Using fresh lemon verbena leaves in cold process bar soap

[TSoly]

My neighbor gave me a bunch of leaves from his plant and asked if I could make soap.
Has anyone used fresh leaves of lemon verbena by extracting the scent in the oil to make the soap?
Do you still need to add in essential oils?

 

[DeeAnna]

...Has anyone used fresh leaves of lemon verbena by extracting the scent in the oil to make the soap?...

I take it you want to make an infused oil from the leaves? Or distill the essential oil?

If you want to make an oil infusion, dry the leaves first and then steep them in the oil. Don't use fresh leaves to avoid bacterial and mold growth. You won't get much if any scent in the soap from an infusion, but it's an enjoyable process.

As far as distilling the essential oil, the problem is you need A LOT of vegetable matter to get even a few drops of EO. It's a lot of work for not much in the way of results.

"...Do you still need to add in essential oils?..."

Either way, the answer is yes.

 

[TSoly]

Thank you for the information. I really appreciate it. I might try the infused oil after drying the leaves.
Thanks for responding.