Homemade deodorant

Most adults purchase deodorant that they apply to their underarms.

I have found a very effective alternative. It is bicarbonate of soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate or baking soda.

If applied neat to the underarms, it can cause skin irritation. But that can be prevented by mixing it with cornstarch, also known as cornflour.

I have seen recommendations to mix the two in equal volumes. I have also seen a recommendation to mix them in the ratio of six parts of cornstarch to one part of bicarbonate of soda. I mix them in the ratio two to one.

Not only is this home-made deodorant highly effective, it avoids your using deodorants from the chemist or supermarket, most of which contain aluminium compounds that block the pores of the skin and can be absorbed into the bloodstream. Aluminium has been associated with Alzheimer's disease.

Be sure to get bicarbonate of soda (also known as sodium bicarbonate or baking soda). "Baking powder" is different and is unsuitable.

You should under no circumstances try any of the home remedies on this site without checking with your doctor. There may be some reason why they are not applicable in your case. We are not doctors but would give the same warning even if we were. Only your own doctor knows your medical history.

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