Thank you to The Bradford Market for hosting our wonderful workshop and thank you so much to all that attended! I'm excited to guide you through making your own personal care items, and show how it can save money and positively impact your health.

Many conventional deodorants contain additives like aluminum, artificial fragrance, talc, stabilizers and parabens, which have been linked to health concerns. Switching to natural deodorant can reduce exposure to these potentially harmful chemicals.

Scroll down to the bottom of this article for the deodorant recipe we used at the workshop.

Why it Matters

Given that your skin absorbs products you apply on it, understanding the lymphatic system's role in our body's detoxification becomes crucial. This network of nodes, particularly dense in areas like the armpits, contains your immune system and is essential for many processes throughout the body that keep you healthy.

Lymphatic System

Your lymphatic system is part of the circulatory system, and is made up of a network of nodes, connected by lymphatic vessels, similar to how blood vessels connect different parts of the body. This network allows lymph fluid to circulate, being filtered in the nodes as it moves through the body. 

The lymphatic system works as a part of the immune system to make white blood cells, remove waste, and pathogens, and helps in the circulation of lymphocytes, which are crucial for immune responses. It also helps absorb & transport dietary fats, and vitamins A, D, E, and K from the digestive tract & balances stored body fluids.

You have lymph nodes all over your body, but there are concentrated areas where there are a lot of them all grouped together (shown in orange in the image above):

• Neck (Cervical Region): These lymph nodes are located along the sides of the neck and can usually be sore/inflamed during infections such as a sore throat.

• Armpits (Axillary Region): Located under the arms, these nodes play a crucial role in filtering lymph from the arms and upper torso.

• Groin (Inguinal Region): These nodes filter lymph coming from the lower limbs, genitalia, and lower abdomen.

• Chest (Thoracic Region): Within the chest cavity, particularly in the mediastinum (between your lungs), these nodes filter lymph from the lungs, heart, and upper torso.

• Abdomen and Pelvis: Lymph nodes in this area, including the para-aortic nodes, filter lymph from the digestive organs and pelvic organs.

Signs Your Lymph is Congested

• Swelling or Edema: One of the most common signs is swelling in parts of the body, especially the arms or legs, due to fluid accumulation.

• Feeling Tired or Fatigued: Lymphatic congestion can lead to a general feeling of fatigue or lack of energy, as the body is not efficiently detoxifying.

• Skin Changes: The skin may appear drier, or you may experience other skin issues like acne or other types of dermatitis due to the buildup of toxins.

• Stiffness or Soreness: Morning stiffness or soreness can occur, especially in the limbs or around the joints, as fluid accumulates overnight.

• Digestive Problems: Issues such as bloating, constipation, or diarrhea can arise because the lymphatic system is closely linked with the digestive system.

• Frequent Infections or Illness: An overtaxed or congested lymphatic system can lead to a weakened immune response, resulting in frequent colds, infections, or slow healing from illness.

• Headaches and Brain Fog: Lymphatic issues can also affect cognitive function, leading to headaches, confusion, or brain fog.

• Enlarged Lymph Nodes: You may notice swollen lymph nodes in areas like the neck, armpits, or groin. These nodes may also be tender to the touch.
  
  

Differences Between Chemical + Natural Deodorant

The issue with chemical deodorants is that they contain preservatives, aluminum, artificial fragrances, parabens, stabilizers, talc and other harmful additives. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires antiperspirant manufacturers to include warnings for people with kidney disease due to the aluminum content. Parabens act in the body similarly to estrogen, which is linked to an increased risk of breast cancer. Talc is often included for texture, but has been contaminated with asbestos in the past, a compound known to cause cancer.

Some scientists believe there is not enough evidence to support the idea that this slurry of cancer-causing chemicals applied directly to the area where breast cancer typically develops could possibly be contributing to the recent rise in diagnoses over the last few decades. Personally, it doesn’t make sense to continue to apply toxic ingredients to my skin when there is a healthier option available.

After ditching the chemicals, I tried shopping for a more natural option. Unfortunately, even most of the “natural” deodorant options that don’t contain aluminum often have artificial fragrances, talc, preservatives and other chemicals that are not safe to be absorbed daily over years and years. One exception that I thought was pretty good was the brand Schmidts (the one in the jar, not the stick. Affiliate link). Unfortunately, it is far more expensive than making it yourself.

Detox Period

When you switch to natural deodorant - whether it’s homemade or store-bought, you might experience a detox period. This phase can include temporary increased odor and irritation as your body adjusts and eliminates built-up toxins.

This happens most often with people who have used chemical antiperspirants for years and years, and have a lot of toxin build up in their underarm area. As this buildup is detoxified through your sweat, you will see these issues clear up, after which your deodorant will work much better.

In the meantime, to combat the extra stink, you can just plan on reapplying your deodorant several times throughout the day as you notice any odors, or you can also double up with a salt rock deodorant right after getting out of the shower, then apply your deodorant from this recipe below on top of that.

Managing Your Detox Period

To manage and shorten the detox period, consider increasing activities that promote sweating, like exercise or sauna visits, and stay hydrated to support toxin elimination.

• Exercise to the point of sweating, yoga

• Sauna

• Being outside on a hot day

• Herbs that induce sweating - Eucalyptus (Folium Eucalypti), Fresh Ginger (Zingiber officinale), Peppermint (Mentha piperita), Tulsi Basil (Ocimum sanctum), Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

*Not medical advice, please consult with an herbalist to find your correct dosage.

