HOMEMADE DEODORANT

Finding the right deodorant can be the pits. By now many of us are aware that regular deodorant contains all sorts scary ingredients like aluminum, which allegedly cause everything from cancer to Alzheimer disease.  So instead we opt for the natural versions but let's face it, they often just don't work. By the end of the day you're armpits smell like an unappealing combination of stale scented deodorant and BO.  Well surprise, surprise the answer to unoffensive armpits can be found in your kitchen pantry!

I think I first heard about homemade deodorant over at Oh Dear Drea.  To be honest I didn't think it could possibly work and decided that it was taking the whole 'natural' business just a little bit too far.  But the other week I got so frustrated at having wasted more money on more useless deodorant that I figured I'd give it a go.  The results were amazing!  By the end of the day (and that's a day spent running after a toddler, walking dogs, moving cows etc) the only thing my armpits smelled of was the faint sent of lavender.  In fact I could easily wear my t-shirts for a couple of days in a row.  I was so amazed about this discovery that I wanted to run up and tell every poor soul that was standing in the deodorant isle at the supermarket with a perplexed look on their face!

Homemade Deodorant
 What you'll need:
6 Tbs     Organic coconut oil
1/4 cup   Baking soda
1/4 cup   Arrowroot powder
Essential oil (I used lavender, you really only need a few drops)*

What you do:
- Mix baking soda and arrowroot together in a bowl. 
- Transfer into a glass or container, add coconut oil (I melted mine by standing the jar in a bowl of hot water)
- Add your essential oils
- Mix well and leave to set
  I use a little wooden spoon (found here) to get it out and then apply it with my fingers.
* I'm no expert in essential oils but frequently read that pregnant women should use them with caution.

Ta da!  And there you have your deodorant. I even convinced Nic to try it and he gave it rave reviews too.
If you're interested in other natural beauty tips I highly suggest you check out Wellness Mama.