Table of Contents
Cure Body Odor
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DISCLAIMER
Our readers offer information and opinions on Earth Clinic, not as a substitute for professional medical prevention, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult with your physician, pharmacist, or health care provider before taking any home remedies or supplements or following any treatment suggested by anyone on this site. Only your health care provider, personal physician, or pharmacist can provide you with advice on what is safe and effective for your unique needs or diagnose your particular medical history.
1 YEA
[YEA] 02/09/2007: Sandhya from Makawao, HI writes: "LIQUID CHLOROPHYLL has helped me drink more water, stop body odor and stop a rash on my bottom. One or two teaspoons a day in drinking water sipping on it or drinking it all at once does wonders. If I stop I notice the difference in a couple of days. NOW brand with mint is good. Once I asked a doctor what to do about the rash as I had never had one. She said she had a rash too and did not know...it came with living in the tropics. I understood Ted from Bangkok saying that the body's ability to oxygenate itself was suppressed and this was a cause. Living in Hawaii I sweat more than other colder places I have lived and bacteria grows easily here on the skin. Also I do not have a spleen which makes my blood not as clean if I do not take something to clean it or oxygenate it. I tend to be acidic by nature and the foods I eat lean in that direction even though most would say I am health food person. I am going to try molybdenum that Ted speaks of so highly."
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1 YEA
[YEA] 04/10/2007: Teri from Elkhart, IN writes: "re: PH (remedy), Iodine (remedy), Hirsutism (ailment)... I'm a woman, and for years I suffered from strong body odor. It was diagnosed as hormonal (too much testosterone) because I also have mild-moderate hirsutism hair growth, and I was put on oral contraceptives to remedy this problem. It helped some, but I didn't want to stay on medications forever as they had many side effects.
Based on what I learned from this site, I used PH strips and found that my body was VERY ALKALINE! That strong body odor was an amonia-like smell that my body was producing because of a vitamin or mineral deficiency.
I was having other symptoms that related to exhausted adrenal glands, and found that iodine sometimes helps this. I started taking liquid kelp drops and in a few days my PH was in the normal range, and the body odor was gone. Completely gone! I'm going try Lugol's next because I can't get my body temperature all the way up to normal and my skin is still sucking up the iodine quickly when I paint.
I am still trying to figure out how to handle the hair growth (chin, abdomen), and I am experimenting with mega doses of folic acid (and B12), as I hear that this has helped others. Licorice root, Omega 3s, ridding my body of metals, saw palmetto, etc. didn't help. I also now only drink mineral water. If you have any ideas, I'd love to know of them. I love this site. Thanks."
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1 YEA
[YEA] 01/02/2010: Sandy from Tulsa, Ok writes: "For the past few weeks I have had a terrible body odor. Read on here the other day. A couple of days ago I went to health food store to get a new bottle of ACV. Also picked up a bar of Lye soap. The next morning I decided to use the Lye soap. It worked! No longer have that odor. Washed my clothes and shaved some Lye soap in washer. They no longer smell either!"
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9 YEA
[YEA] 02/08/2010: Amber from Kitchener, Ontario, Canada writes: "Milk of magnesium works better than deodorant! Just rub it in under your arms, let it dry and away you go. I have used it for a week now and will continue to do so. Even if you work out hard (you'll still sweat) but you wont stink!"
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[YEA] 12/21/2009: Ann from Charlotte, Nc writes: "Several months ago I started using milk of magnesia for underarm odor. Just rub a little under the arms and let dry before putting on your clothes. It works great - even better than the antiperspirant I had used for years. It doesn't contain harmful aluminum and and the magnesium is good for you."
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[YEA] 08/28/2009: Marixpress from Bronx, Ny, USA writes: "I have struggled with underarm odor since puberty and all of my adult life. My problem was so bad that nothing over the counter or prescribed helped me. At the end of the day, I still smelled like an onion processing plant.
I read on a site that milk of magnesia helps so I went out and bought the generic store brand. After a shower, I applied some to a cotton ball and coated my armpit with a thin layer then held my arms over my head until it dried. It did not stop the sweating but the odor was completely gone.
