Whispers On The Wind With Some Dandelion Magick

Its that time of year again, when you know spring has sprung!

Dandelions are back in season, and I am so excited (sad I know) but there is so much that you can do with this little gem.

One morning collecting from my garden - Dandelion flowers

Many avid gardeners are constantly trying to eradicate them, I actually welcome them into my home, and have kept a patch where I just let things grow wild in my garden. If I get a random dandelion grow where I don't want it to, I just dig it up and use the whole thing.

Dandelion Root

Dandelion leaf 

Parts used:
Flower
Leaf
Root

yup thats right the whole damn thing! Isn't that wonderful!!

One mornings harvest

Some things you can make with dandelions is salve, tea, coffee, honey, soap, jelly, salad, pesto and the list keeps going... oh and one more,WINE LOL yup I said it WINE!!! Who's with me on this one :)

Its so versatile I just don't understand why people try (but fail) to eradicate this wonderful healing medicinal plant.

OK back to the wine..

I am going to share my recipe with you
This recipe makes approx 3 x 70cl bottles

You will need:
1 Unwaxed orange
1 Unwaxed lemon
3 litres in volume of fresh young dandelion flowers,washed and dried.
4.5 litres of water
1.25kg granulated sugar
one sachet 7g of wine yeast

Peel the fruit, removing as much of the pith as possible, and put the peel with the dandelion flowers into the centre of a square of muslin. Tie the end of the parcel with string and boil the water for about 15-20 mins.

Remove the bag, squeeze it over the pan and discard. Then add the sugar to the boiling liquid. when the sugar has dissolved, pour the liquid into a large plastic food grade container and add the juice of the fruit. once the liquid has cooled to blood temperature, add the yeast.

Leave, covered, for 3 days in a warm place to allow the fermentation process to start. then siphon into a demijohn, being careful not to disturb any sediment at the bottom.put an airlock in the neck of the demijohn jar, and leave in a warm dark place. Once the bubbles have stopped popping up in the fermentation lock, siphon the wine into sterilised bottles, and cork. Leave to mature for about a year if you can bear it... thats the hardest part for me...


How to make a healing salve:
You will need
1 glass jar
1 glass bowl
containers for the finished salve
2 cups olive oil
1/4 cup beeswax or soywax for vegan version
vitamin e oil
dandelion flowers
essential oil a few drops (optional)

To start you will need to fill your glass jar about two thirds with dandelion flowers then add your olive oil. Dandelion flowers contain a lot of moisture so remember to thoroughly wash and dry them for a couple of days before using or your oil may grow mould and go rancid.

 Close the lid and place in a dark cupboard for 6-8 weeks, Remember to give your jar a shake every few days to thoroughly infuse the dandelions with the oils. You can speedup this process if you wish by gently heating the oil by placing your sealed jar in a crockpot full of warm water set on low, Leave on a low heat for a couple of hours then set aside to cool. I don't prefer this last method as I am not keen with heat, as it can destroy some of the healing qualities, so I leave mine in a dark cupboard for 6-8 weeks.

Now once your oil has been infused strain the plant matter out and compost. Now you have this golden liquid, add your beeswax and oil into a glass bowl, and gently heat to melt the beeswax. Once the beeswax has melted into the oil, allow the liquid to cool to blood temp. Then add your vitamin E oil and essential oil of choice. Pour into containers and allow to set. Once cool you can use your salve. This makes an excellent gift for those with hard working hands, like gardeners, DIYers, mechanics, or even if you suffer from cracked skin.

If you don't want to make it, why not purchase yours from my shop here

Medicinally, Dandelion helps to clear obstructions and is good for the liver, spleen, gall bladder and kidneys. It relieves fluid retention and premenstrual tension, detoxifies the system and encourages circulation. 

The Dandelion plant contains a wealth of vitamins, including A, C, D and B-complex. It also has high levels of minerals like magnesium, zinc potassium, iron and calcium.

