Every healthy human releases approximately 1-2 pints of sweat a day. On hot days, during physical exertion or at time of nervous tension, this quantity can double. Fresh sweat is odorless. Only after two hours does the decomposition of bacteria on the skin form substances with odor. Herbal deodorants made with zinc-oxide powder and essential oils prevent this decomposition from occurring. Unlike chemically based commercial products, a ho0memade deodorant in a spray bottle does not block the sweat glands or inhibit their nature temperature regulation. Herbal sprays are especially good for sensitive skin, as they treat it gently, with no drying or irritation.
Dealing with foot odor
Powerful but gentle antiseptic and astringent zinc-oxide powder can neutralize even the intense odor of sweaty feet. Clean your feet and dry them thoroughly. Dust them with a mixture ½ cup of baking soda,2 tbsp. of zinc-oxide powder, 2 tbsp. of fine dry white clay and 4 tbsp. of powdered sage. Sprinkle a bit inside your shoes as well, to keep your feet fresh all day.
Administration
Wash your armpits thoroughly and dry them well. The components of your herbal deodorant have reliable and long-lasting effectiveness only when applied to clean skin. Then spray the deodorant across the skin several times to dampen it. Let it dry before getting dressed so it doesn't stain your clothes.
With-hazel extract to inhibit sweating
With-hazel extract, readily available in drug and grocery stores, is derived from the plant's bark, twigs and leaves. It inhibits inflammation, absorbs oils and is mildly astringent. With regular use, it constricts skin pores and thus reduces excessive sweat formation. If you shave your underarms, apply witch-hazel water just after shaving; it eliminates small pimples and reddening.
Zinc-oxide power to neutralize odor
Zinc-oxide powder is obtained from the mineral zincite. The powder has a slightly greasy consistency and will make your homemade deodorant appear milky. It has excellent properties for neutralizing body odor, will not irritate the skin and is slightly antiseptic and astringent. Since it is not completely water soluble, the power tends to separate from liquids over time. Make sure to shake your deodorant before use.
Aloe-Vera juice to cool and moisturize
Aloe-Vera juice gives your homemade deodorant a mildly cooling effect, especially pleasant and refreshing at hot times of year. Including the juice in your deodorant means you also benefit from Aloe Veras remarkable healing and moisturizing properties. These ensure that the skin is adequately conditioned and that any type of irritation or itchy allergic reaction is quickly and easily alleviated.
Extra Tip: In the summer, store your spray deodorant in the refrigerator. This not only increases its shelf life but makes it even more refreshing on the season's hot days.
Making Spray Deodorants
Basic Recipe
- 2 tsp. zinc-oxide powder
- 2/3 cup witch-hazel extract
- 2 tbsp. aloe-vera juice
- 30-40 drops essential oil(s)
In a small bowl, stir the zinc-oxide powder into the witch-hazel extract, and add the aloe-Vera juice and essential oil (s). Fill an 8-oz.dark -glass spray bottle with the fluid.
For Daily Use
- 2 tsp. zinc-oxide powder
- 2/3 cup witch-hazel extract
- 2 tbsp. aloe-vera juice
- 30-40 drops essential oil(s)
- 30 drops rose-geranium (pelargonium asperum) essential oil
The rose geranium oil is high in terpene alcohol, which inhibits the proliferation of odor-causing bacteria.
For Sensitive Skin
- 2 tsp. zinc-oxide powder
- 2/3 cup witch-hazel extract
- 2 tbsp. aloe-vera juice
- 30-40 drops essential oil(s)
- 30 drops calendula (calendula Officinalis) extract (CO2)
- 10 drops lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) essential oil.
Calendula and lavender oils are mild yet potent fighters of bacteria and odor.
For Excessive Sweating
- 2 tsp. zinc-oxide powder
- 2/3 cup witch-hazel extract
- 2 tbsp. aloe-vera juice
- 30-40 drops essential oil(s)
- 30 drops sage (Salvia officinalis) essential oil.
Sage oil inhibits sweat-gland activity by as much as 50 percent. It also is antiseptic and astringent and gently constricts pore size.
Caution! : Sage oil should not be used if you are pregnant or have epilepsy. Cypress essential oil (cupressus sempervirens) can safely be substituted. Also, it is very important to use only the specific essential oils given in the above recipes. Make sure to match up not just the English name but the Latin name as well. Other varieties of the same plants could prove irritating or requires additional cautions.
