Limin'

Guest Post by Catherine Von Hatten

 

In the Caribbean, when you say you are limin,’ it means you are chilling out or hanging out. My Caribbean friends have recently taught me a way to “chill out” about deodorant and get back to a more natural product.

Several weeks ago, I interviewed my friend, Crystal, about harmful chemicals in personal care products (read the interview here).  She mentioned several more gentle and natural ways to approach daily personal care and one of her techniques is using fresh lime juice as deodorant. Her friend at the local St. Thomas health food store first recommended it to her.

I was skeptical about this at first, but when my usual deodorant started irritating my skin a bit, I decided to give it a try. The first day or so, admittedly, I was not sure this was for me, but I discovered I was applying too much lime juice and that was causing my underarms to feel sticky. It doesn’t take much…just a drop or two. Once I got the amount right, I love it. One application lasts well over 24 hours, no matter what you do…exercise, housecleaning, dinner out…whatever…you are good to go for a very long time. No odor and very little perspiration even in 100+ temperatures. By accident, I discovered it seems to have a lingering effect even after showering. Since my limes are in the kitchen refrigerator, I forgot to go downstairs and apply my new deodorant one morning. Not to worry…it was as if I had applied the usual “dose.”

And what could be cheaper and easier? One fresh lime lasts me a week! Nothing to order; I just pick one up with my weekly groceries.

Here’s what you do:

·      Cut a lime into fourths or eighths.

·      Squish a piece of lime a little to bring the juice to the surface.

·      Rub it in your underarm area the same way you would apply deodorant.

·      Let it dry for a couple of minutes.

That’s it. Easy, easy. I store the lime pieces in a ziplock baggie or airtight container in the refrigerator. The cut pieces of lime can be used more than once, if you want. And the lime scent is so refreshing. Thanks, Crystal, for once again sharing a wonderful idea.