Magickally Dandelion promotes psychic awareness, carrying thoughts between lovers. It is commonly used in country love divination to answer questions concerning a lover’s fidelity and intentions.

For Divination, wishes and calling spirits. drink dandelion tea or coffee to promote psychic powers. Leave a cup of this hot infusion by the bed to call spirits.

'Whispers on the wind' love magick, when the dandelion has gone to seed pick your flower make a wish, or send a message to your loved one, and blow. 

Ruled by Jupiter

Gender, masculine

Element, Air

For any personal spell castings please contact me direct via email opalstorm@witchywoowoo.com

To have a browse at what other herbal items are available please visit my website www.witchywoowoo.com

Disclaimer:

The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this website are for informational purposes only. The purpose of this website is to promote broad consumer understanding and knowledge of various health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.

As always please do your own research. 

Witchgrass Magic ✨

Witchgrass is a very powerful herb medicinally, culinary and and in magic.

Considered by gardeners and agriculturers to be a noxious weed, you will find that this 'grass' will grow just about anywhere. Also known as couch grass, dog grass, twitch grass. 

Witchgrass roots, rhizomes are prized medicinally for its healing qualities.

Medicinally the roots are used, it is used to treat UTI (bladder) infections, bronchial issues, congestion and sore throats. 

High in mucilage it soothes inflammation providing relief for any tummy complaints, demulcent for sore throats. An expectorant for bronchial issues. Also used as a diuretic plus it's antibacterial elements to help with UTI's.

High in vitamins A and B. 

It's flavour is quite mild and slightly sweet in flavour as it contains vanillin. Some liken the flavour to licorice So it's quite an easy herb on the palate. You will find your pets will instinctively dig this root up or nibble on the leaves and eat it if they are feeling under the weather. Hence its other folk name 'dog grass' 

To made a medicinal tea for UTI here's a recipe below:

Nettle

Dandelion 

Marshmallow root

Witchgrass 

Horsetail

Cornsilk 

Optional add any of these

Uva Ursi

Cranberry

Chamomile

Echinacea 

Parsley 

To taste do not add honey as the bacteria will feed on the sugars, instead add just a small pinch of stevia. Or not if you prefer unsweetened. 

Also to each cup add a pinch of bicarbonate of soda, to help alkalise the urine, to ease off the burning sensation. 

Drink this tea 3 times a day.

If you don't want to use this medicinally and consider this a noxious weed, as it does contain the minerals calcium, potassium, phosphorous and flavonoids of fructose, pectin, glucose, inocitol and mannitol you can dig up the whole plant (arial and roots) make a decoction and use it as plant feed. 

Culinary:

Witchgrass can be cooked just like any other root vegetable, it can be added to stews to help thicken it up, roasted as a veg or to make a coffee substitute. Dried, you can grind it down into a powder to make a flour substitute. Added to beer or boiled into a syrup... Use your imagination the possibilities are endless..

Magickally 

Witchgrass is traditionally used for happiness, love and lust. It's fantastic for the removal of hexes and exorcism and can be used in many ways. The arial part of the plant tends to be used here. 

Witchgrass braids can be made and hung up for protection of the home, and can also be used for smudging for banishing and clearing, and for the protection of psychic attacks. And in the case of the removal of hexes and curses use it in their removal of you do not wish to send it back to its originator. 

Planet: Jupiter

Element: Earth 

Sprinkle the dry herb or make a herbal infusion of Witchgrass about the home for unhexing and to send negative energy back to the originator. An infusion of this herb can also be used to be consumed to dispel depression and bring a more positive outlook. Placed under a pillow of the beloved, Witchgrass brings new love and closeness to a relationship. Can be added to talismans, grisgris, amulets and poppets. 

To purchase the herb  and root of Witchgrass please visit instore here 

If you wish to purchase a magickal herb that is not on the list please contact me direct are there are far too many to list online. 

To purchase a witchgrass braid for smudging visit instore here

For any personal spell castings please contact me direct via email opalstorm@witchywoowoo.com

To have a browse at what other herbal items are available please visit my website www.witchywoowoo.com

Disclaimer:

The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this website are for informational purposes only. The purpose of this website is to promote broad consumer understanding and knowledge of various health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.

