Switch to Natural Deodorant: Protect Your Health by Avoiding Harmful Ingredients
Most of us can’t imagine going a day without a quick swipe of deodorant, but have you ever thought about what’s really in that stick and how it might be affecting your health?
Using deodorant every day means you're applying it directly to your delicate underarms, right onto lymph nodes. Unfortunately, many traditional deodorants contain chemicals that can build up toxins in your body and take a toll on your overall health.
Here are a few nasty ingredients you might want to ditch:
Aluminum: This stuff blocks your pores to stop you from sweating, but it's been linked to Alzheimer's and heavy metal toxicity.
Parabens: These preservatives can mess with your hormones and have even been found in breast cancer tissue.
Fragrances: They might mask odors, but they're connected to a bunch of health and hormonal issues and are sometimes called the "new secondhand smoke."
The thing is the deodorant doesn’t need those ingredients to eliminate unwanted odor. Plus, you can customize your own scent with a blend of essential oils.
Switching to a natural deodorant with wholesome ingredients helps balance your body, especially your sweat glands, without the toxic buildup.
Here’s a super simple and soft deodorant recipe to get you started.
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons of coconut oil
3 teaspoons of beeswax
1 tablespoon of organic arrowroot or cornstarch
20-30 drops of essential oils - I’m loving this Aveda-inspired one. *See below for some others or share your favorite ones in the comments!
15 drops Lavender
7 drops Bergamot
3 drops Marjoram
2 drops Geranium
2 drops Frankincense
3 drops Orange
Directions:
Melt wax in double boiler
Add in coconut oil and stir together until melted.
Remove from heat when fully melted and quickly add the essential oils in and stir rapidly to combine.
Add in the arrowroot or cornstarch and stir rapidly to combine.
Pour into mold of choice and all to solidify for 2 hours at least before using.
Favorite EOs: Click here to purchase the essential oils you’re missing.
Favorite Home Herbalism Store: Click here to purchase the home herbalism ingredients you’re missing.
Fresh and Clean Blend
Tea Tree Oil (5 drops): Renowned for its powerful antimicrobial properties.
Lavender Oil (5 drops): Provides a calming scent and additional antibacterial benefits.
Lemon Oil (3 drops): Adds a refreshing citrus note and helps neutralize odors.
Herbal and Earthy Blend
Rosemary Essential Oil: 8-10 drops
Peppermint Essential Oil: 7-9 drops
Black Spruce Essential Oil: 5-7 drops
Sweet and Floral Blend
Geranium Oil (5 drops): Balances hormones and has a pleasant floral fragrance.
Ylang Ylang Oil (5 drops): Provides a sweet, exotic scent and antibacterial benefits.
Orange Oil (3 drops): Adds a sweet citrus note and helps in deodorizing.
Spicy and Warm Blend
Clove Oil (3 drops): Offers strong antibacterial properties.
Cinnamon Oil (3 drops): Adds a warm, spicy aroma and helps eliminate odor-causing bacteria.
Bergamot Oil (4 drops): Provides a citrusy, slightly spicy scent with antibacterial benefits.
