Toxins
in Cosmetics, Cleaning Agents, and Medications
Propanol and Isopropanol
Propyl alcohol is an antiseptic ingredient
in many if not most cosmetic products: shampoo, cream rinse, hair
spray, shaving lotion, body lotion, lipstick, deodorant, toothpaste,
make-up, nail polish, and mouth wash. The purpose of this chemical
is to inhibit microbial growths and extend shelf life . . . even
though there are known allergic and toxic effects and even though
this chemical is suspected of being a hormone disruptor.
Isopropanol is derivative of petroleum and is
used in antifreeze as well as a host of other consumer products
such as paint thinners and household cleaning products and disinfectants.
It is easily absorbed through the skin and is twice as toxic as
ethanol. The vapor is also dangerous. The side effects of inhalation
of isopropanol include dizziness, nausea, vomiting, headache, and
even narcosis and coma.
It is an ingredient in many medications such
as Alka-Seltzer and aspirin; and unfortunately, it is also used
as a solvent in the processing of some essential oils, which is
why one wants to know as much as possible about the source and
production of essential oils before buying them.
Propanol or propyl alcohol is similar to the above
except that it is drying.
These unsafe chemicals are used for one main reason:
they prolong shelf life by reducing the likelihood of bacterial
contamination of products. The early research attesting to the
safety of the additives was performed by Standard Oil, a Rockefeller
enterprise.
"Health" Products
It has been a few years since several
of my colleagues and I attempted to find cosmetics in health foods
stores that did not contain any toxic ingredients. We failed absolutely
and completely, even in the aisles of large stores carrying scores
of different brands of "all natural" products.
Hulda Clark drew attention to the
dangers of these additives and declared that all cancer patients
have residuals of these contaminants in their livers. I would maintain
that many people also have weakness of mucous membranes due to
inhalation. This would be especially true of people working in
places where solvents are used, such as paint stores, and especially
where ventilation is poor. Clark felt that people would not get
well if their exposure to these products continued. Eliminating
them entirely without profound life style changes is almost impossible.
I am never one to jump on any bandwagon,
and I have to admit that I have never warmed completely to the
presentation in Clark's books. However, she threw a gauntlet and
little by little, extremely well qualified scientists are concurring
with her conclusions. Moreover, more and more practitioners are
seeing beneficial results from reducing the presence of these toxins
in the home. I have occasionally recommended career changes to
people who suffer from repeated exposure and who have become chronically
ill, sometimes due to allergies and environmental
sensitivity and sometimes due to cancer or even AIDS.
Alternative Products
The point is one does not need propyl
alcohol to extend shelf life. Essential oils, extremely high quality,
essential oils are completely effective. I began a few months ago
by making my own shampoo and was astonished at how quickly my thinking
felt clearer. I shared this idea with subscribers but no one nibbled.
Basically, I use a simple "blank shampoo." It has three
ingredients, just imagine: water, coconut oil soap, and vegetable
glycerine. When I first suggested this to people, I might have
used a bad word, "expensive." Yes, the unscented shampoo
is ridiculously inexpensive, but the essential oils are not. One
can use a single essential oil such as lemon or chamomile or become
quite exotic and make up one's own blends, but one bottle of essential
oil lasts a long, long time. You only need a few drops of oil per
8 oz. bottle of shampoo.
I discussed some of these ideas with
the supplier of my oils from India. She is in India now, but just
before leaving, she sent some samples of shampoo and conditioner
that she made up. She made up a shampoo with lemon and lavender
and one with just lavender. These are pricey, $12 each, but the
feedback I have received from those who got them as Christmas gifts
was extraordinary.
However, for $4 you can get your
own liquid soap/shampoo and then use whatever essential oils you
want. I tried to be hugely creative. One always wants the brain
to be clearer, so I used basil. I also wanted to feel more relaxed
and to sleep well, so I used chamomile. Then, I wanted a fresh
smell and chose lemon for that. For the solstice, I wanted to meditate
and transcend so I used frankincense.
I have some really interesting ideas
I want to try: oils with specific and known healing properties
that will address illness in the body or aid detoxification. For
instance, what if cilantro in shampoo helped mobilize heavy metals
from the brain? I haven't a clue if it would work, but I have cilantro
essential oil. What about parasites? edema? So, I would like
to propose that those who are experimental not only make their
own shampoo but keep records of changes that occur when they change
to a non-toxic product.
Available online in
the Sacred Medicine Sanctuary Store
See the article on soap and
a list of other chemicals
in cosmetics!
Soaps made with Black
Cumin Seeds 
See side effects of fragrance
additives
What's in commercial soaps? See
this!
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