Soap is a staple of cleanliness and hygiene. Many years ago, hundreds of thousands (millions, really) were dying needlessly by not keeping their hands clean enough. Once personal hygiene in the private and medical sector became more prevalent, death tolls began to drop rapidly. I mean astoundingly fast. I suppose it took us time to understand that it was a relatively simple lack of cleanliness which was killing people off in ridiculous rates. One of the best ways to get clean is by using Castile soap, and here’s my take on this special substance.

What Is Castile Soap & Where Does It Come From?

Castile soap traces its fragrant roots all the way back to 11th and 12th century Spain, where it was widely heralded as the successor of the Aleppo soap. Aleppo was a soap originating in the Syrian region, and which had been introduced to Europe during the Crusades.

Aleppo was imported and loved by many, but when it ran out, shopkeepers and merchants were looking for substitutes with which they could continue bartering and trading in the soap business.

Different European regions began manufacturing soaps in earnest, and one area quickly rose above the rest, due to its excellent use of ingredients, and its proven use and durability over time. The actual location of the Castile region, within the Spanish Kingdom, is still in dispute today. Some researchers cite it as being in the north-west, and others claim it to be a part of the central south-west of Spain.

Castile is a soap made of vegetable oils: olive, coconut, eucalyptus, hemp, etc. Traditionally, it was only made using olive oil, and nowadays there are many modern takes on this classic recipe, some of which I will mention later on. It is one of the purest and most natural soaps that can ever touch your body, with no lard, fat, or any other animal-sourced material present. There are also no foaming elements, no preservatives, and no artificial ingredients of any kind in pure Castile soap.

Various Castile Soap Uses Explained

“Okay, I get it. It’s awesome. But what is it used for?” Are you kidding me? What is it used for? Why, it’s used for just about any purpose which requires soap, plus its genteel quality make it a good candidate for use in some “specialty” procedures.

Castile soap may be used as a general body, hands, and face cleanser. It can be used as a shampoo, and is considered by many to be appropriate for babies and children, known for their sensitive skin and scalp. Castile can be used as a pre or post shaving cream, and also as a welcomed addition to any foot or body-part soak.

Furthermore, it can be used as an all purpose cleaner around the house. It can be used to wash floors, tubs, sinks, toilets, counter tops, and more. It can even be used as a non-harsh, non-irritating dish soap (for both manual hand washing and machine dish washing). Castile can also serve as the base for a DIY laundry detergent, along with a small amount of baking soda and a few drops of an essential oil of your choice.

Wait for it – there’s more! Castile soap can also be used (sometimes as an addition, sometimes as a standalone) for cleaning your car, your pet, your rug, your fruits and vegetables, and even your mirrors and windows.

Seriously, the possibilities are endless. Castile can also clean you from the inside…

Castile Soap Enema Explained

Jerry Seinfeld may have called it the “dreaded apparatus,” but enemas are regarded as a traditional way of maintaining good health. They breathe new life into your system, expand the colon, and practically speaking, they are used as a surefire way of removing any unwanted toxins or feces from this delicate region. I even heard tell from a, ahem, friend that it is something done regularly by women on The Real Housewives… television series, and that they film the process, and even air parts of it. How lovely.

Right then.

Because the area in question is one of great sensitivity, only the finest ingredients need apply. Enter Castile soap.

The procedure is fairly simple. First, you buy an enema kit – or several as long as you are there – at the pharmacy. Second, you buy soap. Often, packets of castile soap are available in 9cc quantities, meant for general cleansing and for use with an enema. Mix 9cc of soap with 2 quarts of hot water.

NOTE: The temperature of the enema solution is crucial for its success. Make sure the temperature does not fall from 102 – 103F (~39 C). When it is right, pour the solution into the enema bag, and you are good to go.

By the way – after a soapy enema, it is best to follow it up with a regular water enema, just to make sure that any soapy residue is extricated from the colon. Pure and natural though the soap may be, it is still something you wouldn’t necessarily want hanging around any part of your large intestine.

