VI. Infusing Hygiene

So, I ran out of deodorant the other day and figured it was the perfect opportunity to try making my own... It was a GREAT idea, and I LOVE my new deodorant! If you choose to try it yourself, do realize that it is NOT antiperspirant. It will not keep you from sweating, but it does of fantastic job of keeping the odor away. I personally avoid antiperspirants anyway because I try not to mess with my body's natural processes when I can comfortably avoid it. After all, sweating is a completely natural method of temperature regulation and more importantly detoxifying that I really appreciate! There are many recipes for making your own deodorant, this is probably the most basic one out there and took me less than 10 minutes to make.

Homemade Deodorant

5 T Coconut Oil
1/4 C Baking Soda
1/4 C Cornstarch
CPTG Essential Oils*

Melt Coconut oil in a pan, double boiler or microwave. Stir in baking soda and cornstarch. Add essential oils drop by drop until desired scent is reached. Pour into empty deodorant containers and refrigerate a few hours or overnight to solidify. This recipe filled 2 2.25oz deodorant containers I happened to have around (Lemon Essential Oil is EXCELLENT for removing label adhesive from containers), or you can purchase full or travel size deodorant containers very inexpensively.

*Lavender and Tea Tree or Melaeluca Essential Oils are the most commonly recommended. I personally used Grapefruit and Bergamot, but you can use whatever you like. The possibilities are endless! Just be sure to use 100% Pure Essential Oils from a trusted provider to avoid skin irritations that could be caused by pesticides, additives, etc.

During the past holiday season I was inundated with tasty treats which, though delicious, led me to consider other kinds of fun inexpensive gifts I could share with my friends. One of the things I ended up making was brown sugar scrub. Not only is it fun and inexpensive, it's also quick, easy, luxurious and indulgent! Enjoy!

Brown Sugar Scrub

2 C Brown Sugar

1/2 C White Sugar

1/2 C Olive or Coconut Oil

1 t Vanilla

3-6 Drops CPTG Citrus Bliss Essential Oil Blend

Gold Eye Shadow, crushed, if desired (adds a bit of sparkle & shine)

Combine ingredients and place in small containers such as baby food jars (don't forget to use Lemon Essential Oil to remove label adhesive) or inexpensive cosmetic containers. This can be used as a body or lip scrub.

Stay tuned for more ideas to infuse your hygiene and beauty products with Essential Oils! :)