Sweating, in general, is actually the body’s natural way to regulate its temperature. However, the body odor that comes with it can be a major turn off.
Deodorants are one of the best-known ways to combat body odor. But of late, there has been a lot of debate surrounding the chemicals used in deodorants and their cumulative effect on the human body. Therefore, many people are looking for safer and natural alternatives to deal with the issue.
Below are some home remedies proven to stop and contain body odor.
First, What Causes Body Odor?
Body odor is produced when the bacteria that live on our skin break down the proteins in our sweat into different acids. Some people tend to think that it is the growth of bacteria on the skin that produces body odor, but in reality, it is this process that produces the unpleasant odor.
Home Remedies for Body Odor
1. Oils
Some oils are known to have various properties that help combat body odor. A combination of these oils is also often used to address this issue. The best oils for body odor include:
a. Coconut Oil
You Will Need
- Coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon of citric acid powder
- 1 cup of water
What You Have To Do
- Rub a small amount of coconut oil directly on the sweat-prone areas of your body.
- For foul body odor, mix the citric acid powder with water and use it as the last rinse before you step out of the shower. Concentrate on the armpits and the groin area.
- Towel-dry your body and apply coconut oil.
How Often You Need To Do This
This can be done daily.
Why This Works
Coconut oil is rich in lauric acid, which is known to eliminate the bacteria present in our body, thus helping in getting rid of body odor.
b. Tea Tree Oil
You Will Need
- 2 teaspoons of tea tree oil
- 2 tablespoons of water
What You Have To Do
- Dilute the tea tree oil with water.
- Dab the mixture directly on your underarms and other areas.
How Often You Need To Do This
Follow this regimen daily for best results.
Why This Works
Tea tree oil is a natural antiseptic and is also well known for its antibacterial properties. Being an antiseptic, tea tree oil can help in warding off the bacteria and fungus present on the skin, which, in turn, prevents the occurrence of foul odor.
c. Lavender Oil
You Will Need
- 10 drops of lavender essential oil
- 3 teaspoons of cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons of baking soda
What You Have To Do
- Mix lavender essential oil with the cornstarch and baking soda.
- Store the mixture in a dark place for a couple of days.
- Apply this mixture as and when needed.
How Often You Need To Do This
This is a natural deodorant powder and can be used daily.
Why This Works
Lavender essential oil inhibits the growth of the odor-causing bacteria. And the floral essence it emanates is a bonus! Cornstarch and baking soda keep the skin dry, thereby preventing the accumulation of bacteria.
2. Apple Cider Vinegar
What You Need
- Apple cider vinegar
- Cotton balls
- Water (optional)
What You Have To Do
- Apple cider vinegar can be directly applied to your underarms and other body parts using a cotton ball.
- Alternatively, half a cup of ACV can be mixed with one cup of water and used as a deodorant.
How Often You Need To Do This
As this is a natural alternative to store-bought deodorants, it can be used on a regular basis as per one’s requirement.
Why This Works
Being acidic in nature, apple cider vinegar is known for its ability to kill and prevent bacterial formation, which can, in turn, prevent the occurrence of foul body odor.
3. Epsom Salt
What You Need
- Epsom salt
- Hot water
What You Have To Do
- Fill a bathtub or jacuzzi with hot water and pour about 2 to 3 cups of Epsom salt into it.
- Soak in the bath and relax.
How Often You Need To Do This
You can try this treatment 3 times a week for best results.
Why This Works
Epsom salt is an antioxidant and is known to detoxify our body. It also helps our body produce a hormone called serotonin, which helps it to relax. These properties of Epsom salt relieve stress and this, in turn, decreases sweat production, thereby eliminating foul odor from our body.
4. Green Tea
What You Need
- Green tea leaves
- Water
What You Have To Do
- Boil enough water in a teapot and add the green tea leaves.
- Allow it to cool and then apply the strained extract to the sweat-prone areas of the body.
- Regular intake of green tea on an empty stomach can also help you deal with foul body odor.
How Often You Need To Do This
Apply this mixture on alternate days as daily application could be too drying for some skin types.
Why This Works
The antioxidants and tannic acid in green tea help combat body odor from within. While the external application of green tea helps to keep the skin dry and keeps the bacteria in check, daily intake of green tea helps to flush all the toxins out of the body.
5. Tea Bags
What You Need
- 4 tea bags
- 2L of water
What You Have To Do
- Bring the water to a boil and add the tea bags.
- Pour this tea into your regular bath and soak in it for 15-20 minutes.
How Often You Need To Do This
Do this at least thrice a week.
Why This Works
The tannins present in tea keep the skin dry, thereby preventing sweat formation.
6. Baking Soda
What You Need
- 1 tablespoon of baking soda
- Water (optional)
What You Have To Do
- Take the powdered baking soda in a bowl and brush it on all the sweat-prone areas of your body, such as your underarms.
- Dust off the extra powder and go about your day as usual.
- Alternatively, you can mix baking soda with a few drops of water to make a paste.
- Apply this paste to the underarms and other areas of your body.
