Natural Remedies for Body Odor

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.

Anytime my B.O. increases I know, by experience, my Kidney functions have decreased. So if chronic B.O. is a problem, a good detox program would certainly be advised.

When it comes to detoxing, I think a lot of people get it wrong. They end up doing things that are similar to fasting, like the honey and cayenne pepper drink and such. I did my first detox at 21, through my chiropracter that was also trained in naturopathic medicine. He explained to me that what was most important was to give your body's natural detoxification system, comprised of a team of organs, all the nutrients necessary to do the job well, while also making sure that you aren't adding any new toxins to the body.

There are so many toxins in our food, air, and water that the body hardly gets a break from filtering out the new stuff constantly coming in. There's no time to clean out all of the old stuff that has built up. The best detox system, and the one that I do, is making sure that you are eating foods that are fresh, organic, and raw (if possible). Also, make sure that everything you are eating is NOT a potential food allergen. Get ahold of a list of all the foods that people have been found to be allergic to and don't eat any of these foods for 28 days. This means there are very few grains and nuts that you will be able to consume, and absolutely no dairy. Soy shouldn't be in your diet either, which can be tricky. There are breads out there made only from non-allergen grains. I found mine at Whole Foods. Night shade vegetables like eggplant are not good to eat, I think tomatoes are on that list too. It goes without saying that sweets, alcohol, caffeine, and nicoteine are not on the menu either.

After 28 days of eating pure, natural, fresh foods, drinky plenty of purified water, and getting enough exercise (like long walks! ), you are ready to start adding food groups back to your diet. This is how you discover if you have any food allergies you didn't know about.

Contrary to popular belief, allergic reactions do not only come in the form of rashes, sneezing, coughing, swelling, phlegm or other similar visible physical reactions. Allergic reactions to foods can come in the form of fatigue, anxiety, depression, and an overall mental and/or physical imbalance that you aren't even aware of.

After your 28 day detox, pay attention to how you feel and start keeping a food journal. Each week, add back a new food group, and each day try a different food from that group. I discovered that I am allergic to cow milk, but not really to cheese, yogurt, or icecream.

This was a really positive experience for me. The detox was hard, finding ok foods was a bit difficult, but it was really helpful to find out which foods were making me feel bad (and making me smelly! ) It was difficult to change the way I eat, but rewarding in the end. Now I can't imagine eating some of the stuff I used to, and if I do eat something unhealthy, I really feel it!

I hope this was helpful. Good luck!

For many folks and not to their own advantage, a truncated version of the ideal diet that Lyndsey just posted is really the only practical way to go. In this compromised category of "people-on-the-go" in less than ideal situations, the diet must eliminate, say, the top ten or even twenty most harmful foods and beverages AND incorporate the top ten or twenty most beneficial foods, herbs and beverages. And of course their is conflicting dialogue and beliefs across this subject I.E. dairy or no dairy. With the best and worst foods and beverages taken care of, the next stage would be supplementing (which can become extremely confusing for a novis in this day in time), so the best way to cut that tape is to use the highest quality, most nutritious "multivitamin/mineral" at your disposal. Some brands sport hundreds of nutrients in a single tablet. Two multi's w/ every meal would be standard recommends.

I am currently using a lot of outdated coconut oil after showers daily on my skin 1tbsp a day. I keep waking up in the middle of the night and I think it has been detoxing me. coconut oil is amazing. God told me to use this up on my skin, even though I was avoiding it an it's messy. Sunbathing is good for skin too. I get at least 15 minutes each side of my body whenever it's good enough weather. Ginger is some amazing stuff and helps detox body and odors. If you have some stored bad fats in your body, use some soy lecithin granules 1 tsp day to emulsify them out of your body. Also feeds brain cells choline and inositol. Apple cider vinegar with the mother or veil in it, don't heat or cool or it ruins the antibiotic function of the veil in it. I use 1 tbsp. in glass of water daily and then have 1/4 cup of kefer to feed good microbes. Try some milk thistle at bedtime to detox liver. Msg can be toxic in your body and stuck there if you don't have any l-taurine. B vitamins are needed for gut health. If you have stress issues it helps and you can also add ox bile if you have trouble digesting food. Chanca Piedra will get rid of stones in organs, so they function better. You may need some zinc to reduce sebum. Foot soak in Epson salt. Some kelp or vitamin k to absorb calcium and vitamin d. Vitamin A in the form of beta carotene. Find a place and start low dose and slow and keep adding until you feel better. Stay hydrated...and if you leave water out for one hour, no lid, the chlorine will dissipate from the water. When I shower daily I use white vinegar 1/8 cup mixed in 1//3 cup water and use my hand to splash my skin with it and then rise that off. I also use it to treat scalp and long long hair. Blessings, Charity

Hi Brian,

You are not alone with this. When I didn't know any better I would stop using deodorant when a lump occurred even with the soreness. I would use a powder instead and go on with my life. A day or two later lump soreness and all would be gone.

