If you have a dog or have some dog owners on your holiday shopping list, here’s a great soap that helps keep fleas and ticks away.

Ingredients:
1 cup grated castile soap
1/2 cup warm water
10 drops citronella oil (available at health food stores)
5 drops eucalyptus oil (available at health food stores)
1 T. dried, crushed pennyroyal leaves (available at health food stores)
Soap molds, optional
Wax paper

In a medium saucepan over low heat, or in the microwave, melt together the grated castile soap and the water. After it has melted, add the last three ingredients. Take the combined ingredients and transfer to a mixing bowl. Whip together until the mixture has doubled in volume. Working quickly (the beating action tends to cool the mixture) pour the mixture into prepared molds. A great idea for a mold is to use the plastic packaging that often comes with store bought dog biscuits. Check your local pet store. If you use a mold, smear a little petroleum jelly on the insides. You could also hand mold the soap into large balls. Set on some wax paper to cure.