Body Odor

Deodorizing Naturally

A homemade or natural deodorant may be the key to sweet-smelling success. The following all-natural solutions can keep you smelling swell as they kill the bacteria that cause body odor. Dab any of the following under your arms at least once a day for the best results:

• Witch hazel or rubbing alcohol, both of which are antiseptic.
• Tea tree oil, which is antimicrobial.
• Green tea extract (or tea bags, in a pinch).
• Bergamot essential oil, an antiseptic.
• Apple cider vinegar, which changes the pH­level (measure of alkalinity and acidity) of skin to a higher level of acidity so that bacteria grow less readily.

Note: These are deodorants only, not antiperspirants, so they won't prevent you from sweating.

Time to "Change Your Oil"

Of course you can try to snuff out excessive body odor with deodorants from the drugstore, but did you ever consider that both the problem and solution may lie inside the body? Some nutritionists suggest a food-based remedy that has mostly to do with fats and oil.

Eating excess fats in food, especially saturated fats in dairy foods and meats, can cause body odor. Make a conscious effort to replace those fats with olive oil or sunflower seed oil. As for margarine, make sure that it is polyunsaturated.

Mineral Aid for Aromatic Relief

Time to tone down the wetness of excess perspiration? One exceedingly simple remedy worth trying is to take 20 to 30 mg of zinc supplements daily. It is believed that zinc deficiency can cause people to sweat excessively. Chelated zinc tablets are better absorbed by the body.

An Odor-Fighting Formula

One wise use of the essential oils is to fight body odor produced by underarm bacteria. Using a clean glass bowl or beaker-shaped glass, mix together 2 tablespoons witch hazel, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (the vinegar scent fades quickly!), 12 drops grapefruit seed extract, 3 drops tea tree oil, 2 drops essential oil of lemon, and 2 drops essential juniper oil. Use a cotton ball to apply this deodorant mixture, or pour it into an atomizer bottle.

Note: It's best to test this mixture first on your wrist to check for skin sensitivity. If you are sensitive, or if you prefer a different scent, consider using lavender or rosemary essential oils.