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Dr. Bronner's Magic Soap

Body Care

The label on Dr. Bronner's famous soap says 18-in-1 uses.  True?  Actually, yes!  These great, 100% castile soaps can be used in 18 different ways!

The first we'd like to mention is fairly timely: pest control.  We're getting to that season!  Mix about a tablespoon in a quart of water to spray on your garden plants.  Lisa Bronner talks about this and other uses on her blog: Going Green.
Here's some others:

  • Shaving - dilute with water one to one.
  • Body Wash - it's concentrated so use just a small amount!
  • Shampoo - this may not be the best for every hair type so experiment.  Dr. Bronner's also makes a hand and body soap that many like better for shampoo.
  • Teeth Cleaning - just a drop instead of toothpaste!
  • Bath - add a squirt to your bath water.
  • Laundry - 1/4-1/2 cup per load.
  • Household Cleaner - 1/4 cup to 1 quart water for general cleaning, 1 to 1 for heavy duty cleaning.
  • Check out Lisa's list on dilutions and other uses here: Going Green.
  • With all of these uses and more this is one of the handiest soaps to have around!

As his health began to fail his sons started taking over parts of the business.  Eventually his grandsons became involved and are running the company today.  We highly recommend watching the documentary made about Dr. Bronner a few years ago, Dr. Bronner's Magic Soapbox".  It's available on Netflix and through Amazon, although there are a couple of sites that have it available for free.  Check out the documentary's website and watch a clip: Magic Soapbox.

All of Dr. Bronner's products are certified organic (not often found with cosmetics!) and fair trade.  The company focuses much attention on social responsibility.  They have capped family executive salaries, provide excellent health plans and other perks for employees, and dedicate a large percentage of profits to various progressive charities.  Check out their website: Dr. Bronner's.

Dr. Bronner's is one of our most favorite, trusted brands.  It's also a very recognizable brand with that label!  Do you know the story behind the label?  Dr. Bronner's Magic Soap has a very interesting history!

Emanuel Bronner was a German Jewish immigrant, coming to America in the 1920s.  He was a trained chemist and came from a long line of soapmakers.  He worked with various soap companies here as well.  In the 1940s, however, after his wife passed away, he started his mission toward world peace.  He spoke openly and often about his spiritual quest, talking about uniting the world, respecting each other and the environment, and about getting religions to recognize their similarities. 


He was even institutionalized in the 1940s after one of his speeches.  Dr. Bronner escaped the mental institution after a few months and went to California.  Within a couple of years he started producing Dr. Bronner's Magic Soap, while continuing his spiritual mission.  The labels we know today came about when he realized people were coming for his soap and not staying to hear his talk.

The Many Uses of Baking Soda

Baking soda isn't just for making muffins soft and fluffy! There are several other uses as well. For many years people have been useing it for household chores and even for personal care!
Back to Basics now carries 5lb bags of Baking Soda


Cleaning Uses
The possibilities are endless when it comes to cleaning with baking soda. Plus it's non toxic so its safe to use around pets or small children!


Here are a few:

  • Add a cup to the toilet, leave it for an hour, and then flush. It will clean the toilet and absorb the odor.
  • Use it to scrub sinks, showers, plastic and porcelain tubs.
  • Add a spoonful to your dishwasher to make scrubbing dishes easier it also removes grease from pots and pans!
  • Boost your laundry detergent’s cleaning power by sprinkling a handful on dirty clothes.
  • Combine it with water to make a paste for polishing stainless steel and chrome.
  • You can even clean your shoes, fridge, garbage can, or you can even use it to clean your grill.


Body Care
Baking soda is also good for basic body care.

Such as:
Mix half a teaspoon with peroxide paste and use it as toothpaste.
Use it as a face and body scrub.
Add a cup to bathwater to soften your skin.
Relieve skin itch from insect bites, poison ivy, rashes, bee stings, and pain from sunburn.
Put two tablespoons in your baby’s bathwater to help relieve diaper rash.
Use it as underarm deodorant by applying it with a powder puff.