Essential Oil Diffuser
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Many people are frustrated by the lack of availability of good personal care products that are safe to use. Making your own deodorant is not only very simple but quite a lot of fun. If several people get together, it can be even more enjoyable. It is exceptionally easy to make either a roll on or spray deodorant and just a little bit more challenging to make a stick deodorant.

 

There are two types of underarm protection: antiperspirants and deodorants. Antiperspirants are actually not too healthy since perspiration is desirable under certain circumstances. The constituents that make an antiperspirant effective are either clogging or astringent. In the former case, the goal is to dam up the pores. In most commercial products, this is usually achieved through the use of some sort of aluminum compound. Obviously, this is a dangerous way to stay dry.

Many commercial antiperspirants also contain derivatives from the petrochemical industry that are known hormone disruptors. I believe that everyone who is concerned about breast or skin cancer should give serious thought to what is being rubbed under the arms since the ingredients in many products have chemicals that often cause contact dermatitis or granulomas.

Odor stems from bacteria that thrive in moisture so combining something astringent with an antimicrobial essential oil is a safe way to achieve most of what commercial products are intended to do. Obviously, the essential oils must be therapeutic grade. On this site, you will find only high quality, pure oils, nothing distilled by the perfumery industry. However, even if an oil is pure, there are some oils that are generally less irritating, like lavender and peppermint, and some that need to be tested by the user for sensitivity. Tea tree falls in this category. Though an excellent antimicrobial, the smell annoys many people and some are reactive to the chemistry as well. Thyme on the other hand is an excellent antimicrobial with an infinitely more congenial aroma and less probability of causing irritation to sensitive skin.

 

Like perfumes, there are ways to use aroma in exotic or perhaps even pheromonal ways without losing efficacy as a deodorant. For instance, men will probably favor uses of spices such as cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, perhaps toned down a bit by lemon and eucalyptus whereas women may prefer something more floral like lavender, rosemary, and thyme. They could also seek out oils that are balancing to the hormones such as fennel or detoxifying like juniper. One is only limited by imagination.

 

The oils can be placed in a carrier such as witch hazel or apple cider vinegar if sprayed. For a roll-on, a little glycerine can also be added. Most spray bottles are either 4 oz. or 8 oz. The 4 oz. is a nice size for these uses, but one can also use a roll-on bottle. These come in three pieces: glass tube, plastic applicator that snaps onto the top of the bottle, and screw on cap. We carry these in small sizes to prevent evaporation of the volatile oils. They can also be used with carrier oils such a jojoba to preparations to apply to areas that are susceptible to fungal conditions or insect bites or skin infections.

Once you start using the oils, you will appreciate their potency and versatility. For instance, how about mixing some with a high quality baking powder or clay and using this inside shoes or for dusting the feet before putting on socks. You can also add oils to shampoo or hair conditioner, about 1-2 drops per ounce, usually closer to one drop than two.

 

 

Copyright by Ingrid Naiman 2009