Now that I do know better, when this happens I give myself a break from deodorants and I use corn starch. It seems the problem is the solid deodorants may block the sweat glands. I am not sure about the why, but I do know that a break from solid deodorant as soon as I get lump and the lump disappears.

HisJewel

I wonder if I'm the only person experiencing this - I'm trying to stop using traditional deodorants (too many chemicals in my opinion). As a natural alternative, I've tried using apple cider vinegar and baking soda (at times even lime). All these make my armpits stink even more! I've tried combining them with coconut oil, but they always end up smelling pretty bad...Like I smell like apple cider vinegar right now! I was just wondering if anybody else has experienced this?

I pour a couple of caps in warm bath water which I find reduces body odour across the day. Also clothing made of Bamboo and Merino wool is very helpful too.

Months ago we held a fundraiser for a child plagued by such horriffic body odor she was evicted from school; the cause was her inability to digest proteins! We raised 100K for her to go to Mayo Clinic for Enzyme Therapy. Results are still pending...

Fast forward; 2 months ago (at the onset of some very minor yeast symptoms) I began getting some very, very bad body odor. Like many of you, I tried many de-odor treatments with little luck.

Fortunatly, yesterday I had an opportunity to watch my blood analysed under a "special" darkfield microscope projected on a large screen to count/chart the findings. My blood showed excess Yeast and Fungal Forms (advanced stage of yeast fermentation mutating into fungus growth/infection); and 4 related issues, all stressing out my liver (Spicules, Uric acid crystals, Rouleau, Aggregation of red blood cells). All were caused by "undigested proteins" in my blood (producing a by-product called monosodium urate).

The antidotes prescribed (by a Naturopath) were: Liver Care and Candida treatment (liver supplements, enzymes, alkalization, ACV/w Mother, lemon, garlic, coconut oil, probiotics, trace minerals, super greens and Vit C in high amounts).

The obvious and not-so obvious; a day or so before my horrible BO started, I had reintroduced wheat and other grains back into my diet (via an old friend visiting, and baking homemade bread every day for a week)! I knew the bread would probably caused a yeast flare, but I didn't realise how my poor digestion of it would inflitrate my blood, and stress out my liver too! So I'll take this bad news, as good news, and take my minor "wheat allergy" a lot more seriously now!

Dear xxxunknownxx,

You have certainly dealt with a lot with this issue, and I am sorry that people have been so unkind. You have done well in improving your diet, losing weight, and trying different things, enduring suffering and working. I am hopeful that your persevering spirit on healing will bring the desired results to you.

If you haven't already, do read the posts on Earth Clinic on this issue:

https://www.earthclinic.com/cures/body_odor.html

Then just try different things, as you have been. I will mention a few things that I will start with.

I would try Raw Apple Cider Vinegar added to the water you drink. 1-2 Tablespoons in a tall glass of water once or twice a day. It is fine to have a splash of vinegar in all your water if you acquire a taste for it. (I like my water with vinegar better than plain now.)

I would try different types of baths--Epsom Salt, Baking Soda, Bentonite Clay, etc. These are all detoxifying. Having a couple of these a week (or more often if you like.) 1-2 cups of the Espom Salt or Baking Soda. On the clay, you will need to research this. The clay bath is a little more trouble, but people find them helpful.

You mention the possible issues of leaky gut and candida. Do you have other health issues? Also, do you have trouble with constipation? If you are not eliminating toxins out of the bowel regularly (at least daily) this can cause odor. I would look into colon cleanses.

If you do not have trouble with constipation, you can take the Bentonite Clay internally. I had a son who had a body odor problem when he was about 8, long before puberty. Showering did not help at all. It seemed to just come out his pores! I gave him Bentonite Clay daily for a while and it did seem to resolve. You Can mix 1 teaspoon in 8 ounces of water and let that sit overnight. Then take 1 Tablespoon daily on an empty stomach with a glass of water.

Are you getting daily exercise? It is good for the body to sweat...it gets out toxins that way.

