Antiperspirants and Deodorants---Should You Be Worried?

There has been a lot of information online and elsewhere about the possible dangers of using commercial antiperspirants and deodorants.  What is truth and what is fiction?  

How Do Antiperspirants and Deodorants Work?

Antiperspirants contain chemicals that contain aluminum based compounds.  The ions in these compounds serve to block or clog the sweat ducts in your skin’s pores.  They do this by entering the cells, swelling, and therefore closing or blocking the pores. This causes you not to sweat (as much).  There are many names manufacturers use for the word “aluminum.”  Sometimes the ingredient will actually contain the word aluminum, however, there are ways of disguising the fact that aluminum is an ingredient, so consumers are sometimes duped. 

Deodorants are added to most antiperspirants.  They are generally chemicals that neutralize smell or just cover it up. 

 For the rest of this article, I’ll be referring to both antiperspirants and deodorants as just “Deodorant,” since that is how most of us refer to it.  

Some Things to Sweat About

Besides the possibility that chemicals being applied to our largest organ, the skin, may have something to do with dangerous diseases and health risks, there is more to worry about than just that!

Did you know that sweating is good for you?  Our bodies were made to sweat!  

We sweat in order to cool down, for one!  With a lessened ability to sweat, our bodies sweat in other places besides our pits!  The fact is, we must sweat---

More importantly, sweating is one way our bodies release toxins from our system!  It needs to happen every day!  Your armpits are one of the main sweat points on the body, and by blocking this up, toxins are more likely to be stuck.  Where do these toxins go?  They end up being stored in fat cells (cellulite or weight gain anyone?), clog up or over power our filtering systems (liver and kidneys), or end up being stored in other areas. Besides cellulite and weight gain, this toxic build up presents itself in a huge range of health problems including acne, bloating and gas, chronic disease, and possibly cancer. 

Blocking your pores in your pits may also cause skin eruptions in this area!  Cysts, boils, etc. are not uncommon in people who use deodorants and are thus unable to sweat normally. 

So How Safe is Antiperspirant, Really?

The aluminum used in deodorants has allegedly been linked to a variety of health concerns.  From breast cancer to Alzheimer’s Disease to kidney disease, aluminum has been blamed.  Some doctors believe that you can’t absorb enough aluminum through your skin to harm yourself.  And the research studies have been inconclusive or have lacked definitive evidence to link aluminum to any of these health issues.  The World Health Organization has, however, found that people with higher frequencies of using deodorants have a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s Disease.  Still, there is just no clear link between aluminum and kidney, mental, or cancer diseases. 

In addition to aluminum, there are large numbers of other suspect ingredients to worry about! These include but are not limited to parabens, propylene glycol, triclosan, TEA, DEA, colorants, talc, and more.  These additional ingredients are believed by some to be correlated to breast cancer, allergies, kidney and liver damage, and other cancers.  Many of these chemicals are known to be carcinogenic, neurotoxins, or just plain toxic.  

Confusing?  It is for me!  

It is definitely a challenge for the average consumer to determine just how safe a product is when manufacturers are often not clear or truthful about what is being added to products and what the potential harmful effects may be.  So, although the research is inconclusive, I would say to err on the side of safety.  

Go Green!

How to Find a “Natural” Deodorant

Here is what I do:  I read the label, and if I don’t know for sure what each ingredient is and does, then I just try not to use it.  

My personal deodorant dilemma began many years ago.  I am a big “sweater” so to speak.  And as a young woman (or even an older one), how embarrassing is that?  On top of that, I, like many people, women included, tended to get stinky when sweating.  So after decades of trying this deodorant and that one, from the ultra powerful Clinical Super Aluminum varieties and everything in between, I became seriously depressed about ever being able to stop sweaty (and stinky) armpits.  

THEN I read about all the chemicals that may cause potential health problems, and I was just ready to give it all up and go au naturale.  But, I wasn't yet ready to bring myself to go there.  I decided to try out the “natural” deodorants in the health stores.  I have to be honest.  They really didn’t work well for me.  From crystal deodorants, to Tom’s, to a slew of different brands---And THEN I discovered that even some of these had some of those “other” chemicals (like TEA) embedded in them as well.  

Can you trust anyone?

That’s when I found handmade deodorant containing just five ingredients:  baking soda, arrowroot powder, coconut oil, shea butter, and essential oils.  WOW!  I knew what all of those were!  So I gave it a try. My first try with handmade deodorants came from the Crunchy Betty website, in case you want to take a look.  Highly informative and great recipes too.  

