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 Jackie (Chicago, IL) on 09/01/2007
★★★★☆
Hi. I wrote in last month about the wonders of baking soda for underarm body odor. Well I still agree that it's a great remedy, however I had a side effect that I wanted to share. A few days ago I shaved and after getting out of the shower, put baking soda under my arms. I guess I had nicked an area because it hurt like crazy after the baking soda hit it. That night, I started to feel shooting pain in the same area... it lasted all night. The next morning, still in pain, I looked in the mirror at my armpit and discovered a big ole boil forming. I am guessing that a chunk of baking soda got in and irritated the area. Knowing how great turmeric is for cysts and boils, I immediately went and got some warm water and put a teaspoon of turmeric in it and chugged it down. The shooting pain stopped in about 3 hours and the next day the boil was half the size. 2 days later it is gone. My suggestion is not to apply baking soda to your armpits if you have nicked them while shaving! I continue to use the b.s. but haven't had any more inflammation in that area.
Baking Soda
Posted by Jackie (Chicago, IL) on 08/22/2007
★★★★★
OK guys, you have to try the baking soda remedy! It's awesome!! I have been wetting and then patting some baking soda under my arms after a shower and then going to the office. No b.o. all day -- amazing! One thing I suggest -- if you do wet the baking soda down before application, just make sure it dries before you put on a shirt. I didn't wait one day, put on a tee-shirt and hit the town. Later I looked in the mirror and discovered HUGE whitish stain rings around my pits. It looked terrible! I had a good laugh and then got mortified that I'd been out all day with pit rings. Ha ha.
Avoid Deodorants
Posted by JD (Knoxville, TN) on 08/12/2007
A few years ago, I started to get a very strange sensation in my left armpit. It felt like the lymph nodes in that area were swelling. I switched from one commercial brand of deodorant to another to try and stop the uncomfortable sensation, but nothing worked. Then I went online and started to research what was in deodorants! YIKES!!! After my internet research, I decided to stop using deodorants with aluminum (basically all commercial brands). Well, the weird sensation disappeared after several days and I have to say that my BO started to smell a lot better too. I am not convinced the commercial deodorants do much at all, other than stop you from perspiring for a time. But you have to ask yourself -- why would you want to stop the body from perspiring? The armpit area is loaded with lymph nodes!
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 Agnes (Cebu City, Philippines) on 08/19/2008
1.Do i need to apply it directly in my armpit after taking a bath?
2. Do i still need to used deodorants/ antiperspirants after i applying baking soda?
3. How to prevent excessive sweating?
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Sandy J (In the sticks, Nevada) on 07/28/2007
★★★★★
I have been taking ACV for about 6 weeks now. I feel very good, but haven't noticed any miracles. I DID notice that the whites of my eyes are much whiter now--like a child's.
However, I tried ACV as a deodorant as described by one of your readers and was amazed. I had tried this before without much luck. The trick is to use NO SOAP in the shower (I have been taking cold ones), just rinse as well as you can and then apply to your body. And I mean that I have used this in place of soap on ALL parts of my body. Proceed with caution if you have sensitive skin, but it didn't sting or bother me in any way, other than the smell. The smell goes away when the vinegar is dry. I truly put this new deodorant to the test. I hoed weeds in the morning, went to a grueling hour long Tae Kwon Do class (cold shower rinse afterward and NO reapplication of ACV) and spent the rest of the day as normal. The next morning -- still no odor. For me this is a miracle -- even toxic, nuclear waste type deodorants would not last that long for me! Thank you so much Earth Clinic and all of you who have shared your results -- you are changing lives.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Mary (Minneapolis, Mn) on 01/26/2010
I too have used the ACV before without success. So does the no soap theory also include body washes?? please respond because i am desperate to know if this is what is causing my body odor to continue. Also you use it all over your body??
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Mary (Minneapolis, Mn) on 02/17/2010
what is the crystal spray that you mention and where can i get it?? I have tried just about everything from the ACV which i continue to use with no change to limes, baking soda, tea tree oil you name it i have tried it. I do scrub, scrub and scrub my underarms but sometimes the smell seems as though it is coming not from just my underarms but my skin too. I only use ibuprofen for aches and pains could this be causing it. I use it for menstrual cramps and when I get sinus headaches mostly. Could this be the culprit. If i use any kind of fragrant lotion, perfumes, deodorants (which I stopped using over 6 mos. ago) i stink to the high heavens. I notice that people dont get too close and i dont want them too either because i cant stand the smell and i am sure that they cant either. I need help because i have started a new position and the awful smell is reeking up the whole office. Please Help Me I cant take this much longer. I have stuck with the ACV for several months now and it is not working so i need something else. I use it in the shower with no soap of course and then i leave it on for a deodorant but it does not help. what should i do. Ted if you see this, can you help please. I take magnesioum and zinc as i know that you said that could be the problem. i even take chlorophyll everyday but so far it is not working. i have been taking it for at least 3 weeks now.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Marilyn (Milpitas, Ca) on 10/03/2010
For body odor try liquid chlorophyl internally. Most health stores carry it. Taken by 1teaspoon 2x day in glass of filtered water. Most are mint flavored so it tastes good.
