Mainstream deodorant has been linked to causing many problems, including breast cancer in women. The harmful ingredients from deodorant are absorbed by the underarms and since most deodorants prevent you from sweating, the toxins stay in the underarms. The toxins get absorbed by the lymph nodes and since they cannot process the toxins the cells become mutated. Mutated cells are in other words cancer. When those toxins spread the first thing it encounters is the woman's breast where the cancer begins to further develop. The reason why men don't tend to have this problem as common as women do is because they do not shave their underarm hair as nearly as much as their counterpart. The hair is used as a barrier and can be used to block absorption via the skin. Without the hair as a barrier, the toxins are easily absorbed into the pores of the skin.

I encourage you to read the label of your deodorant and see if you find the following ingredients.

Parabens (methyl, ethyl, butyl, benzyl, and propyl): Disturbs the bodies hormones and mimics estrogen which is link to breast cancer.
Propylene Glycol: A neurotoxin which is linked to kidney and liver damage.
Talc: A carcinogen
Triclosan: Is used as a pesticide and kills the good bacteria on your skin.
Silica: Skin irritant and carcinogen
Aluminum: Stops the flow of sweat and mimics estrogen
Fragrance: Skin irritant

Brands to Avoid

Dove
Secret
Tom's
Old Spice
Clinique
Suave
Mitchum

Okay so most mainstreams brands are bad, how do I make my own?

I've been making my own deodorant for a little over a year now and have not gone back to buying name brand deodorants. Now to be honest it can be a little tedious but that with anything when it comes to self care and making things on your own. But it's really easy and affordable.

Ingredients you'll need

Baking soda equal parts (I use arm & hammer)
Cornstarch equal parts
Shea butter equal parts (I use Alaffia Fair Trade)
Essential oil of choice (I like tea tree oil)

Know that when you make this deodorant that you will still sweat! You are supposed to sweat as this is one of the main functions your body does to relieve itself of the toxins you build daily. The baking soda is used to neutralize the smell. I add more or less depending on if I notice the smell of my underarms. So add a little more if you typically have a strong odor. The cornstarch provides as thickener. Depending on what type of shea you use, you may not need the cornstarch. The essential oil also neutralizes the smell. I really like tea tree oil because it has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties also because I like the smell. However, lavender, lemon, grapefruit, or whatever is your favorite will work as well. Use as much essential oil depending on how strong you want it to be and how much your skin can handle the oil. Don't go too heavy just use enough for it to do its job, I typically use 15 drops.

Mixing:

To make my job easier I take the shea butter and melt it before I stir in the baking soda and cornstarch. Once I have a good amount of shea melted in my container of choice I stir in the rest, adding in the oil last. Mix it well, you don't want the baking soda to be stuck at the bottom. It will solidify and be stuck at the bottom and your deodorant won't work as well. Next I place it in the refrigerator so it can solidify for a couple hours then pull it out overnight before I have to use it the next day.

Things to keep in mind:

Know that the results you get are based off of your body and how you eat. Certain foods like eggs, dairy, and meat will make your odor stronger and you may have poorer results with your deodorant. Stick to plant based whole foods to assist with the smell.

If your skin is sensitive I advise you to not be as generous with the baking soda or essential oils as it can cause your skin to become irritated. Ultimately play around with your needs until you come up with a good balance for your homemade deodorant.

Also to put it on you'll have to apply by hand and the baking soda does leave residue. I have gotten used to this and just wash my hands or dust them off after I apply.

Thanks for reading, please comment below your experiences with making your own and any questions you have!

Regina Crichlow

January 5, 2017

Yoni/Vaginal Health, DIY Self Care

Yoni Steaming

Regina Crichlow

January 5, 2017

Yoni/Vaginal Health, DIY Self Care

What is yoni steaming?

Yoni steaming is a practice where a woman sits over water that has been boiled with various herbs. The steam contains the oils from the herbs which in turn carries healing properties. Once the water is at a safe and comfortable temperature a woman can sit over it and begin the healing process of the yoni. Yoni is the sanskrit word for womb and/or vagina. Herbs that are typically used but are not limited to: Rosemary, lavender, yarrow flower, peppermint, sage, and more. Each plant has different properties so they can be used for a variety of different needs.

Why use it?

Yoni steaming can be used for a variety of ways including regulating and soothing symptoms of the menstrual cycle and regular day to day needs. Such as but not limited to:

Heavy bleeding
Dysmenorrhea (cramps)
Irregularity
Amenorrhea (lack of periods)
Unhealthy or unpleasant odor
Vaginal dryness
Menopause
Pain associated with sex

It can also be used for any issues dealing with the womb and the vagina. the anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties of certain herbs can help in the treatment of

Herpes
Urinary tract infections
Yeast infections
Bacterial vaginosis
Other STDs (gonorrhea, syphilis, etc.)
Ovarian Cysts
Uterine fibroids, uterine weakness, uterine prolapse
Endometriosis

It can assist women who plan on having or had a baby with:

Vaginal tears
C-section scar
Episiotomy
Increasing fertility
Healing and toning the reproductive system

Lastly, even if you do not identify with any of the factors above it can be used for healing the womb spiritually by:

Releasing stored unhealthy toxins and energies from the womb
Cultivating creative energy
Restoring and enhancing positive energy
Releasing energy that no longer serves you
Letting go of negative emotions tied to the womb
Reducing stress and anxiety
Cleansing, purifying, and stimulating the womb

How do I do it?

Yoni steams can be done in the comfort of your own home. Some women purchase steam seats which, can be a little pricey. However you can do this in the comfort of your own bathroom. Here's how,

Use any pot to boil about a quart of water
Once water is boiling, take about a cup (8 oz) of your Yoni Steam Herbs and place them into a tea infuser or a strainer that is metal.
Submerge tin or strainer into boiling water for about 15 minutes.
While the herbs are being boiled, take this time to clean in and around your toilet. You do not want the energy/waste from using the bathroom getting into the steam or your yoni. Grab a big enough blanket that can wrap around your body and cover the floor for later.
Once toilet is clean, go back into your kitchen and take out herbs steeped into pot. Throw them away or put them into a compost.
Next, pour the hot water into a separate bowl or pot that is heat resistant and can fit inside your toilet without tipping over or submerging into the water of the toilet.
Go to your bathroom and place pot or bowl into toilet.
Test the heat of the water by using your elbow, your hand cannot give an accurate testing of how hot the water is.
Once you feel as though the temperature is comfortable and safe, remove the clothes on your lower body and have a seat.
Take the blanket and place over lap and around waist. Yoni is still exposed. The steam is supposed to stay underneath the yoni and inside the toilet, so make sure the blanket is covering the area and floor around the toilet.
Sit over steam for about 10 to 30 minutes. No pain should occur but if it does the water is too hot. Stand up and give the water time to cool down. Labia will swell, this is normal. Swelling will go down.

When Should i do it?

Yoni steams can be done whenever you feel the need to release negative energy or having problems pertaining to the yoni. It is not something that needs to be done everyday, just use it when you feel the need to take time for yourself and partake in self care. To keep your herbs fresh, store them in a cool, dry place, preferably in air tight container such as a mason jar. Herbs can be frozen and used for later if necessary.

When should I not do it?

If using an IUD or on your menstrual cycle it is not recommended to do a yoni steam. Your menstrual cycle is the time where your body is getting rid of toxins a steam would recycle those toxins back into the body. Do not conduct a steam if pregnant, certain herbs can cause harm to your baby or cause you to miscarry.

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions. I'd love to hear your feedback. Happy steaming!