As always please do your own research. 

Sweet Violets... the call of spring

Sweet violets are enticing, not only by the way they look with their plush dark green foliage and deep purple flowers, but they also smell sweet too.

As spring sets in these are one of the very first flowers that 'spring up' from our cold winter months, letting us know that the warmer weather is on its way.

Violets have been used over the centuries by many herbalists and perfumers. Its a gardeners favourite too.

They are very versatile and can be used in the kitchen in many ways either medicinally, culinary or magickally. Below you will find a few recipes.

Violet flowers add a delicate flavour to honey or salads, and look beautiful when crystallised.

Used in skincare, healthcare and perfume products, they have cooling, cleansing, expectorant and antiseptic properties, that lend to a variety of medicinal applications.

Bronchitis, coughs and catarrh, rheumatism, skin complaints, mouth and throat infections, and cancer. These are just some of the complaints that violas have been said to help.  Although its medicinal use is nothing like as common as it once was.

Here is a cough recipe I use with my children, that I find super effective.

Herbs needed:
Angelica root
Anise herb
Hyssop
Mallow
Mullein
Sage 
Thyme
Violet
Honey
ACV


Method:
Take 5 parts honey and one part Apple cider vinegar and gently heat to a thick syrup, add your herbs to this warm mixture, do not let it burn. Give it a good stir and let it cool. Pour into canning jars and let it sit for a couple of weeks. you can choose to strain out the herbs from this mixutre... but I never do. To administer take 1-2 tsp of this mixture and and an extra 2 drops of ACV to each tsp. 


Another Recipe I love is violet cordial, there are copious amounts of recipes out there so I shall let you do your research

Magickal Attributes:

Planet:  Venus
Element: Water
Gender: Feminine

Magickal Uses: Protection, Love, Lust, Luck, Wishes, Peace, Healing. Violets are a herb of love and protection

Violets bring peace. They may be used to dispel anger and to cool heated tempers. They ward off evil spirits and protect against nightmares. Violets are sacred to Dionysos and symbolize abundance and fertility, yet they are also associated with death - particularly the untimely death of children. Thus, they can be used to meditate on the mysteries of life, death and rebirth and on the abundance of the earth womb, where all life is created and to which it will return.


A Healing spell:

You will need:

• Purple paper 
• White yarn or string 
• scissors 
• Fresh Violets (whole with stems in holder or vase) 
• Black pen 
• Purple candle

This is best done when the moon is full, but you can do it whenever you feel it necessary.

Light the candle and fill the small vase with water.
Place the freshly cut violets in the vase and say a chant, focusing on the well-being of the person and the healing of their ailment.

Cut a heart out of the purple paper and write the name of the person on one side, and a short but heartfelt “Get Well” message on the other side.

Poke a small hole in the top right side of the heart and thread the white string through it, tie it, and attach it to the vase.

Give the little vase of violets to the target person and await their recovery.

To purchase the dried violet leaf  please visit instore here

If you would prefer I perform magickal castings on your behalf, please contact me direct to discuss. To purchase any other magickal or herbal preparations please visit instore now. opalstorm.etsy.com

Disclaimer:

The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this website are for informational purposes only. The purpose of this website is to promote broad consumer understanding and knowledge of various health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.

As always please do your own research. 

The Mighty Elder - Elderberry, Elderflowers & their uses.

The Elder Tree has got to be my favourite, it is the witches tree, a great all rounder medicinally, makes fantastic sparkling wine (I can just stop here.... lol) and makes a fantastic jam too!

The Mighty Elderberry 

During August and possibly September (end of summer towards autumn) is the best time to collect your elderberries. Make sure to collect them when they are deep purple up to the point of almost being a prune is best, but you may not even get that chance if the birds have anything to do with it.

