Full Thread

Ms. Robert (Dumfries, Va, Usa) on 01/21/2010
3 out of 5 stars

Worked Temporarily

UnderArm Odor

Hello, I have read many posts here and tried several remedies. The most successful was Organic ACV, it has worked for almost 8mos, the most amount of time for any remedy so far. Well now I'm back to the normal horribly embarrassing smell I've had to deal with for 14 yrs.

I stopped deoderants last year, the ACV was effective but now when I use it, either apply and wash off, or apply w/ baking soda & leave on all day, it's almost like I have no protection. My arms smell horrible, and of course my clothes as well.

Is there any hope for me? It seems that almost any remedy I try may work for a few months then I'm back to the ususal stinky, strong odor!

Replied By Crazydogjack (New Castle, Pa, Usa) on 01/21/2010

I had the same problem. Never tried the ACV for it. I bought a crystal body deodorant stick at the health food store and it works great!

Replied By Ms. Robert (Dumfries, Va, Usa) on 01/25/2010

@crazydogjack. Thanks for the advice. I will pay a visit to the health food store to get the crystal body deoderant stick. I will post results after sometime.

Replied By Mary (Minneapolis, Mn) on 01/26/2010

ACV also worked temporarily for me. i did try the natural crystal deodorant roll on and it also stopped working. is the crystal deodorant stick better?

Replied By Sugar (Candaba, Philippines) on 02/21/2010

help me to cure my armpit odor.. having this problems lessen my self confidence at all.. where can i buy crystal body deodorant stick here in philippines?? help friend..

Replied By Mohini (Suva, Fiji) on 02/21/2010

I have tried using baking soda to get rid of under arm odor. I either just pat baking soda after my bath or mix it with a little talcum powder. I have noticed that inspite of intense sweating, my underarms do not smell. Try avoiding deo sticks, they are not good for the skin as they block your pores and do not let them "breathe". Hope this remedy helps.

Replied By Mary (Minneapolis, Mn) on 03/04/2010

Well as i stated before nothing seems to be working for me. I now think that the ordor is not coming from my underarms but from within my body somewhere. I notice it more when I have sinus issues. Could this be a connection?? Has anyone had anything like this or heard of anything like this before. Could the odor be connected to my sinus problems?? I don't take anything for my sinus problems now that i found out that antibiotics can do more harm than good. The smell that I have is a sweaty, stinky smell like I have been running or working out for hours. It usually happens when I am at work which is the worse time that it could happen. Anyone someone please help!! Ted you know of anything like this??

Replied By Pr (Houston, Texas) on 03/04/2010

Hello, it sounds to me like you might have problems with candida (fungus infection) which might be why you have recurring sinus problems. A person can have fungus growing in them for years and not know it because you can't see it. Fungus overgrowth is a killer that is truly deceptive as it quietly grows poisoning your system. We end treating the symptoms of it's poisons with more antibodies which makes it worst. You might want to get your doctor to check you for fungus.

I use Milk of Magnesium for deodorant and Magnesium oil. They both work great for odor under the arms and other areas. But if your odor is from inside especially when you have sinus problems I would check for fungus or bacteria infections.

Replied By Claudia (HÃ¶Ã¶r, Sweden) on 03/05/2010

Here is a remedy that I came up with after a friend shared with me that she used a Salt Toothpaste under her arms instead of deodorant!!! Make a paste of the following:

Baking Soda
a drop or so of castor oil
essential oil of peppermint, and/or cloves
a few drops of witch hazel (non-alcohol type)/you can omit this if you wish

mix together - apply under arms after shower - a small amount works. rub into your armpit as if it were a cream. you should stay odor free all day.

good luck...

Replied By Marymichellehealth (Regina, Saskchewan, Canada) on 03/05/2010

Hi: regarding the meat thing, my husband is a huge carnivore! He salivates, i am sure, walking down the meat isle at the grocery store. He feels great on the paleo diet! No body odor! He is so clean! he does not even wear deoderant, nor does he have to?! So I dont think body odor is based on meat consumption.

