The Exfoliating Texture and Antibacterial Properties of Kratom Soap
Kratom soap is a new way to benefit from topical aromatherapy in fun and natural way. The exfoliating texture helps remove dead skin, improve circulation, and restore a smooth texture to the skin. The soap additionally contains antibacterial properties due to the kratom leaf. These leaves grow in Southeast Asia and include powerful antibacterial properties absorbed through the skin. The leaves work as an immunostimulant, detoxify the body and slow the growth of papilloma. The potency of kratom comes from the flavonoids, and phenols responsible for the antibacterial properties, and is effective against microorganisms.
The Equipment
Making kratom soap is not difficult, but it is important to have the right equipment. This equipment includes:
- • Rubber gloves
• Wooden or plastic spoons
• Plastic food wrap
• A scale
• A stainless steel pot
• Thermometers
• A blender
• A Pyrex glass to mix the water and lye
• Vinegar for neutralization due to a lye spill
• A box to use as a soap mold
• Safety glasses
• Parchment paper for the lining of the soap mold
• Essential oils for the preferred scent
The Ingredients
To ensure, success all ingredients must be weighted according to volume. Using the ingredients listed below a two-pound batch of kratom soap can be made. Depending on the size of the chosen mold, this will make approximately ten bars. The ingredients required are as follows:
- • Four to eight ounces of kratom powder, dependent on the exfoliating properties
• Two ounces of organic avocado oil
• Three ounces of organic palm kernel oil
• Four and one-half ounces of 100 percent lye
• Seven ounces of organic coconut oil
• Twelve ounces of water
• Three ounces of natural palm oil
• One ounce of Shea Butter
• Sixteen ounces of extra virgin olive oil
• One-eighth cup of organic calendula flowers
• Jasmine or lavender flowers to provide preferred scent
The Steps to Make Kratom Soap
To begin, warm the glycerin base. Once it is liquid, lower the heat. Slowly add the organic coconut oil, palm oil, extra virgin olive oil, avocado oil, and palm kernel oil. When the oils are fully mixed with the glycerin, heat the mixture to 155 degrees Fahrenheit. While the mixture is heating, use the parchment paper to line the soap molds.
The Lye and Water
The next step is mixing the lye with the water. It is essential to wear the goggles to protect the eyes from the fumes. Measure the correct amounts of lye and water. The lye must be added to the water. When water is added to lye, it can result in a volcanic reaction. Stir the mixture until the lye has fully dissolved. The best place to perform this step is in an area with excellent ventilation because the fumes generated from the mixture are potent. If there is an injury, or accident to the skin, the skin should be flushed with a lot of water, and the wound neutralized with vinegar. Exceptional care is required for this step.
Mixing the Solutions
Once both the oil and lye solutions have cooled, pour the lye into the solution containing the melted oils, simultaneously stirring the solution with a plastic or wooden spoon. This step should be performed wearing both gloves, and goggles. As the mixture begins to thicken, it will start to smell like soap. The process can be reduced from sixty to fifteen minutes with the use of an electric blender. It is known as saponification, and some experience should be acquired before choosing this method. Once the mixture has finished thickening, the soap will have formed, and the powdered kratom is added.
Adding the Essential Oils
Add the chosen essential oils to the mixture, pour the soap directly into the mold, and gently shake the mold, so any bubbles are dispersed. Dried herbs or flowers can be sprinkled on the surface of the soap for a lovely appearance. Take the plastic food wrap, and cover the mold to preserve the presence of the soap bars. The plastic wrap must be keep in place for 24 hours.
The Gelling Stage
This period is called the gelling stage, and the soap will become hard. An additional 24 hours may be required if the soap remains soft. Once the soap is firm, take it out of the mold, and slice the soap into bars. The kratom soap should receive exposure to air for four to six weeks. Cardboard can be used to cure the bars, and they should be turned daily. This process will make the bars much gentler for the skin, and harden the bars.
The Cleanup
Most individuals are left with a mess in the kitchen. All dirty utensils should be put in a big stainless-steel pot and place in a basement, or garage for a period of two, or three weeks. This will ensure the soap is safe to clean, but gloves should still be worn.
The Precautions
Precautionary measures should be taken before making kratom soap. Gloves and goggles should be worn, and the newspaper should be used to cover all working areas. This will prevent damage due to splashes, and spills. Never add water to the lye or a dangerous volcanic explosion can result. It is critical the lye is added to the water. Ensure the area is well ventilated, there is enough time to undertake the process without interruptions and make sure no pets, or children are in, or near the area. No residual lye will remain once the curing process has been completed. All dirty equipment should be removed from the work area, place in a stainless-steel pot, and taken to a basement, or garage where it will not be accessible to pets, or children. These precautions will ensure safety.
The Benefits
Kratom has active compounds including 7-hydroxymitragynine, and mitragynine. When these compounds are absorbed through the skin, it alleviates anxiety, stress, muscle tension, and helps with chronic pain. Kratom additionally offers relief from insomnia, and aids with circulation. The soap has many of the same benefits as aromatherapy. Southeast Asia has used kratom for many years to increase energy, combat tiredness, and diminish pains, and aches. The benefits are felt approximately fifteen to twenty minutes after the soap has been used. Kratom has antioxidants contained in an element called epicatechin. This specific metabolite is also a property of green tea.
Kratom soap eliminates patches of dry skin and helps reduce any breakouts. The soap adds softness, and tone to the skin, improving the general appearance. Kratom soap is reputed to help lower blood pressure due to improved circulation, and relaxation. A study was performed by the Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention in 2014. The results showed kratom leaves contain chemopreventive, or anticancer compounds. Kratom soap is an excellent way to achieve exfoliation, antibacterial properties, and numerous health, and beauty benefits. The opportunity to make kratom soap is one all individuals should take advantage of due to the marvelous benefits, and the experience.