My Autumn Harvest

Elderberries have been used for centuries as a healer, from improving eyesight colds, flu, cough, cholesterol, nerve pain, inflammation, sinus issues, constipation, chronic fatigue and even cancer. 

Its antioxidant levels are through the roof, it is a real powerhouse to promote good health for the health conscious. 

14 Ways to Consume Elderberry:

• Tea
• Wine
• Juice
• Jelly and jams
• Syrup
• Ointments
• Astringent
• Infusions
• Sprays
• Lozenges
• Pills
• Liquid
• Powder
• Capsules

Cleaning Process in water with white vinegar

Here are a couple of homemade simple recipes below:

Homemade Elderberry Syrup

INGREDIENTS:

• 3.5 cups cold water
• 2 cups organic dried elderberries
• 1 tablespoon fresh or dried organic ginger root
• 1 teaspoon organic cinnamon powder or 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 cup raw honey

Cleaned and any green berries removed

DIRECTIONS:

1. Pour water into saucepan and add elderberries, ginger and cinnamon.
2. Bring mixture to a boil.
3. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, for about 40–45 minutes or until the liquid has reduced by about half.
4. Remove from heat and mash the berries.
5. Pour through a strainer or cheesecloth into a glass bowl. If you use a cheesecloth, make sure to squeeze out the juice.
6. Add honey and stir until well-combined.
7. Bottle final product in a sterilized glass container.

If you don't fancy making it, purchase yours ready made here

Elderberry tea is another great option. You can either buy teabags or you can purchase dried berries or flowers and make a tea by combining one tablespoon of berries or flowers with eight ounces of water.

scoop out to dry in a dehydrator or oven

Elderberry gummies

Ingredients

1 cup elderberry syrup
½ cup hot water (not boiling)
¼ cup Gelatin powder
1 Tablespoon Coconut Oil for greasing pan
Glass container or silicon molds
Instructions

• Grease molds or glass pan with coconut oil to prevent sticking.

• Place ¼ cup of cooled elderberry syrup in a 2 cup measuring cup and add gelatin powder.

• Quickly whisk together to temper the gelatin powder.

• Add the ½ cup of hot (not boiling) water and stir quickly until smooth

• Add the rest of the elderberry syrup and stir or whisk until completely smooth.

• Pour in to molds and put in fridge for 2 hours or until completely firm.

• Pop out of molds and store in air tight container with parchment paper between layers.

• Take daily as needed to avoid flu or take every few hours to help beat the flu faster.

• Will last up to a week in the fridge in an air tight container.

History of Elderberry

Historically, elderberry is known as a cure-all and has been called “the medicine chest of country people.”

The Romans created hair dye from the juice. The wood of an elderberry tree is fine-grained so it polishes easily and has been used historically to make combs, toys, skewers for butchers, pegs for shoemakers and needles for weaving musical instruments.

Native Americans used the plant for healing through medicines, foods, beverages, charms, ceremonial items, inks, dyes, body paint, jewelry, hunting whistles and musical instruments.

During the 1995 Panama flu epidemic, the government employed its use to fight the flu. The berry’s juice greatly reduced the time of the flu as well as the severity, thus helping end the epidemic.

Elderberry Precautions and Possible Interactions

Ripe, cooked berries of most of the Sambucus species are edible. However, you should not consume raw berries or other parts of the plant since they contain a cyanide-inducing chemical. Eating uncooked berries can result in diarrhea and vomiting. Generally, commercial preparations don’t cause adverse reactions at recommended dosages.

Occasionally, elderflowers and elderberries cause allergic reactions. Discontinue use if you have a mild allergic reaction, and seek medical attention if you have a serious allergic reaction.

You should not give elderberry products to a child before consulting your pediatrician. If you’re pregnant or breast-feeding, don’t take it.

If you have an autoimmune disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis, ask your doctor before taking elderberry because it may stimulate the immune system. If you have any other ongoing health concern, speak with your health care provider before taking it as well. People with organ transplants should not take elderberry.

Elderberry appears to have few side effects when used properly for short periods of time (up to five days).

