The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Lime
Posted by Charles (Ghana) on 08/22/2015
★★★☆☆WORKED TEMPORARILY
It's there any maximum duration for the use of lime in curing under arm odor? I've been using lime for the past one month now but whenever I don't apply deodorant after bathing I get some slight smell under my arm, am getting confused now whether to continue using the lime or quit and continue with the deodorant. Kindly advice.
Lime
Posted by Tiw (Los Angeles. Ca) on 08/12/2022
★★★★★
Well if you are a meat eater then yes you will get a musty smell under your arms because the meat is rotting in your tummy and coming out through your pores when you sweat. I noticed that when I ate no meat that the limes worked for me but when I ate meat even just one day I'd get a musty smell when I sweat so food for thought ❤️❤️❤️
Undigested Proteins
Posted by T-ann (Fl, US) on 07/13/2014
Kay, I may have this same issue. Can I ask you where the odor is coming from? I have some chemical/food sensitivities that cause bad headaches. More recently, I eliminated wheat products (as much as possible) and love the results. Lost about 7 pounds, less hunger, less inflammation, no more skin rashes that bleed easily. But now, if I eat certain processed (wheat) foods, I get a bad odor from vaginal area. This happens within minutes of eating these "non-food" (or junk food) items. Maybe my issue is the same as yours....digesting protein. Thank you for posting this info. Please keep posting any more info or results that you get.
Severe Body Odor
Posted by Mike62 (Denver) on 03/08/2014
Xxunknownxx: A Vietnam veteran sometimes smells really bad. The meds they give him are toxins. Toxins, bad hormones, estrogen dominance, and pathogens are accumulating in the body. To get rid of them search raw food videos and become an 80/10/10er like me.
Severe Body Odor
Posted by Mmsg (Somewhere, Europe) on 03/08/2014
Xxunknownxx, changing your way of eating is probably the safest place to start, although it is hard. You can try Paleo or some similar diet which eliminates grains and beans for a while. You probably will have to make "friends" with many more veggies than you are used to!!
Severe Body Odor
Posted by Brian (Sth Aus, Australia) on 03/10/2014
All of the above are great suggestions except the stinky garlic. Anyway, the simplest solution is stop eating sugar or at least reduce it to a minimum because even veggies have a sugar content. So does rice of any colour. Prefer a diet of veggies that can be eaten raw, fruits that are bitter, moderate meat, natural dairy, eggs and moderate natural fats and oils and you'll be normal in no time. Cheers.
Glycolic Acid, Essential Oils
Posted by Traveler (Dallas Tx) on 01/29/2014
★★★★★
I've used earthclinic a lot, and done many of these BO busters in particular. White Vinegar spray lasted longer than Apple Cider Vinegar (after a few weeks though I noticed no difference so I rotate.) Baking soda is fine, but chafes and I don't like it as much as other options. The two options I'm using most lately are either Glycolic Acid, or essential oils. I had some leftover glycolic acid from treating my face at home-- I believe it was around 20% strength, so I thought I might try adding to my underarms thinking that maybe, even with shaving, there's a lot of dead skin that holds onto bacteria that makes it stink more easily. Found that the Glycolic Acid carried me for around 3 days (no body odor smell at all that I can recall) and I didn't get as funky after that point (at least for a little while.) I'm out of the 20% but I do have some 10% that I'm currently trying.
When I want to mess around with smells, I try a variety of essential oils. Lavender oil works really well and gets me lots of compliments from people who think it's my perfume. Orange oil works okay-- not bad at all but not as strong and long lasting. I've tried less flowery ones for when I've been sick and so didn't mind smelling strongly herbal. I would just say to be careful and make sure you're not applying something like basil essential oil full strength since that would burn. See what is okay straight, or add to your baking soda or coconut oil, and spot test. I use it straight just fine but I've also used these in other applications so I know what my personal skin to essential oil level I'm comfortable with.
I'll likely use up my 10% glycolic acid stuff and then eventually get a $25 bottle of 20% glycolic acid and use that once a week or so. Since it's an acid, I wouldn't recommend using it everyday or even close to that--maybe twice a week tops.
Bad Body Odor Treatment
Posted by Shalik (Sharon Hill Pa) on 01/07/2014
Hi I am 17 and I been having body odor trouble for some time know. I wash correctly I use clean towels and everything clean clothes everything like that but it's a smell that will not go away and It's very embarrassing. I need help please.
