It is a well-known fact that perspiration is the prime cause of body odor. While bacteria are the primary cause, there may be underlying causes like excessive sweating, low blood sugar, metabolic dysfunction, menopause or even emotional stress (anger, fear, excitement). Any imbalances in metabolism or diet, resulting in constipation may also result in stronger odors. Some individuals cannot metabolize foods containing large amounts of choline, such as eggs, fish, liver and legumes. This results in a “fishy” smell. Certain foods and drinks, such as onions, garlic, coffee, and alcohol, are also prime causes of body odor.
Self-Help Guidelines
• Bathe daily, twice a day to remove the bacteria from your skin.
• Scrub the armpits with a soapy washcloth, as that will work better to remove the bacteria than soap. Homemade bath powder with triphalas and green gram flour is preferable as it helps fight bacteria better than regular soaps.
• If you have a severe problem, soak yourself for 15 minutes in a tub of water after adding about three cups of tomato juice.
• Clothing is an area many people overlook. Loose-fitting clothes allow the body to breathe better than tight clothes.
• Synthetic fabrics for shoes and clothes do not allow the body to breathe, so use cotton fabrics. Wash your clothes often!
• Certain foods, such as meat, onions, garlic, exotic spices, and drinks such as coffee and alcohol can lead to body odor. Try to eliminate these from your diet and see the difference!
• Certain medicines also cause body odor. Check if there are changes when you stop taking medication.
• Tobacco use is also a major cause for body odor. Not only does it come back through your lungs, but also through the skin.
Ayurvedic Remedies
• An excellent astringent that tightens the skin and closes open pores is made by soaking one tablespoonful of triphala powder in a small glass of water for six to eight hours. Filter and use externally, preferably cold.
• Camphor also makes for a good astringent. However, camphor does not dissolve in water easily. To make a mild astringent, keep two teaspoonfuls of the fine camphor powder mixed in a bottle of water in the sun for about 15 days. Shake well before use.
• Turnip juice reduces underarm odor for up to 10 hours. Grate a turnip; squeeze the juice through cheesecloth, so that you have two teaspoonfuls of juice. Wash your armpits with it.
• Alternately, juice about two-dozen radishes, and V4 teaspoonful of glycerine, and store in a squirt or spray-top bottle. Use as an under-arm deodorant. It will also help in reducing the foot odor.
• Take 500 mg of wheat grass daily on an empty stomach and wash down with a glass of water. The chlorophyll will dramatically reduce body odor.
• Apple cider or vinegar eliminates underarm body odor when used in place of deodorant.
• Corn starch can also be used instead or mixed with the baking soda.
• Use baby powder or talc in areas of heavy perspiration.
• Try using Alum (spatikari/phitikari) made from the sulphate of aluminium and potash. It will not keep you dry as an antiperspirant will, but antiperspirants may clog your sweat glands and contain aluminium chlorohydrate, which may lead to future health problems.
• Baking soda can be used instead of a deodorant. Just apply the powder in your dry armpits. It will kill bacteria and help absorb perspiration.