Sometimes it seems like there is no end to the number of things that you can do with just lavender essential oil. Everything from sending you off into a great night’s sleep to treating insect bites, minimising the appearance of scars and even just making your home smell amazing.
However, we have recently been reading some alarming claims about the number of dangerous chemicals and elements that can be found in most commercially available antiperspirants and deodorants and so decided to have a go at shunning the pharmacy and seeing what we could do with the contents of our kitchen cabinet and a little of our lovely lavender oil instead.
Many of the worrying claims about standard deodorants and antiperspirants are linked to the inclusion of aluminium in their formulations. Aluminium and aluminium compounds are used as they act to temporarily plug the sweat ducts, which prevents you from perspiring.
However, there have been some worrying claims linking the use of aluminium to an increased chance of developing breast cancer. The claim is that these compounds are absorbed into the bloodstream and can contribute to causing the development of cancerous cells.
Although many of these claims have not been rigorously tested and substantiated, sometimes it feels like it may be wise to err on the side of caution, and regardless, trying to live a more natural life is something that many of us aspire to. So if you fancy making your own natural lavender deodorant, try our recipe below.
Homemade lavender deodorant
You will need:
– 3 tablespoons of coconut oil
– 3 tablespoons of bicarbonate of soda
– 2 tablespoons of shea butter
– 2 tablespoons of arrowroot
– 10 drops of lavender essential oil (or to your preference)
Method:
– Gently melt together the coconut oil and shea butter, a bain-marie is good for this.
– Mix together the bicarbonate of soda and arrowroot.
– Once the oils have melted then remove from the heat and add the lavender oil.
– Mix in the dry ingredients and stir until well combined.
– As the deodorant cools it will firm up. If preferred you can keep it in the fridge, but this isn’t actually necessary.
– Simply apply a little to your armpit each morning and massage in. You will be perspiration free and smelling divine all day!