By Whitney Alexandra
Practically anything you buy over the counter these days contains some sort of chemical or ingredient that is harmful to your body or mental health. One essential item that is overlooked and used daily is your antiperspirant. Two of the active ingredients often found in deodorant are aluminum chlorohydrate and aluminum zirconium trichlorohydrex gly, which have been linked to Alzheimer’s disease. Although natural deodorants are available over the counter as an alternative, sometimes they do not work very well. For some, natural deodorants don’t shield body odors and must be reapplied every few hours to be somewhat effective.
Try this homemade deodorant recipe that has proven to have great results.
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Instructions:
• Coconut oil
• Baking soda
• Arrowroot powder (cornstarch also works if you don’t have arrowroot)
• Optional: a few drops of essential oil, such as lavender, rosemary, tea tree, coriander, jasmine or clary sage, for a more aromatic and pleasing scent •A tight lid jar or airtight container to store it in
Preparation
Place 3 tablespoons coconut oil in a glass jar, and put the jar in a bowl of hot water until the oil melts.
Pour the melted coconut oil into a bowl.
Add 2 tablespoons baking soda.
Add 2 tablespoons arrowroot powder (or cornstarch if you don’t have arrowroot).
Optional: Add a few drops of essential oil if desired.
Mix well.
Place the mixture in a bowl, cover and let it cool. Once it’s cool, the mixture will harden. Remember to keep it in a cool, dry place.
If you want to ensure that the deodorant doesn’t separate, you can add 2 tablespoons beeswax or shea butter to the mix. Carnauba wax is even better!
Simply apply with your fingers to your underarms. If you wish, you can pack the mixture into an old deodorant container, but make sure to keep it cool so it doesn’t melt.
Note: Be sure to store it in a cool, dry place. This concoction can separate and melt if it’s stored in a warm place, yet the refrigerator makes it too hard.
