What's In YOUR Deodorant?

When I was younger, it was "the thing to do" when you turned about 12 or 13 years old to go out and purchase some underarm deodorant or antiperspirant. How did you choose what kind to get? I chose mine by what I thought I smelled good. I never bothered to read the label at that age. I didn't know what all those Latin words were anyway! As long as I smelled pretty and nobody saw sweat stains on my clothes, I was happy.

These days more information has come out about the ingredients found in deodorants and antiperspirants. If you've never thought much about them, perhaps it is time to do so. First of all, do you know the difference in an antiperspirant and a deodorant? Antiperspirants are designed to use aluminum zirconium to clog the pores and prevent sweat in the underarm area. Deodorants do not have that same function. They still allow the body to sweat, but their ingredients are formulated to neutralize or cover up odors in the underarm area.

It is a misconception that sweat stinks. It is actually the bacteria in the underarm that smells bad. Think about it. Has your face ever gotten sweaty? Did your face smell? Not normally, right? But the underarm does because that bacteria is multiplying quickly in the warm and covered area of your underarm.

We've heard all sorts of scary things about most deodorants and antiperspirants and their aluminum content. Most of these things are also misconceptions and scientific studies and research have dispelled the concerns. For example, deodorants containing aluminum do not cause breast cancer or alzheimers. Just because life-threatening illnesses might not be CAUSED by things like aluminum doesn't mean they are necessarily GOOD for us either. Have you ever noticed the armpit area of your shirt getting stains or the fabric seeming to thin and "bleach out"? This is a result of aluminum, not sweat. If it will eat through your shirt, what might it be doing to your skin?

So what alternatives do you have? There are several deoderants that are available. Some have scent, some do not; some are roll-on, some are spray; you can even use a thai crystal salt stone that lasts for months or more! Stop in and ask your questions. We carry several deodorants that have ingredients to care for your skin, NOT create a rash there.

Information in this article can be found at http://deodorantswithoutaluminum.com/

Bunions

Bunions

What are bunions?

The common bunion is a localized area of enlargement of the inner portion of the joint at the base of the big toe. The enlargement actually represents additional bone formation, often in combination with a misalignment of the big toe. The misalignment causes the big toe to move outward (medically termed hallux valgus deformity). The normal position of the big toe (straight forward) becomes outward-directed toward the smaller toes. The enlarged joint at the base of the big toe (the first metatarsophalangeal joint, or MTP joint) can become inflamed with redness, tenderness, and pain. A small fluid-filled sac (bursa) adjacent to the joint can also become inflamed (bursitis), leading to additional swelling, redness, and pain.

A less common bunion is located at the joint at the base of the smallest (fifth) toe. This bunion is sometimes referred to as a tailor's bunion.

What can you do for your bunions?

· Wearing wide-toe shoes allows more space for the toes, reducing constriction around the big toe. Also try going barefoot when the option is available.

· Use a spacer at night while you sleep to separate the big toe from the second toe to prevent pressure while you sleep.

· Soak your feet in a bowl of hot water with a couple tablespoons of Epsom Salts and soak for 10-15 minutes. It will soothe the pain, reduce inflammation, and reduce any stiffness in the joint.

· Chamomile, eucalyptus, cajuput, peppermint, ginger, cypress and juniper essential oils are recommended for helping various joint problems due to their analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.

· Arnica and Calendula have been used medicinally for centuries. They both have anti-inflammatory properties so may help reduce the pain and inflammation around the toe joint.

· Apply an ice pack 2-3 times per day to relieve swelling and painful inflammation.

· Cayenne pepper packs or salves can draw out inflammation and improve circulation to the area.

· Take 500 mg of bromelain 3 times a day to reduce inflammation of the joint.

· White willow also relieves pain on bunions.

· Hypericum (St. Johns Wort) eases shooting pains and tenderness in the foot. St. Johns Wort oil can also be applied topically. Dandelion tea is a natural diuretic that flushes away excess water from the body, relieving your swollen feet. Dandelion tea can potentially decrease uric acid build up resulting in less pain and discomfort.