There might be supermarket shelves of toiletries guaranteed to keep you feeling fresh and sweat-free—but at what cost to health and longevity? If you are prone to getting a sweat up, an inexpensive herbal deodorant, which will control odours without inhibiting perspiration, is easy to DIY at home.
A light dusting of (aluminium free) bicarbonate soda under the arms is simple, safe and effective. Or a solution of bicarbonate soda and water can be poured into an empty refillable roll-on deodorant bottle and used.
An effective herbal deodorant can also be made with herbs and cider vinegar. It will have both a subdued perfume and antiseptic properties, and will keep you feeling fresh and odour-free.
Herbs suitable for a liquid deodorant are: Rosemary, thyme, lavender, sage, lovage, eau-de-cologne mint, spearmint, scented geranium leaves (Pelargonium), eucalyptus, marjoram and honeysuckle flowers.
The scented geraniums, which are easy to propagate and grow in most climates, provide a varying range of fragrances and are ideally suited as deodorant herbs. Some of the most common fragrances are spicy, nutmeg, rose, coconut, lime, apple-scented and peppermint.
Herbal Deodorant Recipe:
• Place three tablespoons of dried herb or six tablespoons of dried flower petals in a ceramic bowl. If it is more convenient to use fresh herbs and flowers, double the quantity.
• Mix together 300 millilitres each of apple cider vinegar and distilled water and, in an enamel or stainless steel saucepan, heat to just below boiling point.
• Pour the liquid over the herbs, cover tightly with plastic wrap and leave to steep for 12 hours.
• Strain and dilute the herbal liquid 50/50 with distilled water if you find the fragrance too strong.
• Store in a bottle with a tight fitting lid, and after washing and drying under arms, dab on the vinegar and allow to dry.
Guest post by Alan Hayes.