My daily routine now is: shower, douse armpit in alcohol to kill bacteria, after alcohol has dried, shake bottle of liquid milk of magnesia and apply thin coating to armpit simply with my fingers. Instead of blowing on them to dry or waiting around, I use the cool temperature setting on my hair dryer. The whole process takes a couple of minutes. It lasts all day and sometimes even into the next day. Apply daily.
One thing I notice from time to time is the occasional swollen gland under the skin surface. When that happens, I just skip the next day and it goes away on its own. MOM is a miracle."
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[YEA] 07/23/2009: Raquel from West Palm Beach, FL writes: "I also use MOM as a deodorant, can't be without it! I had the idea of adding a few drops of essential oils (lavender and tea tree) for added protection plus I like the "clean" scent."
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[YEA] 06/15/2009: Michelle from Chattanooga, Tenn writes: "Milk of Magnesia is the absolute BEST remedy I have used so far for underarm body odor!!! I am becoming an expert in this area having already tried many of the remedies on Earth Clinic the past 6 months: baking soda (caused angry rash), apple cider vinegar (good, but not great), zinc oxide (great but didn't like the petroleum ingredients) and hydrogen peroxide (okay in cool weather, not great in hot weather).
I bought a large bottle of Milk Magnesia at the grocery store and a makeup sponge so I could rinse and reuse it every day. After I shower, I promptly go and shake up the bottle (make sure the lid is on tight otherwise heh heh a white surprise) and then I apply a very generous portion of MM to my cosmetic sponge and apply it to my pits. You can use it right after shaving, no problem... doesn't stain clothes. This one application lasts all day!
Okay, here are the secrets to this remedy. Make sure you use a generous application of the MM, it's far more effective. Make sure to apply it high and low on your armpit, not just in the middle. Better to buy a big bottle because a small one goes quickly. The cosmetic sponge will last longer if you rinse it out with water after use. Otherwise it hardens from the milk of magnesia. Am sure a sea sponge will work just as well.
Try it, you will like it!!"
06/20/2009: Ruth from Hong Kong replies: "am from hong kong, am wondering which part of the grocery section to buy milk of magnesia, i don't seem to find out here in Hong kong. can I ask buy it from the drug stores?
i hv tried using the baking soda and it worked!, but the trick is you have to add little water must to dissolve then apply the paste to ur armpit. it dries quickly & wl save u becoming smelly all day. just need to use new clothes everytime. I even asked my daughter to try it, presto, it worked! just learned this from EC. thanks!, but I still want to try the MM. Thanks, am addicted to checking EC everytime, trying to find some cures for other illnesses I could recommend to my friends! Cheers, EC."
06/20/2009: Clarissa from Tampa, FL replies: "Hi to Ruth from Hong Kong! Milk of magnesia is a very popular remedy for constipation here in the states. I would think that you could find it at a big pharmacy in Hong Kong?"
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[YEA] 05/03/2009: Karen from Rochester, NY writes: "I use undiluted milk of magnesia with essential oils in place of regular deodorant. I use a few drops of pure lavender oil in a full bottle of MoM, but you can choose whatever scent you like. It is a little messy to apply (I tried using cotton balls) so I put it in a spritz bottle, which gets clogged up quickly, so I went back to using the cotton balls.
I haven't experienced any side effects, and being in a very active job, I have found that one application in the morning is enough for the day and works great. I've been doing this for almost two years.
Tips:
1. Check the labels before you buy - some have other ingredients you wouldn't want like stabilizers, and artificial sweeteners. There is almost always a generic equivalent that is just pure MoM on the shelf next to the other brands.
2. When selecting essential oils - these must also be pure, otherwise you could cause irritations. Since you are using this on a daily basis, stick with the gentle oils like pure lavender. Research your oil choice carefully. For example, citrus based oils, while very uplifting, can cause a person to be hyper sun-sensitive. You could possibly use tea tree essential oil if there is an active infection/overgrowth in the body that would benefit from daily application. In any case, the essential oil should be a high grade oil.