If you currently take any of the following medications, you should talk to your health care provider before taking any elder plant products:

• Diabetes medications
• Diuretics (water pills)
• Chemotherapy
• Immune-supressing drugs, including corticosteroids (prednisone), and medications used to treat autoimmune diseases
• Laxatives
• Theophylline (TheoDur)

Magickal uses of the elder tree:

Elder offers protection from hostility to the user and to the home from storm damage and other extremes of weather. It brings health, wealth and happiness, and especially marital joy to a new bride or groom. Can be used for Exorcism, Prosperity, Banishment and Healing

Planet: Venus

Element: Water

Symbolism: Judgment, Transformation, Death & Regeneration, Fate, The Inevitable

Sacred numbers:

Five: each elderflower has 5 petals, 5 yellow stamens, and 5 sepals which form a tiny green star.

Thirteen: Elder is associated with all superstition surrounding the number 13.
The leaves and berries are used for protection and in breaking spells that were cast against you or to undo spells of evil intent. Growing an elder in your garden will protect your property from misfortune and harm. In Europe they planted elder in cemeteries to keep away the evil spirits.

Elder Flower wine in the making, for drinking and spellcasting.

To purchase your elderberries and elderflowers to make any of the above you can find them instore here

For more herbal items please visit instore at opalstorm.etsy.com

If you would like any of my recipes not mentioned here, please comment below and I will email it to you direct.... After all caring is sharing :) 

Disclaimer:

The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this website are for informational purposes only. The purpose of this website is to promote broad consumer understanding and knowledge of various health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.

As always please do your own research. 

How to make your own waxed fabric

Diy Waxed Fabric

Why would you want to wax fabric? For quite a few reasons really, they are Eco friendly and cut down on the usage of plastic food wrap wastage. It contains no harmful chemicals to you or the environment. You can easily wash/wipe down and reuse time and time again.

You can make canvas shoes, fabric bags, jackets waterproof just by using this simple method. 

I wanted something, I could wrap up my children's sandwiches with, without having to run off to the supermarket every month to re-stock these bags, which quite frankly add to the compilation of landfill. I wanted a healthier alternative to plastic, so when I had a look online, waxed fabrics seemed quite expensive, so I decided to give it a go myself. 

what you will need:

100% cotton fabric a good size for sandwiches is 12" x 12" I made about 6 to start with.

(cut into whatever shape you desire circles squares etc, I opted for squares)

1-2 tbsp organic beeswax. 

a splash of olive oil

A small disposable paint brush (you can get these quite cheaply at the pound shop.

Waxed  - baking paper

Aluminium foil

Glass bowl (one you don't mind using for crafts) 

A pan

An oven tray

wooden clothes pegs

newspaper.

clothes airer 

First, you need to put your beeswax and your olive oil into your glass bowl, and set this bowl over some hot water in a pan and leave until its melted.

Second, you will need to prep your work space, place your newspaper on your worksurface. This eliminates the need of scrubbing off any beeswax spillage. Place some newspaper also underneath your indoor airer. 

Third, line your oven tray with baking paper, then pop this into your oven gas mark 3-4

Fourth, place some aluminium foil on top of your newspaper covered worksurface. Next place your fabric on top of the foil. 

Once the beeswax has melted take your paintbrush and dip it into the liquid wax. Paint this onto your fabric, but don't make it too thick. It will begin to cool immediately. once you have completely covered one side of the fabric, place it into the oven on your tray with the baking paper. Leave it for about a minute for it to fully saturate the fabric. 

Once this is done, carefully take your wax saturated fabric from the oven (careful the wax is hot, you may need a pair of thongs here, I didn't have any, so I used a pair of tweezers lol) Hang up onto your clothes airer with the wooden clothes pegs, and leave to dry.

Voila!! There you have it, re-useable, eco friendly sandwich wraps.

To clean these all you need is a little luke warm water with some natural soap, swish it around in the soapy water, wipe down and rinse then hang up to air dry. 

These are NOT machine washable.  

