PIT PERFUME

Oh hey there! I'm just over here basking in the fragrance of my armpits!!

I love using natural essential oils for those days when I want to combat body odour. They smell naturally amazing and are toxin-free.

Did you know how harmful conventional deodorants and anti-perspirants are?

They're pretty bad ~ they contain ingredients such as aluminum, talc, petrolatum, synthetic fragrance,  and more.

WHY IS ALUMINUM BAD IN PERSONAL CARE PRODUCTS?

It turns out there is evidence that aluminum is a neurotoxin that should not be in the human body.

* Aluminum has been found in increased concentrations in people with Alzheimer’s disease.

* Aluminum salts increase breast cancer risk by mimicking the hormone estrogen.

* Aluminum can cause the DNA damage necessary for cancer to develop in humans.

* Aluminum can prove fatal to people with impaired kidney function.

And that's just the aluminum, let's look at the threat synthetic fragrances pose to our health:

Cancer

* According to the Breast Cancer Fund, when it comes to the prevention of cancer, avoiding synthetic fragrance is one of the main ways to help yourself. That’s because the dangers of synthetic scents include hormone-disrupting phthalates and synthetic musks

Child Autism & Other Birth Defects

* fetal exposure to phthalates is linked to autism, symptoms of ADHD and neurological disorders. This why pregnant women have to be ultra careful when it comes to the products they’re exposed to on a daily basis. The dangers of synthetic scents could be even more life-altering for a developing fetus

Allergic & Toxic Bodily Reactions

* Fragrances are one of the top five allergens in the world. Allergic reactions include headaches and migraines, difficulty breathing and sinus irritation, just to name a few. Fragrance mixtures also commonly trigger contact dermatitis, a type of allergic skin reaction.  

There are a few other dangerous chemicals in typical anti-perspirants, but  I think we've heard enough already!! Ready for a better alternative?!

 There are plenty of natural deodorants on the market these days, but to be honest, I never had much success with them, they cost a lot, and often contain sketchy ingredients too :(

For the past few years I've made roller ball deodorants with mostly Sandalwood essential oil and jojoba oil. For extra protection, I'd dust my pits with some baking soda too. The thing is, the baking soda really stings when you apply to shaved pits, so that only worked out well for me sometimes. I woke up this morning and decided to make myself a baking soda-free pit paste and I love it!!

What essential oils work well in deodorants?

My favourite combo is:

 Sandalwood~ Sandalwood has a sacred place in the Hindu culture and has been used in India for centuries. It is known for its natural cooling effects. When diluted and used in DIY deodorants, it kills the bacteria that give rise to a foul odor in the underarms.The benefits of using it in a deodorant extend to healing soreness and infections in the skin.

Patchouli~ Has been used as a natural deodorant and skin tonic throughout Asia for hundreds of years. Patchouli is used to regulate sweat, absorb excess oil, and soothe skin. 

Vetiver~ Vetiver is native to India but is grown throughout the tropics for its anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties. The vetiver oil has an earthy smell, much similar to what you can smell in men’s colognes.

Lemon~ lemon oil has a refreshing clean citrusy scent that’s great for deodorants. It helps neutralize body odour, keep skin fresh and clean and also has detoxifying properties that help in the elimination of wastes and toxins.

Cardamom~ Cardamom is analgesic, antibacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory

Instead of using irritating baking soda, I use arrowroot powder. Arrow root is a silky white powder derived from the arrow root, which is a type of underground tuber. It is rich in minerals like zinc and vitamins including B-vitamins. Arrow root powder is just like corn starch except that it’s GMO-free unlike most corn starches out there. The role played by arrow root starch in this deodorant recipe is absorbing sweat and masking bad odour. You can also use corn starch in place of arrow root starch but if you’re prone to yeast infections, then it’s better to stay away from corn starch.

Other essential oils you can use:

Lavender

Tea Tree

Grand Fir

Ylang Ylang

Thyme

Lemongrass

Frankincense

Grapefruit

PIT PERFUME

3 Tbsp coconut oil

3 Tbsp shea or cocoa butter

3 Tbsp beeswax

1 1/2 tsp vitamin E oil

6 Tbsp arrowroot powder

60 drops of essential oil 

(I used 30 drops Sandalwood, 10 drops Patchouli, 10 drops Lemon, 5 drops Vetiver, 5 drops Cardamom)

Melt the oils and beeswax in a bowl over simmering water. Turn off heat, stir in arrowroot, vitamin e, and then the essential oils. Pour into a small jar. Apply and enjoy!

Interested in learning more about natural solutions for women's health and beauty? Join Keeping It Real Natural Living FB group! It's the home of my FREE Detox Your Diet in 7 Days Challenge too!