Amla (Phyllanthus emblica), also known as Indian Gooseberry is considered to be one of the most sacred medicinal plants in India. In ancient writings, it is called sarvadosha hara – remover of all diseases. It is known to have an array of health benefits in Ayurvedic tradition as well as Chinese Medicine.
This sour fruit is a rich source of vitamin C, polyphenols such as gallic acid and has been shown to have powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-microbial properties. Its high antioxidant content may make it effective in slowing the aging process.
Not only is it used in skin preparations, but it is also found in shampoos and hair oils and is known for promoting hair growth.
Although many may not have access to this fruit, the powder is available and can be used in our soap and shampoo bar recipes.
The following recipe is vegan and palm oil-free. It yields approximately ten 4 ounce bars of soap.
The fragrance that I chose to use is Eucalyptus & Mint from Nurture soap. You may choose any that you like. There is a variety of essential oils that would work well in this soap such as tea tree, lemongrass or peppermint. Or you can do a blend based on your preference up to 1 ounce for this recipe size. Customize and make it your own.
How to Make Amla Soap
Ingredients
- 14 oz Coconut oil
- 12 oz Olive oil
- 2 oz Castor oil
- 2 oz Cocoa butter
- 2 oz Shea butter
- 12 oz Distilled Water
- 4.65 oz Sodium Hydroxide
- 1 oz Essential or Fragrance oil
- 0.2 oz Amla powder
Directions
Gather your tools and ingredients. Ensure that there are no pets or children in the production area.
Suit up for safety. Wear safety eye goggles, gloves, and long-sleeved clothing.
Prepare the lye solution.
In a heat-proof container, weigh the water. Next, in a dry plastic container weigh the sodium hydroxide.
In a well-ventilated area, carefully add the sodium hydroxide to the water – in this order, not the other way around. Stir with a stainless steel spoon to dissolve completely. The solution will become very hot and give off pungent fumes for a few minutes. Ensure that you do not breathe in the fumes.
Once fully dissolved, set the lye aside in a safe area to cool to room temperature.
Prepare the butters and oils.
Weigh the shea and cocoa butter and place into a heat-proof or microwaveable container such as Pyrex. I usually use the double-boiler method to melt my butters but you may also use a microwave oven. Heat just until the butters are melted.
Weigh your oils.
Place the oils and melted butters into your mixing bowl.
Weigh the Amla Powder and add it to the oils. Use the immersion blender to fully incorporate the powder into the oil mixture.
Next, carefully add your cooled lye solution to the mixing bowl. Blend with the stick blender in spurts while stirring with the blender in between pulses. Keep doing this until the soap batter reaches trace or the point where if you drizzle some of the batter back onto itself, it will leave a raised trail on the soap.
Once trace is achieved, add your fragrance or essential oil and blend only enough to mix thoroughly.
Pour the soap into the mold. Put it aside in a safe area to set and solidify for 24 hours.
Next, remove the soap from the mold and cut it into bars.
Place bars on a shelf to cure for 4 to 6 weeks before using your wonderful Amla soap. Happy Soaping!!! 🙂
