Some questions make you want to disappear as soon as you hear them. “Do you think this is OK to use or is it spoiled?” “Take a sip, is the milk spoiled?” “Is this too spicy?” and of course, “Are my pits stinky?”. Usually, I am the one being asked, and some I shy away from gracefully, some I take the challenge, and some I just have to say N-O!
Well this week I have been asking my husband to smell my shirts at the end of the day, and with preeettty good answers, I must say. I am trying to free myself from consumerism and make more of the products I use around my home. This weeks challenge was DEODORANT. I have had a normal week as far as sweating goes, and I think this is an easier change than switching from using shampoo.
First the ingredients: Baking Soda, Cornstarch, and tea tree oil (hardest item on the list to find).
Recipe: 1 cup baking soda
1 cup cornstarch
3-6 drops tea tree oil (found this at a craft store near soap making products)
from what I have researched some people use lavender, but I have read that tea tree oil has antibacterial/anti-fungal properties
Mix ingredients in a container that can be sealed tight. Apply to underarms as needed (1-2 times a day for me, some people use every 2 days). I apply with a large cosmetic brush (like I am painting my pit), but if you have an old powder puff around that could work, or cotton ball/pad.
I need to add a couple of notes that I have found this week in using this recipe:
*Tea tree oil has a strong musky scent-but it doesn’t last
*The powder is pretty fine, and will get on clothes on the lower part of my body (skirt, pants) and counter top. After I put the brush in the powder, I tap it on the container to reduce powder flying away.
*I don’t know if I need to add more 1/2 through the day, but I just feel better if I re-apply after being sweaty
I have not had anyone (not that they would) say that I am stinky. Some days no smell, some a bit more than I would like to admit. I had this with commercial deodorant too, though, so not a big deal.
**Remember this is DEODORANT, not antiperspirant, you will still sweat. As for the sweating, I think it is about the same if not less. During a normal day I will have bouts of activity (story times with songs and movement for about 25 min) and lulls (at a desk).
All in all, I am glad to be free of feeling that I am a slave to a SECRET. I will now try other essential oils in varying DEGREEs to give the powder a nice smell. Who knows, at some point I might even try a (speed)STICK deodorant recipe.
Best of luck on a new and healthy, not to mention cost effective way of life!!!
If you have questions or want to share your thoughts-please post.
