Baking Soda

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Baking Soda for Body Odor

Home Remedy Ingredients

• Baking Soda
• Lotion or water

Try mixing a dash of baking soda into your favorite body lotion. Alternatively, you can mix 2 Tbsp baking soda in a cup of water and apply to your underarms with a spray bottle. Or just apply a bit directly to the skin! Baking soda is the ultimate odor absorber and can eliminate body odor as well.

EC: More baking soda feedback here: http://www.earthclinic.com/Remedies/baking_soda.html

04/20/2009: Sid Davis from Springfield, Missouri, USA replies: "Hello, Gina from Rizal.

When I saw your post I immediately responded with information about 20% zinc oxide ointment. Instead of my information being associated with your inquiry, it was placed at the very end of this section under Zinc Oxide Ointment. Hopefully, on my second try this message will appear under your inquiry so you can easily see it.

This almost certainly is the the answer to your problem. It is far more effective than any deodorant, and has never failed to work for my wife or me, even when we lived in a subtropical part of the world. It is inexpensive and only needs to be used every other day or so depending on your local climate. After your shower and you dry off, just smear around a small quantity (about the size of two green peas) under each armpit. Go read what others and I commented under "zinc oxide ointment" now on page 4 of this discussion about Body Odor.

Also, you mention that you have residual smell in your clothing even after washing. This, I suspect is from bacteria that is not killed in your current washing method. Maybe something like a cap full of lysol added to your laundry tub, or even more simply placing your clothes in scalding water before washing would do the trick to kill the bacteria. Also, I think natural fibers like cotton are less likely to retain odor than synthetic fibers, but that should be a thing of the past once you begin using the zinc oxide ointment.

Let us all know how this works out for you.

Sid Davis"

04/20/2009: Selena from Chula, GA replies: "This post is for Gina from Rizal, Philippines. Your complaint is body odor but you mention having botox done as a solution (this is for sweat glands). Does your odor come from sweating? If it does please look at my post under excessive sweating. Taking Magnesium fixed my embarrassing problem and I am so happy I want to tell the world. Maybe they should link the body odor ailment section with the excessive sweating. If your problem is not sweating, then try Chlorophyll. It is supposed to be good for getting rid of odors."

EC: Here's the page/post: http://www.earthclinic.com/CURES/sweat.html#MAGNESIUM

[YEA]  05/23/2009: Maria from Bellflower, CA, USA replies: "Gina from Rizal. I have the same problem as yours but I started to have body odor when I was in 4th Grade. It was a rainy day and I grab someone's jacket to go outside. And after that I suffered with body odor. It is humiliating. People cover their nose when I am close to them or when they come close to me. I tried many kinds of deodorant and nothing works. I am socially isolated. I wish I can just go hide in the farm or something but I can't because of my family. I had surgery to decrease the swelling on my hands and armpits but I still stink! A month ago, I had botox done to my armpits, but I still stink!

I was frustrated. I pray to God everyday to help me. My prayer was answered when I searched the web and found this website(Thank you for having this website to people like us). I read this website two nights ago and I went to the store at 1230 am to buy the stuff I need. I was desperate, I used it the following day. IT WORKS! After having my busiest day ever at work, I did not stink. I thank God for showing me this website. My co-worker made a comment that I smell good! It's been 2 days now that I used it and I am elated for being bo free."

07/12/2011: John from Alexandria, Va, Usa replies: "Hi I have the same body odor problem. I have hyperhidrosis so I sweat a lot. I cant step outside without sweating and as soon as I start sweating I start to smell. This started back in the 6th grade and has been controllable until last year my senior year. I smelled so terrible I that I started to stink up the whole class. It became so bad that I started to skip school to avoid ridicule. My doctor prescribed hypercare but all it did was burn and itch my armpit. I missed 70 days of school and my gpa dropped from a 3. 4 to a 2. 6. I wasn't able to get accepted to any of the colleges I applied for. I cant even take a step outside without smelling so terrible. I tried baking soda but my armpit get rashes and I've been drinking ACV with the mother and showering with it also. How long until it takes effect. I'm desperate here...... SOMEBODY PLEASE HELP!!!"