 

You can actually use them to wrap anything. In this pic I have wrapped my natural deodorant.

if you would like to purchase a waxed fabric from my store you can find it here

Witch Balls

Witch balls are fascinating things, They are so beautiful, and made out of glass. Witch balls could be quite large or be quite small. Or they are shiny, painted, filled with items or clear. Basically I could stare at one for hours...

I took this picture in my garden with a completely empty ball, it's beautiful just on its own. Isn't it just mesmerising? All those colours! And it's just glass!

That is precisely what their creation is for.. to draw in and entrap. Folklore has it that evil was so enchanted by these shiny round spheres that once they were drawn towards them they would never leave, therefore entrapping them inside protecting whoever they were meant to harm.

Witch balls or friendship balls  as they are also called today are an ancient way of either entrapping or reflecting back whatever it is you want or don't want.  They first made their appearance in the 13th century in Venice. They were hand made by skilled craftsmen by hand blowing these beautiful spheres, as many are still made like that today. They became a permanent feature in many European gardens and homes because of their beauty.

Traditionally these balls were hung by porches, doorways and windows to protect the house and home from any witches spells, and to ward of evil and ill fortune.

The glass itself is made from a perfect balance of the elements, it comes from the earth, then made by fire, blown to shape by air and is clear like water. A perfect combination, and as its a perfect circle it represents infinity, with no beginning and no end, the perfect entrapment or prison for any evil spirits as there is no way back out. These balls were made to be mirrored, so as to attract or deflect accordingly. They are traditionally filled with herbs, spices talismans, evil eye, twisted bits of string etc. you could really fill them up with whatever your intent is to attract or deflect.

Healing witch ball

Protective witch ball

To make your own witch ball you can either recycle an old glass ornament, by scraping off the paint and decorating it yourself. Add the herbs, or items you want for your specific intent, seal it with wax, add your charms, and while doing so you must visualise what it is you want during its creation.

Remember to always create these on a waxing - full moon phase.

Here are a few herbs and their intents:

Protection herbs:

Angelica, Asafoetida, balm of Gilead, Boneset, Cypress, Dill, Garlic, Fennel, foxglove,  Hyssop, Rosemary, St-johns-wort, Valerian, Vervain, 

Protection crystals/stones/minerals: 

Jet, Onyx, smokey quartz.

by all means this isn't an extensive list but here a few for you to start with

You can use any combination of these herbs/stones/colours to your choosing, or any other items you wish.. as longas you focus your intent when doing so. 

Blessings to you all

Natural deodorants that beat the pong..

Deodorants are a touchy subject especially if your personal smell isn't the best on the planet. We all have a 'personal' smell, but some of us are worse than others. It all really does boil down to personal hygiene, what you eat, and your overall health. There are some conditions that should not be left untreated as it can be very debilitating.

However let's take a look at some of the ingredients that go into a commercial deodorant and antiperspirant.

All these are filled with potentially toxic ingredients that upset the happy equilibrium of your natural balance.

Aluminium, parabens, propylene glycol, triclosan, synthetic fragrances.

Aluminium:

This blocks the sweat, and is found in most antiperspirant, deodorants. It is a known neurotoxin and a suspected contributor to Alzheimer's disease, chemical sensitivities, hormonal imbalances, birth defects, allergies and breast cancer.

Parabens:

These are also a cause for concern. As scientists believe that the parabens that are used in most deodorants and antiperspirants could be responsible for accelerating the growth of tutors in the breast.

Studies do show that women who use these type of deodorants are 8 times more likely to develop breast cancer, in the area closest to the armpit, than any other part of the breast tissue. To read more on this report I have included a link to the BBC

Antiperspirants: 

Why would you want to block your sweat? Sweating is actually a good thing, it's the body's natural process of eliminating toxins from the body. The way aluminium salts work, is by closing, clogging, or blocking your pores completely. This also interferes with the body's natural ability to regulate its temperature. Two very important functions.