Iodine
Posted by Lisa (Riverside, Ca) on 07/17/2007
★★★★★
I swab iodine under my arms each morning to keep smelling fresh. I live in a very hot climate. In the summer--iodine is a must.
Iodine
Posted by Marlane (Geelong, Victoria - Australia) on 08/17/2010
Warning: Lugols Solution
Be very careful about using Lugols Solution orally because it contains Potassium Salts. According to Dr Mark Sircus a form of Potassium salt is used for lethal injections. He recommends using Nascent Iodine which is safe.
Baking Soda
Posted by Jane (Los Angeles, California) on 06/25/2007
★★★★★
baking soda, wonderful cure for body odor!!! i had been suffering for years with stinky pits. just dust some baking soda under your arms a couple of times a day, and like magic, the smell completly disappears!!! it helps to know that i also have an allergy to the aluminum in reg. deoderants. however, it didn't stop me from trying everything on the market to try to stop the smell! it's a wonderful cure!!! thank you earth clinic for your help!!
Stop Using Soap
Posted by Hi (syd, aus) on 06/21/2007
★★★★★
i was told that underarm BO is caused by bacteria feeding on soap residue. supposedly if u wash under your arms with water only, & dont get shampoo or conditioner under your arms you should be stink free. (this may take a few days) lol
Stop Using Soap
Posted by Kj (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) on 02/21/2009
Robin, did this method of cleaning work immediately? Also, did you use the ACV solution ALL over? Is this safe to use on your private areas?
Stop Using Soap
Posted by Snoopy (New Orleans, La Usa) on 05/04/2012
If you use all natural soap you will not have this problem(most people). Natural soap hasn't had the glycerin(acid) removed. Commercial soaps have the glycerin removed and this is why skin dries out. Bacteria actually flourish in an acidic environment, so it's possible that if your skin is too acidic, you will stink. If you find natural soap too expensive to buy, try making your own. It's actually really easy and there is plenty of information available on how to do it.
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.
Apple Cider Vinegar and Baking Soda
Posted by Monique (Charlotte, NC) on 06/20/2008
I have always had problems with excessive underarm odor, and was unable to find a deodorant or antiperspir- and that would work for me. The ones that claimed to combat the most difficult odors were too strong and would turn my armpits black. I have found that clear gels are the best.
My right arm pit began to smell several years ago for no apparent reason. At that time I was using solid deodorants. For me, the odor was being caused by a clogged hair folicle in the armpit. This caused a large lump that was filled with a turned back hair, sebum (oil), sweat, and deodorant. When I switched to a gel, and didn't apply deodorant immediately after shaving, the problem ceased.
Apple Cider Vinegar and Baking Soda
Posted by Carla (Boston, MA) on 08/11/2007
I am responding to Janette from Asheville, NC. You are not alone! My underarm odor has always been a little strong, but controllable. In the last few years have noticed that my left underarm has an "Odor" of it's own! As a professional woman in my 30's I am mortified by the increased smell and at a loss until I found this website (just last night!). This website is truely a "God Send"! I am going out to buy every single item that was mentioned on the cure page. Like most of you I have tried dozens of deoderants and nothing has worked. If anyone has any further information as to why only one armpit smells, please pass this knowledge along! Some of us are desperate!
Apple Cider Vinegar and Baking Soda
Posted by Pam (New York, NY) on 06/21/2008
Try plain baking soda. I read about it on this site and it works wonders. No underarm odor WHATSOEVER! Just rub a little bit under your arms after your bath or shower. You'll be odor free ALL DAY! Good luck. It helps to wear cotton or natural fibers of course.
Apple Cider Vinegar and Baking Soda
Posted by Coregon (Medford, Or) on 11/04/2010
My theory on why one armpit has odor and other one doesn't is related to lymph glands in the underarm area. If they are not flowing freely, the odor seems to happen. In my case, it was sitting for a long time using my laptop.. Arm close to my side, especially the right one. Not sure this was the cause, but seemed to help when I massaged under the arm in the shower.. You'll find tender spots. To prevent lymph blockage from happening, try taking breaks and moving the arms in circles, or massaging under arms if you are doing activities that keep your arms at your sides (typing, driving, writing, on phone, etc. ) Note: Tight clothing under arms will also create the same problem. Hope this helps.
Zinc Oxide Ointment
Posted by Tom (Midland, Texas) on 06/07/2007
★★★★★
I've used Zinc Oxide Ointment as a deodorant for years. Works like a Charm! I apply it after a bath around my armpits and then put on a clean "T" shirt so it doesn't stain clothes. Once a week in winter and two or three times a week in Summer.
