Here in America, our culture doesn’t naturally embrace our “natural smell” like others. We label it “body odor”, which has a negative connotation. Some people’s natural body odor is pleasant to us. They are called pheromones. Nobody wants to smell bad, so some are hesitant to try a natural deodorant. However, studies have shown that aluminum in antiperspirants perpetuates cancer and other chronic diseases. Americans are beginning to switch to aluminum-free deodorant. Change can be difficult for some. Aluminum-free deodorant can work for all body chemicals. If you find that your natural deodorant isn’t working for you, there are steps you can take to make the change easier.
You have made the choice
Some things work better when you drop them suddenly, others don’t. Making the switch to aluminum, regular use of conventional deodorants and antiperspirants can change the bacterial microbiome in your armpits, causing an overproduction of bad bacteria that give a worse odor when you stop using them. Some may have to prime their body before switching to aluminum-free deodorant. If you’ve tried “Just Switch” and it smelled awful at the end of the day. Consider all factors before turning to antiperspirant.
The answer
Try an armpit detox.
How to detox
- The baking soda method: Baking soda is one of the best ingredients in the world for balancing the body’s pH. To detoxify your armpits with baking soda, be sure to cleanse your armpits and, while wet, apply WITHOUT ALUMINUM baking soda and leave for 15 minutes or more and then clean. Repeat this procedure every day for a week or more.
- Apple cider vinegar, lemon or witch hazel method: After a bath or shower, apply lemon or apple cider vinegar to your armpits. Allow underarms to dry before applying deodorant, which is optional. Some of the faster detoxes come with the removal of deodorants and antiperspirants entirely. Witch hazel can also be used in place of ACV or lemon with this protocol.
- Clay detox recipe:
1 tablespoon of bentonite clay
1 teaspoon raw apple cider vinegar - Mix the clay and vinegar with a tablespoon or two of water to get a doughy consistency.
- Spread a thin layer of this mixture on each armpit, allowing it to work its magic for about 15 minutes.
- Rinse the mask off in the shower with a soft cloth and dry your armpits thoroughly after you shower. You can then apply a natural deodorant if you wish, or go natural.
- Repeat this process every day until the body odor has subsided and you can apply a natural deodorant without unwanted side effects.
- Lastly, promise never to use your conventional chemical-laden deodorant or antiperspirant again!
Addresses:
* If you feel pain after application, you should rinse off the mask immediately, although you are more likely to experience a tingling or heat sensation as blood flow to the area increases; this is normal.
After detox
You will notice less odor, less irritation and perspiration after using natural deodorant, no more product will accumulate in the armpits, it will improve lymphatic function and reduce disease.
Introducing chemicals into the body can lead to side effects. The human body is a perfect ecosystem. Adding things that don’t belong upsets a perfect balance. Your body will tell you when it’s time to take a break and detox.