Bad Body Odor Treatment
Posted by Mama To Many (Tennessee, Usa) on 01/07/2014
Dear Shalik,
Well, I am sorry you are having this trouble! When one of my teenage sons had this trouble a few years back, we gave him bentonite clay for a time (internally) and it did seem to help. Most bentonite clay you will find is not mean for internal use (sodium bentonite is not for internal use.) We have used something that is a combination of sodium and calcium bentonite for internal use. Here is where we got it, with more information about it.
http://www.bulkherbstore.com/Bentonite-Clay-Powder?s=bentonite&id=bWg8X7pQ
He took 4 capsules a day (We made it into capsules, but you could put 1 teaspoon in 8 ounces of water and drink it. It doesn't taste bad.) He did this for at least a month. Be sure to take it with plenty of water so it isn't constipating to you. If you have trouble with constipation, you will want to make sure to address that, as it can cause body odor, as well.
Some other things to try would be the following:
drinking plenty of water each day
taking an epsom salt bath a few times a week (1 cup epsom salt per bath)
having an apple and a banana a day
avoiding fried food, fast food, soda, etc.
Earth Clinic has a lot of information here: https://www.earthclinic.com/cures/body_odor.html
There are many things you can try. I hope you find a solution soon. Please let us know what helps you!
~Mama to Many~
Bad Body Odor Treatment
Posted by Bud (World) on 01/07/2014
Take a magnesium and zinc supplement. It will take a few weeks for it to work. Good luck!
Potassium Crystal Deodorant
Posted by Jenny (Brisbane, Australia) on 07/14/2013
★★★★★
Re BODY ODOUR - Used to have it in summer, but have not had it for years now since I changed to using a pure crystal deodorant. It is fantastic. Bit expensive to start with but cheaper in the long run as it lasts for about 12 months or more. Try it, it is fantastic.
Jenny
Avoid Caffeine
Posted by Anonymous (Los Angeles, Ca, Usa) on 04/25/2013
★★★★★
Even if you don't think caffeine is causing your body odor problem (I didn't), PLEASE TRY IT!!
Just avoid it 100% for a few days. You've got nothing to lose. Stick out any headaches or withdrawals, because the benefits could be huge.
NOTE: Decaf coffee can contain up to 60% the caffeine of regular coffee. It IS NOT 100% caffeine free.
It takes caffeine hours to leave your system, (even when you don't feel it anymore, it's still there about 4 hours after you consume it - google the half life of caffeine in your body if you're curious). Also, your liver is responsible for removing it; so it's an unneccessary burden.
Avoiding caffeine from ALL coffee and tea removed 90% of my underarm odor problem. Additionally, I get less anxious. After having coffee, I immediately begin sweating, and stinking, all over but particularly in the underarm area.
When I finally do need energy and know sweating/stinking isn't a problem beause I'm at home or something, I'll allow myself some coffee. But a MUCH SMALLER serving than I ever used to have. Caffeine is more powerful than I used to give it credit for, and as a result it caused anxiety, blood sugar crashes, poor sleep, and BO for the longest time while I wondered what was going on. Not just coffee, but tea as well. Although tea does have a milder effect.
An added benefit of avoiding caffeine is that when I have it, it doesn't take much to really charge me up and give me pep - because I haven't built up a resistance to it or dependence on it. I feel like I have some conrol over if/when these things happen now, which is great!
So if you regularly consume caffeine and sweat too much or your BO is stinky, PLEASE TRY IT!
Avoid Caffeine
Posted by Leah (Philadelphia, Pa) on 04/25/2013
Thanks for this tip! I'm definitely cutting down. As for the remaining Bo, I can give you my recipe for home made deodorant that actually works: equal parts corn starch and baking soda mixed in a bowl, slowly add coconut oil till you get a dry paste, add a smidge of extra virgin olive oil till it is the consistency of butter icing. Store in a glass jar at room temp. I was a stink beast for so long and this is the only thing that stops bo in its tracks. Just use your finger to get a little bit and wipe on underarms after shower or after sweating as it goes on better if you are a bit damp.
Lemon
Posted by Funkedafied In Texas (Houston, Texas) on 10/16/2013
★☆☆☆☆
This made me smell even worse than I did before. I don't know why?
Tea Tree Oil
Posted by Anon (Anon) on 09/06/2012
★★★★★
Put a few drops of tea tree oil in a teaspoon of olive oil and rub it into your feet.
Baking Soda
Posted by Anonymosaurus Rex ( Somewhere, Alone, Listening To Radiohead) on 09/03/2012
There's a blog out there called crunchybetty that has a few posts on her experiments in perfecting homemade deodorant. I'd seriously recommend people checking it out.