3. Since it is wet when applied, give yourself time before you put a shirt on, especially a dark colored one! It dries quickly, but if you get it on your clothes, you'll see a whitish powdery stain (which washes right out)."
[YEA] 08/29/2009: Marixpress from Bronx, Ny replies: "Just use a hair dryer on cool setting and they'll be dry in a quarter of the time :)p.s. I will NEVER use anything else on my armpits after MOM! It's a dream come true!"
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[YEA] 03/10/2009: Deirdre from Atlanta, GA writes: "Two warm days in Atlanta, an excellent time to test these body odor remedies! I applied milk of magnesia as mentioned by Bessie for the past few days. Today it reached about 80F and I am sweating up a storm in my office, drinking hot tea all the while. No body odor. I have also applied it before working out last night when it was in the 70s and again, no b.o.
Great remedy, thanks Bessie!
P.S. It does not last through multiple showers. You must reapply each time."
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[YEA] 03/08/2009: Bessie from Calgary, Alberta, Canada writes: "For underarm odour, I've had good luck with Milk of Magnesia as posted by someone else at Earth Clinic. I just pour a wee bit into my hand and rub it into my armpits. Wait until it dries before putting on your clothes. It worked remarkably well and I've been under a great deal of stress lately. I used the name brand Milk of Magnesia (from the pharmacy) but you could probably use a generic or store brand one. Good luck!"
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1 YEA
[YEA] 10/27/2007: PD from Madsion, NJ writes: "All of a Suden I started having a body odor which led to Underarm odor. I went to walgreens and bought some BreathRx Antibacteial Mouth rinse. I applied it to my arms. Stung like at first because it is combating the bacteria under your arms. I work like a Charm!! I use to wash 3 times a day under my arms now I just wash morning and night. No more odors. The more you use it the less you sting and the better you smell. Keep using it until you feel no Sting. Pray Always that God will heal all problems!!"
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1 YEA
1 NAY
[YEA] 01/01/2010: Karen from Hongkong, China writes: "I've been embarassed about my BO for 18 years.I tried so many remedies such as diff. brand of deodorants but it doesnt work for me.I tried lemon juice and took a bath three a times a day but still the bad smell doesnt eliminate.I did it everything including washing the clothes thoroughly..but then there's no improvement!Last month i tried to find a solution for my BO and guess what?!lucky me!i found it already! i've read all the comments and suggestions posted on EC site and have a try. I tried using ACV and baking soda for bathing it was really great for me! NO SOAP! i feel fresh everyday.I drink green tea instead of coffee. i also used green tea to rinse my face! it's all natural beauty tips.I also eliminate taking dairy product..(goodbye cheese lol).On summer i try to use milk of magnesia, zinc oxide ointment and essential oil or coconut oil. Today im very happy to share with you that great things happen to me!goodbye BO! Thanks a lot EARTH CLINIC!!be bless..:)"
01/02/2010: David from Tokyo, Japan replies: "Does anyone think that shampoos and soaps actually cause BO? I've been shampoo and soap--free (thanks to borax) for about a year. I change clothes daily, but I often think I don't need to--even socks. Could shampoo and soap be stimulating the body to produce oils to replace oils removed and/or to remove toxins? I'm starting to think so, but does anyone have any thoughts?"
01/02/2010: Dj from Pdx, Or replies: "David,
I would have to give your question a resounding yes! I stopped using soap a year ago and it has made a noticable difference. I use a scent free lotion once or twice a week and I stopped using deoderant. I do use a natural deoderant as the no soap has done nothing for the natural oder from under the arms.
I still use shampoo. No matter what I do I can't seem to go more than a day without washing my hair."
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[NAY] 06/02/2009: Ron from Orlando, FL writes: "I have been dealing with BO for years & I really need a remedy. I been taking Zinc Supplements. I Started taking about 16 grams of Chlorella which contains high amounts of Chlorophyll. I've been bathing with baking soda & sea salt. I've been drinking Apple Cider Vinegar in the morning. I drink tea all day with Lemon juice & honey. I eat cloves & rosemary herbs. I've taken sage Tea two nights a week.