Replied By Robert Henry (Ten Mile, Tn Usa) on 03/06/2010

I have tried to avoid using deodorant, but all for naught. The latest rage is to use magnesium oil in lieu of the commercial stuff. That does not work for me. I could not stand myself. Things that contribute to odor are fat and hair. Get rid of what you can.

Replied By Marie (Crowthorne, Uk) on 04/14/2010

Please do NOT use crystal deodorants! They are actually aluminium in raw form. You are simply adding to a much worse long term problem.

Replied By Teena (Melbourne, Australia) on 01/03/2018
Thank you Marie, I just looked it up and found crystal deo ingredient stated ammonium alum. I recall a poster recommending alum found in the spice aisle for mouth sores and Ted responded it was aluminium and therefore toxic. So people trying to avoid aluminium in deodorants are unwittingly using aluminium anyway. I can recommend making your own with a base of coconut oil, many recipes online, or milk of magnesia

Replied By Janice (Coloma, Mi) on 04/15/2010

Thanks Marie...I have been using the crystal deodorant and wondered about it's contents. The lady at the health food store said it doesn't have aluminum in it but I wondered about it. I'll stop using it now.

Replied By Fra-fra (Mineral Wells, Texas, Usa) on 04/15/2010

I use a natural deodrant stone from Thailand. The ingreidence say: Natural Mineral Salt, contains no harmful chemicals or aluminum. It is a product of Miracle....... Directions: simply wet the top of the crystal stick and apply underarms. This works for me, hope it helps others.

Replied By Francisca (Michelbach-le-bas, Alsace, France) on 04/16/2010

I use liquid Cristal roll-on convinced that it was safe. It says Mineral Salt Protection. Paraben free. But in the ingredients I see: Aqua, Potassium Alum, Cellulose. It is made in the USA. One doesn't really know what to use... what is safe and not! They do have a website so I will contact them.

Replied By Randy (Jersey City, Nj) on 09/14/2010

With regards to aluminum in the crystal deodorant, 'potassium alum' and 'aluminum' are two different things. I believe the crystal to be safe and I use it every day.

Replied By Ms Robert (Usa, Virginia) on 03/17/2011

Mary from Minneaplois really got me to thinking... It only makes sense that the really horrible underarm odor is internal. I took her advice, got me a good colon cleanser, I already use crystal deoderants, and added probiotics to my regimen. It makes sense that keeping the colon free of fecal matter reduces or rids the body of embarrassing odor, from breath to underarms. So, while I agree that using ACV, & other remedies can be successful, don't forget to keep your digestive system healthy, it all starts there. Be aware of the unhealthy foods we eat that can contribute to unhealthy digestion, and lets load ourselves with the one thing we've heard forever, WATER! I began this a week ago, and already I've seen remarkable results. The underarm odor is all but gone, and I just feel better.

Replied By Carol (Montvale, Nj) on 12/09/2011

I wanted to say if you want to conquer body odor try living clay. You will not have any odor with just a heaping teaspoon a day in a tall glass of water. I only use natural deodorants and it is not enough. I also use green tablets (rawfoods. Com) and vitamic c (emergency packs) 2 a day. The best is the clay, you don't need to take anything else, it is great for body odor, you will be amazed. The website is living clay. com it is like drinking dirt, but it goes down fast.

Vitamin c is great at higher doses, and the greens are great for the breath and odor. but the very best for under the arm stink is CLAY.

Hope this helps, I feel that I have exhausted everything there is and this is my best advice.

if you want the best protection on certain days take the clay once in awhile, may be hard to swallow everyday. They do make tablets, but not the living clay website, have to purchase a different brand, have not tried the tablets, so don't know how effective.