Also, have you considered using soap nuts for your laundry? I converted to them about 6 months ago and I swear by them! They are amazing!
Baking Soda
Posted by Linda (New Haven, Ct, United States) on 09/05/2012
Thank you for the site. I'm going to look at it tonight.
As for the laundry, I am currently using 2 cups Borax, 2 cups Super washing soda and 2 bars grated Fels Naptha. I store in in a large container with a tight fiting lid to keep out the humidity and use just 2 teaspoons per load. It seems to be working fine so far but I will be on the lookout for soap nuts.
What sort of stores would carry them?
Baking Soda
Posted by Anonymosaurus Rex ( Somewhere, Alone, Listening To Radiohead) on 10/05/2012
Sorry for the late reply, Linda. Soap nuts are available online through ebay sellers or mountain rose herbs. You could also try a local health food store or a food co-op. I'm not in your country, so that's the best advice I can offer. Hope that helps :)
Baking Soda
Posted by Harper (Smyrna, Ga) on 10/15/2012
911 HELP!!!! I have been trying to find a REALLY good natural deodorant... I used a common BS recipe that MANY people/blogs/sites SWEAR by.... And made it for my son and friends and initially it was AWESOME!!
Baking Soda, Corn Starch, Coconut Oil, Tea Tree Oil, Other Fragrance/ES... Changed up the Coconut Oil for Shea Butter and once again with Coco Butter.. to no avail.
THE GOOD: Well, we didn't stink at all... Lol it does perform well in that aspect... Lol Even after extreme cardio/Run outside!
THE BAD: No matter which variation I used all of us (5) had irritation under both underarms. FAR WORSE on the left side though.
1. itching and burning after half of the day (ESPECIALLY AFTER A WORKOUT)
2. We are African American so our armpits turned the LITERAL CRAYON BLACK... And then began to shed skin... (GROSS) with burning and extreme sensitivity... (WHYYYY SWEET BABY JESUS! ?) lol
******CAN ANYONE HELP! ?******
1. Help us get our armpits NORMAL AGAIN?
2. And figure out what went wrong! ?
3. A really good alternative/natural rememdy that REALLY works?
*** The pain ONLY left when we went back to store brand traditional deodorants... :(
I even tried ACV w/lemon juice in distilled water!! HELP PLEASE!
Baking Soda
Posted by Momma2boys (Pacific Nw, Usa) on 10/15/2012
Hi, The baking soda in the recipe actually irritates a lot of people from what I've heard. I just use virgin coconut oil by itself. It works great - I don't stink at all and this has been my deoderant for 4 or 5 years now. :)
Baking Soda
Posted by Cris354 (Ny) on 10/15/2012
MAGNESIA MILK works better than anything. Comercial deodorants only works for 10 or 15 minutes on my skin, so I start using lemon juice, ammonia, coffe, peroxide, alcohol, borax, baking soda and cant remember how many things I tried. Nothing works for my stinking armprit and having clear, dry and clean smell in my underarm.
Baking Soda
Posted by Trish (Los Angeles, Ca) on 09/05/2013
HELP!!! I too have a horrible rash from the baking soda. It started under both arms, it's finally down to one, but I've had it for 4 months!! I have tried tea tree oil, apple cider vinegar and coconut oil and nothing is working. Does anyone have a solution? Thanks!!
Baking Soda
Posted by Sp (Wb, Nj) on 09/05/2013
Hi Trish, not sure if you're looking for help with the baking soda rash or the underarm odor. I learned about using zinc oxide ointment here at EC for underarm odor. Most deodorants give me a rash. Then I'd have to use nothing until the rash cleared up enough that I could use a mixture of baking soda and cornstarch. I use zinc oxide ointment now instead of commercial deodorant and I swear by it. Very gentle and effective.
Baking Soda
Posted by Bev (Long Beach, Ca) on 09/06/2013
Hi Trish... I too, had the same rash from using baking soda. Read on EC to use Aloe Vera. I had some outside. Picked a large stalk, peeled the spines off, split it in half and applied it to my under arms. Did this everyday until it was all cleared. Did not take long at all. Good luck.
Baking Soda
Posted by Devon (San Antonio) on 07/13/2015
You are such a Sweetheart! May God bless you always.
Detox
Posted by Citygirl27 (Richardson, Tx, Usa) on 06/21/2012
Can you please give info on how you used the epsom salts for a liver cleanse? Many thanks.