07/12/2011: Vc2mc from Springfield, Arkansas replies: "When I was coming of age, I had problems with armpit oder. My grand-mother had me to wash with regular table salt under my arms and I instantly noticed a different. I didn't sweat as easily under my arms."

06/06/2012: Alexz1105 from Sa, Tx replies: "Marie, what did you do that worked for you? Please respond."

06/20/2012: Toni from Brea, California replies: "I've been suffering for bad body odor since grade school. I tried every deodorant available including acv. Thank God, I found this website. The only deodorant that worked for me is milk of magnesia. Hope this will help you."

04/02/2009: Tia C. from Pittsburg, Ca replies: "Just wanted to comment on the baking soda as a deodorant. I discovered this trick about a month ago trying to think of something i could use after waxing because it's advised not to use deodorants due to open pores. I usually use a drop of lavender oil and the baking soda in the palm of my hand after showering. Works great!"

11/06/2012: Jaya from Salosan, Pi replies: "Hi! I am suffering from terrible b.o and bb too. I also notice that I get a sour stomach. I am chronic asthmatic, due to my medication I am constipated. I also have migraine, had a mild stroke too. What is the best advice you can give me. Thank you"

11/06/2012: Lisa from Thousand Oaks, Ca, Usa replies: "Hi Jaya, Sounds like you have a lot of internal cleansing to do. I would check out the many detox remedies here on EC- and there are many!

http://earthclinic.com/CURES/detoxification.html

You may also be dealing with systemic candida which could easily have occurred with all your medication.

http://bodyecology.com/candida-quiz/

Also, work on cleaning up your diet.

http://earthclinic.com/Remedies/diets.html

And look into the Body Ecology Diet which you can google and learn an incredible amount on their site including recipes.

I just helped a friend over the course of 9 months radically change her lifestyle. She was plagued with migraines and had been on migraine meds for over 3 years. She would often hear me speaking on various issues and remedies and diet but wouldn't say too much. Then one day she asked me if I could help her revamp everything and she was ready to finally take that step. She went to my acupuncturist who she then began working with twice a week. The migraines began to abate but she continued on her meds. I encouraged her to wean herself off and she did. Next step was changing her diet and cooking her own meals 3x a week for her family. The family loved it and it encouraged her. Three weeks ago she began to explore superfoods and has fallen in love with them. Everyday, she comes into her ballet class enthusiastic and full of life now! She tells me everyday how different she feels.

So, I encourage you to take the first step to change your lifestyle and restore your health. It can be done with commitment and encouragement. Wishing you the best of health, Lisa"

03/08/2009: Dianna from Austin, Tx replies: "try bathing with grandpa's pine tar soap and then using the baking soda. a good way to use the baking soda is to mix it with a little virgin coconut oil and smear this paste under your arms. both baking soda and VCO help with odor - so you will be getting a 2 in one - and the baking soda will stay where you put it this way. let it sink in for a few moments b4 dressing.

another thing that you can try - are those crystal deodorant stones. i use one of them and it works for me."

03/08/2009: Dianna from Austin, TX replies: "oh and i just re-read your post - if you want to use ACV as a deodorant - you need to apply it after your shower instead of before."

03/28/2009: Leah from Las Vegas, NV replies: "In response to Veronica from Singapore: I would take a look at what you're eating. If you eat mainly fresh veggies and fruit and overall a more natural diet, I think you're b.o. issue will diminish greatly. A raw vegan diet will help a great deal with body odor."

03/28/2009: Joyce from Joelton, Tn replies: "Hello Veronica,

If you haven't already tried leaving off soap to get rid of that body odor, please do so. If you do decide to try this, put a cup or two of apple cider vinegar in your bath water to get the soap you used in the last bath off your skin or you'll still stink a day or two after you stop using it. All you need for keeping the body clean is water and a good thick, all cotton wash cloth. You can always use a loofah sponge if you feel like you need to scrub clean. I would also suggest you leave off any smelly stuff you have been using like perfumes, lotions, colognes, etc."

