Some smells are intoxicating, while others seem simply toxic. Body odour is one of those borderline scents.
Many people now believe that all body odour is offensive, however scientific research shows that we are very attuned to pheromones, which affect our behaviour. By removing or masking our natural scents, we are blocking some important communications that our bodies can naturally perform. If we could unconsciously smell a scent and know that a person is pregnant, or that they have a specific illness, or that they are frightened, we’d feel like a genius because of our ESP (Extra Sensory Perception). Dogs have this ESP and can detect many forms of illness, prevent injury and can do all sorts of other seemingly miraculous things because they can smell so well.
We have been convinced (or pressured to conform, even if we’re not convinced) that our natural aromas are all repulsive. So, to solve the ‘problem’ of our stinkiness, we all need to buy soap, shampoo, and laundry detergent. Then, because these are harsh and remove the natural oils that we actually need, we then also need to buy lotions, conditioner, and fabric softener.
I love to smell clean, feel clean and be clean, however, there are ways to get there that are a lot less toxic for ourselves and this one special planet that we rely on for our lives.
I’m sure, like me, you normally tend not to think too much about armpit aroma. You probably buy deodorant or antiperspirant while you’re grocery shopping and slap some on every morning without any thought. It has become a habit. That was me too.
I used to buy antiperspirant, but I read that it was apparently unhealthy and toxic. Then I discovered this crystal ball. It’s made of all natural ingredients. I’ve had it for years and it works like magic. I have no clue what brand it was, but I found it in a health food store and it works. My armpits smell neutral. The crystal ball (if I don’t drop it) will continue to last for many more years. I’ve already saved hundreds of dollars on deodorant and kept a lot of trash out of the system. Being a minimalist, I enjoy finding things that work well and last for many years.
What is in the crystal ball that neutralizes any offensive smells?
Potassium alum or ammonium alum are natural mineral salts made up of molecules that are too large to be absorbed by your skin. They form a protective layer on your skin that inhibits the growth of odor-causing bacteria. These deodorants are recommended by many cancer treatment centers. But while this may be a better alternative to most antiperspirants and deodorants on the market, it is not completely aluminum-free. – Dr. Mercola
Dr. Mercola also cited examples of the harm done by aluminum. “Aluminum is widely recognized as a neurotoxin, which has been found in increased concentrations in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s disease.” I have also researched this previously while studying psychology, however, at that time there was not a definitive causal link. The logic is like this, perhaps I ate an apple this morning, and then this afternoon I tripped and twisted my ankle. Does eating apples cause twisted ankles? No, these events occurred close together, but it takes rigorous evidence, repeated, over time to actually prove causation.
Dr. Mercola then goes on to recommending simply using soap and water. He says he’s been BO free for 30 years. Apparently only old sweat smells, so by simply washing our selves and our clothes more often, perhaps all deodorant is completely unnecessary.
I’m going to have to try this on a quiet weekend. If you do too, let me know how your experiment went.
Through years of research and testing, I also have found an extremely simple solution for non-toxic house cleaning which I will share with you in another post.