Home Remedies for Body Odor
Home remedies for body odor include glycerine, radish, alcohol, white vinegar, apple cider vinegar, potato, tea tree oil, rosemary oil, turnip, wheat grass, neem leaf extract, sage tea, tomato juice, baking powder, lemon juice, antibacterial soaps and antiperspirant deodorants, plenty of water, proper hygiene, clean clothes and keeping dry etc. Body odor refers to the smell from a person’s body, which becomes noticeable and conspicuous if it turns foul making the person nervous and conscious. It arises due to malfunctions in various physiological functions proper diagnosis and appropriate remedial measures can make the person get rid of the problem.
Body odor refers to the smell from a person’s body. This smell may be coming from skin, mouth parts, genitals, armpits or specific body parts. Factually, body has no smell of its own, as the sweat which is produced is composed of salts and water but it is the microbes residing on our skin which give us a characteristic odor when mixed with sweat.
This can be caused due to some of the following reasons- cavities, gingivitis or lung disorders which can be sensed through mouth parts, urinary tract infections or sexually transmitted disease, cancerous growth in body, diabetes or sugar, and certain inborn errors of metabolism. Also, the foods we consume give rise to malodour. Excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages, smoking, onions, garlic, fatty diet, drugs, or toxins can also contribute to a foul body odor. In rare cases, where no body odor exists, an individual may report of having the same due to certain psychological reasons.
Symptoms of body odor include bad smell from body or any part specially groin and armpit region. Body odor becomes prominent at puberty when sweat glands are activated. This makes the person nervous and conscious.
According to the University of Illinois Medical Center, as soon as the body odor is noticed, one should consult a doctor to find the underlying cause. If there is tumour, chemotherapy needs to be given. Likewise foul odor arising from mouth parts, genitals or urine must be immediately be consulted and proper medication given. Psychological patients should also meet a therapist. Apart from these particular conditions, the regular body odor can also be kept at check by a number of home remedies. Some of these are discussed below-
- Glycerine and Radish: Make juice of radish and mix with small half spoon of glycerine. This should be applied over underarms, feet and neck for preventing body odor.
- Alcohol and White Vinegar: A decoction of alcohol and white vinegar can be applied over areas which perspire heavily.
- Apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar can also be applied over feet and underarms.
- Potatoes: Potato is known for its cooling effects. Its slices can be applied on the underarms controlling perspiration over there.
- Tea Tree Oil or Rosemary Oil: Add a few drops of tea tree oil or rosemary oil in small volume of water and apply it on body parts to avoid bad odor.
- Turnip: Turnip juic e has antibacterial property and can be applied over areas which sweat heavily.
- Wheat Grass: It is advisable to consume wheat grass facing the problems of malodour. It is recommended to take early in the morning with empty stomach.
- Neem Leaf Extract: Neem leaves should be boiled in water and the drained extract collected. This is added to a bucket of water which is to be used to take bath. This has wonderful antimicrobial activity which can prevent not only from foul odor but also protect your skin against various fungal infections.
- Sage Tea: Herbal tea made up of sage can be taken to prevent from bad body odor.
- Tomato Juice: It has been observed that adding two cups of juice obtained from tomato, to the bath tub will make you refreshing and free from malodor for a long time.
- Baking Powder and Lemon Juice: One of the best home remedies is by mixing 1 tablespoon each of baking powder and lemon juice and applying it over bod parts during summers. This keeps you from body odor.
- Antibacterial Soaps and Antiperspirant Deodorants: For bathing purposes, soaps containing lemongrass, neem extract and chamomiles should be used on a regular basis. Individuals who perspire heavily can also use deodorants that are antiperspirants, though they cause itching in some people.
- Plenty of Water: Water is a solvent that can dissolve all drugs, toxins and various metabolic products in it and there further removal via excretory system.
- Proper Hygiene and Clean Clothes: Regular bath removes dead skin and microbes from us, thus one should make sure that the daily routine is strictly followed especially those having complaints of body odor. Not only hygienic conditions but also sometimes clothes contribute to the foul smell coming from the individual. Thus clean clothes that are made of fine fabric and comfortable to wear should be worn by people having problem of body odor.
- Keep Dry: According to Mayoclinic, after taking bath one should make sure to be completely dry using towel or driers and then wear clothes. Usually places which remain wet or damp provide excellent sites for growth and inhabitation of microbes. This also leads to prevention of bad odor, especially from armpits, feet and toes and genital area.
This article was contributed by Seema Adnani
References: University of Illinois Medical Center and Mayoclinic.
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