Replied By Mary (Minneapolis, Mn) on 06/12/2013

Hi Ms Robert from Dumfries --just checking in to see if you found something that works. I have not found anything and again I am sitting at work with the same embarrassing issue of underarm odor and it has been 2-3 hours after I took a shower and can hear the whispers. People need to understand that we do not want underarm odor or BO but that is the hand we are dealt. It bothers me big time that I have this issue because at family gatherings I am constantly sneaking off to the bathroom to try to wash under my arms because I can tell that people smell it but don't say anything directly to you about it. This is sooooo embarrassing that if you do not have this problem, you for sure cannot understand the humiliation associated with it. Someone please help!

I did ask my doctor to test me for fungus and she just laughed and said, "You do not have fungus!" How does she know if she did not test me for it?? Another thing that I discovered in addition to sinus issues I also have allergies and a lot of the time I thought it was my sinuses it really could have been my allergies. Anybody have ideas on how this could be associated to underarm odor or bacterial under the arms?? It is more noticeable during the warmer months and when I am in the sun. the sun really triggers it and I try to not get close to anyone. I spend a lot of time to myself because of this problem. I know it is embarrassing to my kids when they are at family functions also. Not sure if they overhear people talking but sometimes the looks on their faces tell it all. Please, Please, Please somebody help me. I have tried just about everything on this site for this issue.

Replied By Joy (Battleground, Wash) on 06/12/2013

Read Your bodys many cries for water by Dr. Batmanghelidj.

For the atmosphere at work, take some baking soda and put it in a container around your desk or under it or sprinkle on carpet under you and change the air as it sucks up the odors. I used it in trash can with dirty diapers... Dog vomit, spoiled meat, rotten fish and odor gone. Put a pouch of it in a small bag you carry or a pocket and it will help.

Stress causes bacteria to grow in mouth and body and the bacteria eat our mucus and sweat and make it stink when the bacteria organism poops it out. If it is your stress level then try supplements for stress like B's and D and magnesium.. Positive affirmations help your self esteem if your fear of body odor cause you more stress and a vicious cycle.... I had this with a dental problem. No issues in the mouth but pain and dentist problem that was constantly stressing me and I felt helpless... Every week appointment I had horrible breath but at no other time than those 6 months.

Replied By Te (Charlotte, NC) on 06/13/2013

You need to get rid of smelly clothes because the odor is trapped in it.

Replied By Kathy (Some, Where, The Usa) on 06/13/2013

I remember reading somewhere that body odor can come a deficiency of one of the B vitamins. A TBSP of BSM may help... possibly some B complex.

Replied By Mama To Many (Middle, Tennessee, USA) on 06/13/2013

Dear Mary, So sorry about this miserable and embarrassing problem! I am already noticing some helpful suggestions being posted for you. I have been thinking about what might work and have a few questions that might help me and others to help you.

Do you have any other health problems?
Do you currently take and medications or supplements?
How long has this been going on?
How is your digestion working? In other words, do you have trouble with constipation or diarrhea?

~Mama to Many~

Replied By Mama To Many (Middle, Tennessee, USA) on 06/13/2013

Mary, I thought of a couple of more questions to add to my last post...

What is your diet like?
What do you drink? (soda, tea, coffee, water, etc?)
Do you have female symptoms? (irregular or heavy cyles, etc.)

Looking forward to hearing from you...

~Mama to Many~

Replied By Mary From Minneapolis (Minneapolis, Mn) on 06/13/2013

Hi Mama To Many-thank you for your concern. I do appreciate each and every suggestion from everyone. I have high blood pressure just diagnosed a couple of years ago and high cholesterol also diagnosed a few years ago. I do take a diuretic for the hbp but nothing for the high cholesterol because I am afraid of what the statins will do to my overall health. This has been going on well before I was told that I had hbp or hc because I first noticed this problem 20 yrs ago but thouht it was my deodorants not working. Which caused me to change my deodorants multiple times. When I realized that the deorants were making me smell worse I stopped using them and have not used deodorant since. As for my digestion I guess I can say that it is not regular as it probably should be. do you think that could be the problem?? my digestive system?? God Bless You for Caring about others.

