Why Natural Deodorant is an Absolute Must

Did you know? Deodorant & antiperspirant is actually not that good for you! But why is it promoted and sensationalized? And why are there so many different brands and scents? (the short answer: marketing! And that's a WHOLE other blog topic.)

Before we get into it, just a quick 411 on these sticks we rub all over our armpits. Deodorant and antiperspirant are two different things (although there are many products on the market that are made as both). Deodorant works by killing bacteria on the skin's surface, so when you sweat, there’s no bacteria sitting on your skin that creates an odor. Deodorant doesn’t stop sweat. Antiperspirant stops sweat. It works by clogging the sweat glands so the sweat doesn’t make it to the skin’s surface.

We've all grown up and "grown into" deodorant, almost becoming a necessary rite of passage into puberty. We didn't think much of it, nor did our parents, nor our parents' parents. But nonetheless, applying deodorant has become an everyday ritual after showers, a little extra before dates, before sporting events, we even tend to carry 'on the go' sticks with us, just in case. Who wants sweaty pits on a first date? Who wants to smell like a dumpster on a hot summer day? Probably very few of you. So we all slather it on, don't think twice about it, and carry on with our day.

Do you remember that commercial from back in the day, where if you were 'unsure', your arms were down, and if you were 'sure', you were waving your arms from here to there?! Well, we have allowed ourselves to adopt a false sense of surety on deodorant/antiperspirant for its ability to block sweat and odor. But at what cost?

Deodorant clogs your skin follicles so that you don't sweat as much as your body needs, inhibiting the body’s natural cleansing and detoxifying process. On top of stopping the body's natural biological process for eliminating toxins, most mass-produced deodorants themselves contain tons of toxins! So not only are we not able to remove the body's toxins, we are introducing MORE toxins into the body that it has to work on filtering out. And where do we put deodorant? Directly over the body's lymphatic system (lymph nodes), where it is filtered through the rest of the body.

Some of the main toxic ingredients of deodorant are: aluminum (heavy metal), parabens (preservative), steareths (carcinogen), Triclosan (pesticide), propylene glycol (synthetic food additive). None of these I personally want going into my body, in ANY trace amounts. Think for a few moments about each of these ingredients, what you already know about them, and what you don't know about them. The average person, unless in an industry where these ingredients are commonly used, may not be privy to the damages these ingredients can cause (synthetic food additive…that even sounds wrong). But ignorance is bliss, right? Perhaps not.

So why is a reiki master writing about deodorant? Well, everything is related and connected. As part of my own self care practice, it's important for me to lessen my reliance on mass production of food & products. So I practice what I preach, I drink my own kool-aid. When I provide reiki, I tell my clients that reiki alone isn't going to holistically heal a person. They have to do the work. And that includes a conscious and consistent effort in aligning their mind-body-spirit, and in this instance, by way of informed choices on what they are putting onto and into their body every day.

Personally, I have struggled with underarm issues for most of my adolescent and adult life. In my early twenties, I developed an unhealthy obsession with putting deodorant on. Oh, it was bad. Multiple times a day. Whenever I wanted to feel refreshed, I whisked it right on there. Over time, I developed hyperhidrosis - this is known as "excessive perspiration". I couldn't stop sweating! Even in the dead of winter, I would have wet spots the size of softballs under my arms. I finally brought my issue to a doctor, and was given an Rx deodorant called Drysol. The main ingredient is aluminum chloride hexahydrate which is, you guessed it, a toxin! It's also labeled as corrosive and an irritant. And it sure was. I'm pretty sure it not only stopped me from sweating, but also killed the very sweat gland. This condition ebbed and flowed for the better part of a decade.

One summer day a few years after the hyperhidrosis had dissipated, I noticed a little red lump under my arm, and over the course of a few days, it spread to my entire armpit. Naturally, I freaked out and saw my OB/GYN thinking the worst (cancer). Turns out, it was cellulitis, which is caused by bacteria entering your body through a crack or break in the skin and infects the skin's connective tissue. If not treated, it can cause sepsis. I just couldn't win. I wasn't sweating like crazy anymore, but I was starting to wonder what was coming next to haunt my pits. Even after recovering, every day felt "unsure". My underarm skin was discolored, After showers, I was still smelling an odor and feeling unclean. Even after shaving, it still looked like they were 'dirty'. I spent the next few years trying out different deodorants (I've tried everything from women's to men’s, solid, gel, spray, you name it) to no avail. I finally decided to take a completely different approach. This time, I spent two weeks sequestered in my house (thank you, quarantine) while I detoxed my armpits from deodorants. It was a smelly time, but I made a conscious effort to exfoliate and pore purge.

I have long since kept essential oils in my repertoire, and I decided to do some research and development - on myself. And what I came up with…well, it…was…a…win! For the first time in my life, I feel sure. I feel dry. I feel clean. I don't have slimy deodorant gel stuck on my arms. No propellants sprayed onto my pits. No embarrassing deodorant balls stuck either. And most importantly, NO TOXINS.

It’s time to get back to simplicity. Earth & Ether Healing Arts Deodorant is prepared in a sterile environment and is made with only natural ingredients: magnesium & essential oil. It's a liquid, but it dries mostly clear and comes in an easy to use roll on bottle. Since I have detoxed my underarms, my sweating is minimal, and the constant odor is gone. All I need is a roll or two, and I'm set for the day. It's not an instant miracle product - you have to do the work of allowing your body to detox from the toxins and clogged follicles. But give it two weeks, and you'll feel a refreshing world of difference.

Deodorants can be custom made, and all come infused with reiki to ensure positive energy along your journey to total wellness of mind-body-spirit.

Current scents available are:

Rose

Lavender

Chamomile & Frankincense

Bergamot, Patchouli & Frankincense

Cedar & Vanilla (good for masculine scent preference)

Where to buy? Simply send me an email to place an order, or we can do a consultation for custom scents.