Body Odor Home Remedies

Signs and Symptoms of Body Odor

Body odor is a common experience for almost everyone. It is typically an unpleasant scent that occurs when we perspire during physical activity or periods of emotional stress. While the primary source of odor is usually the underarms, it can generally be managed through regular cleansing with soap and the use of deodorants or antiperspirants. However, for some, body odor can become a chronic and distressing issue known medically as Bromhidrosis. While this condition is very common following the onset of puberty, in some cases it can persist for years, significantly impacting a person’s confidence and overall quality of life.

Causes of Body Odor

¹One common cause of body odor is inconsistent personal hygiene, which can often be managed by daily washing with soap and the regular use of deodorants or antiperspirants. However, diet also plays a role; certain foods contain compounds that are secreted through perspiration. For instance, garlic, cumin, curry, and some types of fish are known to contribute to noticeable scents emanating from the skin.²

Body odor primarily occurs when sweat comes into contact with bacteria on the skin’s surface. When we perspire, these bacteria break down sweat into chemical byproducts, which create the odor. Bromhidrosis is a condition characterized by an overpowering or chronic odor that persists despite the use of fragrance. While sometimes linked to hygiene, it can also stem from metabolic disorders, specific medications, or a genetic predisposition.

If you suspect you have Bromhidrosis, switching from a deodorant to a clinical-strength antiperspirant may help by reducing the amount of sweat available for bacteria to process. There are also various home remedies and lifestyle adjustments that can help manage these symptoms effectively.

Home Remedies and Natural Cures for Body Odor Treatment

Body Odor Home Remedy with Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) eliminates under arm body odor when used in place of deodorant because it reduces the pH of the skin. Bacteria can't live in areas with low pH. Use apple cider vinegar as a natural body deodorant and eliminate the bacteria causing offensive body odor. Or apply apple cider vinegar for 3-5 minutes everyday before taking shower.

Here are two related remedies for body odor:

• Armpit Odor: wipe them once a day with undiluted apple cider vinegar.
• Foot Odor: soak feet in a pan of warm water mixed with 1/3 cup (75 ml) of ACV for 15 minutes. Repeat this two or three times per week.

Body Odor Home Remedy with White Vinegar

Another useful tool in eliminating bad odor is White Vinegar. You can soak a cotton ball in it and apply to the underarms instead of a deodorant. The vinegar smell will be gone within minutes and you will be odor-free all day.

Baking Soda and Activated Charcoal Remedy for Body Odor

³For a natural approach to odor control, some find success using household ingredients like baking soda and activated charcoal:

• Baking Soda & Cornstarch: Baking soda is known for its "odor-eating" properties. You can apply a small amount of dry baking soda to your underarms to help neutralize bacteria and absorb moisture. Mixing it with equal parts cornstarch can create a more effective, absorbent powder that is gentler on the skin.
• Activated Charcoal: To help minimize persistent odor, some suggest applying a mixture of baking soda and activated charcoal to the underarms or feet before showering. The charcoal acts as a porous filter to help draw out impurities.

Note: Because baking soda is alkaline, it may cause irritation for those with sensitive skin. It is best to perform a patch test on a small area of skin before full application. Avoid applying these powders immediately after shaving.

Body Odor Treatment with Sage Tea

Sage has natural antiperspirant properties. Sage tea is an excellent natural remedy to decrease all over body odor. Sage helps to reduce the output of excessive sweating due to over active sweat glands. Simply drinking a cup of sage tea twice a week may help with excessive sweating.

You can also apply the cooled Sage tea directly to the armpits. Simply dip a sponge or small piece of cotton in cold sage tea, and apply liberally to the armpits every night. Let it dry and rinse in the morning.

Rosemary Treatment for Body Odor

Rosemary is a fragrant Mediterranean herb traditionally valued for its antimicrobial and antiseptic properties. When used correctly, it can be an effective natural tool for managing body odor.

• Topical Protection: Rosemary contains essential oils that can help inhibit the growth of odor-causing bacteria on the skin. To create a natural deodorant spray, mix 8 to 10 drops of rosemary essential oil with one ounce of water. This diluted solution can be applied to the underarms to provide a fresh scent and antiseptic coverage.
• Dietary Support: Drinking rosemary tea may also help from the inside out. Known for its ability to soothe the digestive tract and relax the stomach, rosemary's antioxidant compounds support overall metabolic health.

Safety Note: Essential oils are highly concentrated. Always perform a patch test on a small area of skin to ensure you do not have a sensitivity to rosemary oil, and never apply undiluted essential oils directly to the skin.

Using Turnip Juice as a Body Odor Home Remedy

⁴Turnips are rich in isothiocyanates and glucosinolates. While it sounds counterintuitive to use sulfur-containing plants to fight smell, these compounds are potent natural defense mechanisms for the plant and have been shown in lab settings to act as natural disinfectants. While clinical human trials are limited, laboratory research suggests that turnips (Brassica rapa) contain natural antimicrobial compounds that may inhibit the growth of odor-causing bacteria. Traditionally, turnip juice has been used as a natural deodorant due to these antiseptic properties and its mild astringent effect, which may help keep the skin dry and odor free.

Simply grate a turnip and squeeze the juice using a cheesecloth. It is suggested that applying a small amount of fresh turnip juice to clean underarms, and allowing it to dry completely to help manage odor for several hours.