Detox
Posted by Mary (Minneapolis, Mn) on 06/12/2013
hi Caleb from Calgary, Ab, Canada: I too work in an office setting with no strenuous work. Other than walking to the copier I hardly move but not less than 2-3hr after I get to work the strong under arm odor begins. We are in very tight quarters so hard for any one not to smell me. Can you tell me how you do the colon cleanse because we share some of the same habits such as going to the bathroon lathering up and doing this several times a day to no avail. I now think that people are avoiding walking by me area just so they don't get slapped in the face by the funk! .. Help! I am going to try the liver cleanse because that is the only thing I have not done so far. Everything else that I tried seemed to work for a little while but the odor always comes back. Do you use 100% grapefruit juice or can you use the pink grapefruit juice?? please respond because I think you may have hit upon something here. How many times a day do you do it?? how much do you take?? I'm praying that you have the answer.
Detox
Posted by Krystle (Elk Grove, Ca Usa) on 03/01/2014
I was wondering exactly how you did your cleanse! Thanks!
Baking Soda
Posted by Man (Sojourning America) on 03/04/2014
★★★★★
I have been using baking soda for under arm deodorant for several years now. In fact I use baking soda for body wash. It seems when I use store bought soaps that I have body odour no matter how good the soap smells. It only takes a tiny amount of baking soda for the underarm deodorant.
I have a suspicion also that home made sauerkraut in the diet once in a while may help the body to fight the bad bacteria in the gut which may help with reducing body odour. Home made sauerkraut is raw and unheated and therefore still alive with beneficial microbes. That store bought stuff has been cooked or pasteurised.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Rachel (Jamaica, Ny) on 05/10/2012
I am currently taking Apple Cider Vinegar for body odor! What I notice is that when I am in high anxiety situations it doesn't work. My armpits will have a moist feel to them and my deodarant never seems to absorb into my skin. When I'm home and I feel no anxiety it seems to work! I want to know why this is! I am currently taking Apple Cider Vinegar with baking soda internally because someone wrote in that having parasites(I had an issue with pin worms) can cause body odor because the parasites release toxins which is causing the body odor.
My question is would there be an alternative to getting rid of body odor because of anxiety sweating while detoxing using Apple Cider Vinegar and baking soda? Would taking a parasite cleanse also assist in eliminating body odor?
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Meiya (Makati, Manila) on 08/02/2012
My problem about my b.o. is always coming back, I used powder odorless deodorant because I don't like the smell of perspirant, and it left stains at my clothes.. Just want to ask how to use the baking soda?
Mint Water
Posted by Nishi (Ahmedabad, India) on 12/20/2011
My armpits smell horrible so I read on net that boiling mint leaves and having bath with it works great and can cure body odor and it was a miracle for me but my problem is, for how much time do I have to continue with mint bathing water?? Is there any permanent cure??
Mint Water
Posted by Timh (Louisville, Usa) on 12/21/2011 2041 posts
Nishi, extreme body odor is a sign of TOXIC body. Try some detox cures like Charcoal, Bentonite, Chlorella, colon cleanse, Vit-C, Baking soda/epsom salt hot bath etc.
Over the Counter
Posted by Underarm (Toronto, On Can) on 09/01/2011
Choose a deodorant that doesn't stain.
A good deodorant is one without leaving residues and odours behind. I've been using UARMSOL deodorant for many years now, even when I sweat, I have no more underarm or armpit odours. I applied 1 pinch and it's all to it for the whole day without worries about any smell afterwards. There's no chemicals, oil or fragrances added. No staining clothes too. There's no after sport smell or odour masking. And the best thing is I don't have to shave!
Apple Cider Vinegar, Acidophilus
Posted by Me (Usa) on 09/07/2018
Anyone have any idea of the name of the gel cap probiotic she took or will any good brand work?
Apple Cider Vinegar and Baking Soda
Posted by Alicia (Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada) on 06/18/2011
I LOVE this site!!! I have learned so much. But I do have a question about the BS / ACV combo for armpits, as ther are so many posts on it, I was hoping someone could shed some light on it for me. Am I supposed to use BOTH? Or use baking soda after the ACV? Is it better to use the BS wet or dry? I read some posts where wet usage was recommended but I ended up with a white drippy mess :) Is it better to just pile it on dry
I really hope someone can direct me properly, I have bad odor under my left arm only, incidentally this is the same armpit where I have developed a large cyst several times from store bought deodorant, I have tried all types-even the crystal which did nothing for me. I am polycystic to begin with so I try to watch what I use on my skin.
One last question about the baking soda: I shave frequently so how long should I wait for the ACV or BS application? Thanks so much everyone for your time and valuable posts, I love this community and am spreading the word about Earth Clinic.