Here is what I found out:

My skin is allergic to coconut oil.  I found this out by using not only the natural handmade deodorant I purchased from an etsy seller, but also because in experimenting with making my own lotions and creams, it make me itchy and actually more dry than before using it.  I know that coconut oil is supposed to be the wonder oil of the century, but for me it didn’t work. Therefore, even if it was a great handmade and natural deodorant, if it contained coconut oil---it was a no go.  

I also found out that natural deodorant actually DID work!  WAY better than the commercial products, too!  I think the essential oils used in the product really did more than make it smell good.  They happened to be oils that are antibacterial and antiseptic, so the bacteria couldn’t create the smell!  Awesome!   

And best of all, I found that after using it over time, I actually sweated LESS than before!  I still sweat, but it is no longer a problem.  I am now confident that I won’t have to deal with that huge sweat stain under my pits and an overworked body trying to get rid of extra toxins.  

I now make my own natural deodorant, and I LOVE it.  I will be posting the recipe in a later post.  But for now, if you want to check out a ready made product that works for me (and I think for you, too), please click here.

The bottom line, if you are interested in getting rid of potentially toxic chemicals in your life, then go green, and go natural! 

CELLULITE: Five Facts and Six Solutions

Facts about Cellulite and What You Can Do About It!  

1. Cellulite is simply fat just under the surface of the skin that pushes against the connective tissue there, leaving that orange-peel, lumpy appearance.  If you have darker skin, you are fortunate because cellulite is more noticeable on people with lighter skin.  
2. Did you know that almost every woman has some cellulite?  About 9 out of 10 of us, to be exact.  I had no idea it was so prevalent, and I have promised to be kinder to myself now.
3. Cellulite is always caused by a loss of skin elasticity and decreased circulation.  Your skin needs good blood flow to rejuvenate itself, and when things get sluggish, here comes more of that lumpy stuff! 
4. Toxins in the body contribute way more to cellulite than we realize!  From preservatives and chemicals in our foods, to the air we breathe, our entire body system relies on how well we can get rid of dangerous (and unpleasant) toxins.  
5. Causes of cellulite include hormone changes, genetics, smoking, and lots of sitting.  Sitting, especially, I have learned, creates problems because there is less blood flow in the area of your heiny---where many women need it the most! 

Some Solutions!  YES! There ARE Natural Ways to Combat the.... Cellulite Monster!

1. Dry Skin Brushing

Dry skin brushing is something I just discovered, and wish I had known about a long time ago!  It's WONDERFUL!  Dry skin brushing increases the circulation of the skin, stimulates skin cell turnover, exfoliates and rejuvenates your skin, and makes your skin feel amazingly soft.  In addition to these wonders, dry skin brushing also improves the flow of lymph fluids in your body, which helps remove those yucky toxins that may contribute to cellulite.  

Basically, all you need is a long-handled body brush with natural bristles.  

Here's how you do it:

Firmly brush your skin, moving the brush toward your heart.  I like to start at my calves and move upward, toward my torso.  When I reach the chest area, I switch and brush my arms and downward on my chest and back area.  

Then just take a shower!  

Precautions:  You may want to start with more gentle strokes until your skin gets used to it.  My skin is a bit sensitive, so I started out on the light side.  

2. Scrub with Coffee Grounds

Coffee grounds contain caffeine, plus they are very scrubby.  The caffeine helps tighten and tone the skin surface temporarily, while the grounds exfoliate.  Some people see good results with this method.  I have not personally tried this (yet), but I will let you know how it goes when I do. I just don't like the thought of coffee grounds going into my septic tank.  I'll figure that one out. 

3. Essential Oil Massage

There are some essential oils that work exceptionally well in helping to tone the skin and even break down fats.  These include juniper, rosemary, grapefruit, lemon, etc.  These oils also help improve the all-important circulation.  Combinations of these essential oils have been shown to improve skin elasticity and also help remove toxins through the skin.  I have been using my cellulite massage oil for about a month, and I am beginning to notice more tone to the skin on my legs and rear.  And at my age, any help I can get is greatly appreciated!  

You can make your own essential oil blend and massage oil.  Just combine several drops of each oil of choice into a carrier oil, such as sweet almond oil, avocado oil, or even olive oil.  Rub firmly into your skin areas of concern.  

OR, if you don't want to invest in the cost of essential oils at this point and just want to try it out, you can find my Cellulite Ninja Fighter Massage Oil on my shop, here.  The ingredients are listed as well, in the order of strength. I tend to use a fairly high ratio of essential oils to carrier oils (approximately 1:16) because I personally want to feel it.  

Note:  Don't use juniper or rosemary essential oil massage at night!  It may actually keep you awake.  It's a stimulating massage oil. 