The body's reaction to this is, once the antiperspirant wears off, the u dream sweat glands will then increase sweat production to over compensate. This will cause a vicious sweaty cycle, as we will keep grabbing the one item that is the one that causes this.

Deodorants

These are the ones that neutralise body odour while also killing the bad bacteria that causes bad odour. 

What we need to remember is, SWEAT IS NOT THE ENEMY! In fact fresh perspiration is odourless!! The odour happens when sweat mixes with airborne bacteria. 

Commercial deodorants kill the good bacteria as well as the bad. This then leaves our bodies in a defenseless state.

At this point I want to talk about natural deodorants, there are an array of choices out there, from clay based, cream based and solid butters, crystals, etc. So it could be hard choosing one that will work for you.

Everyone is different, and unfortunately the only way to find out is to try them out. What works for one person my not work for another. I tried a clay based deodorant and it did not work for me, but my dear friend does swear by it. 

So I decided to go back to the drawing board and started experimenting. As I'm a bit of a fitness fanatic, I really do test deodorants to their limits

If this will be your first time using a natural deodorant it can take up to 4 weeks for the detox process to occur so you may see a slight increase in odour to start with.

So here is the recipe I have ended up with, through trial and error. 

Probiotic deodorant recipe:

1 tbsp coco butter

1 tbsp coconut oil

1 tbsp Shea butter

1 tbsp beeswax

2 1/2 tbsp arrowroot powder

1 tbsp bicarbonate of soda

1/4 tsp vitamin E oil

15 drops essential oil of choice

2 capsules of probiotics 

TO BUY YOURS CLICK HERE

 Here's a little bit of info about why I chose these ingredients:

Coco butter:

It is high in antioxidants that are beneficial organic molecules that protect the skin from environmental, internal, and external forces that cause irritation and damage to the skin. It's anti ageing and it provides a barrier to the skin that protects it from outside agents ( like odour causing bad bacteria). It reduces inflammation (which great if you shave your underarms).

Coconut oil:

Is a fabulous moisturiser, it's antibacterial (great to eliminate those funky smells) and antifungal so why not have it in your deodorant?

Shea butter:

Shea butter is an amazing thing that nature gives us. Raw and unrefined Shea butter is high in vitamins A and E and is incredibly soothing for your skin. Why not use this butter in one of your most vulnerable places.. Your armpits :)

Beeswax:

I use it as a stabilizer and to harden it up just a tad to give it a stick deodorant feel. It does not clog pores, but it does help the other butters to lock into your skin to help with their moisturising properties. Beeswax has been used for centuries in skin care, with excellent results. 

Arrowroot powder:

This is so versatile in both food and skincare. Not only is it a thickener in this recipe, but it also has the power to draw out toxins, wow! 

Bicarbonate of soda:

It's the best natural deodoriser on the planet, I haven't incorporated much into this recipe as too much can cause irritation. 

Vitamin E:

It's a powerful antioxidant that combats all those nasty free radicals out there. Vitamin E is fabulous for wrinkles, and it has been shown to have excellent healing properties for burns, cuts, eczema and psoriasis.

Probiotics:

The probiotics just work with your friend flora, lactobacillus acidophilus, bifidobacterium bifidum and bifidobacterium lactis are the ones that I use for this formula. It contains 20 billion viable proprietary organisms.

Here is how to make the deodorant bar..
In a double boiler add your cocoa butter, coconut oil, shea butter and beeswax, and melt on a low heat. If it gets to hot your shea butter can get grainy. Once your butters and beeswax have melted add your arrow root powder and bicarbonate of soda. keep stirring until its incorporated into a smooth paste. At this point you need to let it cool to below 40 degrees Celsius before you can add your probiotics, vitamin E and essential oils, as it will render your probiotics usless and destroy the beneficial qualities of your essential oils and vitamin E, if incorporated at a higher temperature.
Once all your ingredients have been added pour into moulds of choice, and let it cool.
Voila! There you have it, Natural deodorant :)

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****Please Note****

These statements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. They are educational and informational only. Please consult a professional for any advise before using or making any of our products.