Many years ago, musical genius Frank Zappa wrote a song about a criminal from around Chicago, Illinois, who used to perform enemas on some of his victims while robbing them. He was tried and jailed for armed robbery, but was never charged for the enema assaults. Apparently, there was no law against that.

6 times you shouldn't use castile soap: https://t.co/xNqAU5oZUn pic.twitter.com/b1Gqa4fGB4

— Organic Life (@OrganicLifeMag) October 2, 2017

Castile Soap For Acne: Is Castile Soap Truly Safe For Skin?

When used appropriately, you bet it is. Again, let me reiterate the good news: it is one of the purest most natural things that can touch your body, and I am not just saying that.

We live in a world which provides an endless supply of cosmetics. Often, they are loaded with chemicals, detergents, preservatives, artificial scents and flavors, and so on. Honestly, it is so comforting to know there are products like Castile soap still being made. For many of us, it can effectively take the place of certain everyday beauty products. Whether as a standalone substance or as a base for DIY cosmetics, it works

I am not saying it can replace it all. That would be foolish and impractical. I am saying that it can be used for more than just hand washing, you know? Because it really is more than just a soap, even though it is just a soap. Sounds almost esoteric, doesn’t it?

Washing your face several times a day with Castile soap can help the pores unclog and clean themselves out. It can help to efficiently remove dirt and extra body oil from your punim. Just make sure to use a designated face towel, and to change it on a daily basis (no exceptions!), or else you run the risk of having the opposite effect. The face is a sensitive area, but it has the ability to shine. Treat it well, and it will reward you with a smooth complexion and a healthy glow.

Dr. Bronner’s Castile Soap Review

Okay, this is hands down the best series of soaps in the known universe, and quite possibly in the unknown universe (time will tell on that one). Either way… I came across the good Doctor and his soaps when I began to grow my hair naturally, many years ago, and I haven’t stopped using it since. I have an affinity for the tea tree and lavender versions, but the lemon and eucalyptus ones are also awesome.

It is vegan, fair trade, and it has some of the oddest label text I have ever had the pleasure of reading. Something more to do in the bath, you know? These days, the Bronner family continues the Doctor’s traditions, and carries them well into the 21st century, offering a variety of high quality castile soaps which are enriched with essential oils of all kinds. From babies to adults, there is something for everyone in this unique collection of all-natural soaps.

It is more expensive than ordinary soap? – yes. But you get oh so much in return. By the way. it is available in liquid and bar form. Take your pick. I always use the liquid since I also use the soap as a shampoo.

Can You Use Castile Soap For Laundry?

Why, yes – you can! I mentioned the ability to combine it with baking soda and essential oils. Whether you use it for machine washes or hand washes, it is definitely possible to use Castile soap, and to save money in the process.

The tricky part, to be honest, is the quantities. It is something which takes some trial and error time. It depends on the state if the laundry, the materials, the kind of soap you are using. You may have to do some experimenting, but you’ll end up saving money in the long run. Plus, there is the added bonus of washing your clothing in pure soap rather than harsh detergents. For those with extra sensitive skin, this is a real issue, and it also affects those who make the switch.

Where To Buy Castile Soap

Castile soap can be purchased at many pharmacies, health food stores, supermarkets, and obviously at websites as well. In case you are looking for something specific, like Dr. Bronner’s, the information is just a mouse click or phone call away. Target, Walgreens, etc., have got different Castile soaps, some of them from private labels, others from name brands.

Conclusion

It is a gentle, vegan, and cruelty-free. It has been around for 1000 years, and has never lost popularity. Pure Castile soap. A relatively inexpensive item, which is accessible, versatile, and with health and cleanliness benefits up the ying-yang! In fact, I heard even ying-yang uses it! So, really, what choice do you have?! Get your hands on some Castile soap, and take advantage of its many qualifications.

Read about the Health Benefits Of Honey and Chia Seeds while you’re visiting us here at Innovative Private Label!