Castile is a type of soap used in shampoo, not a brand name. Castile soap was originally produced in the Castile region of central Spain and was made with olive oil. Over time, Castile became a generic name for olive oil soaps, according to "A Short History of Soap," by John A. Hunt, Ph.D.
Oil
The base of Castile soap is oil. The original soap from the Castile region of Spain was made from olive oil, but there are other oils that are used in Castile soaps. Jojoba oil is a common oil used in Castile shampoos. Native Americans have used jojoba oil for hundreds of years. It is similar to human sebum secreted by sebaceous glands, according to the April 6, 2001 issue of CBS's Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine. Jojoba oil conditions hair and cleans the scalp.
Coconut oil is another base oil used in Castile soap. Coconut is a gentle scalp conditioner and is used to treat eczema and psoriasis of the scalp, according to the International Eczema-Psoriasis Foundation.
Essential Oils
Essential oils are oils extracted from flowers and herbs. These oils may have some medicinal value. Essential oils have been used since the days of Rome for their healing and soothing properties. Some oils, such as lavender, rosemary, cedarwood and thyme, are good for the scalp and hair. A study published in the November 1998 issue of the "Archives of Dermatology" used these oils on 86 patients with hair loss. They concluded that these oils were an effective treatment for hair loss.
Essential oils are used with Castile soap to make a Castile shampoo. Many are chosen for their soothing aroma and scalp-stimulating benefits.
Glycerin
Glycerin is used in soap to hold moisture in the scalp and hair. It is a natural by product of soap making, according to Dow Chemical Company.
Herbal Tea
Herbal tea is sometimes used to prevent soap residue buildup. A strong herbal tea, such as green tea, is steeped for about 30 minutes and then cooled. Two tablespoons are added to the shampoo mixture.
Other Ingredients
Depending on the manufacturer or the individual soap maker, other ingredients can be added to Castile shampoos to nourish the hair and scalp. Various organic plants with medicinal values such as aloe vera, chamomile or lemon juice are common ingredients.
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