Eucalyptus-Mint Liquid Soap

1/2 cup (17 g) dried or 1 cup (12 g) fresh peppermint
6 cups (1.5 L) water
5 cups (550 g) castile soap, grated
1/2 cup (110 g) baking soda
1 teaspoon (5 ml) borax, optional
1 teaspoon (5 ml) eucalyptus essential oil

Liquid soaps are extremely popular and easy to use, but they're relatively expensive when you consider how much can be saved by making your own formula. Bundle the peppermint into a piece of cheesecloth and brinf the water to a gentle boil in a large stainless steel saucepan. Turn the heat to low, place the cheesecloth in the pot, and cover. Let simmer for 15 minutes. Remove the peppermint and add the grated soap to the liquid. Let simmer another 15 minutes on low heat, occasionally giving the mixture a gentle stir until soap has melted. Remove from heat. Stir in the baking soda, borax, if using, and eucalyptus oil, then let cool to room temperature. Store in a labeled plastic jug or squirt bottle and shake gently before using.