Baking Soda Deodorant Revisited

Yesterday I posted a video blog about creating a gel deodorant that's all natural and aluminum-free.  We already use the "no poo" recipe, which is baking soda dissolved into water, and use that to wash our faces. It's been working nicely.  The drawback... how much are we wasting?

Using a little xanathan gum (thickener) to create a gel or creme consistency to dissolved baking soda makes what could potentially be used, not only as a deodorant, but as a base for toothpaste, facial wash, or even a creamier type of shampoo!  The possibilities are pretty neat.

This was an accidental finding, you know!  One day I used a little too much xanathan gum trying to thicken a dressing I used for the kids (to make it less pourable) and it was too thick!  Just the right consistency for this, apparently.

I will be trying the remainder of the deodorant recipe I made yesterday as facial wash tonight.  I did add a few extra drops of lavendar essential oil.  Be sure to stay tuned to see how it turned out!  Next on the list is toothpaste.  I am not a fan of fluoride toothpaste, but I AM a fan of a clean mouth.  That's a blog for another day.

All Natural Gel-Type Deodorant

Learn how to make all-natural, aluminum-free, gel type deodorant in two minutes!

Hi, I'm Melanie from AStepIntoHealth.com and today we're going to be making all natural, gel-type deodorant from products you probably already have in your home.  Last month, I read an article on TheSmartMama.com titled "What's Wrong with Natural Deodorants?  You may be surprised to find aluminum."  Aluminum is a known neurotoxin, and your skin is very absorbant.  Jennifer Taggert recommended several aluminum-free alternatives, and inspired me to create a deodorant that was right for me and my family.  This all natural gel type deodorant requires only water, baking soda, and a thickener like xanathan gum or cornstarch.

First, take 1/2 cup of water, which should be boiled or distilled, and pour it into your magic bullet cup or blender.  Next take 1 soup spoon/tablespoon full of baking soda and dump it into the container with your water.  Stir until the mix is completely dissolved.  There should be NO precipitate (extra baking soda) at the bottom of your cup, and once the water settles it will be clear.  Take 1 soup spoon or tablespoon of xanathan gum or other thickener of your choice, and dump it into your baking soda/water mixture.

At this point, your mixture is ready to be blended but if you'd like you can add a few specialties like seential oils (for fragrance or antimicrobial properties) or a little olive oil if you would like to add an extra moisturizing property to your deodorant.  Make sure if you add any oils you add it after the baking soda is dissolved.

Now we're ready to blend.  Just put on the lid securely and blend.  The mixture gets thicker the more you blend (a hand wire whisk can also be used).  Take off the lid, and inside we have a nice gel type consistency deodorant.  The last step is to use an empty, clean, and unwound gel-deodorant container. (I recommend using protective gloves to clean it out.  Placing the container in boiling water could also be done for sanitizing purposes.)  Remove the lid, pour in the mixture to the top, and pop the lid back on nice and tight (so it is secure).

This is Melanie from AStepIntoHealth.com.  Remember the best way to get healthy and stay healthy is a step at a time!

What is your favorite deodorant recipe?

The No Dairy, No Soy, Downright Delicious Butter Alternative

If you are like the growing number of people who cannot consume cow dairy products, it might aggravate you when visiting the grocery store.  Especially if you are looking for a non-soy alternative!

Here are a few simple alternatives:

3 parts olive oil, 1 part coconut oil
with spices and a pinch of sea salt.

1. Olive oil - in some restaurants, you can get bread with herb infused olive oil on the side for dipping.  No fuss!  Just pour some olive oil into a jar with some herbs you like, and use a little as a dip when needed.
2. If you like your butter alternative a little easier on the knife, put the olive oil in the fridge!!!  It will solidify. There is a catch, however.  You'll have to use it quickly after taking it out because it goes liquid again in a few minutes.  Wanna fix that?
3. Mix olive oil with a little palm or coconut oil.  Add herbs and/or a little sea salt, and stick it in the fridge. 

By the way, palm and coconut oil have NO cholesterol.  Cholesterol is found in animal products, not plants.  Yes, there is saturated fat, but that is not a bad thing. Our bodies need a little saturated fat to make various important things in our bodies.  I'll save the boring science for another day.

Good herbs/spices to put into your dairy-free, soy-free and downright delicious spread:

• garlic
• onion
• chives
• paprika
• turmeric
• old bay
• basil
• oregano
• thyme
• your favorite herb blend (mine is garlic, turmeric, and paprika)

Be creative!  Have you tried an alternative like this before?  If so, what are your favorite herb blends?  What special blend would you be interested in trying?