Replied By Mary From Minneapolis (Minneapolis, Mn) on 06/13/2013

Hi Mama to Many- Yes I am embarrassed to say I drink coffee in the morning (at least three cups) and will have a couple of diet sodas occasionally. I do drink plenty of water as I keep a 32 oz jug in the fridge and try to drink a complete bottle every day. I don't have female symptoms because my periods stopped many years ago. I guess I went into early menopause. Not sure why it stopped but my doctors do not seem to be too concerned about that. Even with the coffee and diet sodas and the early menopause I had this condition before all of these came into play. I did not start to drink coffee or diet sodas until apprx. 5 yrs ago but the problem started many years before then.

Replied By Mary From Minneapolis (Minneapolis, Mn) on 06/13/2013

Hi Kathy from Some, Where- What is BSM?? thank you for your concern.

Replied By Mama To Many (Middle, Tennessee, Usa) on 06/14/2013

Hi Mary from Minni - Well, first off, don't be embarrassed about drinking coffee! I would drink it all day every day, except it aggravates my gall bladder, so I am motivated to stay off it. But I do love it - okay, sorry, I am off topic. I asked about the other health conditions as sometimes other things will help with the overall puzzle. And, if you were on a lot of toxic medicines, that could cause body odor. My husband occasionally works with chemicals and afterwards we can smell them coming out of his pores even after he changes and showers. Scary! Slow digestion could cause odor. If you are not eliminating toxins out of your system regularly, you may be having a build up of toxins, which your body could try to eliminate through your skin. Since you have had this problem for so long (bless your heart! ) it may take time and diligence to get it solved. So, I would encourage you to persevere.

First, I would add Apple Cider Vinegar (Raw, unpasteurized) to your daily regime. 1-2 T. Morning and evening. You can add it to water. The goal here is to get your body more alkaline and less acidic. (Disease/toxins thrive in acidic environment. Think of a fish tank, how if the ph is off, the fish die! ) What I do to get my vinegar (which helps a ton of health problems for me and others) is put 1/4 cup in a half gallon mason jar and fill with water. I then add 20 drops of lemon or orange essential oil and 20 drops of Stevia. (I use the alcohol based extract - the other kinds have powder and fillers and such. ) Anyway, I drink my "Vinegar Tea" all day long. (A half a gallon of this a day will cover your water needs and should keep your system moving! ) I love it now. The vinegar has been known to lower blood pressure, so just be aware of that. It also helps people with high cholesterol!

Second, if you can tolerate it, add 1 T. blackstrap molasses morning and evening. It has to be blackstrap. This is a very concentrated form of nutrients. People find it helpful for many things, including constipation.

Third - charcoal tablets. 4 in the morning and 4 at night (but not within 2 hours of any medication as it will adsorb them. ) Charcoal adsorbs (really it is adsorb, and not absorbs) toxins. It may take some time, but I would do this for a minimum of 3 months and it would be very safe to do it indefinitely Some like to add a probiotic when taking charcoal, but I have never had trouble with it causing imbalance. You can get charcoal powder (I am taking about Activated Charcoal Powder from the health food store, here. ) and put 1 t. In a glass of water twice a day instead, but many do not like the grittiness. The most important thing is to find a way you can tolerate taking it regularly. Oh, charcoal can lower blood pressure, too.

Fourth- Epsom salt baths, for detoxifying. 20 minutes in a hot bath with 2 cups epsom salt. Try to get in as deep as possible. I would do this a few times a week. The Epsom salt also is a cure for constipation, so be warned. My toddler empties his bowels within minutes of getting into an Epsom salt bath! You can add lavender essential oil ( a few drops) to make it even more relaxing.

