May Happenings at Bella Oils

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Natural Deodorants and Essential Oils

The skin is the largest organ of the body. The average adult has approximately 18 square feet of skin, which weighs approximately seven pounds and the skin receives one third of the blood circulating through the body.  If one is ill or unhealthy, it can often be seen in the appearance of the skin. 

The skin is an essential method of elimination of the body’s waste.  Sweating and perspiring result in the elimination of approximately 1/3 of the body’s waste each day.  It is, therefore, an important cleansing mechanism. 

It is important not to impede this process of elimination.  If toxins are not eliminated through the process of sweating, these toxins will either be stored in tissue or the kidneys must take on this task and may become overworked.

Antiperspirants inhibit sweating generally by blocking the glands which produce sweat.  As we have seen, this is not a healthful action.  As well as stopping sweat, antiperspirants often contain chemicals that are absorbed into the skin, such as aluminum and parabens.  There have been conflicting reports on whether these chemicals are carcinogenic or contribute to Alzheimer’s disease.  Some studies, such as a 1998 study reported in Molecular Medicine Today ¹ link the use of antiperspirants containing aluminum with an increased risk of Alzheimer’s due to a systemic accumulation of aluminum.  Although there has been no study that can definitively show that aluminum in antiperspirants can lead to Alzheimer’s, there are many links that seem to make it well worth it to avoid the risk.  Aluminum is generally excreted by the kidneys.  However, individuals who have impaired kidney function may develop dialysis dementia due to the fact that their bodies cannot remove the aluminum effectively.²   Aluminum certainly seems to play a key part in dementia.  Why take the chance?

Another option is to use deodorant.  Deodorants do not inhibit sweat production.  They work to stop the smell that people often find offensive that comes with underarm sweat.  However, even deodorants may contain chemicals that have been shown to be toxic, such as parabens.  Parabens have been shown to be able to mimic the action of the female hormone estrogen.  Estrogen can increase the growth of human breast tumors.  It must be taken into consideration that parabens are found in an extensive number of body care products and cosmetics.  While the amount in one product may be small, it increases considerably when we take into account how many products we apply to our bodies daily.  Be sure to check the label on your deodorant to be sure that it does not contain parabens.  (These chemicals all end in “paraben”.  Methylparaben, propylparaben, etc.)

Sweat does not have an offensive smell.  Some people may even like the smell.  It is the bacteria combined with the sweat that creates the smell that many people do not like.  Essential oils are perfect ingredients for natural deodorants.  There are many essential oils that have been shown to be antibacterial.  When applied as a deodorant, essential oils inhibit the growth of bacteria.  And they can even kill bacteria that exist.  As opposed to many deodorants that mask the smell with chemical fragrances, essential oils work to stop the bacteria from occurring.

1.    1.  ( Exley C (March 1998). "Does antiperspirant use increase the risk of aluminium-related disease, including Alzheimer's disease?". Molecular Medicine Today )

2.     2.  http://alzheimers.org.uk/site/scripts/documents_info.php?documentID=99

Hydrosols

Hydrosols are the gently scented waters that remain after the steam distillation of essential oils. These waters contain minute amounts the water-soluble constituents of the essential oils.  Therefore, hydrosols are very safe and gentle. Unlike essential oils, which are extremely concentrated, hydrosols are soft and very pleasant smelling.

Although they are mild, hydrosols contain a wide range of therapeutic compounds which makes them highly effective for treating various health concerns.   Hydrosols are perfect to use as a facial mist prior to applying moisturizer for additional hydration.  They can be misted on the face during the day for a gentle, hydrating lift.  Also, as a room spray, body mist, in the iron, as a bed linen mist, as a rinse for hand washables, and much more.

Neroli Hydrosol has a beautiful, light floral scent.  It is the result of the steam distillation of the orange flower.  It is wonderfully clarifying and uplifting.  It has antimicrobial properties, leaving a clean fresh feeling.

Lavender Hydrosol is a refreshing aromatic water that can be used any time you need refreshment, or when you want to cool down on a hot day. Its calming effects are wonderful for children and can also be used to clean cuts and scrapes. Used as a spritzer it acts as a rejuvenating spray at the home, office, or in the car. Lavender water has a wide variety of therapeutic benefits with many uses. This is one of the more relaxing and balancing hydrosols. It is ideal for oily and combination skin, and is an excellent coolant for minor burns, rashes, and hot sores. Mentally refreshing and marvelous on the emotions! 

Peppermint Hydrosol is perfect as a revitalizing and refreshing body spray. Peppermint hydrosol is well rounded and very robust. It can be used liberally on the body as a general cooler, and it is particularly helpful for abrasions, hot spots, and as a facial toner. 

Rose Hydrosol is a wonderful toner for all skin types, especially mature skin.  It makes a beautiful body splash, anti-anxiety spray, deodorant, and room freshener. Roses are known everywhere for their link to love and sensuality, and Rose Hydrosol is no different.  It is wonderful for those days when one feels sensual. This is an aphrodisiac with roots dating back thousands of years. 

Sandalwood Hydrosol is a steam distilled hydrosol from whole Sandalwood. Sandalwood is exotic, alluring and deeply mesmerizing.  Sandalwood essential oil may be too penetrating for some and certainly too expensive for many.  Sandalwood hydrosol is a fabulous alternative.  It has the full, woody, calming scent of Sandalwood essential oil, but in a milder version. It is great as a body perfume, as an invigorating room spray or as a bed linen, with its aphrodisiac qualities.