02/09/2009: Sue from Boston, MA replies: "Have you tried applying a mix of corn starch and baking soda? This mixture seems to have done the trick for me, it is very soothing, and takes care of any odor issues."

10/15/2010: Crzybeau from Las Vegas, Nevada, United States replies: "Try drinking liquid mint flavored chlorophyll 3x a day (2 tablespoons in 8oz water) and take a good quality probiotic. Also try adding more vegetables and fruits in your diet. Minimize/eliminate processed foods, coffee, soda, sugar in general. Get tested for any food allergies as well. Hope this helps ;)"

10/02/2012: Kiko from Bag, Cord replies: "A cheap Milku 2in1 underarm and foot powder solved my smelly and sweaty armpits. It reaaly worked and im happy with it. One day when I used milku powder it controlled my heavy sweating but there was a bit only of sweat, after class I smelled my armpits and they did'nt smell bad promise! :) I was amazed. You can buy milku at watsons drugstore in the powder section :)"

01/06/2009: Dave from Tokyo, Japan replies: "You might try borax. This is a main ingredient in bathing salts, so it can't be too tough on your body. You can put it in a bottle and let it soak for a day or so that it's kind of like a soft mud. I noticed that since I started using borax (after reading some entries on this site) instead of shampoo/conditioner and body soap, the BO has really gone down, dandruff and rashes have gone away, and I like the way my hair feels. I have to wonder if the residual chemicals on my body in typical shampoo is a factor in BO and other problems."

01/06/2009: Shawn from Sulphur, Louisiana replies: "For irritated armpits, use eucerin ointment at night time to heal the area. I used eucerin also during the day to protect the skin around the armpit area that is inflamed. I also used an unscented antiperspirant to cover the area around the armpit to provide a protective film so the baking soda would not burn that area...very effective. Now I am trying desitin ointment as suggested on this site..so far very good...more confindence...hope this helps someone."

01/06/2009: Jane from Wichita, Kansas replies: "Try dabbing apple cider vinegar with a cotton ball under the arms before you get in the shower. Wait 2 to 3 minutes, then wash it off but don't use soap. I've been doing this for a few weeks now and found it is much better than baking soda for body odor. It actually lasts 2-3 days - unbelievable! I shower as usual in between applications but don't use soap on my underarms. 3 days has been the max so far before the body odor returns.

Hopefully you can find apple cider vinegar in the Philippines. Doesn't have to be organic either. (I don't use it). Good luck!"

01/06/2009: Jiji (Pinay) from Dallas, TX replies: "Apple Cider Vinegar for Body Odor

This is in response to Marie...I did try using Baking Soda for a few days and got the same reaction. It started with itchy, red rashes and that burning sensation. I completely stopped using it. Then those red rashes turned into a much darker color. Here's what you might want to try, which I am actually doing now after reading it from one of the comments. Take a couple cotton balls, one for each armpit, and saturate it with apple cider vinegar (better organic if you can find some). Rub on the cotton ball for few seconds and leave it alone for at least 10 minutes or as long as you want before you shower or rinse. Do not use soap, just run the water down to wash out. In my experience, I get a good coverage all day long. Please give it a try for a few days and I would love to see you post your feedback."

[SIDE EFFECTS]  01/07/2009: Gina from Oslo, Norway replies: "Hi Marie; I also had side-effect of baking soda; but I got rid of my body odor this way; 10-20 g chlorella algae daily for a year; you will notice improvement after a few weeks, depending on how "toxic" you are.

Supplement with B-vitamins and Zink may contribute to healing

I hardly ever have to use antiperspirant any more, but virgin coconut oil + some drops of essential oil works as a deodorant and also inhibit odor.

