Botanical Beauty: Citrus Deodorant
Conventional deodorants never really worked for me. The only effective thing was antiperspirant, and it bothered me to know that aluminum salts and other chemical toxins were being absorbed directly into my bloodstream. (Aluminum is suspected of accumulating in the body and contributing to nervous system disorders.) I looked for alternatives, perhaps half-heartedly. After all, deodorant (after shampoo, perhaps*) is the most embarrassing thing with which to experiment. Quickly I found that crystals and tea-tree deodorants did not work—for sure. Baking soda didn’t work. Vinegar didn’t work. I continued to use antiperspirant for years. Then I began to read good things about Weleda’s natural spray deodorants. The little spritz bottles were a bit expensive, but if they worked they would be worth it. I was so pleased when after several weeks I determined that they really worked! My father encouraged me to make my own homemade version, and I found this recipe on the internet.
(If you prefer a solid deodorant, you might try this recipe from Passionate Homemaking or this from Your Sacred Calling.)
Simple Spray Deodorant (Weleda Knock-Off)
2/3 cup rubbing alcohol
1/3 cup filtered water
10 drops of essential oil (I used sweet orange, but you can use other oils or oil blends)
Add all ingredients into a glass jar, cap tightly, and shake vigorously to blend. (The essential oils may separate at first, but will eventually disperse in the alcohol/water. You will not have to shake before using.) Dispense the deodorant in small, glass spritz bottles.
Now, I must admit that my homemade version with sweet orange essential oil doesn’t smell as delicious as Weleda’s citrus formula, with its blend of orange, lime, and lemon. (It actually reminded me of Fruity Pebbles.) Mine smells like rubbing alcohol with a hint of orange. Possibly I will experiment with other essential oils in the future (one recommended a blend of jasmine, orange, and peppermint), but I will need to keep in mind that some essential oils can be irritating to the skin, and that the skin under the arm is very sensitive.
B.O. & Diet
Body odor can be caused by various problems, but a link that has interested me lately is that between body odor and diet.
The skin in the largest organ of the body, and one of its functions is to help with the excretion of toxins through sweating. Body odor has been directly linked to waste products of digestion. If the body is burdened with processed and junk “foods,” this will be reflected in the skin and body odor. A bad smell is more than an embarrassing problem—it is a signal that something is wrong. But the solution is not to suppress the natural function of sweating; it may be a change in diet. Here is an interesting article at World’s Healthiest Foods about the link between diet and body odor.
I would hate to make the “refined-sugar-free diet” a panacea, but I have noticed a difference in body odors in the last two years. Getting rid of refined sugar does not ensure a healthy or balanced diet, but it does considerably lighten the load on the system.
*I did make the transition to natural, herbal shampoo last year, and am very happy with the Aubrey Organics brand. (I recognize and can pronounce each of the ingredients!) I wash my thick, hip-length hair once a week, and enjoy naturally clean hair without the dermatitis from harsh chemicals. After the first few weeks of using the new shampoo, I did experience a period of adjustment/detox; my hair was very oily during this time, but it eventually returned to normal.—(well, a new normal, but I am happy with it.)
COMMENT ON THIS POST BY SENDING AN EMAIL TO THE HANDMAIDEN.
MAJELA said...
I think I will give this deodorant recipe a try.
Sunday, February 19, 2012 06:43 PM
HANDMAIDEN said...
This is so easy and inexpensive to make! A heads-up—one of my sisters experiences a short detox phase, during which the skin came out in painful pimples. She persevered with the spray deodorant, the skin healed, and she still uses this to good effect.
Monday, February 20, 2012 09:59 AM
BIG DADDY said...
I have too benefited from this concoction. However, I do not know is the quantity used by men being greater than that for women, or simply a pecking order, but the demand seems to surpass the supply. Hint, hint.
Thursday, February 23, 2012 11:06 AM
HANDMAIDEN said...
Well, you didn’t tell me! My closet shelf is stocked. Drop by any time for a little bottle of freshness. ;-)
Thursday, February 23, 2012 03:59 PM
Tuesday, February 14, 2012