Natural Deodorants

By Dawn Gay

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In the sticky summer months, there's one product that no women dare go out without - whether it be the faithful roll-on or spray, the deodorant is seen as the ultimate personal hygiene product on our bathroom shelf or in our handbags.

But new reports have questioned the safety of our reliable friend. Recent research by the Journal of Applied Toxicology has linked parabens, the preservative chemical used in cosmetic products, to samples of breast tumours, although this evidence is yet to be proven.

But now there are a host of alternative anti-perspirants and deodorants available, containing oils, crystals, and aloe vera, to name a few natural alternatives – all they need is our trust.

No sweat?
Understanding 'sweat' might help when making the 'leap of faith' to natural deodorant alternatives. Though we roll and spray to stop it, sweat is in fact a good thing. As one of the body's natural detox processes, perspiration regulates body temperature, flushes out unwanted chemicals, and balances the salt levels in our bodies.

Susan Curtis, homeopath and Medicines Director for Neal's Yard says: "Most anti-perspirants work by using aluminium silicate, an aluminium compound. This blocks the sweat ducts, by forming a gel which prevents perspiration."

So a natural alternative should in theory allow you to perspire naturally, but stop smell and excessive sweating at the same time - the odd damp patch is healthy on a hot day. "If you interfere with this 'cycle of elimination', you are preventing the body from cleaning itself," she explains.

Controlling body odour naturally
Most sweat is odourless, it's the bacteria that lives in it that causes body odour, when left to thrive. "Really fresh sweat doesn't usually smell - it's an hour or two afterwards," explains Susan Curtis.

When it comes to fending off B.O., essential oils can be effective. "Coriander oil (made from coriander seeds) specifically prevents the growth of the bacteria causing the smell. This can be mixed with citrus or lavender oil for a pleasant smell. Witch hazel already contains the alcohol needed to disperse the essential oils. The alcohol evaporates and dries off and is astringent (tightens the tissue and the pores of the skin), so it is naturally cooling," she explains.

Cypress essential oil (from the Cypress tree wood) can help to prevent excessive sweating. Add to your deodorant bottle, bath, or a footbath for sweaty feet.

Alum crystals are another astringent and anti-bacterial ingredient used in some natural deodorant products. Made from ammonium alum mineral salts, they can help to reduce the smell-inducing bacteria's chances of survival, by reducing underarm protein. Most of the crystal products also claim to be 100% natural.

Aloe vera, another natural favourite, contains natural agents that provide anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-itching properties. In ancient Rome, aloe vera mixed with rose water was used as an early form of deodorant.

Keep cool this summer
Try these tricks to ensure that you perspire naturally and remain odour-free in the summer heat:

• Drink plenty of water, as water dilutes sweat. Body odour is often related to strong tasting food, like garlic, and this is sweated through the pores.
  
  
• Shave underarm hairs, as hair retains your personal smell.
  
  
• Citrus fruits are cooling and can also help a congested liver, which tends to get hot, and makes you feel flushed, e.g. if you are hung over. Drinking some water with a slice of lemon in it can help to cool you down.
  
  
• Sage tincture or tea can be drunk to help reduce excessive sweating (it can be used during hot flushes in the menopause). This is not to be taken during pregnancy. Speak to your herbal supplier about its use.

Make your own natural deodorant
Try making your own natural lemon and coriander deodorant

90ml/6 tsp witch hazel
10ml/2 tsp vegetable glycerin
2 drops clove essential oil
2 drops coriander essential oil
5 drops grapefruit essential oil
2 drops lavender essential oil
10 drops lemon essential oil
5 drops lime essential oil
5 drops palmarosa essential oil

1. Mix the witch hazel and vegetable glycerin together.
2. Add the essential oils and mix.
3. Store in a glass bottle, with an atomiser spray for up to six months.
4. Shake well before each use.

(recipe supplied courtesy of Neal's Yard)

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