Natural Deodorant

Perspiration is a normal, healthy part of the human body’s cooling system. It helps regulate body temperature and releases salts and toxic substances from the body. Making your own simple deodorant is simple and also healthier for your body. Some people do a weekly clay mask under their arms to help rid the body of toxins and help regulate body odor. This simple recipe works for all skin types, male and female, and you can re-use your container. When it comes to deodorant products, less really is more in terms of ingredients and effectiveness. Yield: 8 ounces

1 cup coconut oil or shea butter

2 tablespoons baking soda

1 tablespoon arrowroot powder

3–4 drops lavender or tea tree essential oil (optional)

Place the coconut oil in a heat-resistant container and warm gently until the oil is melted. This can be done in the microwave, checking every 30 seconds; when the oil begins to melt, remove from heat and stir.

Stir in the remaining ingredients and mix well until you have a smooth, creamy mixture. Pour into a small mold or clean deodorant container. Let cool completely until solid.

To use: Spread onto clean skin under your arms.

Herb Infused Oil

A wonderful way to enjoy locally grown herbs and flowers is to infuse them in a favorite natural oil. The key to this is to make sure the plant material is completely dry. Pick your herbs and lay them on a large tray or cotton towel out in a warm, sunny spot. Slowly drying them is best as it will preserve the natural plant oils and keep the color nice and bright. Fill a glass dish or jar with the dried herbs and cover them with a natural oil. If using a solid oil such as coconut oil, it helps to warm it first so it’s easier to pour. Let the mixture sit for a few weeks, then strain and use your oil alone or as a base for making creams and skin balms.

Roll-On Scent Combinations to Try

If you want to experiment with other scents and create your own custom perfume blends, here are a few to try:

Energizing: Yarrow, dried citrus peel, and mint

Refreshing: Lemon balm, eucalyptus, and cedar

Relaxing: Lavender, chamomile, and cinnamon

When making scented oils, use only dried plant material. You don’t want to introduce any extra moisture into your product, which could encourage bacteria to grow. Vitamin E oil also will act as a natural preservative and make your products last longer.

Vitamin E Oil

Vitamin E (tocopherol) is found in many vegetable oils. It’s believed to protect body fat and tissues from breakdown and to slow down the aging process. It’s also a key ingredient in many commercial products, and you’ll often see it listed on the label by its chemical name, tocopherol. Vitamin E oil can be used alone as a moisturizer; it’s thick and sticky and is best used on small areas such as under your eyes. It also works well to help heal small cuts and fade scars. It can be purchased in capsule and oil form.