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.
Baking Soda
Posted by Ernest (Boston, Massachusetts) on 07/22/2008
★★★★★
Thank you so much for this website!! I have finally found a solution to my BO. I used to have really bad BO and I tried all the deodorants and antiperspirants but nothing worked as quick, as good and as long as pure baking soda.
Antiperspirants worked but they have aluminium and they left a layer of gunk on my underarms which I wasn't comfortable with. I used deodorants which would work OK for a few hours but eventually by the end of the day, even in an air conditioned office with temperature control the stink would get mixed up with the deodorant smell to make up for a really horrible smell.
Baking Soda worked perfectly the first day I tried it!! It does both things the way it's supposed to:
1. It lets me sweat as it's naturally supposed to happen and
2. No bad smell all day!!
For me it has been a miracle cure.
Baking Soda
Posted by Pat (Ballwin, MO) on 07/19/2008
I have stopped using "soap" for anything! I use bath gels that are clear, not the white ones. I also apply ACV after showering, with a cotton pad. The ACV prevents bacterial growth that causes the odor. I tried baking soda, but also had red angry rashes. I changed to corn starch baby powder and now have no rash and no odor. The ACV works by itself, but feels a bit sticky from the sugar content. The baby powder with cornstarch prevents the sticky feel and has a pleasant odor.
Charcoal or Liquid Chlorophyll
Posted by Jeanne (Atl, Georgia) on 06/25/2008
★☆☆☆☆WARNING!
A follow up to my post. Please be careful if you try activated charcoal! I was getting stomach pain 20 minutes after every meal. I finally figured out that my stomach pain started after I took activated charcoal (heaping tablespoon for 2 days in a row - not a lot!). I located the pain in my stomach, found a little lump in the colon, and then used my fist to move the lump to the left. A day later my husband took over, found the lump,(which had moved slightly) and did acupressure for about 2 minutes on the spot-- ohhh yes, it hurt. But within minutes I had to run to the bathroom and the rest is history. No more stomach pain. So please be careful with the charcoal, especially if you have a sensitive stomach! I think that people's stomach aches can be often be an impacted colon. The same thing has happened to me before after eating bread and another time, after drinking psyllium without enough water!
If you press on your stomach and have a painful spot that moves slowly from one day to the next, you may have clogged your colon/intestines. Tons of water helps, but acupressure massage is best to move the obstruction to your bowels and out. One last note is that I was having normal bowel movements even while my colon was impacted, so don't rely on that (constipation or elimination) to judge, but more on the location of pain and whether or not a little lump exists.
Potassium Crystal Deodorant
Posted by Mariah (Lanham, U.S.A.) on 06/23/2008
★★★★☆
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.
Diaper Rash Ointment
Posted by Jay (Altoona, FL) on 06/22/2008
★★★★★
I finally found a cure for the bacteria that causes really strong and offensive armpit odor. Desitin cream applied liberally and left on for at least 24 hours has completely eliminated bad armpit odor. This is the same product that many use to help with diaper rash on babies.
Baking Soda
Posted by Pat (St. Louis, MO) on 06/16/2008
I, too, have had success with baking soda, but ended up with a red angry rash under my arms. I did use it just after shaving. Could this be the problem?
EC: We usually wait at least 3 hours after shaving before application. It's the only problem with this fantastic remedy.
Avoid Deodorants
Posted by Lanpho (Burbank, CA) on 06/13/2008
This is true! I've done this for two weeks and I'm odor free. Deoderants make you stink more. Rub H202 and Baking soda on keeps me from BO for 12 hrs or more in 90 degrees weather. Like someone suggested, bar soap is no good either, but if you must, shower gel is better. Thank you for the suggestions everyone!
Baking Soda
Posted by Mo (Amsterdam, The Netherlands) on 06/10/2008
★★★★★
I am happy that someone else is excited about using Baking Soda as a deodorant. I have posted that I have been using it successfully for the past months. I also mentioned that I use VCO when I have to shave because I do not believe it would be wise to use it after shaving. I am a believer and have been spreading the word slowly - can be a sensitive topic!!!
Clove Oil
Posted by Brittney (Acworth, GA) on 06/10/2008
★★★★★
hey i thought id share something that has been working pretty well for me lately to combat under arm odor. i read alot of the articles that others have written about how to stop the stink so i went with the no soap theory and. . . well at first, it wasn't what i would have called a good idea but i kept it up, then i moved on to the cold shower theory which is, well cold! but i've continued with both no soap and cold water for about a month now (maybe less) and that stinkyness had become just faint. whereas before I smelled pretty rancid! However that faint stink has still been a bother to me (thankfully no one else can smell me- unless people are just tying to be polite) but anyway, i've created my own new theory and its been working very well. what i do is i have continued with no soap and cool/lukewarm showers (cold is too cold for me) then when i get out i use a cotton ball to apply a mixture of witch hazel and 1 drop of clove oil to my armpits and after they dry out i powder them with corn starch. Now im happy to say that i am quite a bit closer to being stink free! my faint stink isn't stinky anymore. this process had helped me out alot. maybe it will work for some of you stinkers out there. (oh, i forgot to mention that i don't ever use deoderant anymore either) and please only use 1-2drops of clove oil under the arm at first becaude it will stink like crazy at first. over time it will no longer sting or burn with the application though. just soak a cotten ball with witch hazel and add 1 drop of clove oil and when you're all dry powder on some corn starch (the stuff at the grocery store) and you should be good to go! thanks for your time EC! God bless.
