For some time now, I've been nervous about commercial deodorants and antiperspirants. I know that most contain aluminum, an ingredient that we know wreaks havoc in our bodies. Parabens, a preservative used in food, drugs and cosmetic products have been found in breast tissue of mastectomy patients and scientists are now beginning to link regular use of deodorant to breast cancer.
Parabens are used as preservatives in food, drugs, and cosmetic products such as shampoos, shaving cream and skin creams. They are usually used to prevent the growth of microorganisms in consumer products. Methylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, or benzylparaben may be found in many products that are already on your shelves, but unless you read the complete list of chemicals on every label, you may not realize that they are so common. While nobody wants to use moldy makeup or slimy shampoo, there are paraben-free products available, if you want more choices.
Parabens do have estrogen-like effects in the body, which cause some concern because 80% of all breast tumors are fueled by this key female hormone. Estrogen-receptor positive breast tumors require this hormone in order to develop, grow, and spread. Many breast cancer treatments act by lowering the circulating levels of estrogen during and after primary therapy.
The jury is still out as to whether or not parabens can cause breast cancer. "Our study appears to confirm the view that there is no simple cause and effect relationship between parabens in underarm products and breast cancer" said Mr Lester Barr, consultant surgeon at the University Hospital of South Manchester and Chairman of the Genesis Breast Cancer Prevention Appeal, which partly sponsored the study.
Notice how many lymph nodes reside so closely to the underarm area. It's very possible that continual use of deodorant and antiperspirant containing aluminum and parabens and applied so closely to lymph nodes would leach into our system over time.
I know I need to make a change.
My new Breast Cancer Awareness Deodorant recipe is made with coconut oil for it's antibacterial and antifungal properties and infused with 3 doTERRA Essential Oils, specially selected to protect, cleanse and rejuvenate.
The process is simple! Add the coconut oil, baking soda, corn starch and bees wax to a small saucepan. On very low heat, slowly melt the coconut oil and bees wax. Stir in the essential oils and pour into your containers. Let stand to cool and solidify.
Lavender: Eliminates waste
Lemon: Increases function, cleansing
Frankincense: Anti~cancer properties
The process is simple! Add the coconut oil, baking soda, corn starch and bees wax to a small saucepan. On very low heat, slowly melt the coconut oil and bees wax. Stir in the essential oils and pour into your containers. Let stand to cool and solidify.
This recipe will fill one recycled solid deodorant tube and two 4 oz mason jars. This is a family size batch!
Special thanks to Danielle H. for her beeswax suggestion, this small addition keeps the deodorant in a solid state!
This is a simple and economical way to make a huge impact on the health and well being of the whole family. Join me in being proactive, practicing prevention and continuing to simplify and improve life by using pure, whole and natural ingredients.
Be well!
