Homemade Natural Deodorant

Homemade Natural Deodorant

 

You'll need:

6-8 tbsp coconut oil (solid state)
1/4 c baking soda
1/4 c cornstarch or arrowroot
a few drops of your favorite essential oil

Mash all ingredients together to make a paste.  The consistence will vary depending on the amount of coconut oil you use and the temperature of the room where you are making this recipe.

Some people report getting a bit "yeasty" after using this deodorant, so using arrowroot instead of cornstarch may solve that problem.  I have super sensitive skin so I had to adjust the recipe after developing a red, itchy rash that caused my skin to rub off (gross, huh?).  I now make mine with just the coconut oil and a small amount of baking soda.  Even with the reduced baking soda I will get the rash after using it a few days in a row, so I keep a second small container with plain coconut oil and use that on alternate days.  I also skip the essential oil since I just adore the smell of coconut and don't want to cover that up.

I suggest making a half or quarter batch unless you are sure you are not sensitive to any of the ingredients.   You can always dilute it with more coconut oil if you have to, but if you aren't able to tolerate one of the ingredients you'll have to toss it.

Coconut Oil and Beeswax Lip Balm

It's getting to be that time of year again when we have to face dry skin and chapped lips.  Here is a super easy and inexpensive recipe for homemade lip balm to help you battle the elements.

Coconut Oil and Beeswax Lip Balm

You'll need:

• 2 tsp. coconut oil
• 1 tsp. grated beeswax
• a few drops of vitamin E oil (optional)
• a few drops of your favorite essential oil (optional)
• a tiny bit of non-toxic crayon for color (optional)

In a glass bowl, mix together all the ingredients.  Microwave for 30 seconds.  Remove and stir.  Repeat, if necessary, until everything has melted.  Pour into small lip balm tins, pots, or sticks.  Alternate method:  place glass bowl or container into a small pan.  Add water until it reaches halfway up the bowl.  Heat on medium/low heat, stirring occasionally, until melted.  Be careful removing the bowl - it will be hot!

Store unused portions in the fridge or decorate the tins with custom labels and give as gifts. CPS Container & Packaging Supply has a huge variety of small containers to choose from.

For the love of coconut oil...

I love coconut oil.

Coconut oil is a saturated fat that is actually good for you.  It's true!  More than 50% of the fat in coconut oil is lauric acid, a compound that the body converts to monolaurin.  Monolaurin has anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-protozoa properties.  Coconut oil is also nature's richest source of medium chain fatty acids (MCFAs) which are digested easily and burned immediately for energy by your liver.  They're also a metabolism booster, burning fat for energy.  Coconut oil also benefits your immune system and aids in healing. 

There are literally dozens of uses for coconut oil.  Aside from the obvious - cooking - coconut oil can be taken as nutritional supplements and is the perfect ingredient for creating any number of body care products such as toothpaste, deodorant, body lotions and butters, and hair conditioners. 

Widely available in stores and online, be sure to choose a good quality organic coconut oil.  The price of coconut oil varies, usually corresponding to the quality, so try to buy the best you can afford.  My personal favorite is Trader Joe's Organic Virgin Coconut Oil.  It's cold-pressed and filtered so it has that heavenly coconut smell and taste.  It's also very reasonably priced at around $6 for 16 ounces (depending on where you live).   If you end up using a lot of it, you may want to invest in gallon-sized containers available at Wilderness Family Naturals and Tropical Traditions, both of which are also available on Amazon along with many other brands.

Whipped Coconut Oil Body Butter

One of the quickest and easiest recipes to make is Whipped Coconut Oil Body Butter. 

You'll need:

• 1 cup coconut oil
• a few drops of your favorite essential oil for fragrance (optional)

Place the coconut oil and optional essential oil into a mixing bowl.  Using an electric mixer, mix on high speed (using a wire whisk attachment if you have one) for 6-7 minutes until light and fluffy.  Spoon into one or more small jars and cover tightly.  May be stored at room temperature unless you live in a hot climate and your house is warm (coconut oil melts at about 76 F).  Decorate the jars with ribbon or twine, small scraps of fabric, or your own homemade labels to give as gifts.  Who doesn't love getting homemade gifts, especially an amazing moisturizer like this?