Natural Body Powder

Disclaimer: This information is in no way intended to be a substitute for modern medical care. Do not self-treat any medical complaint without the guidance of a licensed health care provider.

      Soothing, soft, absorbent and fragrant, body powders are an important addition to your self-care regimen. They help you feel clean and refreshed, while providing your skin with disinfectant protection. Applied after bathing and moisturizing, a body powder absorbs excess moisture that can encourage infection. Ideally, a powder should not block pores and perspiration as many commercial powders do; rather it should diminish odor while allowing skin to breathe - to perspire n a healthful way. Making your own powders ensures you of pure products with all these properties. It also enables you to choose ingredients for your skin type, avoid chemicals and potential allergens and add essential oils according to your preferences and the healing qualities you seek.

Zinc, a "magic" mineral
      A body powder containing zinc oxide will help prevent excessive sweating and odor. The finely ground mineral powder is deodorizing, astringent and antiseptic; it constricts pores - without blocking them - to reduce perspirateion and odors. It may also enhance the healing of minor skin ailments, such as athlete's foot, diaper rash or open sores.

Application
      With a fluff brush or powder puff, dab your skin gently wtih the powder. Brush off any excess with your hands or a tissue. For normal or slightly oily skin, use a powder daily after bathing and moisturizing (let the lotion dry); for dry skin, use three times a week.

White cosmetic clay for oily skin
      White cosmetic clay, or kaolin, is available from most health-food stores and herbal mail-order suppliers. The clay, which is very fine and soft, is naturally absorbent. It makes a useful addition to body powders intended for oily skin, reducing shine and discouraging blemishes and irritations.

Cornstarch for sensitive skin
      Cornstarch is a very fine, starchy, white powder made from dried corn kernels. The powder not only absorbs perspiration but also is soothing to the skin. It is especially recommended for infants and, alone or in a body-powder recipe, for people with inflamed or very sensitive skin.
      Take Care: Cornstarch, while usually well tolerated by sensitive skin, can cause an allergic reaction in people with hay fever or breathing difficulties. Be sure to test a small amount before using.

Peppermint oil for cooling
      Essential oil of peppermint (Mentha piperita) is extremely refreshing and invigorating. When added to a body powder, it helps cool the body gently and continuously.

Tea-Tree oil for disinfecting
      A potent antibacterial and fungicidal agent, essential oil of tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) makes an excellent plant remedy for athlete's foot. The oil has an earthy, fresh scent.

Lavender flowers for a soothing fragrance
      Lavender flowers are sweetly fragrant. They lend a refreshing and very calming note to powders. They also help keep the skin soft and smooth.

Recipes for Body Powders

For rosy skin

Grind the rose petals in a coffee mill. In a sealed jar, mix the petals well with the cornstarch and rose oil. Store in a dark place for 1 week. Strain through a fine sieve to get rid of any lumps, and pour into a powder container. Use 2-3 times per week if you have normal or slightly dry skin.

For oily, blemished, sweaty skin

Grind the flowers in a coffee mill to a fine powder. Add the other ingredients; grind briefly. Strain through a fine sieve to get rid of any lumps. Pour into a powder container. Use daily for oily skin.

For refreshment

In a sealed jar, shake the cornstarch with the clay and peppermint oil. Set aside in a dark place for 1 week. Pass the powder through a fine sieve to remove any lumps. Pour the powder into a container.

For athlete's foot

Shake all the ingredients together in a sealed jar. Set aside in a dark place for about 1 week. Pass through a sieve to remove lumps; pour into a container. Rub in the powder after washing your feet well.

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Sources:
      All information provided in this article is the result of research using (but not limited to) the following books and guides: Herbs for Health and Healing, Rodale; Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs, Scott Cunningham; Magical Herbalism, Scott Cunningham; The Complete Guide to Natural Healing, International Masters Publishers; Earthway, Mary Summer Rain; Teach Yourself Herbs, Susie White; Natural Beauty from the Garden, Janice Cox; Nature's Prescriptions, Editors of FC&A Medical Publishing, and The People's Pharmacy Guide to Home and Herbal Remedies, Joe Graedon and Theresa Graedon, Ph.D