I'd like to think my diet is very alkilinizing & drinks fluids, Im too poor to level out meals with meat. i dont take much sugar either
I need help because I'm TRYING to get a JOB . Ted, Somebody HELP PLEASE"
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1 YEA
[YEA] 09/20/2007: Steve from Phoenix, USA writes: "I have become a huge fan of Ozonated Olive Oil. First off it's definitely the best all natural underarm deodorant I've ever used. Only have to use it every other day. It works for insect bites, speeds wound healing, burns, etc. But I've found it really helps reduce wrinkles if used consistently over a couple week period. I suppose the oxygen is being absorbed into the skin and rejuvenating the tissue. I'm going to keep experimenting with this and see how far I can turn back the clock. It's not even that expensive. I bought a 1 oz jar online for only $5.99 and it usually lasts our family of four about three months. Great stuff!"
03/01/2009: James from Vancouver, BC, Canada replies: "Check Out Earthonated's Ozonated Olive Oil, this is a great super strong ozonated product.
http://www.earthonated.com
Regards,
James"
02/23/2010: Colleen from Minneapolis, Minnesota replies: "Steve, where did you find this oil? All the places I looked into online charge quite a bit more than yours. I know this is an old post, but perhaps you can tell us where you got it. Thank you."
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1 YEA
1 BETTER BUT NOT CURED
[BETTER BUT NOT CURED] 06/23/2008: Mariah from Lanham, U.S.A. writes: "I had tried several brands of natural deodorant and none of them worked. With any small amount of strenuous movement they immediately wore off (not a fun experience when you are around people). I tried the hydrogen peroxide & baking soda which did work, but it was a little messy applying the baking soda. Currently I'm using Thai Cyrstal deodorant which seems to be doing the job and it's much easier to apply then the HP & BS. I haven't done a full sweat filled workout to see how well the it holds up, but there have been a few hot, sticky days when I was out moving around quite a bit and so far, so good."
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[YEA] 05/05/2008: Julie from Las Vegas, NV, USA writes: "Hi, my husband and I have been using Thai Crystal Deodorant Mist from health stores. It's just potassium, and it works great! It really sticks, and has no aluminum. When I need to remove it, I just use a little aloe vera. Hope this helps."
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1 QUESTION
[QUESTION] 07/01/2009: Lori from Bronx, Ny writes: "Hi, i recently noticed a cheezy odor coming from my underarm. Does anyone know what causes this? I never had this problem before and i am worried. Help!"
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1 QUESTION
[QUESTION] 05/21/2009: Cheska from Quezon, Philippines writes: "Hello everyone! Can you please help me? i've been suffering from BO since i was a freshmen in High School. The smell that my pits produce really gives me disappointment and shame. I don't know what caused this embarrassing problem but i've been struggling with it ever since. I've tried using deodorants with great smell but it worsened my BO.. I thought it was just the deodorant that didn't worked for me but i noticed that even if i changed to a new deo, the smell is still stinky. So i tried using odorless deodorants but it didn't seem to work for me. i'm already in college and I'm experiencing my worst nightmare.. people doesn't want to sit with me in class because of my odor.. and they judge me because of this.. i don't know what is the problem of my body.. when i just stay at home i don't smell that bad but when i'm outside mingling with my surroundings, i sweat then have BO. I don't know why!! :( Another problem is since my uniform is made from synthetic cloth, it causes my armpits to sweat more and smell worst. I live in a hot climate and this causes me to sweat a lot then have BO in a couple of hours. Even if i often stayed in air-conditioned rooms i still sweat and after a while produce this humiliating smell.. help me please!!! baking soda doesn't work for me and it left white stains in my uniform's pits!! what am i going to do?? please help me.. :(( i think my BO is associated with my excessive sweating.. i've been controlling my diet but it doesn't change anything.. help me please.. :( i would really be grateful for your immediate responses."
EC: There are many more remedies on the body odor page than just baking soda. Shredded purple cabbage, milk of magnesia, or zinc oxide ointment all sound promising!
05/21/2009: Selena from Chula, GA replies: "I had excessive sweating for several years, mostly under arms, it caused me to not be able to wear certain fabrics due to the odor it produced. I took a powdered ionic form of Magnesium Citrate and it stopped the abnormal sweating. It has been many weeks ago. My original post is under excessive sweating."