I would also look into the turpentine section on this website and also look into parasite cleanses.

Whatever you try, try it for several months or more. It is possibly going to take a while to completely heal a long standing issue.

Keep us posted on how you are doing! I will be praying you find a solution sooner than later.

~Mama to Many~

Oh, I forgot the most important thing. Use baking soda on your wash rag and stop using any soap or any shampoo. Use baking soda only. The odor problem will stop and it may stop overnight. How? for thewashing with a wash cloth fill your sink with hot water and saturate your wash cloth with water. then take a spoon full of baking soda and rub it into the rag. Use that to scrub your body and face and every thing. NO more store bought soap. Your self confidence will sky rocket.

To wash your hair take a quart bottle and and put in 5 tablespoons of bakeing soda and shake it up every time and then pour some on your hair and work it with your hands gently. and then rinse out . No more shampoo from the store.

Hey I know exactly where you are coming from. I too suffered from bad body odor. You mentioned that you take Garden Of Life probiotics. I seriously recommend that you stop. Those pills contain a lot of dairy. I used to take them too. They made me smell like a sewer! Also beans made me smell horrible. Maybe you should try eliminating both? Good luck!

I solved armpit odor problem by mixing cornstarch and acidophilus powder (maybe 1/4 c. cornstarch and one or two acidophilus capsules), and applying it to my armpits with a powder puff. These good bacteria must have broken down the self-protective biofilm the stinky buggies made.

Eating leafy greens or taking chlorophyll will help with body and breath odor. Also get rid of smelly tops or clothing because the odor is trapped in the fabric.

I developed a nasty underarm odor 3 years ago. The smell would not go away with any amount of washing. Deodorant began to irritate my underarms. Before I knew it, I had developed a rash and couldn't apply deodorant. I suspect this was caught from my frequent use of hot tubs during the time.

After applying every known antifungal/antibacterial herb, I read online to use rubbing alcohol under my arms and eventually the rash went away along with the smell! Although using deodorant would always irritate my underarm skin and cause the smell to come back worse than before a few hours later.

Sadly the smell would always return if I hadn't used rubbing alcohol in 8 to 24hours or so. It would also always return 2 hours after a shower if I did not use rubbing alcohol after a shower.

I eventually developed some weird white pubic hairs in my private area that were thick and very brittle. I found out online it was Trichomycosis axillaris. The standard treatment for it is benzoyl peroxide.

Ever since purchasing a benzoyl peroxide product(acne face wash) and using it on my private area the bacteria was gone along with the usual smell I had down below(I always thought was normal) when I'd sweat too much.

I decided to use it on my underarms and wow my underarms no longer feel sticky and never have that strong smell anymore! Even after 2 days without showering!

Use it at the end of the shower, rub the cream into affected areas for 30 seconds then wash away. I got results after 4 uses of it and continued for 20 more uses after to make sure.

I didn't find this recipe for deodorant antiperspirant on the site. So I thought I would share. A friend of mine shared this recipe. I love it! It is easy and works as well as aluminum ones!! I should also add that I live in Texas and it gets hot here!!

Recipe

• 1/4 cup baking soda
• 1/4 cup corn starch or arrow root powder
• 6-8 tablespoons virgin coconut oil, melted
• (lots of people add a fragrance. I like the coconut smell and it goes away)

Note: I had a reaction (hives) to cornstarch after shaving. So I tried arrow root. It seems to work as well, but no reaction.

Note: Melt the coconut oil by putting the tub in a bowl of hot water. Use all 8 Tb if you want more moisture, more smell, or have problems like a reaction / hives.

Sift both powders to remove lumps. With an electric beater (or by hand) beat in the oil until there are no lumps and its fluffy. (Run your fingers through it)

Spoon it into any small jar. It will turn hard if you refrigerate it for about 15 minutes. You may have to do this twice, but after 2 weeks of sitting in my bathroom drawer mine is very firm and doesn't get soft. ( Maybe it takes time to really firm up? ). It makes about 2 baby food jars. Apply a pea size amount. I do reapply at night if its hot. Some people put it into an old deodorant tube after making it. I have not tried this. Enjoy!!

Pour half teaspoon of 3% hydrogen peroxide into palm, rub palms together, rub underarms. It keeps odor away all day.

IODIZED SALT (Yea)

I am battling several illnesses right now, and ever since I got sick I have the worst armpit odor! Soap doesn't remove it. I've tried baking soda, apple cider vinegar, and hydrogen peroxide (separately) and they all work fairly well, but they all feel harsh on my skin and I don't like it.

