How to not be stinky without endangering your life or your wallet

You may or may not be of the persuasion that aluminum in deodorant can cause cancer and/or alzheimer's. The National Cancer Institute says no, but then, doesn't their business model require lots of people getting cancer?  (Dude! Maybe it's, like, a conspiracy...man).  Dr. Mercola says yes, but he says a lot of ...interesting things.  Me?  I like to err on the side of paranoia.  Er, I mean, caution!

I tried using Toms of Maine natural deodorants (Tom's of Maine Natural Deodorant Stick, Lemongrass, 2.25-Ounce Stick (Pack of 6)).  And my husband LOVES his natural Crystal deodorant Crystal - Crystal Stick Body Deodorant, 4.25 oz sticks)  (see above Mercola article).  However, both of these products are simply deodorants and not antiperspirants.  I prefer to think of myself a lady (despite my propensity for cursing and appreciation of crass humor), and as such, i do not enjoy having sweaty underarms.  This presents a problem for me since i live in the desert!  Until recently i just went ahead and wore the cancer antiperspirant, figuring that all my other paranoias (like avoiding parabens, flouride, aluminum cookware, BPA, pesticides, chemical cleaning products, etc.) would balance it all out.  Fortunately, i found a solution!!

Homemade Deodorant Recipe

5 T coconut oil (Nature's Way Organic Coconut Oil, 16 Ounce)
1/4 c. baking soda
1/4 c. cornstarch

Mix ingredients together.  If needed, add more cornstarch and/or baking soda to achieve a thick deodorant-like consistency.  For fragrance, you can add a few drops of essential oils like lavender Aura Cacia 100% Pure Essential Oil Lavender -- 0.5 fl oz.  You can put the mixture in an old deodorant tube, so that you can still experience twisting and applying as you are accustomed.  I didn't have one, so i put it in a 4 oz tupperware container.  That's it!  You're done!  You now have an inexpensive, antiperspirant deodorant that is so non-toxic, you could literally eat it!

How does it work?  Coconut oil is naturally antibacterial (among other magical properties later to be examined in this blog!) and bacteria is what causes unseemly odors to begin with.  Baking soda neutralizes odors.  And cornstarch absorbs moisture, leaving you nice and dry even when you endure summer temperatures of 105+ degrees!

Enjoying the freshness :)