05/21/2009: Anonymous from Anonymous, USA replies: "Virgin coconut oil has lauric acid in it which kills bacteria.
or Chlorophyll"
05/21/2009: Anonymous from Brazil replies: "Wow, I'm suprised baking soda didn't work for you. I'm even more surprised it left you white stains. Are you sure you are using baking soda and not baking powder?
Baking soda works PERFECTLY for me, where deodorants never did. I don't even use much: pinch on a wet amrmpit and voila! It lasts a day or two, even if I skip a daily shower (not recommended). I live in hot humid weather too, and I no longer smell bad like I did all my life.
Have you tried Milk of Magnesia? For me it works just as good, except I get this sticky feeling in my underarms, and it costs more. But it does work too for me.
Keep trying, don't be discouraged. Everybody is different, there is no single cure for all. You just need to have a positive attitude and keep looking for answers. You will find it!"
05/21/2009: Sheryl from Atlanta, GA replies: "Have you tried increasing your magnesium intake. Two 400mg magnesium oxide tablets taken one in the morning and one at night could help. Also applying a small amount of magnesium oil to your armpits will greatly reduce the odor. Make sure you google "health benefits of magnesium" and research thoroughly. Please let us know your results. It may take up to a week for full effects to show."
05/22/2009: Cheska from Quezon, Philippines replies: "Thank you so much for you advices.. i'll try increasing my magnesium intake from 100mg to 400mg.. :) i'll report to everyone the results as soon as possible.. thank you so much! i'm really touched with your concerns about my condition.. :D thank you!"
05/22/2009: Cheska from Quezon, Philippines replies: "Thank you anonymous!! :) i might have been applying baking soda too much that when i start to sweat it leaves white stains in my pits.. but i'll try what you said.. :D i do have a question.. you did say you also live in a hot climate, i was wondering if you sweat excessively because that's one of my biggest problems and i think it causes me to have BO. and do you use soap when taking a bath or just hot water? I would really like to be sucessful in this.. and i know you can help me because you also live in a hot climate. :) thank you so much!"
05/23/2009: Bramble from Olympia, Washington, USA replies: "A young teen girl I knew suffered from horrid body odor. She was happily able to be seen by a naturopathic doctor. She was cured with a combination of acidolphilus and digestive enzymes."
05/23/2009: Becky from Aptos, CA replies: "Hi :) I raised four boys - and let me tell you - they had some STINKY BO and esp bad foot odor!!Another mom of "stinky boys" told me to add magnesium and zinc tabs to their daily morning meal - and it worked like a charm... I think it may be related to growing up -- seems like it was really bad in the 8 to 10 years and then again in late teens - so maybe it's also partly hormone changes as you grow through various stages of young life. :) Good Luck!~"
05/24/2009: Ironrod from Green Bay, WI replies: "Hi, BO sufferer... Please look at your diet for the cause and cure. The job of the skin (other that holding us together) is to assist the body in throwing off toxins. The toxins (stink) come mainly from "MAN MADE" food. If you will eat food "As Grown By God" "Wholesome - Not Partsome - (man made)food, your problem should clear up. Read food labels - better yet if it has a label don't eat it... It's really that simple... If you can control your tongue you can control your destiny (in more ways than one) Good luck, Carl"
05/24/2009: Frank from Winston, NC replies: "I've been going through the same thing but not just the pits. I've been taking 50 mg of zinc for 2 1/2 months now & I started taking Chlorella on Friday. i still need to add magnesium & Potassium as a supplement. I drink either Green tea or Black tea w/lemon every day 7 I take sage the night before a big appointment.
thanks to this site I take Honey & ACV & cinnamon daily but they havent really helped with the BO.
Im still learning things to do or add to my diet plus I wash with anti-bacterial soap.
I am on a Job search with the labor dept so I really need to find ways to deal with this now so I can get a Job.
