Holistic Health
THE TRUTH ABOUT DEODORANTS
Generally, we do not realise that the "offensive" odour people normally refer to as sweat is in fact a result of our diet (meat, yeast, alcohols, to name a few) and an imbalance of anaerobic bacteria (Staphylococcus Auras, a carbon dioxide driven bacteria), not perspiration as such. In other words, by letting good bacteria ( Staphylococcus Epidermis, an oxygen driven bacteria) just do its job- if we do not use these synthetic chemical cocktails called “deodorant” and “medicated soaps” - we would not “smell” offensive. Believe it or not, many bacteria are helpful, and the skin has its own abilities to protect the body from the bad ones. Synthetic, chemical antibacterial soaps indiscriminately kill all germs and disrupt the delicate balance of micro-flora that is necessary for healthy skin.
What should we use to wash under our arms?
Avoid chemical based soaps and rather choose a good quality, natural soap containing natural and organic ingredients. The Victorian Garden products are all formulated using organic ingredients for the purpose of promoting better health. We do not use synthetic, chemical ingredients such as petrochemicals & parabens. Our liquid and solid soaps not only remove harmful substances and dirt from the skin, but also strengthen the skin‘s disinfecting abilities by not stripping the skin of its natural lipids and oils. On the contrary, they maintain those lipids and oils, which serve to protect the skin and, therefore, the body.
What should we use as a deodorant?
The National Organic Program in the UK and USA prohibits chemical preservatives in organic products. So what are chemical preservatives such as methyl, propyl, butyl and ethyl parabens doing in personal care products labeled"organic"? Along with aluminum it seems there may be a link between breast tumors and parabens and indeed other cancers. Pathology carried out on breast tumors in the UK and Europe is finding clear traces of parabens in the tumors which indicates they are getting there via our underarm deodorants. Our organic deodorants provide safe and effective protection without these harsh chemical additives. The natural antibiotic and antiseptic properties of our organic floral water and pure essential oils work together as nature's odour deterrents. Organic Aloe Vera provides soothing benefits for sensitive skin. The deodorant will reduce but not prevent natural perspiration as it is vital not to block the pores and inhibit lymph gland drainage, necessary for the release of toxins from the body. As with many truly organic products, the switchover from a chemical deodorant to an organic deodorant requires an “adaptation stage” for some people (not all) of about 4-6 weeks while the body adjusts to the new product. This requires you to use the deodorant 2-3 times a day in order to keep smelling fresh. Some people may always have to use the deodorant twice a day especially those who perspire a lot. We feel this is a small price to pay for the peace of mind of knowing you are no longer endangering your health.
Our deodorants' ingredients provide a remarkable spectrum of therapeutic benefits for a healthy body :
Lavender - (Lavendula Officinalis) is nature's most versatile aromatic plant, renowned for its soothing and healing properties and it is a powerful natural antibiotic and antiseptic. Like all essential oils, it has powerful preserving properties. It is the key ingredient in our deodorants
Lavender floral water - Our Lavender floral water retains all the energetic and therapeutic qualities of the original plant
Green Tea - a most effective anti-oxidant, helps to rid the system of free radicals
Aloe Vera – Known for its properties for soothing skin. Ideal for use on sensitive skins
Colloidal Silver - a powerful natural antiseptic and preservative in which no bacteria or fungus can survive
St John's Wort (Hypericum) – Well known for its antiseptic and healing properties and calming effect on the skin
Witch-Hazel - a natural antiseptic and astringent
Myrrh - an effective essential oil preservative, anti bacterial and antiseptic
Grapefruit - an effective essential oil preservative, anti bacterial and antiseptic
Calendula: A soothing antiseptic and excellent skin healer, ideal for use after shaving
Lemongrass– an antiseptic, anti bacterial and invigorating oil
Sweet Orange - An excellent antiseptic oil with a fresh clean aroma
Sandalwood - A powerful anti bacterial oil, also good in healing skin infections or nicks in the skin after shaving
Chamomile - A strong anti inflammatory oil known for is healing and calming properties on the skin
Olive Leaf extract - A very good antiseptic, Olive Leaf is known for its properties in healing skin conditions and preventing infections where the surface of the skin has been broken.