The other day, I discovered a better solution: iodized salt. I had bought one of those himalayan salt stones for the shower—big mistake. Little crevices in the smooth-looking salt crystal actually SCRATCHED me and literally put salt in the wound! Will never do that again.

However, it gave me the idea of simply mixing some salt into water and applying that right in the bath after washing with soap. Works like a charm! The effect was immediate—no smell whatsoever until the next morning (and then only faint). And I didn't even use deodorant!

I chose iodized salt because iodine is a powerful antimicrobial in its own right. I mix the salt with about two parts warm water (some will not dissolve) and keep it in a little jar in the shower. At the end of the shower (soap and rinse first), I just pour some of the saltwater into my hand and splash it under each arm, being careful to get the whole underarm. When the liquid gets low, I just add some water from the shower for next time

Plastic is best for use in the bath because of the risk of glass breaking. Might be convenient to get one of those dispenser bottles with the pointy top!

While going through menopause my BO was so out of control that I didn't know what to do! So the first thing I did was change to deodorant that was made out of salt crystal, it's wonderful! No odor at all ever!!!! I bought it at Walgreens for about 7 dollars. Then I went on a diet and changed my eating habits and as a result I no longer have an odor on my skin.... Sometimes I smelled yucky, my husband said I smelled like a mans locker room! Thanks! Anyway I have been off the diet for a few weeks and the odor is coming back so back on my clean eating program again... as a side note the baking soda worked for under my arms but I developed an itch so bad that I had to stop using it.

Rachel, food grade DE should help with the pinworms. 1 tablespoon 2x's a day in whatever kind of liquid you like to drink. ACV and baking soda taken internally are amazing, so keep it up. I use a mixture of 3parts arrowroot, 1part baking soda, coconut oil, tea tree oil, and orange essential oil as a deodorant. It's amazing, hope it helps.

This stainless steel soap shaped bar really does work for body odor. I was skeptical when I read about it and my curiosity got the best of me and I ordered one. It works in the shower after bathing with soap. You rub it like deodorant over problem areas and there is no odor all day. It has certainly changed the way I feel about using deodorants, the fact that it is just a piece of metal.I have had a "sweating problem" all my life and this is the first time that something has worked instantly and continues to work daily.

I have an occasional excessive sweating and body odour issue - right arm pit only! I have been suffering on and off with this since August (last bad case of this was a few years ago) and have ruined so many clothes and am so self conscious I just had to do something. Luckily I found the earth clinic website yesterday and all the wonderful advice from posters.

Today I applied Cider Vinegar to my armpit and left for a few minutes before showering (not organic with mother but I shall definitely be investing in some). I also applied a different deodorant from my usual one and have been dry and non-smelly all day.

Am also making a conscious effort to move my arms more/massage my underarm and drink lots more water.

Thank you to all contributors on this website!

I had ingested the bentonite clay (1 Tablespoon diluted with water; 15 ml) to reslove some toxicity issues and noticed that my body odor was completely solved as well. it has absolutely no taste and no side effects. it didn't make me nauseated like ACV makes me feel. also make your salivatory glands pure so your mouth is "fresh". I love this stuff.

Hi,

I accidentally cured my body odor problem when I was treating myself for bacterial vaginosis. I am on a strict regiment of herbal supplements and vitamins. One of these includes acidophilus and apple cider vinegar (with mother). After experimenting with several types of acidophilus, I wound up taking a gelcap version that requires refrigeration. It has 2 or 3 BILLION live active cultures. This is the dose that I maintain daily. After being on this for a month and half, I noticed I didn't have to fight with body odor - which I always felt was a symptom of some other underlying issue. I used to prepare my day around the fact that I would sweat through deodorant. I was using rubbing alcohol daily after showering to kill remaining bacteria. I packed deodorant EVERYWHERE I WENT. I truly feel I got to the root of the evil bacteria by taking probiotics and ACV though. I tried everything from various natural deodorants, to no deodorant, to the horrible "anti-sweat" deodorants. The acidophilus and ACV has truly helped maintain a healthy pH. I just make this very much a part of my daily life and I have no more issues.

Hope this helps.

Instead of going to the trouble of buying a hand sanitizer... Why don't you just buy a small bottle of eucalyptus 100% pure essential oil or tea tree oil essential oil. That is pure with nothing else. There are other essential oils that you can use that kill bacteria as well. You could dilute them with some water and put them in a little bottle for use when you are out.

