Buh-Bye B.O.! Homemade coconut oil deoderant

As we use up the rest of our stockpiled deodorant, we began searching for a more natural alternative to keep the B.O. away.  Of course, we all know that I have an unrelenting love for coconut oil, so it was only fitting that a natural substitution would have to include my favorite ingredient. 

Another benefit to this homemade deodorant is that it is gentle and nourishing to the skin, while combating body odor and decreasing perspiration.  Everyone in our home has sensitive skin, so this is sort of a big deal to me!

 

Homemade coconut oil deodorant

What you’ll need:

6-8 Tablespoons solid organic coconut oil
¼ cup baking soda
¼ cup arrowroot powder or cornstarch (arrowroot is preferred)
few drops essential oil of your choice for fragrance (optional)

What to do:

1.       In a bowl, mix equal parts baking soda and arrowroot powder (or corn starch). 

2.       Slowly add coconut oil and combine with a spoon, mixing until the past is firm yet pliable (much like the texture of commercial deodorant). Mix in a few drops of essential oil, if desired.

3.      Spoon into an empty deodorant stick or a small plastic lidded container. 

This recipe makes about 1 cup of homemade deodorant, and should last two adults between 2-3 months with regular, daily use. 

Whipped Coconut Oil

One of my favorite ways to use coconut oil is topically, from an all over moisturizer to an intensive conditioner for my hair.  This is a super simple recipe for whipped coconut oil to be used for beauty, and best of all there is only one required ingredient.  Yep, just one.



Even for skin care, make sure you are using food quality organic coconut oil.  Your skin is your largest organ and absorbs what you put on it, so make sure you slater on the good stuff!

Homemade Whipped Coconut Oil

What you'll need:

1 cup organic coconut oil, a little below room temperature

a few drop of your favorite essential oil, for fragrance (optional)

What to do:

1.  Place your ingredients into a bowl.  Do not use melted coconut oil for this, as it will not whip up properly. It must be solid.

2.  Mix on high speed with a wire whisk for 6-8 minutes, or until whipped to a light, airy consistency.

I suggest using an electric mixer for this step.  Do not use a blender or food processor, as they tend to get too hot and melt the oil.

3.  Spoon whipped coconut oil into a glass jar for storage.  Keep at room temperature, or in the fridge if your house is warm enough to melt the oil.

This will stay soft even when cool and shouldn't become hard like coconut normally does when it gets too cold.


This recipe is wonderfully easy and customizable.  Use it instead of lotion for the whole family, as a conditioner, and  shaving cream.  This recipe can also serve as the basis for Homemade Vapor Rub. 

My Top 10 uses for Coconut oil

 

Anyone close to me has had to endure my borderline obsession with coconut oil.  They've had to listen to me rant and rave about the wonderful properties and varied uses this beautiful oil.  Seriously, the stuff is pretty amazing though, and so versatile. 

 

For about a year now, it has been a staple in our home.  What started as a natural alternative to many remedies for pregnancy woes and newborn needs has turned into a life changer.  It is moisturizing in addition to having anti-fungal and antibacterial properties.  Not to mention, it tastes amazing.

 

From dietary and medicinal uses to beauty and hygiene, here are

My top 10 uses for coconut oil

 

1.  As an all natural lotion for the entire family.

It smells amazing and absorbs easily into the skin.
Use it as is, or whip up a batch of whipped coconut oil.
(Find the easy recipe for Whipped Coconut Oil here.)


2.  As a natural alternative for butt cream for baby, and as an ingredient in my homemade baby wipes.This stuff cleared up my sons HORRIBLE yeast diaper rash in a day,
and hasn't had another rash since I switched to using it whenever I notice irritation. 

 

3.  As make-up remover and a great facial moisturizer.

Bonus:  it also helps to clear up break outs when used regularly, and has a natural SPF of 4.

4.  Use it as "Gunk Remover".Mix it with enough baking soda to form a paste and smear it over the sticker or residue.
Let it set for 15 minute or so, then wipe the gunk away with a wet washcloth.

5.  In the shower.Coconut oil works wonderfully in place of shaving creams or gels,
and you moisturize while you shave.
It also works wonderfully as a deep conditioner.

6.  To help with the healing of injury and infection.

Coconut oil helps to clear up yeast infections when applied
topically as well as when taken internally.
After the initial heat has left a burn, the application of a little
coconut oil helps the injured skin to heal.
 

7.  In homemade vapor rub.

One of our favorite things when we have colds is to slather this stuff on.
(Find out how to make it here.)

8. As a homemade deodorant.

Either alone, or mixed with baking soda and your favorite essential oil.

 

9.  As a luxurious massage oil.Relaxation!

 

 

and, last, but certainly not least,

 

10.  To EAT! 
Coconut oil is great for cooking because of it's high smoke point. 
Use it to stir-fry, substituted for vegetable oils in your recipes, as an alternative
to butter on bread, or simply by the spoonful!  YUM!

 

 

These are just a few of my favorite uses for coconut oil!  What are some of the ways you use it in your home?

 

Be sure to check back as I add links for some great recipes for the goodies mentioned in this post!