Ps if you cannot afford chlorella; you may try lugols iodine as a supplement instead. 8 drops daily of the 5 % lugol Then add 400 mcg of selenium and 50 mg of zink daily until improvement; then reduce to 3 days a week."

01/07/2009: Kal from BK, NY replies: "I'd suggest trying Apple Cider Vinegar-just apply it to a cotton ball before showering,wait 3-4 minutes,and rinse.I've seen someone here suggest not using soap-try both ways,(with and without), and see which works best for you.I really hope this helps! Good Luck!"

01/07/2009: K.Lynn from Mt. Healthy, Ohio replies: "1/06/09 to marie from cavite phillipines. Marie the bo and rash may be something coming out from the inside. Try cheap grocery apple cider vinegar under armpits while showering ( acv 1st) wash everything else then come back to armpits and rinse w/ water ONLY. If you are not alreay on internal cleansers listed on this site (i.e. acv, obs, flax seed, H2O2,etc.) try one or two ( acv w/ organic baking soda (bs takes sourness out of acv)), to start and see if you don't feel better. the rash can be indicative of candida sometimes when it's in an area that we sweat heavier. many blessings, I hope this helps."

01/12/2009: Marie from Cavite, Philippines replies: "thank you all for your time and effort on how to solve my problem. i am planning to buy ACV at the supermarket but i really hope that there is apple cider vinegar there and im hoping that it'll work on my underarm.. but to become 100 percent sure, i have to consult first a dermatologist. so that this irritation and rashes won't happened anymore. and i'm planning to tell my mother about this also 'coz she didn't know about the rashes that had occurred in my armpits. i don't want her to know about my problem as much as i could handle it but i think in this case, i should tell her immediately to help me solve it. again, thanks for all your suggestions! i do appreciate them all! thank you guys! :)"

04/24/2009: Ashley from St. Louis, Missouri USA replies: "Zinc oxide worked for me. I followed the instructions from Sid under the Zinc oxide ointment heading at the last of this section. I was totally amazed at how well it worked, since it is not even sold as a deodorant, but a skin cream. Live and learn."

EC: Most people in the USA are probably using Arm & Hammer Baking Soda, which is also 100% Sodium Bicarbonate.

11/20/2008: Mary from Boston, MA replies: "Hi, Sharon. I also experience irritation with the baking soda on the armpits, especially if I apply it after shaving. I've tried all methods - wetting it, applying it dry. What works best is to wait a few hours after shaving then apply a very light dusting to the armpit. I believe the irritation happens because of the clumps in the baking soda, so trying grinding the b/s down in your palm as finely as possible before applying it.

Baking soda is definitely NOT an anti-perspirent. I do question why people want to stop perspiring. I don't think it's healthy. The body needs to sweat out toxins through the pits!!

Good luck!"

11/23/2008: Sharon from Selangor, Malaysia replies: "Hi Mary, thanks for the feedback. Emm, I will sweat a lot even though staying in an air cond room as no proper air ventilation as the air cond been set with very high temperature by other colleagues even though Malaysia is a hot & humid country. After sweating, found that the sodium bicarbonate will melt and leave on both my armpits. Is that mean that I need to wipe it dry and re-apply the sodium bicarbonate again through out the day? Other than sodium bicarbonate, is it advisable for me to add in some cornstarch? Im so desperate to cure by BO problem which been haunted me for years since my high school days. Thanks & take care Sharon :P"

11/23/2008: Mary from Boston replies: "Sharon, I don't think you would need to reapply the sodium bicarbonate after sweating since it lasts all day (until you shower it off). Also, I would also warn against using any kind of talc under your arms. It is a known carcinogen. I read about someone applying apple cider vinegar to his armpits before he got in the shower, then rinsing it off so you might look into that. Also look into your diet. If you have bad body odor since high school, it may be something you're eating every day. Onions cause bad body odor for me. The more I eat, the worse it gets! Took me a long time to make the connection. Good luck. Let us know how it goes."

