Replied By Jennifer (Sunrise, Fl, Usa) on 09/08/2011

Ever since I was 13, no deodorant completely worked for me. I made the mistake of trying every chemical-laden deodorant on the market. I didn't realize, until I weaned myself off of commercial deodorants, that it is the DEODORANTS that are the problem!! I switched to rock type deodorants (there are several different brands, you can buy the kind with the rock or spray-on liquid) about 4 years ago and I will never go back to any other kind of deodorant ever again. In fact, when I do put on regular deodorants now, my body completely rejects them and I break out in horrific, very painful rashes. A few tips for effective use:

1) You need to give your body time to "detox" after using regular deodorants before the natural crystal rock kinds work for you. About 1 or 2 weeks is usually sufficient before you notice a real change.

2) Follow the directions carefully or the deodorant won't work! Apply IMMEDIATELY after getting out of the shower. For a rock deodorant, wet the rock under running water and apply about 20-30 strokes per armpit (yes, really, that many). For a spray deodorant, apply 4 or 5 sprays under each arm.

3) If the natural deodorant doesn't work for you on its own, you can also apply baking soda to the armpit area. Be forewarned though, baking soda can be a little harsh and can leave you with raw skin if used everyday.

- If you are experiencing a lot of body odor, also try the following things which addresses the issue from the inside out: oil pulling, taking coconut oil internally, taking ACV internally, eating an all-natural diet, eliminating toxins from your household, and using all-natural dioxin-free tampons.

Female Body Odor:

To prevent this, wash gently with a 100% natural glycerine soap everyday, which can be purchased very inexpensively for approximately $1 at most grocery or health stores. Don't use regular soap or body washes that are not formulated for use in this area - this is a very gentle region and a body wash that doesn't have a very neutral pH will sting and irritate the area. The more chemicals you can keep out of this area the better (latex condoms, tampons that have dioxide, douches). If you are still experiencing odor after keeping good hygeine, see a doctor, because it might be the sign of an infection.

Foot Odor:

Rock deodorants can be used for this same purpose - and it works! See the instructions above for application. I prefer the spray-on for ease of application.

Mouth Odor:

Good oral hygeine is key. Brushing after every meal and regular flossing are obvious solutions, but if this doesn't work on its own, see the EC posts for oil pulling, oil of oregano, hydrogen peroxide and sea salt rinses.

Replied By Rob (South America) on 09/09/2011

I have been using baking soda for over 5 years and nothing else. It's the only thing that works for me and it works perfectly, I could even go a few days without a shower if I had to (and I live in hot South America). I'm sure the rock deodorant kind works also but I have never been able to find it (plus soda is CHEAP and works, so why not).

I don't find that baking soda irritates the skin. What I do is after showering I put a little soda on the palm of one hand, and with the other drop some water so the mix is in watery form. I mix with both hand and then *gently* apply on both pits and let air dry. If you rub it too hard you will irritate the skin and it will burn. I suppose the same happens if you do it after shaving.

Milk of magnesia equally works but it's more expansive and it leaves a "gooey"/stick feeling.

Replied By Renae (Mpls, Mn) on 09/09/2011