Next - Bentonite Clay - 20 minutes before your shower, mix bentonite clay with aloe or water and make a paste. You can apply this to the armpits to help draw out toxins at the source. Then you can wash it off in the shower. Try this a couple of times a week.

Lalitha Thomas, who wrote, Ten Essential Herbs, would almost certainly tell you that you want to include some blood purifying herbs in your regimine. She would probably recommend Chaparral. I am new to it, but she loves it to detox the body and help all kinds of health problems. You could take chaparral capsules - 4 before lunch and dinner.

Exercise- try to get some exercise at least 3-4 times a week. A mile walk is good. Sweating does help your body get rid of toxins through the skin and is just good for you in so many ways.

Okay, I have tried to list some relatively easy and inexpensive ideas first. All should be safely done together, but to see how your body is responding, I would start one and wait a few days and add the next. The vinegar and the charcoal are the most important, I think. Long term use is where you will see the benefit.

Some harder things but things that may be critical would be dietary. But it is a good time of year for some of what I would suggest. I would encourage you to eat lots of fresh fruit, salads, etc. Avoid sugar, fried foods, processed food, fast food, etc. If you can make your own salads, I would also make your own salad dressing to avoid things like MSG and other chemicals in food that will not be helpful to health. Nuts make a great snack - lots or protein to keep your blood sugar stable. (But watch out here, as many have msg or artificial sweeteners added. ) You could find a chart listing alkaline vrs. Acidic food and try to focus on the alkaline foods. The fruit and veggies will also help keep the digestive system moving.

If you can't get your digestive system to eliminate at least once a day (ideally twice) with the above measures, you could add some of Dr. Christopher's Lower Bowel formula. This has the herb Cascara Sagrada in it which works very well. And it has other herbs in it so it doesn't cause griping pains when you take it.

Some other good all around supplements to help your health would include Vitamin D, Vitamin C, Odorless garlic (counter-intuitive, but it is anti- everything (fungus, yeast, bacteria, viral etc. ) Also, for some reason, I keep thinking Turmeric. Not sure why. But I have seen it help some amazingly with some serious health problems.

Some other things to research would be "oil pulling" (on this website), liver cleanses, anti-candida diet - but I don't want to be overwhelming. Just start with a thing or two, and as it becomes part of your routine, add some more things. It may take multiple different things to help and may take months. But I think we were designed to heal and I think herbs and such were created in part to heal us. But healing can take some time - we healed my son's asthma with simple herbal treatments (nettles and quercetin) but it took a year for him to heal. My little girl's migraines are completely controllable with an herb( feverfew). I sometimes think, How can something so simple work so well? But they do. Sometimes it takes some time to find what works best. It took many months of trial and error to find what helps my daughter's asthma. It was harder than my son's.

Something you can try in the meantime while you are trying to heal is rubbing alcohol. For years, that is all I did for deodorant. I used rubbing alcohol on a cotton ball instead of deodorant. I used it after a shower or as needed. You can even buy at the pharmacy, those little alcohol squares in a little package to keep in your purse for when you need to freshen up when you are out.

Please keep us posted on your progress. I am praying for your wisdom and healing in this! God bless you!
~Mama to Many~

Replied By Baldev (Mumbai, Maharashtra, India) on 06/14/2013

Hi Mama, You are so very correct, what you have suggested will not only get rid off bad odour but lot of other health problems. God bless you. Baldev

Replied By Mawgee (Shelton, Wa) on 06/14/2013

Hi, try magnesium oil for body odor. After shower spray all over body and rub in well (not on nipples or other sensitive parts). You can buy magnesium oil at health food stores. But you can also make your own with magnesium chloride flakes, much cheaper than buying the already made oil. I get mine online, but you can get them at health food stores also. Sometimes it burns a little the first couple uses but that goes away after couple uses. I hope this helps.