11/24/2008: Kate from The Milddle, US replies: "Hi Sharon,

Here is my recipe for a baking soda deoderant:

1/4 C Cornstarch
2T Kaolin Clay
2T Baking Soda
1/4t Lavendar Essential oil

Shake well (until Essential oil is mixed in pretty well) then let sit overnight.

I apply this with a powder puff under my arms and haven't had any problems."

11/24/2008: Sharon from Selangor, Malaysia replies: "Dear all, Thanks a lot for the reply & idea. Yeah maybe I should cut down onion, garlic , egg, dairy products in my diet. Yeah, I tried apply the honey vinegar at night, but maybe due to the sugar content that's why I felt sticky. Currently, I stopped using Baking soda for temporary & stick back to the deodorant and see what's the result. Besides that, I just started taking "Fitorac", it is a powder form of health supplement which consist of 21 kinds of organic vege & fruits. The main function is to detox & nourish the liver. It is a product from Elken, maybe you all can check it out. Hopefully I will help me to detox & eliminate my BO. By the way, Kate where can I get the kaolin clay?? Thank you & keep in touch. Sharon :P"

11/26/2008: Kate from The Middle, US replies: "Hi Sharon,

I think most Health food stores carry it. If not, you can probably purchase it online. Not sure, but you could possibly do without it. You were already wondering about adding cornstarch to the baking soda, which is what reminded me of my recipe. Maybe you should try the baking soda and cornstarch combo and let us know if that works? I know bo isn't something you want to test too much, tho. Good luck finding what you like best."

12/04/2008: Tess from Palm Beach, FL replies: "Sharon, don't add honey to the apple cider vinegar when you apply it to your armpits! The remedy does not call for honey, just straight up apple cider vinegar. Apply acv, wait a few minutes, then get in the shower and wash it off with water, not soap. That will hopefully work great for you."

[YEA]  06/10/2008: Mo from Amsterdam, The Netherlands replies: "I am happy that someone else is excited about using Baking Soda as a deodorant. I have posted that I have been using it successfully for the past months. I also mentioned that I use VCO when I have to shave because I do not believe it would be wise to use it after shaving. I am a believer and have been spreading the word slowly - can be a sensitive topic!!!"

[YEA]  06/05/2011: Greggitta from Carlisle, Ma, United States replies: "I have had terrible under arm odor on the right side for decades. I've tried a lot of things. I started ingesting Virgin Cocout Oil 2 days ago - shooting for 1 tablespoon twice a day. (Also virgin coconut butter which is delicious! ) I started because of some of the other well documented health benefits. The body odor stopped yesterday. No bathing before bed last night and I still woke up this morning smelling like a rose. I can't wait to go dancing. ;-)"

06/05/2011: Francisca from Michelbach-le-bas, Alsace, France replies: "Hi Greggitta, have you tried lemon juice? I don't think that I used to have such a problem with transpiration smell as you but I had a bit of a problem anyway. Since I started rubbing half a lemon under my arms morning and evening a few weeks ago the smell stopped completely right from the first day. It has been very warm here and even though I don't take a bath everyday anymore because of my dry skin I never, ever smell. I have the idea that the lemon killed the bacteria that was causing the smell. I will try now rubbing the lemon only once a day, I think that it will work. I ingested VCO for awhile but I never thought of checking the odor as I was using deodorant anyway. Still, I feel the lemon works better than any deodorant I ever tried. I even take a lemon with me while on a trip as one lemon lasts me a few days and I am trying it out for the white spots on my skin as well. I just carry it in a plastic bag."

06/05/2011: Debbie from Melbourne, Australia replies: "Correct me if I am mistaken but I read somewhere that body odor is caused by bacteria on the skin. If you kill the bacteria, you kill the odor. Even bathing in ACV would be beneficial, or a few drops of Tea Tree oil on a wet flannel. Coconut oil under the arms would also do the trick."

05/22/2008: Lapaka from Windhoek, Namibia replies: "If you put some baking soda on under your armpits do you then apply deodrant? or do you stop using deodrant?"

EC: No more need for deodorant once you apply baking soda...