Apple Cider Vinegar and Baking Soda
Posted by Linda (Alpharetta, Ga) on 06/19/2011
try hand sanitizer- 1 time in the morning and if necessary repeat once or twice during the day. You can buy a tiny bottle for your purse, in case the smell comes back. Hand sanitizer kills the bacteria. hand sanitizer is basically rubbing alcohol.
Apple Cider Vinegar and Baking Soda
Posted by Tessa (Somewhere, Ca) on 09/15/2015
For those of you who notice a stronger smell from one armpit, especially if you have or have had a cyst from other toxic deodorants, using a clay like bentonite or Aztec clay and making a paste with water and applying it to the underarms and surrounding lymph nodes helps to draw out the toxins, and may even reduce pain in the area. Leave the paste on until it dries, about 20 minutes, then rinse off.
Zinc and Magnesium
Posted by Cici (Tulsa, Oklahoma) on 05/22/2011
I've read that some people who had bodyfoot odor problems despite good hygiene were low on zinc and/or magnesium. Of course, check with doctor first.
Avoid Caffeine
Posted by Mittie (London, Uk) on 02/21/2011
★★★★★
Body odor tip: avoid caffeine! I discovered after I stopped using deodorant many years ago that I have nasty smelling perspiration a few minutes after drinking a cup of black tea (which I am a real guzzler of, truth be told). Last year I experimented by cutting out black tea for a few days and voila, no smelly BO, zip, zero. Anyone who is having issues with body odor should try this!
Avoid Caffeine
Posted by Francisca (Michelbach-le-bas, Alsace, France) on 02/21/2011
Good idea but what can a person like myself do who has body oder but who never touches caffeine?
Avoid Caffeine
Posted by Amom (Clayton, Delaware, Us) on 02/21/2011
My 8 year old daughter also had an odor issue - her underarms smelled 'oniony'. I had her using deodorant, but have found that (evco) coconut oil and baking soda do the trick. Using equal parts, melt the coconut oil, then stir in the baking soda. I put it in a small plastic container and put it in the freezer (just until it hardened). She uses a swipe of it under each arm every morning, and what a difference! I couldn't believe it...
Powder With Cornstarch
Posted by Jeffrey (Pawtucket, Ri) on 02/21/2011
★★★★★
Several years ago I switched to natural deodorants from aluminum based anti-perspirants/deodorants due to health concerns and skin irritaton. Eventually even the natural ones began to irritate my skin, so I tried powder with aloe and cornstarch. It works amazingly well for days when I don't do much sweating, like a typical workday sitting behind a desk. Usually one application in the morning is all that's needed. I'm thinking of keeping some at work, so on warmer days or on days that I go for a walk or bike commute, I can do a quick wash of my underarms in the restroom and re-apply. My underarms feel so much better! Healing after a long time of being irritated and raw.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Brenda (Springfield, Il) on 01/08/2011
★★★★★
For my stinky pits, I now have a concoction that works wonderfully. After showering, I first rub virgin coconut oil on my armpits. Then I wet a finger with water and dip my wet finger into mixture of a little Borax and baking soda, and rub that on. Then I end with a squirt of vodka. (I mix in a spray bottle vodka and a few drops of sandalwood essential oil. ) When I just used baking soda, my pits became irritated and dry. I believe I had a yeast problem, thus the Borax; and the VCO for the dryness. No more body odor for me!
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Rob (South America) on 09/09/2011
Great post!
I have been using baking soda for over 5 years and nothing else. It's the only thing that works for me and it works perfectly, I could even go a few days without a shower if I had to (and I live in hot South America). I'm sure the rock deodorant kind works also but I have never been able to find it (plus soda is CHEAP and works, so why not).
I don't find that baking soda irritates the skin. What I do is after showering I put a little soda on the palm of one hand, and with the other drop some water so the mix is in watery form. I mix with both hand and then *gently* apply on both pits and let air dry. If you rub it too hard you will irritate the skin and it will burn. I suppose the same happens if you do it after shaving.
Milk of magnesia equally works but it's more expansive and it leaves a "gooey"/stick feeling.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Renae (Mpls, Mn) on 09/09/2011
Alfalfa pills are increadable. Only 1/day! Can skip a day now w/no problem!
Coconut Oil, Baking Soda
Posted by Robyn (Perth, Australia) on 01/01/2011
★★★★★
pure coconut oil and bicarb for body odour
While I have not tried this personally, I was told by a friend that she very successfully makes the above ingredients into a paste and applies to her armpits, then wipes away residue when dry.
