Day #5 Homemade

I have been slowly replacing the chemicals in my life with safer, healthier, homemade versions of products i use a lot.  here are a few examples and results:

deodorant

i have been using my homemade deodorant for quite a while now and i love it!  so far no BO!!!!!

6 tblsp. melted coconut oil
1 tblsp. almond oil
1/4 c. cornstarch
1/4 c. baking soda
about 25 drops essential oil ---so far i have only used peppermint because it makes me peppy---heehee

melt the coconut oil in the micro, whisk in the almond oil and then the dry ingredients & essential oil
pour into a container and let sit.  it will harden.

all ingredients are found in the grocery store except the essential oil i bought in the health food store.
i apply this with my fingers, it rubs right in and dries.  so far it has worked really well for me

shampoo

1/3 c. castille soap (liquid)  purchased at the health food store
1/3 to 2/3 cup water  (depending on how runny you want it)
2 tblsp. baking soda
1 tblsp. melted coconut oil
25 drops essential oil

there are a few different pre-scented castille soap or you can buy unscented and create your own scent with the essential oils.
so far i also love the peppermint, again because it makes me peppy!
i mix it all up and put it in a little squeeze bottle.  you can make larger amounts too!

air freshener spray

5 oz. water
1 oz. alcohol
essential oil--25+ drops

put ingredients into a small spray bottle--found mine at walmart.  a couple spritzes into the air does the trick.  so far my favorite scent is spearmint.  we only use this in the bathroom and i swear the house smells sooo much better.

bug spray

ok, this is AWESOME.  and i should know because we live in black fly and mosquito heaven!

again, i use a small spray bottle from walmart

4 oz. witch hazel
1 oz. sweet almond oil
essential oils:  citronella, lemon, lavender, peppermint

you can also use eucalyptus but i've heard you shouldn't use that oil on babies?  use at least 3 of the essential oils--about 15 drops each.
i spray this on my skin and rub in.  i spray it on my hair.  i spray it into my palms and rub it all over my face and ears.

no bites!!!!!! i so far have only been bitten in spots that i didn't spray (like one got down my shirt)
i am very impressed and so far have made and used a couple of batches.  the bugs hover, but do not bite.

i researched for these products and looked for simple recipes and then tweeked them. and i must say i am very happy with the results--especially the bug spray!

some essential oils are $$$$$  but i don't think i spent more than $10 a bottle. some were $4-$5.  but they last a long, long time and they are natural & pure.