PLEASE HELP ME"
05/25/2009: Kaylin from Hampton, Il replies: "You definitely need to deal with the problem from the inside. Strong BO is a sign of a much deeper problem. It's not merely skin-deep. I've never had horrible body odor, but I definitely needed deodorant, and if I didn't shower after one day, I could smell myself. Yuck. About a year ago I completely stopped eating sugar and grains. I've lost a bunch of weight and I feel a whole lot better, but also my body odor is gone. I still sweat, but it doesn't smell at all. You need to get the inside of your body cleaned out to remove toxins in order to eliminate the odor your body is producing."
08/05/2009: Z from Ga, South Atl replies: "I tried sea salt & it hasnt helped"
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1 YEA
1 WARNING!
[YEA] 06/01/2009: Dorett from Lima, Ohio writes: "I read in a book that regular rubbing alchohol is good for boby odor. I was fasting and was having problem with odor from all the toxin that was coming out. i tried bathing two to three times a day to help eliminate the odor which only help for a short time. So I decided to try this remedy. This really help, I have been using it ever since. That is the 70% volume. I splash it under my arms after showering."
[WARNING!] 06/04/2009: Tim the researcher from Louisville, KY USA replies: "Rubbing alcohol is an abnormal solvent and one of the worst things you could put on your skin. Read the research by Dr. Hulda Clark. Avoid contact with solvents at all costs."
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3 YEA
1 NAY
[YEA] 11/28/2007: Joyce from Joelton, Tn writes: "I learned from a patient back in the 60's that she had never used deoderant. I was aghast and told her that most people who didn't use deoderant, I could smell a block away when they lifted an arm. She replied, "My father was a chemist and he told me that if you didn't use soap, you didn't need deoderant, because soap is what makes you stink" so she had never used soap. I filed it away in my little brain in hatever area we file stuff like that in, until 1980. At that time I lived close enough to the office, I could run home and bathe and eturn within l5 minutes, if I found my failure to use deoderant as well as soap, failed me & I stunk! Lo and behold - I have not used soap, except for occasional handwashing. I figured the rationale behind that one must be that soap is alkaline and must destroy the slightly acid mantle our skin is supposed to have. As I tell people, you do have to bathe, but just use a good, thick wash cloth and water, and you don't stink. I am happy to do without it as soap makes me itch."
[YEA] 08/14/2008: Sharon A. from Greenwich, CT replies: "To Joyce from Joelton, Tn -- thank you for this simple cure. It is the best!I had been using the baking soda cure for body odor for a few weeks, but stopped because it was causing small cysts where I nicked myself shaving. I have now been "off" soap for 5 days (ha ha, that sounds funny) and after the second day, no armpit odor. I shampooed my hair yesterday and later in the day, smelled some b/o. I deduced that it must have started when I rinsed my hair, some of the shampoo residue got under my arms (duh, obviously)... So as long as nothing but water touches your underarms, no body odor. Our family started using the natural laundry detergent that doesn't contain phospates and fragrances, just essential oils, so that must be helping too.
"
[NAY] 08/16/2008: Samantha from NY, NY replies: "Hello Sharon A. from Greenwich, I recently posted about what I used regarding underarm odor. However, after reading Joyce's post regarding "Stop using soap" earlier this year I totally stopped. I take a longer shower and use baking soda as a body scrub (also saw this here on Earth clinic). I guess everyone is different because I found that even after eliminating soap (and with a diet of no processed food etc. etc.) after a few hours I needed help. I cannot run home to shower so I am using baking soda which is excellent and for me more long lasting than Thai crystals. When I shave I apply VCO which helps to expedite healing of any hidden cuts. After a day or so I return to baking soda because VCO is great but not as effective as baking soda.
I recently tried another natural remedy which I have not seen here on Earth Clinic - lemon juice. It sounds crazy but a friend announce that like Julia Roberts she has never used roll-ons - antiperspirant/deodorants. She does not know Julia and does not know what she uses but my friend uses a bit of lemon juice. I tried it it and was amazed that it was equally as good as baking soda. Has anyone else tried lemon juice? It is wonderful that nature has so many solutions for our needs."