4.  Add Some Spice!

Try adding Cayenne Pepper to a drink (like water or herbal tea) two or three times a day!  For additional detoxification, add some lemon juice too!  The Cayenne increases circulation and also aids as an appetite depressant.  The lemon helps flush out toxins and acts as a mild diuretic, which helps you lose some water weight.  

5. Herbal Teas 

I am a big fan of herbal loose leaf teas, the fresher the better.  I like these kinds of teas because you are getting the nutrients of the herbs, and with the proper combination of herbs, you can really support weight loss.  I like to combine herbs that help with cleansing/detoxing (diuretics) with herbs that enhance and support energy (green tea and eleuthero) and others that help your circulation and heart.  

Here is my favorite weight loss support tea that I drink daily: Weight Loss Support Tea

Here is another one if you like Chai Tea (and this one has Cayenne too!): Herbal Natural Chai Tea

6. Finally, Exercise--

Blah--  I know, I know.  And I fight with this one too!  It's really hard to find the time when you work one (or two or more) jobs, have children, have...a LIFE!  But it does absolutely help! There is nothing like a good sweat to get rid of junk from your body, help tone those muscles, and release feel-good endorphins!  

The War On Cellulite----It is conquerable!  It does take consistency, effort, and some creativity.  Some of these solutions are easier than others.  I suggest picking two, three, or more to start and do them consistently over a period of 30 days and see what happens!  Like me, you may be pleasantly surprised!  

Now to find a solution for knee wrinkles!  :-)  

Spring Has Sprung! And Dandelions are Here!

Friend or Foe? Weed or Wonder?  

Although much of the world (in the U.S. anyway) is in a perpetual fight with these pretty little flowers and green leaves, a great deal of the world is wise enough to know and use these plants well.  

The picture above was taken in my yard this morning, and I have to say I about jumped for joy when I saw how large and well the leaves are beginning to grow this early in the spring in our mountains!  I also admit to having purchased three different cultivars of Dandelion (including Taraxacum oficinale) that I am excited to plant this spring as soon as it is warm enough!  

Let me explain why dandelions are so great....besides the fact that the flowers are beautiful and happy.  

Dandelions as Food

Throughout Europe and Asia and in many other places in the world, Dandelions are eaten as food!  In Europe and the Mediterranean the greens are gathered and served along with other wild greens.  They are delicious when steamed, and are often served as a side dish in these countries.  

The dried leaves can be cut and sifted for a tasty tonic tea as well.  Like the leaves, the roots are extremely versatile too:  Used in decoctions (a tea in which the herb is simmered for about 20-30 minutes), they make a great drink! Some people even roast them and blend them in with their coffee.  The roots can be pickled using any regular pickling recipe for a tasty treat too.  

The flowers....oh, yes, the flowers!  Have you ever thought about eating a dandelion flower?  Well, perhaps you should!  You can use them on salads, or dry the petals for the same too!  How about Dandelion Wine anyone?  There are even recipes for Dandelion Flower Syrup.  

But....the BEST is yet to come!  

Dandelions as Medicine

Who knew?  

Dandelion greens are excellent mild diuretics for water retention or mild urinary or kidney issues.  The great thing about using Dandelion as a diuretic is that it is filled with minerals (such as potassium---a necessary mineral for your heart) that are often washed out of your body by pharmaceutical diuretics.  The greens are also great for the liver as well.  If nature makes it, I say use that!  

The roots of the Dandelion plant are especially wonderful.  They are exceptional for cleansing and detoxifying the liver and kidneys thereby purifying the blood.  The leaves have a good effect for this action as well, but the roots are the real powerhouse of the plant.  The roots (and leaves) serve to stimulate liver and bile action, which is good for your digestion.  Both the leaves and roots have bitter compounds that send messages to the digestive tract while chewing that food is coming! This message system causes bile to be produced.  Bile helps break down cholesterol and fat.  So, you can see how special this little plant is!  

When combined with Burdock Root or Nettle Leaf (both are also most excellent liver and kidney detoxifiers), you have a veritable powerhouse of cleansing activity going on in your body!  

You can tincture the root by itself or in combination with other herbs.  You can also blend the dried leaves and/or roots in loose leaf teas for a powerhouse of nutrition, including calcium.  

Please visit 

www.ColdCreekNaturals.etsy.com   

 for prepared Dandelion and Burdock Root Tinctures OR hand-blended loose leaf teas with these herbs for Liver and Kidney health.

OR

If you would like to make your own DIY tinctures or teas, please consider visiting my herbal supply shop:

www.CCNHerbalSupply.etsy.com where I carry bulk herbs.  

