Herbal Deoderant

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.
June 2, 2000

      Every healthy human produces approx. 1-2 pints of sweat each day. On hot days, during physical exertion or at times of nervousness, this quantity can double.

      Fresh sweat is odorless. Only after two hours does the decomposition of bacteria on the skin form substances with odor. Herbal deodorants with zinc-oxide powder and essential oils prevent this decomposition from occurring. Unlike chemically based commercial products, a homemade deodorant in a spray bottle doesn't block the sweat glands or inhibit their natural temperature regulation. Herbal sprays are especially good for sensitive skin, as they treat it gently, with no drying or irritation.

Dealing with foot odor
       Powerful but gentle antiseptic and astringent zinc-oxide powder can neutralize even the intense odor of sweaty feet. Clean your feet and dry them thoroughly. Dust them with a mixture of ½ cup of baking soda, 2 tbsp. of zinc-oxide, 2 tbsp. of fine, dry white clay and 4 tbsp. of powdered sage. Sprinkle a bit inside your shoes as well, to keep your feet fresh all day.

Administration
      Wash your armpits thoroughly and dry them well. The components of your herbal deodorant have reliable and long-lasting effectiveness only when applied to clean skin. Then spray the deodorant across the skin several times to dampen it. Let it dry before getting dressed so it doesn't stain your clothes.

Witch-hazel extract to inhibit sweating
      Witch-hazel extract, available in drug and grocery stores, is derived from the plant's bark, twigs and leaves. It inhibits inflammation, absorbs oils and is mildly astringent. With regular use, it constricts skin pores and thus reduces excessive sweat formation. If you shave your underarms, apply witch-hazel water just after shaving; it eliminates small pimples and reddening.

Zinc-oxide powder to neutralize odor
      Zinc-oxide powder is obtained from the mineral zincite. The powder has a slightly greasy consistency and will make your homemade deodorant appear milky. It has excellent properties for neutralizing body odor, will not irritate the skin and is slightly antiseptic and astringent. Since it is not completely water soluble, the powder tends to separate from liquids over time. Make sure to shake your deodorant before use.

Aloe-vera juice to cool and moisturize
      Aloe-vera juice gives your homemade deodorant a mildly cooling effect, especially pleasant and refreshing at hot times of year. Including the juice in your deodorant means you also benefit from aloe-vera's remarkable healing and moisturizing properties. These ensure that the skin is adequately conditioned and that nay type of irritation or itchy allergic reaction is quickly and easily alleviated.

      In the summer, store your spray in the refrigerator. This not only increases its shelf life but makes it even more refreshing on the season's hot days.

Making Spray Deodorants

Basic Recipe

In a small bowl, stir the zinc-oxide powder into the witch-hazel extract, and add the aloe-vera juice and essential oil(s). fill an 8 oz. dark-glass spray bottle with the fluid.

For Daily Use

For Sensitive Skin
Calendula and lavender oils are mild yet potent fighters of bacteria and odor.

For Excessive Sweating
Sage oil inhibits sweat-gland activity by as much as 50%. It is also antiseptic and astringent and gently constricts pore size.


CAUTION!
      Sage oil should not be used if you are pregnant or have epilepsy. Cypress essential oil (Cypressus sempervirens) can safely be substituted. Also, it is very important to use only the specific essential oils given in the above recipes. Make sure to match up not just the English name but the Latin name as well. Other varieties of the same plants could prove irritating or require additional cautions.

Confidentiality Statement: (for anyone who does not respect copyright and/or is confused regarding this issue) The information, data and schematics embodied in the document are confidential and proprietary, being exclusively owned by Ellen J. Lord (aka Purpleflame or Firefly). This document is being supplied on understanding that it and its contents shall not be used, reproduced, or disclosed to others except as specifically permitted with the prior written consent of Ellen J. Lord. The recipient of this document, by its retention and use, agrees to protect the same from loss, theft, or unauthorized use.

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