Aloe vera helps skin heal faster, soothing minor irritations and healing burns.
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Although deodorants and antiperspirants are part of most people's daily beauty routines, store-bought commercial brands contain synthetic chemicals that may pose a hazard to your health. Aluminum salts and aluminum-based compounds are the active ingredients in antiperspirants, and aluminum is genotoxic to humans. This means it alters or mutates DNA and can cause cancer — specifically, breast cancer (see References 5). Studies still have not conclusively proved the link between breast cancer and low-dose exposure to aluminum over long periods of time, but healthier alternatives are available. Deodorant made with organic ingredients is a safe and effective way to control perspiration and eliminate body odor.
Items you will need:
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Bowl
- 1/4 cup baking soda
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 4 to 6 tbsp. organic coconut oil
- 2 to 3 drops essential oil
- Container with lid
- 1/4 cup witch hazel extract
- 1/4 cup mineral water
- 1/4 cup organic aloe vera gel or juice
- 1 tsp. vodka
- 15 drops sandalwood essential oil
- 5 drops cypress oil
- 5 drops sage oil
- 5 drops coriander or lavender oil
- Spray bottle
Solid Deodorant
Mix 1/4 cup baking soda and 1/4 cup cornstarch in a bowl, and then add 1 tbsp. coconut oil. Blend well, and continue adding 1 tbsp. coconut oil at a time until a paste forms.
Add drops of essential oil, and mix. For males, try cypress oil, which reduces sweating and adds a classic scent found in men's cologne and aftershave. For women, try bergamot or lavender; both herbs are antiseptics. Bergamot has a fresh, citrus scent, and lavender has a soft floral scent.
Scoop the paste into an empty container, such as an old deodorant stick. Fill it to the top, and then smooth into a curve for easier application. Store it in a cool, dry place that stays under 75 degrees Fahrenheit to keep it solid (see References 1, page 221).
Spray Deodorant
Mix witch hazel, mineral water, aloe vera and vodka in a small bowl.
Add drops of essential oils. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle, and then shake well.
Spray on your underarms in the mornings and throughout the day as needed. Apply it right after shaving for an added soothing and moisturizing effect.
Tips
- For added odor control, try adding camphor, juniper or rosemary essential oils.
- To control excessive sweating, add more sage oil (see References 6, page 86).
- Store your organic deodorant in the fridge during summer months.
Warnings
- If you are pregnant, check with your primary care physician before using any herbs or essential oils.
- "Organized Simplicity: The Clutter-Free Approach to Intentional Living"; Tsh Oxenreider; 2010
- "Natural Healing Wisdom & Know-How"; Amy Rost; 2009
- "The Encyclopedia of Complementary and Alternative Medicine"; Tova Navarra; 2004
- "Better Basics for the Home"; Annie Berthold-Bond; 1999
- "Journal of Inorganic Biochemistry"; Aluminium, Antiperspirants and Breast Cancer; P. D. Darbre; September 2005
- "The Everything Guide to Herbal Remedies"; Martha Schindler Connors, et al.; 2009
Sarena Fuller has been writing professionally since 2003. She has written for e-commerce sites, architectural firms, doctors and fashion companies. Her writing experience varies from technical writing to hair and beauty, alternative medicine and eco-friendly living. Fuller holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Arizona.
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