Back to Basics... Making your own.

Good morning CyberSpace!

So, I had a fun day yesterday making my own deodorant stick!  I've always used the salt stones, but those buggers get to a point (quite literally) where they just scratch the HE** out of your pits!  OUCH!

Time for something different.  I've always tried to use as natural as possible when it comes to masking B.O. - Let's face it, no wants a stinky massage therapist.  I know a lot of my colleagues use the clinical grade deodorant/antiperspirant sticks, but quite frankly the ingredients in these products scares the BeJeebus out of me!  The biggest one being aluminum!  Aluminum has been associated with a plethora of health issues:

• Seizures
• Alzheimer's disease
• Breast Cancer
• Bone formation disorders
• Kidney problems

(info from:  http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/miscellaneous-health-and-wellness/aluminum-free-deodorant)

So, Google being the amazing tool that it is... I 'Googled it'.

I came across a WikiHow site that is pretty simple to understand and follow.  Check it out -
Make Your Own Deodorant Stick

Basic recipe:
1/4 cup Baking Soda
1/4 cup Cornstarch
10 drops of tea tree oil essential oil
2 TBS of Coconut Oil (melted)

Now, the fun part.  Experiment with essential oils!  Many Essential oils have anti-bacterial properties.  It is the bacteria in sweat that causes an unpleasant odor.  So, with that said; here are a few oils you may want to experiment with:

• Oregano
• Thyme
• Tea Tree
• Rosemary
• Clove
• Cinnamon
• Eucalyptus

(info from:  http://greenbootliving.com/2013/08/18/essential-oil-bacteria-fighters/)

My little kitchen experiment included:  5 drops of tea tree oil, 5 drops of lavender, and a single drop of patchouli.  This made for a nice musky floral combination.  We shall see how effective it is with masking B.O.

I just put all ingredients into a mixing bowl and started mashing it all together.  You'll have to keep mashing until it is all incorporated and looks like the paste from elementary school.  Then start packing it into your container of choice.

I saved a stick container from my previous deodorant and used this to pack the mixture into.  It was all really simple and the whole process took about 20 minutes!  Easy!  I do have to keep the stick in the fridge as coconut oil melts at 75 F and could become a melty mess.

You could try this recipe too:
http://www.newdirectionsaromatics.com/blog/20111125/homemade-deodorant/1582

Now this recipe uses the antisudorific (prevents sweating) essential oils: Clary Sage, Cypress, Citronella
But, I think the body sweats for a reason and you shouldn't mess with physiology.

Next on my list of  'make your own' :  Laundry Detergent