08/18/2008: Joyce from Joelton, Tn replies: "To Samantha from NY: Sorry that no soap didn't pan out for you. May I suggest that if you try it again, unless you have 3 days to bathe without soap, before returning to work, start off the first day or two of bathing without soap but use a cup or two of ACV in your bath water to remove soap left over from your last bath. Because as someone else found out, any soap, shampoo, etc. will negate not using soap."
08/18/2008: Samantha from NY, NY replies: "Joyce, Thanks for your feedback. I will try your method again when I can be home for a couple of days. I will post thereafter to inform you of the results."
05/08/2009: Rena from Mineral Bluff, Georgia replies: "Hi Joyce from Joelton,
I did an experiment this week. I have been using a salt stone as deodorant for at least 5 years, and have been using borax as a shampoo, and body wash for at least a year. I thought since it's not exactly soap, maybe I can get by without using anything under my arms after my shower. Sure enough, I have no odor, and most of the temps in my area have been around the 80's this week, and I work a physical job. Thanks for the tip, who would have thunk that soap is what stunk (sorry bad rime). Peace, Rena."
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[YEA] 06/21/2007: Hi from syd, aus writes: "i was told that underarm BO is caused by bacteria feeding on soap residue. supposedly if u wash under your arms with water only, & dont get shampoo or conditioner under your arms you should be stink free. (this may take a few days) lol"
01/24/2009: Robin from Rocky Ridge, Ohio replies: "Actually, soap has a higher alkalinity than our skin prefers. Our skin prefers a rather acid ph. This is why after a shower with soap we itch, it's because the ph of our skin has been altered and the natural oils neutralized/removed by the soap. A remedy for itchy skin is a moisturizer of lotion, cream or oil. Oil is actually an acid and that's why the itching stops, because the ph has been altered back to acidic with the application of the oil substance.
When the skin gets alkaline, it creates a breeding ground for the bacteria that causes odor. The bacteria feed off of the sweat in the alkaline environment.
I've been using the no soap and AC vinegar method. I put 50/50 ACV and water in a spray bottle and spritz it on before I shower. After scrubbing with a plain wet washcloth, I get out of the shower and spritz the ACV/Water mixture again instead of deodorant.
What stumps me is the baking soda working on body odor because it is an alkaline substance. The only thing I can think of that causes it to work is that it may become too alkaline for the bacteria to thrive and/or absorbing the sweat. But given all the redness, rashes, itching and reactions to the BS, I would say its probably too alkaline for the skin of most people and the reason for these reactions.
For those of you using regular baking soda from the stores, name brand or otherwise, they also contain aluminum. The only baking soda I know of that is aluminum free is a brand available at the health food stores that specifically states on the label, Aluminum Free. If memory serves me correctly, most of the baking soda found in stores is a by product of aluminum manufacturing. They just don't list it on the label. I buy the aluminum free BS to use internally to keep my body alkalized.
I'm also intrigued by Ted's explanation of magnesium and zinc deficiencies being a cause for an increase in body odor. Earlier today I actually started taking zinc and this evening I took some magnesium citrate because I've been getting the heart palpitations back again and the mag cured it before. hmmmm...I think he's on to something...
Blessings,
Robin"
02/21/2009: Kj from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania replies: "Robin, did this method of cleaning work immediately? Also, did you use the ACV solution ALL over? Is this safe to use on your private areas?"
02/22/2009: Sara from Calgary, Canada replies: "I have successfully been using zinc creme for body odor. the cheap store name brand from my local pharmacy. i use a very small amount on the tip of my finger and rub it in well. it's not greasy if you do this. i remain BO free all day long.
sara"
10/06/2009: Robin from Rocky Ridge, Ohio replies: "Kj, sorry it took so long for me to get back to this, I've not been on the site for awhile.
To answer your question, yes it worked right away. I'm still on the no soap and ACV/Water regime. I use it everywhere and because of the alpha hydroxy acids in the ACV, it is an exfolliant, removing the dead skin from your body. I pay special attention to elbows, knees, and feet to keep them soft and at times you can see the dead skin it's removing. (just be careful to shave after using it, not before) The 50/50 water/ACV may be too strong for some. it can be diluted down to 66/33 or 75/25 water to ACV and still work as well. I've been using a deodorant crystal as deodorant but have recently been researching the use of himilayan sea salt, the kind used for salt lamps as a deodorant instead. It's used the same as the crystal deodorant, rubbed on wet and comes in a bar form like soap. It's another alternative to traditional chemical based deodorants. It works because it doesn't allow bacteria to grow...think of foods preserved with salt...same concept. Blessings and good luck!"
