DIY Deodorant

I talk a lot to my clients about trying to live a 'chemical free' lifestyle, as much as is within our capacity (you can't control the air pollution outside your home, you can't control what fragrance your office may choose to put in the air fresheners etc....) but usually our personal cosmetics are within our power to choose.

This is particularly important for those suffering from slow lymphatic drainage, such as those with chronic fatigue or fibromyalgia type symptoms, those with autoimmune conditions, such as hashimoto's or rheumatoid arthritis, or those with swollen lymph nodes/cancers etc... surrounding breast tissue.

Most deodorants are full of harsh chemicals can cause a lot more damage to our bodies than we might imagine. It is sometimes possible to find good options for deodorants, particularly in health food stores or online, that are safer for your body, but they tend to be expensive.

This is my favourite go to option for deodorants that you can make yourself (much kinder to your wallet!) and a few tips for making it work for you. You can add whatever oils you want to this recipe to make it your own, and I personally like to change mine with the seasons to have a different fragrance.

INGREDIENTS:

• 4 Tbsp. (50 g) Coconut Oil

• 3 Tbsp. (40 g) Shea Butter

• 3 Tbsp. (25 g) Arrowroot powder

• 3 Tbsp. (15 g) Beeswax

• 1 Tbsp. (25 g) baking soda

• 20–40 drops certified pure therapeutic grade essential oil

• 6 capsules Shelf stable probiotics

• 2.65 oz. Deodorant Containers (2)

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Melt the beeswax in a double boiler (or a bowl over a saucepan of of boiling water.

2. Once the beeswax is almost melted, add in the shea butter and coconut oil, baking soda and allow it to finish melting.

3. Remove the mixture from the heat, and stir in the arrowroot powder.

4. Allow to cool until it is cool and starting to set.

5. Add 20–40 drops of your favourite essential oils or essential oil blend, empty the probiotic capsules in and stir well to combine.

6. Before the mixture solidifies, pour it into the deodorant containers.

I use a lot less bicarbonate of soda in my recipe than most online recipes call for. I have sensitive skin, and bicarbonate of soda can be harsh and give you a rash. If you experience this, you can make the recipe without the bicarbonate of soda at all.

I also add probiotics to my recipe. Replenishing the beneficial bacteria in your skin microbiome will help to out compete the bacteria that create the body odour smell.

MAKING THE CHANGE

When you first switch to a natural deodorant, it sometimes doesn't feel like it's being effective. Your armpits and sweat are one of your bodies primary detoxification systems. When you finally stop blocking all those pores with antiperspirant, your body breathes a sigh of relief and starts to release all the toxins that have been stored up in those lymph nodes.

It's good news for your health, but not very sociable!

To begin with, you may need to shower more regularly, and keep drinking lots of water so that your liver and kidneys can support the lymphatic system with increased urination.

I cannot stress enough that your diet is also a key area to making this work. If you eat a lot of sugar and junk food, your body is always going to be expressing toxins out of your armpits. Focussing on fresh foods, will help.

I also recommend that people going through this 'detox' phase use a regular clay mask to help draw out toxins.

You can make your own with bentonite clay and essential oils, but the most effective mask I have found is the doTERRA spa mud mask. It's full of detoxifying plant based oils, and gives incredible results. In fact, I love it so much I give a small tube to every client I walk through the spring/autumn cleanse to help keep them smelling fresh ;-)

Don't want to make your own deodorant?

I get it.

I'm a busy mum, home educating two special needs kids and trying to run my own business. Sometimes I don't have the time freedom I'd like yet to make my own products either.

In this circumstance I use doTERRA's HD Clear. It's a roll on blend of essential oils designed to help with oily/acne prone skin; but it smells amazing and is really effective as deodorant. In fact, I dilute it by half with some fractioned carrier oil and it still holds up to a hard training session at my BJJ class without the need to reapply.

What are some of your favourite essential oils that you have tried or would like to try in your deodorant?

Comment below!