Charcoal or Liquid Chlorophyll
Posted by Jeanne (Atl, Georgia) on 06/10/2008
★★★★★
I had a large container of activated charcoal sitting in my cupboard the last 2 years that I rarely touch. I decided to give it a shot for body odor after reading about it on Earth Clinic. Yes, it works! You need to give it 2 days to get into your system before you notice the difference, then you need to maintain a dosage every day.
I do have a few side effects to note: Activated charcoal is best taken on an empty stomach, but I do not suggest taking it first thing in the morning. I drank my heaping tablespoon in 8 oz of water 2 days ago, then oil pulled. I ended up gagging up acid after 2 minutes of oil pulling. Yuck. This was interesting because I read that charcoal is actually a remedy for Acid Reflux! Well, then I changed to taking my charcoal in the middle of the day, before lunch. That seems to work. However, it does give me a slight stomach ache. You might also try taking it at night, several hours after dinner.
One benefit to the charcoal besides not having to use deodorant or baking soda (that irritates my skin, I must admit) is that I seem to sweat less when I have this in my system. It may be a remedy for excessive sweaters, I don't know... worth a shot. And it is a general detoxer, so that's a good thing in this hot and humid weather. Question for regular users of charcoal. Do you take it every day or is it something you need to stop every so often? Thanks!
Baking Soda
Posted by Wendy (Somerville, USA) on 06/09/2008
★★★★★
I am a believer! I have been using Baking Soda as a deodorant for the past couple days and I am tickled pink with the results!
I can't believe I've suffered with boils (from my foliciles being packed with deodorant residue) and stinky pits for the past couple years and this was all I had to do. All the scrubbing and shaving in the world didn't get me these result. I tried numerous deodorants and antiperspirants to no avail, then gave the crystal a whirl. That worked for a while much to my delight. But I think that something in my chemistry changed which then stripped me of the progress I'd made.
Not knowing what else to do, I typed in "perspiration and natural remedy" and found this site! I am eternally gateful! I won't even get into the savings I'll have now from not buying the expensive ineffective stuff.
I will spread the word!
Apple Cider Vinegar and Baking Soda
Posted by Lana (Somewhere, Israel) on 05/25/2008
★★★★★
Body Odor Remedies: Hi All!
Just wanted to share with you - after drinking the standard recipe for ACV and soda [1/4 tsp soda and 2 Tbs ACV in a glass of water] twice a day for a couple of months, I have no need to use deodorant of any kind! If I do perspire, it has no odor. My hubby even claims that my poo has no smell. How's that for a complete natural deodorant?
Baking Soda
Posted by Mo (Amsterdam, The Netherlands) on 05/24/2008
★★★★★
I read about using Baking Soda as a deodorant and have been using it for the last 3 months. I had tried everything - crystals and a product with lemon juice and its essence - all very good but it did not always protect the entire day. I am very happy to say that Baking Soda has been the best I have ever used - 100% effective - lasting the whole day and longer. When I shave my underarm I use Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) for at least 2 to 3 days in order to allow healing before resuming with Baking Soda. (Please do this to avoid burns). VCO is also very good but has not consistently protected all day long. I have been spreading the word to health conscious friends.
Like others, I think this site is a god-send. Thank you. I have started using Baking soda as a facial and all over body scrub; then I apply ACV and finally VCO to my face. I have been quite consistent for the last 3 months including Ted's advise regarding large facial pores. I cannot believe that my skin looks so beautiful and smooth at the age of 41. I always had beautiful skin now I look even younger - it simply is amazing!!
I have now starting being more consistent with drinking ACV 3 times a day because I need to loose at least 16 llbs. Since the birth of my third child 11 months ago - it has been a very slow process. I am hoping that in a few months I can be write a post like many others - saying that I am loosing weight. I also plan to ingest VCO and also start using it for all cooking as well. I began eating 1 tablespoon of Black Strap Molasses every morning. I try to eat a very healthy diet. So I guess soon I will not only look good but feel great as well.
Thanks again for this wonderful site!!
Apple Cider Vinegar and Baking Soda
Posted by AC (White Plains, NY) on 05/08/2008
I've just stumbled onto this website tonight and I am grateful. I have been trying to get rid of an embarrassing armpit odor for a while and refuse to go back to the deadly over-the-counter deodorants. I have tried burts bees deodorant, which didn't work well for me after a while and made me smell strongly of lemon and mint... I've tried the baking soda but it irritated me so much, after a while that I would have 60-90 second scratch fests. (I know not good). I've discovered that whenever I eat red meat the smell is prominent. When I eat fish or chicken not as bad... I've even taken body mint which worked for a week, but now I'm getting desperate. I love meat too much to stop eating it. So, next I will try the borax and tea tree oil because I've noticed that once I wipe the sweat away, the odor seems to go away as well, even temporarily - So, I think that tea tree oil will kill the bacteria causing the problem, hopefully all day long.
