As my body changes with menopause, I am always on the lookout for DIY beauty/hygiene products that are more natural and effective than what I can buy from the store. This recipe contains herbs that are cooling, soothing, flush wastes, prevent the growth of tumors, support the lymphatic system, surpresses the growth of micro-organisms, cleans “blood”, stimulates circulation, and reduced irritation. I like the addition of clay and baking powder which help deodorize and shea butter which helps to hydrate dry skin. Start by making an infused oil using dry or fresh…..
- Dandelion flowers
- Violet leaves
- Calendula flowers
- Red Clover Blossoms
- lavender tops and leaves
Herbal Deodorant Recipe
- 1 cups of herbal infused oil
- 4 TBSP of almond oil
- 4 TBSP of plantain oil
- 1 cups of beeswax pellets
- 1 cups of shea butter
- 4 TBSP of arrowroot powder
- 4 TBSP of kaolin or betonite clay
- 10 TBSP of baking powder
- 5-10 drops of tea tree oil
- 10 -15 drops of other essential oils depending on your scent preference ylang yalng, clary sage, ginger, plumeria area all good ones to try.
Optional ingredients
Activated charcoal-may stain clothes (maybe try 1tsp).
Himalayan Pink Sea Salt-many contain heavy metals that might be toxic. Could be too abrasive. (maybe try 1/2 TBSP).
This recipe will fill 5-6 empty, standard, 2.6 ounce, deodorant containers.
Using a double boiler combine the herbal oils, with the beeswax and shea butter. Set the almond oil aside.
Set the pan over a medium-low burner until everything is melted. (Don’t melt too long or at too high of a heat, or your shea butter may get grainy.)
Have your dry ingredients measured, combined in a bowl and ready to go.
Mix your essential oils in with the almond oil.
Remove the pan from heat. Quickly stir in the dry ingredients. The mixture will thicken, but let it cool a bit, stirring frequently, add in the almond oil. Quickly spoon into deodorant tube OR glass jars if applying with your fingers. If you delay too much the clay and arrowroot may settle to the bottom as it cools instead of being incorporated throughout.
Let the deodorant set up until firm.
To use:
Rub a thin, single layer under each arm. Don’t push hard or slather this on, a little bit will go a long way!
Wait a few minutes before dressing after use, to allow it to absorb into the skin. Use caution with fancy clothing in case it may stain or mark.
Plantago is a perennial characterized by a basal rosette of several leaves with ribbed/parallel venation. Each terminates in a thick channeled stalk where they attach to a round stem. Leaves can be broad/ovate or narrow/lance shaped. Sometimes margins are toothed. A single, dense ,cylinder shaped, cluster/spike, of greenish white tiny flowers grows on a tall (6-18 inch) erect stem . These have brown sepals and bracts. Plantain is found along paths and roadsides, in meadows and lawns or in wastelands. If cultivating this plant, it likes sun or partial shade but really prefers a moist soil.
Plantago should be your top choice for a first aid remedy. Externally plantain is thought to be helpful for broken bones, wounds, burns, bruises, injuries, boils, acne, shingles, sunburn, eczema fungal infections, sore feet, and plantar fasciitis, . It can draw venom, poison, dirt, splinters, pus, and infection out of insect stings, animal bites, or wounds. It relieves irritation and pain when one has been exposed to irritating plants like nettles or poison ivy. Like nettle is supports the body to release antihistamine for relief when suffering from allergies, hayfever, and asthma. Historically this herb has been used to treat ulcers, bronchitis, coughs, sore throats, lung damage, inflammation in the digestive tract, irritated tissues/organs, hemorrhoids, varicose veins, toothache, fever, mastitis, earache, sore throat, urinary tract infections and internal bleeding. It is known to clear heat and inflammation. The seeds are edible and have been used to make flour or as a thickener. They are also a good source of fiber and may prevent constipation.
Family: Plantaginacea
Parts Used-leaves, seeds, root
Energetics-sweet, salty, bitter, cool, dry
Element-earth
Spiritual and Emotional Uses: Settling a mind that is restless, overactive, irritable or “addicted” to something stimulating.
Contraindications: soak or cook seeds before use.
Blackbird's Backyard Pharmacy 