I am more than happy to answer any questions you may have---

And now, for some food:   

Recipe for Horta, A Greek Dish

Horta is a side made and served in the  Mediterranean region of the world.  It consists of wild greens (some would say "weeds", including Dandelion).  This dish can be used medicinally as well, for people who have liver issues, problems with digestion, or nutrition. 

Ingredients:

*Greens, such as Dandelion leaves, Nettle leaves or other wild edible greens.  You can also use Spinach or Kale, however, they won't have the medicinal effect that Dandelion or Nettle would have.

*Organic Olive Oil

*Lemon juice from a fresh lemon

*Feta Cheese (or other, optional)

*Salt and Pepper (optional)

To Make:

Just steam the greens for 5 to 10 minutes, then drizzle with Olive Oil and squeezed lemon juice from a fresh lemon.  Top with your choice of cheese (Greeks like feta---and so do I)!  

YUMMO!  

Adapted from Rosemary Gladstar's book, Medicinal Herbs

Resources: 

Medicinal Herbs by Rosemary Gladstar, copyright 2012. Storey Publishing.

Making Plant Medicine by Richo Cech, copyright 2000. Horizon Herbs Publishing

Disclaimer:  The information in this article, elsewhere on my blog, in my shop sites, in conversations, and on labels is for informational purposes only and not meant to cure, treat, diagnose, or prevent any medical condition. Please see a medical professional for concerns.  I simply provide my own personal advice based on experience and study for ways to live a healthy and natural way of life.  These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. 

How Do You Make an Herbal Tincture? PLUS Some FAQ's!

These are herbal tinctures-in-process!  Aren't they beautiful?  The herbal chemicals and constituents are being extracted into the solvent.

This short article will focus on how you go about making your own herbal tinctures, as well as a little about why I believe tinctures are so great!

What is a Tincture? And Why Bother?

Tinctures are essentially very concentrated liquid herbal extracts.  They are also quite simple to make and very easy to take as well.

I love and believe in taking herbal tinctures because you are getting the important plant chemicals that work for specific purposes quickly into your body.  For example, one popular tincture I make combines an herb with expectorant properties with another herb with demulcent properties for an herbal creation that heals and soothes your respiratory system while at the same time opening up your lung and sinus passages.....naturally!

And the best thing of all....there are fewer side effects using herbs (I have personally experienced none after working with many many herbs and tinctures) than taking over the counter medications.  I believe the reason is that God made plants in a whole form, with all parts working together to serve a purpose.  Tincturing herbs is a process in which most of the important chemical constituents are extracted, and our bodies respond perfectly!  It's nature!

Using herbal tinctures is only one way to use the power of herbs for your health.  In subsequent posts, I'll be exploring other ways to use herbs, including tea blends, making pills, making candy, and more!

This is very important:  Medicinal herbs can be very powerful.  Always do your research before using an herb for health reasons.  And if you are pregnant, nursing, or on medications, you should definitely check with your medical doctor.

Here is how you make a simple single herb tincture:

Step One:

1.  Choose your herb!  You can use fresh herbs, however, I prefer to use freshly dried (from my garden or the nearby mountain or desert areas) or quality organic dried herbs from reputable sources. If you use fresh herbs, there is moisture involved, and that opens the door to spoilage, mold, and other issues.  I go for the dry herbs!  Leaves and flowers tincture the most easily and take less time than roots and berries.  I grind roots and berries slightly so that it is easier for the solvent (see step 3) to do its work.

Step Two:

2.  Pour a generous amount (depending on the herb, I generally use a 1:3 ratio, or one-third of a jar) into a Mason jar.  This is the folk method, or simpler's method.  Some herbalists use specific ratios such as 1:3 or 1:4 or even 1:5.  A 1:3 ratio simply means they are using 1 part herb to 3 parts solvent (see step 3).  If you purchase commercial tinctures, sometimes you will see the ratios on the label.  A lower herb to solvent ratio will mean you may have to take more tincture.

Step Three:

3.  Fill within an inch of the top with a high quality high-proof alcohol, at least 80 proof.  You can use brandy, rum, whiskey, or vodka among others.  I like to use vodka because I like to experience the pure plant taste, and vodka is generally without a strong flavor.  Some herbalists like to use extremely high proof alcohol, however, I feel once you reach the 80 proof mark, you are getting the herbal parts you need.  Plus, the taste is definitely affected even more by the higher proof alcohols.