- Leave it on for 10-15 minutes and wash off with lukewarm water. Pat dry with a towel.
How Often You Need To Do This
Do this daily for a few weeks.
Why This Works
Baking soda absorbs moisture, and hence, it prevents the formation of sweat. It not only kills the bacteria on the skin but also alkalizes the body and neutralizes the pungent odor that our body gives off.
7. Lemon Juice
What You Need
- 1 lemon
- Water
What You Have To Do
- Cut the lemon into two halves and rub it directly on your underarms.
- Allow it to dry completely. Wash off with lukewarm water.
- If you have sensitive skin, you can dilute lemon juice with a few drops of water and then apply it on the underarms.
How Often You Need To Do This
You can do this daily.
Why This Works
The acidic nature of lemon lowers the pH of our body, making it difficult for the bacteria to survive on our skin.
8. Tomato Juice
What You Need
- 2 cups of tomato juice
- 1 bucket of warm water
What You Have To Do
- Fill your bathtub with warm water and add the tomato juice to it.
- Soak in the bath and relax for 20 to 30 minutes.
How Often You Need To Do This
You can follow this procedure 3 to 4 times a week.
Why This Works
The acidic nature of tomatoes kills the bacteria present on the skin while its astringent properties minimize the pores and reduce sweat production.
9. Milk Of Magnesia
What You Need
- Milk of magnesia
- Any essential oil (optional)
What You Have To Do
- Dab some milk of magnesia directly on your underarms.
- You can also mix it with a few drops of any essential oil, store it in a bottle, and spray onto your skin whenever required.
How Often You Need To Do This
Do this every morning or night on a regular basis.
Why This Works
Milk of magnesia is actually magnesium hydroxide suspended in water. Being an antacid, it is known to counteract the production of acid, and hence, it can help combat body odor. Milk of magnesia is also known to leave the skin relatively dry and odor free right from the first application.
10. Rose Water
What You Need
- 3 tablespoons of rose water
- 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
What You Have To Do
- Mix rose water with apple cider vinegar.
- Store this mixture in a bottle and spray on your underarms and other body parts whenever required.
How Often You Need To Do This
Apply this daily for best results.
Why This Works
As rose water is an astringent, it reduces the size of the pores present on the skin, and this decreases sweat production. It also leaves behind a floral fragrance.
11. Rubbing Alcohol
What You Need
- Rubbing alcohol
- Cotton pads
What You Have To Do
Take some drops of rubbing alcohol on a cotton pad and apply it to your underarms.
How Often You Need To Do This
This can be used on your underarms and other less sensitive body parts daily.
Why This Works
The antibacterial properties of rubbing alcohol eliminate all the surface bacteria present on the skin, and this prevents body odor.
12. Witch Hazel
What You Need
- Witch hazel
- Cotton balls
What You Have To Do
Take a few drops of witch hazel on a cotton ball and dab it on your underarms and other sweat-prone areas of your body.
How Often You Need To Do This
You can use this on a daily basis as a substitute for your deodorant.
Why This Works
The astringent properties of witch hazel minimize the size of the pores on our skin, reducing the production of sweat to a great extent. Also, its acidic nature lowers the pH of the skin and makes the survival of the odor-causing bacteria impossible.
13. Neem Leaves
What You Need
- A handful of neem leaves
- 1 cup of water
What You Have To Do
- Grind the neem leaves to make a fine paste.
- Apply this paste on all the sweat-prone areas on your body.
- Allow it to dry and wash it off with warm water.
- Alternatively, boil some neem leaves in water. Strain the water and use it in your bath.
How Often You Need To Do This
Daily use is recommended for best results.
Why This Works
The antibacterial, antifungal, and antiseptic properties of neem help it to eliminate the odor-causing bacteria. It also removes all the toxins from within the body, eradicating the root cause of body odor.
14. Cornstarch
What You Need
Cornstarch powder
What You Have To Do
- Dust some cornstarch on your underarms and other sweaty areas of your body.
- Leave it on for the rest of the day.
How Often You Need To Do This
You can use this daily as a natural alternative to your deodorant.
Why This Works
The antibacterial properties of cornstarch help to keep the bacteria in check. Cornstarch also helps in keeping the skin dry, thereby decreasing the production of sweat.
In addition to these remedies, maintaining basic hygiene and bathing daily, shaving the hair in the sweat-prone areas, wearing cotton clothes, and eating a healthy diet will help combat body odor at a faster pace. Here are a few tips to guide you.
Tips To Reduce Body Odor
- Try and stick to an all-natural and aluminum-free deodorant.
- Shower daily.
- Spritz vinegar or rubbing alcohol on the sweat-prone areas.
- Take green supplements such as chlorophyll or wheatgrass to combat body odor internally.
- Wear clothing made of cotton so that your skin can breathe freely.
- Use a natural sanitizer such as tea tree oil to wipe the sweat-prone areas from time to time.
- Adopt a diet with less spicy food.
- Detoxify your body regularly by consuming fenugreek seeds and green tea