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03/23/2009: Dee from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania writes: "Cure for Under Arm Odor That Works!!
To solve under arm odor, at the end of my shower I use plain vinegar under my arms (not apple cider). I use a palm full under each arm (I keep it in my bathroom in a plastic bottle). It really works and lasts a day or two!!! I tried it in summer (August)!!
I did not try it to run a marathon or engage in a lot of exercise. You have to let it dry for the vinegar smell to go away, but IT REALLY WORKS!!!!!!"
EC: Plain vinegar = distilled white vinegar
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2 YEA
[YEA] 03/03/2009: Haycee from Gauteng, SA writes: "Vitamin C for body odour
I have tried several remedies listed on EC for body odour after I suddenly started perspiring profusely this summer and noticed a strong and unpleasant smell coming from one armpit. I stopped using soap, tried ACV, baking soda, coconut oil, witchazel, zinc ointment, green clay, all with varying degrees of success. However, they were no match for the hot and humid SA summer we are experiencing and had to be re-applied during the day.
Two weeks ago, I hit on a simple remedy which works spectacularly well - Vit C. I have been experimenting with remedies to replace soap and hit the jackpot when I mixed one crushed Vit C tablet with about two tablespoons of baking soda and discovered that the mixture prevents body odour. I also use the mix to brush my teeth. Later I discovered that Vit C works well on its own as a deodorant.
Here's what I do: I crush a Vit C tablet (ascorbic acid 500mg), lightly dip a damp finger in the powder and apply to damp skin once a day. One tablet is enough for many applications since you need a miniscule amount to be effective. I have also noticed that it not only prevents BO but also instantly removes any odour if, for some reason, you neglect to apply it in the morning."
03/04/2009: Tess from Palm Beach, Fl replies: "Thanks for this remedy. I started it this morning by grinding up an orange flavored vit c in my mortar and pestle. I also might try applying colloidal zinc at some point to see if that won't work too. I bought it ages ago and haven't touched it more than once. Any kind of zinc brings on serious acid reflux. But under the arms might work!"
03/05/2009: Haycee from Gauteng, SA replies: "@ Tess from Palm Beach: Is your orange flavoured Vit C the fizzy type? Might be a ticklish affair ;) However, I will be interested to hear if it works as well for you as it does for me.
I also meant to mention that Vit C is excellent as a topical application for cuts and grazes. Whenever I suffer an injury I increase my Vit C intake and dissolve a tablet in a bit of water and apply to the wound several times a day. It heals twice as fast. Regards."
03/05/2009: Tess from Palm Beach, FL replies: "Hi, Haycee. No, it's not the fizzy kind but a tablet you chew on. So far so good. I have found that it lasts as long as you shower. If you don't reapply it doesn't last. One application of apple cider vinegar last through at least 2 showers. Thanks for the tip about wounds. Great to know!"
[YEA] 07/09/2009: Nancy from New Hope, PA replies: "I USED ONE YOUR CONTRIBUTOR'S ADVICE TO TAKE 1 TABLET(250MG)VITAMIN C, CRUSH IT AND TAKE SOME OF THE POWDER AND TOUCH IT WITH A BIT OF WATER TO MAKE A PASTE AND APPLY IT TO UNDER ARMS. THE ODOR WAS GONE FOR DAYS. THANK YOU. ALSO IT MAY BE A WAY OF GETTING MORE C INTO YOUR SYSTEM"
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1 YEA
[YEA] 08/10/2008: Lisa from Coto de Caza, CA writes: "I've tried several natural deodorants and none seem to work. Apply Witch Hazel ( I use Thayers Brand) on a cotton round after a shower. Works all day. Reapply after workout. Also a good toner for your face."
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