Making liquid Bay handsoap

It all started with my bay tree, a 12 foot stern and shady addition to my tiny garden.

Now I like an addition of Bay to my cooking. I also love the fact we have a free supply of the stuff to use as we want. But in reality it produces more than one family could ever use, but when it flowered I was desperate to find a use for the pretty flowers. I was slightly disappointed to see that these flowers aren't widely used.

They are (as are Bay leaves) completely safe for consumption. Bay is well known for its anti inflammatory, antibacterial , insect repelling and healthy skin inducing priorities. Which in my books made the bay berry a must try ingredient for a batch of liquid soap.

You will need:

Bay flowers (one cup)

Bicarb of soda (half cup)

Oil (half cup)

Rosemary oil (10 drops)

Teatree oil (4 drops)

Boiling water (4 cups)

Vegegel or gelatin (1 sachet)

To make:

Strain the boiling water over the bayflowers, really crush them to ensure you get as much out as possible.

Next add the bicarb and vegegel, stir well into all has disolved.

Finally add the oils and stir again- the end result should resemble the usual hand soap consistancy.

Store in a suitable container and use within 3 months.

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