) is derived from the stumps and limbs rather than the needles giving it a totally different scent - think fresh Christmas tree for pineneedle oil, it is wonderful!* It is blended with a hefty dose of cheerful sweet orange to lighten up the patchouli and just a hint of essential oil from the ylang-ylang flower adds to the aphrodisiac qualities and gives it a sneaky little something extra soft and unexpected that makes it so special! This one would be great for men or women and makes a exotic treat for any shower or bath. :c)