Potassium Crystal Deodorant
Posted by Julie (Las Vegas, NV, USA) on 05/05/2008
★★★★★
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.
Baking Soda
Posted by ALEXIS (AUSTIN, TX) on 04/30/2008
★★★★★
Just wanted to thank the site and contributors for helping me. i had laser hair removal on my underarms about 3 years ago. the smell from the hair follicles being clogged, was horrible. nothing helped. tried the baking soda and i can't believe it but the odor is gone. you don't know what this has done for me. tried every deodorant on the market, but to no avail. i am also going to tell my daughters who have had laser treatments as well. who would have thought for only 34 cents, i could have peace of mind again. thank you, thank you, thank you, p.s. i bought one of those little puffs used for face powder and sprinkle the soda in my palm and just pat onto my underarms. it worked after the second application and all odor was gone. amazing!!!
Apple Cider Vinegar, Baking Soda, Coconut Oil
Posted by Misha (Hiram, US) on 04/25/2008
★★★★★
I just want to say this site is amazing. I have suffered from body odor for years I have taken 2 showers a day constantly trying to stay on top of my hygiene I am an excessive sweater as well (genetics) and nothing has seemed to work I have been using ACV (soak cotton ball with acv) along with baking soda (dust underarms with baking soda) and coconut oil (rub coconut oil in) it is great!! I have not worn deodorant in 4 weeks. I have absolutely no body odor whatsoever. I'm still in shock. I have tied every deodorant even natural brands and nothing has ever worked for me. I suffer from anxiety which makes things worse as far as sweating but now I am more confident I know I'm not offending anyone I keep waiting on this to wear off it won't this site has saved my life!!!
Charcoal or Liquid Chlorophyll
Posted by Christine (Virginia Beach, VA) on 04/16/2008
★★★★★
Liquid Chlorophyll and activated charcoal will go a long way to getting rid of body odor when used internally. Unfortunately, both of them can cause stains. So be sure to use them in an empty sink to avoid staining your counter or clothing.
Although you have to be careful with it to avoid making a mess, activated charcoal is best used in bulk. Add 1 or 2 tablespoons to a pint of water, and sip through a straw. Be sure to rinse out your mouth with peroxide afterward and rinse your teeth to get the charcoal off.
Activated charcoal in bulk is made from coal or coconut shells. Obviously, you want the coconut shell-made activated charcoal. You can buy it in bulk online in 40-50 pound lots, and split the cost with your friends.
Activated charcoal is a universal detoxifier and is used in emergency rooms for that purpose. Given that there are thousands and thousands of chemicals in our food, water, and air, and we have no idea how they interact with each other, it behooves all of us to take universal detoxifiers like large doses of Vitamin C or activated charcoal. Liquid Chlorophyll is also a detoxifier.
Liquid Kelp Mineral Water
Posted by Teri (Elkhart, IN) on 04/10/2007
★★★★★
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.
Hand Sanitizers
Posted by Sajid (Karachi, Pakistan) on 03/26/2007
★★★★★
I have found that applying the off-the-shelf hand sanitizers in the underarms after a shower. Works great for eliminating BO. I find this of great use since I have developed an allergy to some ingredient of the deodorant sprays and sticks that, if applied, cause severe itching and rash.
Baking Soda
Posted by Erin (Fremont , Mi) on 01/15/2008
Breast Cancer History Breast cancer runs in my family. My aunt is fighting it now. Not to mention from using regular store bough underarm deodorant as a teen myself I use to get lumps under my arms/right in the pit area. They had to be lanced and drained at the hospital. From that point on I did alot of research and found that the aluminum they put in the deodorant clogs the glands under your arms which inturn are very close to the breast. I have not used store bought deodorant for about 15 yrs now-I only use all natural from health food store and never had a problem again. Just wanted to let you ladies and men too know to STOP USING REGULAR STORE BOUGHT DEODORANT ONLY USE NATURAL. Thank you have a wonderful week all
Baking Soda
Posted by Patti (Albany, USA) on 01/17/2008
I wanted to find out from Erin (Fremont, MI) what type/brand of Natural Deodorant she uses (hope it's okay to ask for the brand). I'ved tried several brands, but nothing seems to stop the underarm odor. Days when I know I'm going to be doing activities that will make me sweat, I'm forced to use regular deodorant (aluminum & all) to keep from offending people.
Distilled Water, Probiotics, Diet
Posted by Jessica (Chico, USA) on 03/12/2007
★★★★★
What cures body odor is drinking distilled water, eating lots of cultured milk and cultured yogurt, eliminate or minimize all processed foods and meats ie. subway, and also wash up with Dr. Bronners soap any type is fine, it has special ingredients that kill the dirt and bacteria it really works!! Also change your diet to a more natural plant based diet, dont forget the buffalo meat, it is the healthiest meat that you can consume. And last but not least, pray sincerely and ask God Almighty for wisdom and to put the right people in your path, and guess what...He will. Green Tea and a good multi vitamin will also help. Contact me with any furthur questions