**Note:  There are other solvents you can use to tincture herbs, most notably, raw apple cider vinegar or vegetable glycerin.  However, these are not as strong a solvent as alcohol, so you will not get as much of the herbal benefit using one of these solvents.  The other side is that some people feel they are better for children or people with alcohol sensitivities.

 Rosalee de la Foret, one of my favorite herbalists, says this about the difference in solvents in her post – What’s Chemistry Got To Do With It.

• Alcohol – alkaloids, glycosides, saponins, flavonoids, tannins, resins
• Glycerine – tannins, some minerals, trace minerals, alkaloids, and acids
• Vinegar – alkaloids, minerals, trace minerals

So you can see that alcohol is by far the strongest solvent for extracting the herbal constituents to help your body.  

Glycerine has a sweet taste, so kids seem to like it better.  However, once again, you are not extracting all the herb parts.

Raw Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) with the "mother" is unpasteurized apple cider vinegar and is sometimes used in combination with glycerine.  ACV has additional health benefits, however, you are not extracting all the herb parts.  

Step Four:

4.  Herbalists have different theories about the next part:  Infusing the herbs over time.  Some herbalists take the jar and place it in a dark closet for several weeks.  Others, myself included, believe in placing my jars in a sunny window and shaking them daily for several weeks.  The reason for the sun:  I feel there is an energy generated by the sun that adds so much to the tincture.  I shake the bottles daily because that action makes sure all the herbs are being used and none is sticking to the bottom.  I generally mark my tinctures for about four weeks out, then check.  If the herb is fully macerated (used), then I will decant... or I may choose to leave them processing for another two to four weeks.  I have left some tinctures processing for 12 weeks with no negative repercussions.

Always mark your tincturing bottles:  Type of herb(s), date, solvent used (if you use different types), and the amounts of each herb used.

Step Five: 

5. Once you feel the herb is spent, strain out the herb parts.  I use a very fine mesh strainer because I like my tinctures as clear and pure as possible.  Sometimes I will even strain them twice, or use fine cheesecloth as well as the strainer.

Step Six:

6. Pour into a bottle!  I use bottles with droppers.  The droppers hold the same amount of liquid, in general, so you can be sure of dosage no matter how many actual ounces the bottle holds.  I use 1 ounce, 2 ounce, and 4 ounce bottles.

Step Seven:

7.  If you have a large amount, you can also pour into a larger bottle and store in a cool, dark area.

Additional Information:

Tinctures will last for years.  There have been incidences of people finding old tinctures over a decade old that are still good.  However, for basic safety, I recommend using within a year or two.

How Much Should You Take?

Here is some basic information about how much to take, although depending on the herbs, this may differ some.  Always do your own research.

Basically, a dose is considered between one complete dropper full and three complete droppers full.  People's bodies are all different and we have different tolerances for substances.  Always start with the lower dose, unless you have reason to believe you need to  use the higher dose.   Some herbs can be used as often as necessary (Mullein), and others (like Yohimbe) you need to be very careful about.  Know your herbs, and if in doubt, go small.

Also, some people ask about the alcohol---in fact, I have had friends joke with me that it's actually the alcohol doing all the work.  NOT so!  You are taking such a small amount of alcohol when using tinctures properly that it should not be a cause for concern (unless you are giving to a child or an adult with alcohol issues).

**One full dose of three droppers full is just a tiny bit more than 1/2 a teaspoon.  So you can see, you are not ingesting a great deal of alcohol at all.

For children (and even small adults):  You will want to adjust the dosage accordingly.  For young children, they will only be taking drops as opposed to droppers full.

The Bottom Line:

Tincturing your own herbs is fun!  When you tincture your own herbs, you are engaging in a time-honored process of staying healthy.  And, tinctures are one of the best and most popular ways of using herbs to help enhance your life!

If you would like to check out some of my prepared tinctures, please visit my online shop:

www.ColdCreekNaturals.etsy.com

If you are interested in purchasing quality herbs to make your own tinctures and blends, visit my online supply shop:

www.CCNHerbalSupply.etsy.com

I am very proud of my shops, and I make sure that my products are of the highest quality.  My tinctures, especially, are my pride and joy.  They are made in small batches, process for at least 4 to 6 weeks in a sunny window in the Southern Nevada Mountain sunshine.

Additional Resources:
Medicinal Herbs by Rosemary Gladstar. Copyright 2012. Storey Publishing.

Disclaimer:  The information in this article, elsewhere on my blog, in my shop sites, in conversations, and on labels is for informational purposes only and not meant to cure, treat, diagnose, or prevent any medical condition. Please see a medical professional for concerns.  I simply provide my own personal advice based on experience and study for ways to live a healthy and natural way of life.  These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA.