Natural Deoderant Formula

This is without doubt the best thing I ever did for my arm pits. Using the proprietary deodorants I suffered all kinds of skin problems, including on occasion abscesses and eczema. They also made me cough and just feel generally yucky. Quite the opposite experience with this formula. Every poof of this aromatherapy blend leaves me as fresh and zesty as a minty forest glade. Using this is my single best advice to win friends and influence people. 

In 100ml Perfumer's Alcohol (denat):

30 drops Rosemary
30 drops Lavender
30 drops Frankincense
15 drops Lime
15 drops Cedarwood

These essential oils offer a variety of benefits when used in natural deodorants, each contributing its unique properties to help combat body odor and provide a fresh, pleasant scent. Here's a breakdown of how each oil is suited for this purpose:

Rosemary is an excellent choice for a natural deodorant. It has a fresh, herbal scent and is known for its antibacterial properties, which help to combat the bacteria responsible for body odor. Rosemary also promotes circulation and can help to reduce sweating, making it a great addition to deodorant formulations.

Lavender is another fantastic option for deodorants. Its calming floral scent is both soothing and refreshing, while its antimicrobial properties help to fight bacteria that cause odor. Lavender is also gentle on the skin, making it a good choice for those with sensitive skin, and it has a balancing effect, helping to regulate body odor without being overpowering.

Frankincense provides a rich, resinous aroma that can add a grounding and woody note to a deodorant. While it's not as potent as some other oils when it comes to antibacterial properties, frankincense still has mild antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory benefits, which can help to soothe the skin and reduce irritation. Its calming effect on the body can also contribute to a sense of well-being and balance.

Lime offers a crisp, citrusy scent that is both refreshing and energizing. Lime is known for its strong antibacterial properties, which make it effective in neutralizing body odor. It also has astringent qualities, which can help tighten pores and reduce excessive sweating. However, as with all citrus oils, lime can increase sensitivity to sunlight, so it's best to use it with caution, particularly on areas that may be exposed to the sun.

Cedarwood adds a deep, woody fragrance to deodorants and is valued for its grounding, calming properties. It has mild antibacterial properties, which can help reduce body odor, though it is not as powerful in this regard as some of the other oils. Cedarwood is also soothing for the skin and can help balance oil production, making it ideal for people with dry or sensitive skin.

In summary, all five of these essential oils can be effectively used in a natural deodorant. Rosemary, Lavender, Lime, and Cedarwood are particularly suited for their antibacterial and deodorizing properties, while Frankincense adds a calming, soothing touch. The combination of these oils can provide a well-rounded, pleasant-smelling natural deodorant that helps combat odor and promote fresh skin.

Natural Aromatherapy Rollerballs

I include a few super duper essential oil roller ball formulas which you may find useful. They tend to have great applicability to most conditions where a topical blend is required. I'll let you discover the full range of their uses experientially as you go. Its worth saying these are quite strong formulas so test them out on your skin before you plunge in. Also, these are effective medical formulas but don't expect them to smell as wholesome as some of the propriety blends, because the oils have been selected based on their appropriate indication and not their blend-ability if that makes sense. They're still great little helpers though. They have proved valuable to myself and others, and they make great gifts in 10ml amber roller ball bottles. Carrier oil: fractionated coconut oil.

Relax
Lavender, Clary Sage, Sweet Majoram, Clove Bud, Neroli (12 drops each in 50ml carrier oil).

This particular blend; Lavender; Clary Sage; Sweet Marjoram; Clove Bud; and Neroli; brings together a beautiful harmony of essential oils; each with its own distinct way of easing tension and encouraging relaxation. Used individually; each oil offers valuable support for the nervous system; but when combined; they create a synergy that’s far more potent than the sum of its parts.

Lavender is the obvious cornerstone of any relax blend. Renowned for its gentle sedative properties; it’s a go-to for calming the mind; relieving stress; and even helping to ease anxiety-driven physical symptoms; such as headaches or muscle tightness. Lavender doesn’t just calm the mind; it soothes the skin and supports gentle breathing; which is why it’s such a versatile oil in both emotional and physical relaxation.

Clary Sage works on a deeper; hormonal level; making it particularly useful if tension is linked to hormonal shifts; think PMS; menopause; or general hormonal imbalance. It has a unique euphoric quality; helping to lift mood while simultaneously grounding excess nervous energy. This makes it invaluable when stress or anxiety feels especially overwhelming or tangled up with emotional sensitivity.

Sweet Marjoram steps in with its warm; comforting nature. Often thought of as a "muscle oil;" marjoram is particularly good at easing physical tension; especially tight shoulders; neck tension; or tension headaches that stem from stress. It’s also traditionally associated with encouraging deep; restful sleep; which is why it’s such a perfect match for a formula designed to relax both body and mind.

Clove Bud might seem like an unusual choice in a relaxing blend; but it brings a subtle warming spice that helps improve circulation and ease aches and pains that arise from held tension. It also offers a sense of grounded comfort; like being wrapped in warmth; which can be especially helpful for people who feel "cold and tense" when they’re stressed.

Finally; Neroli adds a touch of elegance and emotional depth to the formula. Extracted from the delicate blossoms of the bitter orange tree; Neroli is deeply soothing for the heart and spirit; often recommended for anxiety; grief; and emotional overwhelm. Its aroma alone seems to slow the breath and invite a sense of safety and calm; making it particularly valuable when stress feels emotionally heavy or overwhelming.

Together; these oils form a well-rounded Relax formula that addresses stress on multiple levels; calming the nervous system; softening muscular tension; gently supporting hormonal balance; and offering emotional comfort. It’s suitable for anyone experiencing general stress; anxiety; tension headaches; sleep troubles; or emotional overwhelm. It can be used in a diffuser; diluted into a massage oil; added to a bath; or even applied to pulse points for moments of stress during the day.

Pain/ Muscular
Rosemary, Peppermint, Lavender, Ginger, Ravensara (12 drops each in 50ml carrier oil).

This particular blend brings together a powerful combination of essential oils; each offering its own contribution to easing muscular discomfort and relieving pain. Together; they form a well-rounded formula that works on multiple levels; from reducing inflammation and improving circulation to calming nerve pain and soothing muscle tension.

Rosemary is one of the most classic choices for muscular support. It’s a well-known circulatory stimulant; helping to bring fresh blood flow to tired or aching muscles; which supports healing and helps to flush away metabolic waste that can build up after exertion. It also has analgesic; pain-relieving; properties; making it particularly effective for general muscle soreness; stiffness; and even tension headaches caused by muscular tightness in the neck and shoulders. Its warming nature can be especially useful for chronic aches that feel better with heat.

Peppermint brings in an entirely different kind of relief; cooling; bracing; and slightly numbing. It’s particularly useful for sharp; acute pain and inflammation; thanks to its high menthol content. That cooling sensation helps to interrupt the pain signal; offering immediate relief; while its anti-inflammatory properties work to calm the underlying irritation. Peppermint is also wonderful for headaches that stem from muscular tension; especially when applied at the temples or the back of the neck.

Lavender offers a gentler; more nurturing type of pain relief. While often thought of for relaxation; lavender’s analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties make it surprisingly effective in pain blends. It’s particularly good for easing muscle spasms and for pain that’s linked to stress or tension. When the body holds onto emotional stress; it often shows up physically in tight shoulders; clenched jaws; or tension headaches; all of which lavender can help to soften.

Ginger brings warmth and deep circulation support; making it ideal for stubborn; chronic pain or deeply knotted muscles. It’s particularly helpful for pain made worse by cold weather or poor circulation. Ginger also has strong anti-inflammatory properties; which makes it a great choice for joint pain and inflammatory muscle conditions like arthritis; or for people who often feel "cold and stiff" in their muscles.

Ravensara rounds out the blend with a unique set of benefits. Sometimes confused with Ravintsara; Ravensara has a distinctive analgesic effect that’s particularly helpful for nerve pain; such as sciatica or postural tension radiating from the spine. It also has mild antispasmodic properties; making it helpful for muscle cramps or twitching; and it brings a sense of comfort and clearing that can help with emotional tension that often goes hand in hand with chronic pain.

Together; these oils form a formula that’s suitable for all kinds of muscular and pain-related issues; from post-workout soreness to tension headaches; from chronic stiffness to acute injury recovery. The warming oils; like ginger and rosemary; combine beautifully with the cooling power of peppermint; while lavender and ravensara work quietly in the background to ease spasms and soothe overworked nerves. It can be used in a massage oil; a muscle rub; a compress; or even diluted into a bath for a full-body soak after a tough day.

Respiratory/ Chest
Hyssop, Eucalyptus, Frankincense, Rosemary, Aniseed (12 drops each in 50ml carrier oil).

This particular blend weaves together a combination of essential oils that have long been cherished for their ability to support the lungs; ease breathing; and gently clear the chest. Each oil contributes something unique; whether it’s helping to open the airways; calm spasms; break up congestion; or simply offer a sense of clear-headedness when the breath feels restricted.

Hyssop is a fascinating and often overlooked essential oil when it comes to respiratory health. Its power lies in its versatility; it can ease spasmodic coughing; calm inflammation in the airways; and help shift stubborn mucus. It’s particularly valuable when a cough is lingering; or when tightness in the chest is linked to nervous tension or emotional holding; which is often the case after prolonged illness.

