My journey on Gaia is constantly evolving as I lean more and more toward simplicity and sustainability. This year I became a member of United Plant Savers and placed my 29 acres in botanical sanctuary status with an emphasis on growing endangered medicinal plants and offering hospitality to native species in my area. As such, I began reassessing how I personally interact with Gaia, how I could be a better steward of her resources with a softer footprint and a mindset toward co-creating a better environment. Although, I believe essential oils are a better choice than synthetic fragrances in our skincare products, the impact on the plant world to obtain just one ounce of oil is immense and, that’s not sustainable or good for the planet. So I asked Gaia for solutions.
As someone who loves both the animals and the plants, the answer became abundantly clear...infuse the aromatic plants growing in my gardens in olive oil, combine with the beautiful milk from my goats and create a Castile soap...just two simple ingredients. Several years ago, I was gifted with several large jars of infused Tulsi so this became my first experiment with a Castile soap without essential oils. The soap turned out beautiful with a light fragrance of Tulsi and a beautiful, creamy lotion like lather.
Over the Summer I infused Lavender, Rosemary, Calendula and Tulsi in organic olive oil to expand my offerings of this beautiful artisan soap with it’s rich history. These beautiful plants grown in the gardens at Riverbrook each add a dimension of care for your skin: lavender with its naturally occurring antioxidants may reduce free radicals leading to a reduction of visible wrinkles and overall effects of aging. Plus, it may be effective in soothing common skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and dry skin.
Tulsi, more commonly known as Holy Basil, considered the “Queen of Herbs” brightens and cleans pores and because of it’s antibacterial and anti fungal properties may also reduce acne breakouts. Another antioxidant rich flower is calendula with it’s vibrant orange color from it’s high Vitamin A content helps calm inflammation, promote cell turnover and reduce damage caused by UV exposure. And, finally, rosemary balances oil production helping reduce acne breakouts, with antioxidants that strengthen capillaries to help slow the effects of aging, and astringent properties to tighten sagging and loose skin for a firmer more elastic look.
The star ingredient in goat milk is lactic acid, a natural alpha-hydroxy acid that naturally exfoliates for younger looking skin. It’s high in Vitamin A to support the repair of sun damaged skin and contains a multitude of vitamins and minerals that nourish the skin. And with it’s high cream content, it will leave your skin smooth and moisturized. When combined with the herb infused oil, this beautiful Castile soap will put the health of your skin first.
Castile soap is one of the best natural, bio-degradable soaps used for washing body, laundry, and hair and is ideal for children and people with sensitive skin issues such as rosacea, eczema, psoriasis and for those undergoing chemotherapy and radiation. A gentle, cleansing soap that will nourish and moisturize your skin and leave a softer footprint on the planet.
Made in small, intentional batches and available here while supplies last.