Guest guest Posted March 10, 2007 Report Share Posted March 10, 2007 Hello everyone. I've been reading for a couple of months now, and just now getting the nerve to say hi. I'm a technical writer by trade, but staying home this year to start an organic herb business. This will be my first year growing and selling culinary herbs at the local markets, instead of just as a hobby. Now that I'm 40, I think I'll try this as a business! My husband and I found an old run down farm to lease, a nice distance up in the hills, so I'm in the process of building a greenhouse and raised beds. Like many here, I'm fascinated by essential oils, herbs, cremes, lotion, perfumes, etc. I've been experimenting with body butters, soaps, perfumes and candles at home for many years. I'm also learning more about medicinal herbs, and trying to incorporate those into my daily diet, after many years of smoking cigarettes, drinking and eating poorly. For the last year I've been as organic and all natural as my environment and pocket-book allow. I do have one question for those in the know: Pears soap, the old English brand that's been around forever -- does anyone know what type of 'rosin' is used in this soap? I'm assuming rosin is the same as resin. I'm guessing it's either pine resin, or cedar resin? Thanks in advance for the help. And glad to be here. Melissa Honest Herbs Farm Cornelius, Oregon p.s. I'm on several lists, sorry if this cross-posts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 10, 2007 Report Share Posted March 10, 2007 I'm assuming rosin is the same as resin. I'm guessing it's either pine resin, or cedar resin? [Dave:] Rosin is a type of resin, derived from pine scraps. It’s used for increasing friction on violinists’ bows, and also in the manufacture of various things like varnishes and inks. I don’t know what its function in soap would be. -- Version: 7.5.446 / Virus Database: 268.18.8/717 - Release 3/10/2007 2:25 PM -- Version: 7.5.446 / Virus Database: 268.18.8/717 - Release 3/10/2007 2:25 PM Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 11, 2007 Report Share Posted March 11, 2007 , " David Lambert " <dlmbrt wrote: > [Dave:] Rosin is a type of resin, derived from pine scraps. It's used for increasing friction on violinists' bows, and also in the manufacture of various things like varnishes and inks. I don't know what its function in soap would be. > Well, I think maybe I've found the answer: that rosin is basically the same as pine tar. I've seen that in soap many times. Maybe the soapers on the list know? Another question for the soapers: what is the difference between using a soap base and using melt & pour soap? Thanks, Melissa Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 12, 2007 Report Share Posted March 12, 2007 Well, I think maybe I've found the answer: that rosin is basically the same as pine tar. I've seen that in soap many times. Maybe the soapers on the list know? [Dave:] Not exactly the same. Pine tar is, well, tarry. It’s black, thick and smelly. And rosin is a hard resin. If you’ve ever bought one of the incense resins like frankincense or copal, then you have an idea of the texture of it. Besides pine tar and rosin, the main product derived from pine wood that I’m familiar with is turpentine, plus the various conifer EOs. In soap, pine tar has medicinal virtues, and rosin may, too. Pine products mix readily with beeswax, and most have a pleasant, medicinal scent. They should be used with knowledge and moderation. Some conifers are known irritants. Pine tar brings on extremely rapid trace in soap. And it smells so strong that there’s no point in using other scents with it. In fact I’ve wondered about using it to cover up the smell of neem. -- Version: 7.5.446 / Virus Database: 268.18.8/717 - Release 3/10/2007 2:25 PM -- Version: 7.5.446 / Virus Database: 268.18.8/718 - Release 3/11/2007 9:27 AM Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 12, 2007 Report Share Posted March 12, 2007 Catherine Failor says in her book " ...It imparts clarity to soap and a smooth cold-cream finish to the laher. It also acts as a detergent and preservative.... " Zo I don't know what its function in soap would be. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 13, 2007 Report Share Posted March 13, 2007 I use Rosin/Resin in a recipe from my great grandmother. Grandma Tuckfield's Healing Salve. It has been used for generations now for healing cuts, dry calloused skin, and " drawing " infection out. (I believe it also could be used for waterproofing saddles) Rosin looks like a plastic amber, has no smell because the turpentine has already been processed out. I have been told that it is the active ingredient in the salve, which also includes beeswax and unsalted butter. I have now experimented with that recipe and replaced the butter with shea butter & jojoba and added essential oils, which I call Outback Desert Balm. I am not in the position of making enough for marketing yet. Right now, just enough for friends/family. It is VERY messy to make. If any of you would like the recipe(s) or a small sample, contact me privately. Judy Nelson _http://dreampacker.com/_ (http://dreampacker.com/) _Dreampacker2_ (Dreampacker2) <BR><BR><BR>**************************************<BR> AOL now offers free email to everyone. Find out more about what's free from AOL at http://www.aol.com. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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