Eucalyptus needs little introduction when it comes to breathing support. Its crisp; penetrating aroma instantly clears the head and opens the sinuses; and its strong expectorant properties help to shift phlegm and mucus from the chest. It’s an essential oil that brings immediate relief when congestion is heavy or breathing feels laboured; and its antimicrobial qualities offer added support if the respiratory discomfort stems from infection.

Frankincense brings a gentler; deeper kind of support to the lungs. Its warm; resinous aroma is known for calming the breath itself; helping to deepen and slow breathing; which is particularly valuable when breathlessness is triggered by anxiety or stress. At the same time; frankincense has anti-inflammatory properties that can ease irritation in the respiratory tract; making it especially helpful for chronic conditions like asthma or bronchitis; where the airways are both irritated and constricted.

Rosemary; with its sharp; herbaceous scent; works a little differently. It acts as a circulatory stimulant; helping to improve blood flow to the lungs and chest area; which can encourage faster healing. Like eucalyptus; it also has expectorant properties; making it useful for productive coughs where mucus needs help moving out. And; as a bonus; rosemary’s uplifting aroma can bring an energising boost when fatigue or low spirits accompany respiratory illness.

Aniseed rounds out the blend with a unique aromatic sweetness; but its true power lies in its antispasmodic qualities. It’s particularly helpful for calming tight; cramp-like coughs; the kind that come in fits and leave the chest sore and the breath shallow. Aniseed also gently supports the digestive system; which may seem unrelated; but in traditional herbal practice; the lungs and digestion are seen as closely linked; especially when congestion is thick or stubborn.

Together; these oils create a respiratory formula that works on multiple levels; clearing mucus; calming spasms; easing inflammation; supporting deep breathing; and offering gentle antimicrobial action. It’s a blend that can be used for everything from colds and chest infections to asthma; seasonal allergies; or even that lingering tightness some people feel in their chest after stress or emotional overwhelm.

This formula could be inhaled via steam; diffused into a room; blended into a chest rub; or diluted into a massage oil applied across the upper back and chest. Its versatility makes it suitable for both acute flare-ups and more chronic; recurring respiratory issues.

Skin
Tea tree, Lavender, Chamomile, Yarrow, Geranium, Carrot Seed (10 drops each in 50ml carrier oil).

This blend brings together a beautifully balanced selection of essential oils; each one offering unique properties to support skin health in different ways; from soothing irritation and reducing inflammation to encouraging repair; balancing oil production; and offering gentle antimicrobial protection. Together; they form a versatile formula suitable for a wide range of skin needs; from blemishes and dryness to sensitivity and even the signs of ageing.

Tea Tree stands out as the cleansing powerhouse of the blend. Its strong antibacterial and antifungal properties make it an obvious choice for blemish-prone skin or any minor cuts and grazes where keeping the area clean is essential. But tea tree is more than just an antiseptic; it also helps to calm redness and reduce swelling; making it particularly useful for inflamed breakouts or irritated skin conditions like insect bites.

Lavender; gentle yet incredibly versatile; steps in as a skin-soother and all-round healer. Known for its calming and anti-inflammatory properties; lavender helps to reduce redness; calm irritation; and speed up the healing of minor burns; scrapes; and blemishes. It’s also helpful in balancing both dry and oily skin types; making it a reliable all-purpose support for skin that fluctuates between extremes.

Chamomile; especially the German variety; brings its famously calming touch. It’s a go-to for sensitive or reactive skin; offering powerful anti-inflammatory action that can soothe everything from eczema and rosacea to sunburn and allergic flare-ups. Chamomile also supports skin repair; making it helpful for healing damaged or stressed skin.

Yarrow adds an earthy; herbal depth to the blend; but its benefits go far beyond its aroma. Yarrow is known for its ability to support skin regeneration; helping to repair damaged tissues and reduce the appearance of scars. It also offers gentle antimicrobial protection and can help calm irritated; inflamed skin; making it useful for both chronic conditions like dermatitis and acute issues like cuts or rashes.

Geranium brings balance; both to the skin itself and to the overall formula. It’s often recommended for combination skin because it helps to regulate sebum production; ensuring skin doesn’t swing too far toward dryness or oiliness. Geranium also supports circulation; which can give the skin a brighter; healthier appearance; and it offers a touch of gentle antimicrobial support that pairs beautifully with tea tree’s stronger action.

Carrot Seed rounds out the formula with its regenerative and nourishing properties. Rich in antioxidants; it’s especially helpful for mature skin; supporting cell renewal and protecting against environmental stress. Carrot seed also has a unique affinity for dry; weathered; or sun-damaged skin; helping to restore softness and elasticity over time.

