Medicine Woods Herbals - A Renegade Cowgirl

Wednesday

27May2009

Herbs & Oils & Soap ~ Oh My!

Wednesday, May 27, 2009 at 9:54PM

Medicine Woods Herbals...in the beginning

Having an interest in plants and herbal medicine, I was really attracted to aromatherapy and essential oils. While living in the Santa Fe area, I was exposed to an amazing community of healers, herbalists, crystal and lightworkers, aromatherapists, and body workers.

The rock shops were loaded with crystals of every size and color. The shelves were filled with tiny vials of magical healing oil blends with cute labels. I thought to myself, 'I can do that!'

I purchased a few ingredients and soon started mixing my own blends. I added hand-made labels, glitter, and sometimes even a ribbon. Much time and 'good energy' went into each of these little magical treasures and I love sharing them with family and friends.

After moving back to Wisconsin, I soon was making bath salts, crèmes, salves, herbal tinctures and flower essences... soon “Medicine Woods Herbals” was born.

I had thought about making soap for a long time before I tried it. I have to admit I was a little nervous about using Lye, but after researching and finding some recipes, I decided to give it a shot. Of course it wasn't as difficult or scary as I thought it would be. I found I enjoy the chemistry of it. I guess sometimes we should 'just go for it'!

The soap-making is a wonderful hobby as well as a small business. I have fun creating all the different varieties using precious and essential oils, as well as herbs, oatmeal, and other natural ingredients.

I'm graduating soon in Master Herbalism at The Center for Healing Arts Herb and Eco School so it’s a perfect avenue to explore herbal remedies as well as learn more about the medicinal properties of plants.

I love to grow medicinal plants and culinary plants and use them to make natural remedies, skin care, and soap. I've been working closely with animals and have had some successes this year using herbs with my horses and dogs. I've also had some challenges with 2 horses for the last year or two.

I make 'custom' soaps and products for people (and pets), although I do make lots to keep on hand. I sell locally (in small batches) and also can ship USPS anywhere in the U.S.

I offer classes here at Medicine Woods Herbals, through The Center For Healing Arts Herb and Eco School near Eau Claire, Wisconsin, and at the Maiden Rock Inn, Maiden Rock, WI. Upcoming classes include Kitchen Cosmetics, Lye Process Soap making, Herbal Tinctures, Flower Essence or Gemstone Elixirs, and Crystal Healing.

For more information, visit Medicine Woods Herbals here

Cher Marie |

2 Comments |

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Monday

08Jun2009

Making Soap At Home

Monday, June 8, 2009 at 5:03PM

Have you ever thought about making your own soap at home?

To me, there is nothing more satisfying and rewarding than making my very own soap. By choosing your own ingredients; herbs, oils, and scents, you can create custom soaps specially designed for you and your family.

My daughter Gina making soap with meYou’ll also find the hobby of Soap making very addictive. After you experience the pure satisfaction of making your very first batch of soap, you’ll be drawn to making more and more. Consider yourself forewarned!

It's important to work in a well ventilated area when using Lye, so I move that part of the operation outside.

Lye soapmaking is chemistry and it is important to read all your directions carefully and use common sense. The ratio of lye to water to oil is very crucial to making a nice batch of soap.

We stir the oils and lye solution together until it becomes thick like pudding. Once it gets to this stage it will 'trace' and you can then pour it into your molds.

I have used many different types of molds for my basic soap depending on the size of the batch. Rectangular plastic containers with lids are my favorite and can be found in most department stores. I have also made my own molds out of wood and lined with butcher paper. You'll probably find what you need inside your cupboard.

Grated Soap Looks Like CheeseI also double hand-mill most of my batches of soap. This process takes a little longer, but has proven to be a much nicer and more moisturizing soap because of the added oils. After the basic soap is made, I allow it to dry and cure for two weeks. Then I regrind, remelt, and add other oils and herbs specific to the recipe I'm creating at the time.

Pouring Soap Into MoldI then pour the soap mixture back into a mold and allow it to dry and cure another two weeks. At this time I will cut the big blocks into bars and allow it to finish curing. It takes approximately 30 days for the soap to totally cure.

Before wrapping and labeling I will give the bars one last trimming and then they're ready to use.

Wild Cowgirl SoapI have a small local market for these hand made soaps and of course I give alot away as gifts. As an herbalist student I am always looking for ways to use herbs in my every day life. Herbal soaps are a wonderful way to add nature's own healing herbs and oils to your daily health routine.

If you are intersted in learning step by step how to make your own herbal soaps, we have new classes starting soon! Please send an email to medicinwds@centurytel.net or visit the soapclass page here.

Soapy Wishes!!

Cher Marie

Cher Marie |

1 Comment |

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Monday

29Jun2009

Soapmaking Class ~ Medicine Woods Herbals

Monday, June 29, 2009 at 6:10PM

Wild Cowgirl Soap

Cold Process Lye Soapmaking Class!

with Cher Marie of Medicine Woods Herbals

When: Saturday, March 6 ~ 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm

Where: Hosted by 'The Family Herbalist' ~ Judy Behrens

2910 Kern Drive (southside)

Eau Claire, Wisconsin 54701

Have you ever wanted to make your own natural herbal soaps at home? Commercial soaps can be extremely hard on your skin as they are full of artificial ingredients and detergents that are very drying.

Anything we use on our skin is absorbed into the body through the skin. By using all natural ingredients, organic oils, nutritious precious oils, essential oils & herbs, you can be sure you will have a soap that is not only cleansing, but very nutrient rich and moisturizing as well.

Basic SoapThis is a 'hands-on' class learning how to make lye based soap using precious and essential oils and herbs, in addition to traditional oils and fat.

For more information, and/or to register for this class (we will send a confirmation email with directions).

Email: medicinwds@centurytel.net

Call Cher at 651-764-5779

Call Judy at 715-552-0592

Tuition $45

Cher Marie |