Replied By Andrea C (Cardiff, Wales) on 06/15/2013

Hi xxxxxxxx I have found that B.O is stronger when your body is trying to detox some thing. I stopped using deodorant, and I can still smell it leaking outta my armpit's..... It's horrible!!!! I am also convinced, the MOLD, in my boyfriend's home has a lot to do with it. He will not have it!!!!! AND........... He work's as a printer... CHEMICALS. My health went seriously down hill since I've been with him. Now 'HE'S starting to show the same symptoms as me, you just can't tell some people. AND, the bloody DENTIST.... I had beautiful teeth and was a quick healer, before I went near them!!! I AM ANGRY....... I was being treated as a 'head case' for ag's, now I got a shopping list of problems. What I am trying to say is, look at your enviroment, and people you associate with. Also 'stress' will cause bad b.o, it's trial and error, trying to find the cause, and hearing other people talk about your problem will stress you out. If I were you I would tell them, "I know what you're saying behind my back, but I am unwell and have no control over my illness causing my BO problem!" That will shut them up! f they ask what is wrong with you, just say, "It's personal, I don't wish to discuss it thank you." I wish you luck. Love andrea c xxxx

Replied By Gail (Villas, Nj) on 06/16/2013

Underarm body odor is caused by a zinc deficiency. Take 50mg twice a day for awhile then you can lower it to one. Take with meals as it can cause irritation on empty stomach. Another symptom is white spots on nails though that can be absent and many skin conditions especially psoriasis and acne. Foot odor is usually magnesium deficiency. May this help you.

Replied By Kathy (The Usa) on 06/17/2013

Years ago when I lived in a house with a severe mold problem, we were near dismal swamp, I had a horrible perspiration stench. I also ate a lot of processed food. I was told to try "C_____-Dri" and it worked great. It has to be applied thin (it's roll-on) because it can cause itching if you use too much. After you get used to the amount you can tolerate it is a wonderful product. I could get it from a pharmacy at a discount because I purchased it by the case. I don't know if it is still on the market because I moved to an area that was dry and no longer needed it. I also stopped eating so much processed food. Could have been the combination of the two factors... I just don't know.

Replied By Nancy (Cleveland, Ohio) on 06/17/2013

To Mary: I am very sorry you are suffering from this situation. Along with everyone elses suggestions, I would also advise you avoid caffeine while in the office or in the morning at least. Both coffee and black tea are known to cause terrible body odor. Best of luck to you.

Replied By Kathy (The Usa) on 06/24/2013

Sorry for the delay, Mary... By now I guess you are aware that BSM is Blackstrap Molasses. I am in the process of trying to eat to heal and it's hard to sit here long enough read and answer, sometimes. There is a directory here on EC that defines abbreviations. I am not sure how to pull it up but I know I've seen it. Maybe someone will read this and advise.

EC: Here is a short list of acronyms: www.earthclinic.com/guides.html

Replied By Kathy (The Usa) on 06/24/2013

Mary... I neglected to advise you that if you are deficient in one of the B vitamins you still must take them all because if you don't, you can cause a deficiency in one of the others. Because the B's are water soluble they are not stored in the body and can be replaced every eight hours. I have seen bottles of B-Complex that contain 100mg. of all the B's. That may be better to try first since you don't know why you may be deficient.

I feel it's better to try to find the cause of the BO rather than cover it up.

Replied By Brenda (Texas) on 03/04/2017

You do not have to get rid of the smelly clothes. Dip the complete underarm part in ammonia and quickly put it in the washing machine. The ammonia can be slightly diluted with water. You can also add ammonia to your wash cycle but you will still have to dip the underarms of the clothes. You can use a face mask so that you don't have to smell the ammonia. The chlorophyll works for me (liquid or pills). Take it about 30 minutes before your shower, so that it will have time to work.

Replied By Teena (Melbourne Australia) on 01/19/2018

As per Wikipedia, potassium alum in your crystal deodorant is in fact aluminum.

Entire Thread

You must be logged in to love this post! Please sign in:

You must be logged in to follow this post! Please sign in: