Give your underarms some love while avoiding the chemicals.
by the staff of Rodale's Organic Life
Antiperspirants often rely on aluminum compounds, known to cause neurological problems, to swell your sweat glands shut. But the thing is: Sweat itself does not smell. Body odor comes from the bacteria that feast on your sweat; inhibit the bacteria, and you will stay shower-fresh all day. Most people don’t perspire all that much during routine activities.
Health-food stores sell an assortment of Natural Deodorants That Actually Work. You’ll see they often contain baking soda, tea tree or other natural essential oils, or potassium alum, an aluminum salt that doesn’t have the same health effects as the aluminum compounds, such as aluminum chloride, used in conventional antiperspirants, according to the Environmental Working Group. All are quite effective natural bacteria inhibitors, and the oils add a pleasant—and safe—aroma (unlike synthetic fragrance). It doesn’t get any more natural, though, when you can make your own at home. Here are three recipes to try for yourself!
Deodorant Powder
1 part baking soda
6 parts organic corn starch or arrowroot powder
A few drops of tea tree oil or other essential oil
1. Combine well and store in an airtight glass jar.
2. Dust your underarms sparingly.
Deodorant Cream
This one is good if you shave and tend to get rash.
1 part baking soda
1 part pure shea butter
1 part organic coconut oil
A few drops of tea tree oil or other essential oil
1. Heat the shea butter briefly in the microwave or in a double boiler to soften it, and then combine it with the other ingredients.
2. Store in a covered glass jar. Apply a tiny bit with your fingertips.
Deodorant Stick
1 part baking soda
2 parts pure shea butter
A few drops of tea tree oil or other essential oil
1. Heat the shea butter briefly in the microwave or in a double boiler to soften it, and then combine it with the other ingredients.
2. Pack your mixture into an empty stick applicator from a crafting supply store. Apply lightly to underarms.
This article was originally published on Rodale's Organic Life.
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