This also cuts away the soda ash. Wash it away. Wash the powder away by rubbing the soap with your hands under running water or by rubbing the soap over a wet dishcloth. Restrict coarsely-ground herbs to about 1 or 2 tablespoons per lb soap because they contribute a coarseness to the soap that sometimes makes it uncomfortable during use. The nicest way to add properties of herbs to soap is the addition of pure essential oils.
Color is an illusive thing as far as soap is concerned.
Natural colors can be obtained by adding 2 tablespoons red clay, Calendula petals, or yellow palm oil. The following recipes result in soap with very little excess fat. This soap leaves skin perfectly clean and smooth feeling. Some people like excess fat in recipes. To superfat soap, I recommend 2 to 4 tablespoons additional fat, such as castor oil.