Nourishing Your Lymphatic System

If the symptoms listed above sound familiar, you could discuss these herbs/ideas with your provider to see if any would be a good fit. These are provided for educational purposes only, not as medical advice.

• Echinacea (Echinacea augustifolia or purpurea)

• Mullein (Verbascum thapsus)

• Nettle (Urtica dioica)

• Pau D’acro (Tabebuia impetiginosa)

• Red Clover (Trifolium pratense)

• Cleavers (Galium aparine)

• Yoga, Gua Sha, dry brushing & massage to get the lymph in your underarm and breast areas moving

*Not medical advice, please consult with an herbalist to find your correct dosage.

Below is a simple recipe for homemade deodorant. I recently updated it to be a little more stink fighting and better texture for application.

This recipe makes approximately one 3oz tube of deodorant. I recommend weighing your ingredients instead of using measuring cups/spoons because even small variations in the amounts can throw off the texture of your recipe.

Ingredients:

• 20g Coconut Oil (Kirkland Signature, Coconut Oil 84 fl oz)

• 10g Shea butter

• 25g Beeswax (I used Sky Organics*)

• 20g Arrowroot Powder (I used Micronutrients*)

• 20g Baking Soda (Arm & Hammer 13.5lbs bag from Costco)

• Optional: 5-15 drops Essential Oils (Mountain Rose Herbs* or The Bradford Market)

* Affiliate links

Tools & Supplies:

• Kitchen scale

• Small whisk or metal fork

• Heat source to melt your fats & wax

• Heat-safe bowl

• Cooking pot to heat water for the double boiler

• Spatula

• Deodorant containers - Paper Push-up Tubes I used*

• Metal spoon

Instructions:

1. Melt: Combine coconut oil and beeswax in a double boiler. Stir until fully melted and clear. You can also use a microwave to melt your ingredients, if that’s easier. 

2. Prepare Containers: Ready your deodorant container(s) by ensuring they are clean and dry.

3. Mix Dry Ingredients: Add arrowroot powder and baking soda to the melted mixture. Stir well to eliminate clumps and ensure a uniform texture.

4. Add Essential Oils: If using, stir in essential oils until well incorporated.

5. Pour and Set: Pour the mixture into the container(s). Let sit for 2-3 minutes before moving to a cool place to firm up.

Notes: You can adjust up or down any of the ingredients in this recipe to change the texture or effects of the deodorant. For example, if I wanted to make a batch that was applied by hand from a jar instead of a tube, I would add more coconut oil.

Another example would be if I wanted more odor control, I would add a couple more grams of baking soda and/or essential oils. You can always add a little at a time, and then test out the hardened texture on a spoon from the freezer.

This recipe can also be made with a microwave instead of the stove-top double boiler method. Just heat your beeswax and coconut oil in short increments, mixing in between until it’s melted, then proceed with the rest of the recipe as normal.

Sources:

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Klotz K, Weistenhöfer W, Neff F, Hartwig A, van Thriel C, Drexler H. The Health Effects of Aluminum Exposure. Dtsch Arztebl Int. 2017 Sep 29;114(39):653-659. doi: 10.3238/arztebl.2017.0653. PMID: 29034866; PMCID: PMC5651828.

Penn Medicine. (2019, June 6). Is deodorant harmful for your health? Health and Wellness Blog. https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/health-and-wellness/2019/june/deodorant

Moussaron A, Alexandre J, Chenard MP, Mathelin C, Reix N. Correlation between daily life aluminium exposure and breast cancer risk: A systematic review. J Trace Elem Med Biol. 2023 Sep;79:127247. doi: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2023.127247. Epub 2023 Jun 21. PMID: 37354712.

Taylor KW, Troester MA, Herring AH, Engel LS, Nichols HB, Sandler DP, Baird DD. Associations between Personal Care Product Use Patterns and Breast Cancer Risk among White and Black Women in the Sister Study. Environ Health Perspect. 2018 Feb 21;126(2):027011. doi: 10.1289/EHP1480. PMID: 29467107; PMCID: PMC6066348.

Pineau A, Fauconneau B, Sappino AP, Deloncle R, Guillard O. If exposure to aluminium in antiperspirants presents health risks, its content should be reduced. J Trace Elem Med Biol. 2014 Apr;28(2):147-150. doi: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2013.12.002. Epub 2013 Dec 19. PMID: 24418462.

Rádis-Baptista G. Do Synthetic Fragrances in Personal Care and Household Products Impact Indoor Air Quality and Pose Health Risks? J Xenobiot. 2023 Mar 1;13(1):121-131. doi: 10.3390/jox13010010. PMID: 36976159; PMCID: PMC10051690.

Pinkas, A., Gonçalves, C. L., & Aschner, M. (2017). Neurotoxicity of fragrance compounds: A review. Environmental Research, 158, 342-349. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envres.2017.06.035

Patel, S. (2017). Fragrance compounds: The wolves in sheep’s clothing. Medical Hypotheses, 102, 106-111. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mehy.2017.03.025

Nowak K, Ratajczak-Wrona W, Górska M, Jabłońska E. Parabens and their effects on the endocrine system. Mol Cell Endocrinol. 2018 Oct 15;474:238-251. doi: 10.1016/j.mce.2018.03.014. Epub 2018 Mar 27. PMID: 29596967.