Body Odor:

Ever since I was 13, no deodorant completely worked for me. I made the mistake of trying every chemical-laden deodorant on the market. I didn't realize, until I weaned myself off of commercial deodorants, that it is the DEODORANTS that are the problem!! I switched to rock type deodorants (there are several different brands, you can buy the kind with the rock or spray-on liquid) about 4 years ago and I will never go back to any other kind of deodorant ever again. In fact, when I do put on regular deodorants now, my body completely rejects them and I break out in horrific, very painful rashes. A few tips for effective use:

1) You need to give your body time to "detox" after using regular deodorants before the natural crystal rock kinds work for you. About 1 or 2 weeks is usually sufficient before you notice a real change.

2) Follow the directions carefully or the deodorant won't work! Apply IMMEDIATELY after getting out of the shower. For a rock deodorant, wet the rock under running water and apply about 20-30 strokes per armpit (yes, really, that many). For a spray deodorant, apply 4 or 5 sprays under each arm.

3) If the natural deodorant doesn't work for you on its own, you can also apply baking soda to the armpit area. Be forewarned though, baking soda can be a little harsh and can leave you with raw skin if used everyday.

- If you are experiencing a lot of body odor, also try the following things which addresses the issue from the inside out: oil pulling, taking coconut oil internally, taking ACV internally, eating an all-natural diet, eliminating toxins from your household, and using all-natural dioxin-free tampons.

Female Body Odor:

To prevent this, wash gently with a 100% natural glycerine soap everyday, which can be purchased very inexpensively for approximately $1 at most grocery or health stores. Don't use regular soap or body washes that are not formulated for use in this area - this is a very gentle region and a body wash that doesn't have a very neutral pH will sting and irritate the area. The more chemicals you can keep out of this area the better (latex condoms, tampons that have dioxide, douches). If you are still experiencing odor after keeping good hygeine, see a doctor, because it might be the sign of an infection.

Foot Odor:

Rock deodorants can be used for this same purpose - and it works! See the instructions above for application. I prefer the spray-on for ease of application.

Mouth Odor:

Good oral hygeine is key. Brushing after every meal and regular flossing are obvious solutions, but if this doesn't work on its own, see the EC posts for oil pulling, oil of oregano, hydrogen peroxide and sea salt rinses.

I'm convinced that a lot of the body odor we experience comes from the residue of shampoo, conditioner, soap, and other chemicals left on our skin. (70% of the oxygen we comes in comes through the skin and not the lungs. ) By switching to natural alternatives (borax and baking soda), after a year, I could wear the same socks for four or five days and no one would know it. If I'm right, I've uncovered a pretty sly business model--more soap, more body odor, more deodorants, more soap and even more body odor. In the past, it was common to wash your hair once a month. I'm convinced people didn't walk around smelling like they were living on the street.

I just started using nothing but coconut oil as a deodorant. I'm loving it. I've used many kinds of deodorants including the sodium stone, and so far this is the best for keeping odor under control

About 2 months ago I noticed when showering that when I applied soap to my skin I got a strong odor of ammonia. At first I thought it was the soap but after changing brands the smell remained strong enough to burn my eyes. My only choice was to bathe with baking soda which works. I am in decent health for a 64 year old except for reflux which I have been using the vinegar recipe to help with. What causes this smell? Help please.

I just searched and it looks like either:

1. You are too acidic.
2. An infection with helicobacter, the bacteria that causes stomach ulcers, or by eating too much protein.
3. Foods you are eating.

I remember that it happened to me too. I also smelled like ammonia when I was bathing. That was long time ago. I toughed it was normal. I started two months ago drinking ACV with mother and all body odors are gone. I feel like when I was a kid. I am still amazed and I am even scared. Drinking ACV with mother have changed so much my skin for the better that I don't know if it is normal. Body odor is normal why is it gone? Please, somebody answer what is ACV with mother doing to me? I love the change but is it normal? I am over 50, why my skin is softer it feels great. I drink one tablespoon of ACV with the mother mixed with V8 before bed time. Today I added another drink before lunch. I feel the odor change in the whole body hair, feet, armpits and even mouth.

An ammonia smell coming from your trunk is usually a sign of a liver disease. Have it tested. Get some milk thistle with artichokes. Artichokes scrub the liver. Also, eat meat once a week and go on a fish and chicken diet. Incorporate salads with artichokes. Drink dandelion tea.