Together; these oils create a well-rounded skin formula that can be adapted for all kinds of needs; whether you’re looking to calm a breakout; soothe sensitive skin; support healing after minor injuries; or simply nourish and protect your skin on a daily basis. It can be blended into a facial oil; added to a soothing balm; incorporated into a cleansing oil; or even mixed into a calming toner for daily use.

Natural Beard Dye Formula

Greetings,

If you enjoy slapping plant products on your facial hair for long periods of time, with the eventual result that you smell vaguely of soy sauce and yet somehow look 20 years younger, please read on.

For many years, I used a brand of natural beard dye which I shall not name because I don't want to give them the publicity. They were great, and very effective in gently producing a natural look which did not scorch my skin. However, they were very cagey about the herbal ingredients to their product, and when they hit on supply problems I became tragically stuck, with wait times of > 2months to get an (often overpriced) order. Anyway, after a while I got tired of being taken the piss out of and decided to do my own research and make my own natural beard dye. Turns out it wasn't so difficult to discover the mystical herbs, and get a bulk supply of each. The saving was terrific, and the result reliable. Below is the process, including ingredients required.

Base
2 parts Amla
1 part False Daisy
1 part Neem powder
12 parts Henna
4 parts Indigo

Use the base initially for 20-30 min, and reapply if necessary for stubborn grey hairs.

Main Dye
2 parts Amla
1 part False Daisy
1 part Neem powder
8 parts Henna
8 parts Indigo

The main dye (45-60 min) Apply as a follow-up to the Base formula. Can reapply or increase the proportion of Indigo for a darker colour.

Alternatively, you can mix the Amla, False Daisy and Neem powders and make up a large jar of this. Every time you want to mix up Base or Main dye, just add 1 Tbsp of the Amla/ False Daisy/ Neem mix to 4 Tbsp of Henna/ Indigo, in whatever proportion required.

When it comes to crafting a natural beard dye using herbs, each ingredient brings something special to the table; not just for colour, but for the health and condition of the beard itself.

Amla, known more formally as Indian Gooseberry, plays an important supporting role in the mix. It doesn’t dye hair directly, but it helps the other herbs; especially henna and indigo; bind more effectively to the hair. Amla also has the handy effect of slightly cooling and darkening the resulting colour, softening henna’s tendency toward bright copper tones. With its richness in Vitamin C and antioxidants, amla doesn’t just enhance the dye, it also strengthens the hair and improves overall beard health. In the blend, amla typically makes up about ten to twenty percent of the total, enough to boost performance without overpowering the dye itself.

Then there’s False Daisy, known in Ayurvedic circles as Bhringraj. This is another herb traditionally associated with darkening hair and keeping greys at bay. It’s valued not only for the colour support it offers but also for its ability to nourish the actual hair shaft, leaving the beard softer, stronger, and with a natural shine. In a well-balanced formula, False Daisy would make up somewhere between five and fifteen percent of the blend.

Neem powder is often included too, not so much for its colouring ability but for what it does for the skin beneath the beard. Its antibacterial and anti-fungal properties help keep the skin calm and healthy; useful if the wearer is prone to irritation or beard dandruff. It can even help the dye absorb more evenly. That said, neem is powerful stuff, so a little goes a long way; five to ten percent is usually plenty.

The two stars of the show are, of course, henna and indigo. Henna is the foundation of the dye, providing rich reddish tones that cling tenaciously to the hair. It’s a fantastic conditioner too, adding body and softness as it works. Depending on the final shade desired, henna might make up anywhere from thirty to forty percent of the blend; more if you want a warm auburn result, less if you’re after darker tones.

Indigo, by contrast, is all about the blues and blacks. It doesn’t work well on its own, but layered over a henna base, it deepens the colour into darker browns and, if used generously, full black. For a typical dark beard dye, indigo would also hover around thirty to forty percent of the blend, paired closely with henna.

A balanced formula for a dark brown or black beard might end up looking something like thirty-five percent henna, thirty-five percent indigo, fifteen percent amla, ten percent False Daisy, and five percent neem. This gives a blend that not only covers greys and colours the beard, but actively cares for it too.

It’s worth noting that the actual process of application is just as important as the blend itself. In many cases, the best results come from applying henna first, rinsing, and then following with indigo. This two-step process locks in the colour more effectively, particularly if you’re aiming to cover grey hairs. Amla, with its cooling effect, can also be mixed directly into the henna paste to tone down any unwanted brightness.

Together, these herbs create a beard dye that doesn’t just stain the hair but nurtures it, leaving it strong, healthy, and naturally coloured. If you want, I can also walk you through the exact mixing process, including tips on what liquids to use (like tea, coffee, or lemon juice) to get the best result for your particular shade.