Hydrogen Peroxide, Baking Soda
Posted by Katie (Ames, IA) on 05/02/2007
★★★★★
One of my favorite H2O2 remedies is my homemade toothpaste. I take one part H2O2 and two parts baking soda (the measurements don't really matter, just get a consistency that you like). Stir them into a paste and brush as usual. It's a great fix for bad breath and whitens teeth just as well as those very expensive whitening kits, but with absolutely no pain. Another great recipe is for bad body odor. Take equal parts baking soda, H2O2, and water. Add a bit of dish soap and mix together. Scrub any place that the stink won't wash off. This remedy is great for athletes and sick people. Also works for people who have been skunked (it actually gave me the idea).
Liquid Kelp Mineral Water
Posted by Crzybeau (Las Vegas, Nevada, United States) on 10/14/2010
How did you take the liquid kelp drops? was your body too alkalized and was that the reason for your bo?
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
Distilled Water, Probiotics, Diet
Posted by Dude14 (Las Vegas, United States) on 04/29/2011
I'm 15 and its really embarrasing to deal with this odor that I have. I used all kinds of soaps and perfume and deorderant. Kids say I smell like a horse sometimes, or smoke. I dont know how to get it off of me. PLEASE help. ADVICE?!
Alkaline Soap, Baking Soda
Posted by Barbara (West Virginia) on 02/13/2007
★★★★★
I have found out that in most cases the odor is cause by bacteria. Kill the bacteria, odor gone. Alkaline soap with baking soda & vodka will kill the bacteria. Then put on some calamine lotion (zinc) in all the places that collect moisture. Stop using deodorants and anti-perspirants, they are very bad for you. Also wash all of your cloths in Borax, an all natural laundry detergent and never use fabric softeners, they leave behind chemicals on your skin and help cause the stink!
Alkaline Soap, Baking Soda
Posted by Kk (Seattle, Wa) on 06/03/2012
I have the same problem. My underpits smell regardless, even if I just took a shower. It started in my 20s, now I am 39. Smell was kind of toxic at some point.
I started ACV about 2 weeks ago, Lugol's 10 drops/day. DE, HCL acid after meals, Magnesium with vit B. I have red clay coming, cystein and MSM.
I tried befoe taking H2O2 internally (I got to 15 drops a day) and on that I did not have armpits smell at all. I had to stop H2O2 because of nausea and severe redness of the face/sun sensitivity on it and thining of the skin.
I took antiparasitic meds already few times I tried to do enema before but nothing unusual came out with enema. Fasting made me pale and weak and I could not excercise.
Anybody knows how to detoxify well and continuosly? How to do liver/kidney detox?
I am afraid to take herbal detox pills (organic.. ), because of cleanness issue, I never know how they get to clean them since I do not know how to clean my herbs besides putting them in a boiling water.
Please let me know, I know I have to detox well and all the time.
Alkaline Soap, Baking Soda
Posted by Kk (Seattle, Wa) on 06/04/2012
Thanks Tina! I'll try this and will report back!
Hibiclens
Posted by Don (Toledo, OH) on 02/10/2007
★★★★★
HEBICLENS is the only thing I have found to stop underarm odor. It is available without a prescription. Costs about $12 a bottle.
Liquid Chlorophyll
Posted by Sandhya (Makawao, HI) on 02/09/2007
★★★★★
LIQUID CHLOROPHYLL has helped me drink more water, stop body odor and stop a rash on my bottom. One or two teaspoons a day in drinking water sipping on it or drinking it all at once does wonders. If I stop I notice the difference in a couple of days. NOW brand with mint is good. Once I asked a doctor what to do about the rash as I had never had one. She said she had a rash too and did not know...it came with living in the tropics. I understood Ted from Bangkok saying that the body's ability to oxygenate itself was suppressed and this was a cause. Living in Hawaii I sweat more than other colder places I have lived and bacteria grows easily here on the skin. Also I do not have a spleen which makes my blood not as clean if I do not take something to clean it or oxygenate it. I tend to be acidic by nature and the foods I eat lean in that direction even though most would say I am health food person. I am going to try molybdenum that Ted speaks of so highly.
Baking Soda
Posted by Kathryn (Melbourne, Victoria) on 10/24/2006
★★★★★
For some reason, a persistent rash flared up in one arm pit, and over the course of 12 months or more, it did appeared in the other. It got so bad that the skin broke from excessive itching. Everything and anything I used to wash with caused a flare up, except Pinetarsol. I really wasn't happy with having to use this long-term, but it was all that could keep it to a minimum. Nothing reduced it completely. Not even a cortisol cream. Luckily, I was recommended a honey-based cream which now stops the rash, but the sensitivity to deodorants, whether they be chemically laden or not, still exists. I just resigned to the fact that being a little smelly was an option I could live with when compared to the horrible rash. A friend suggested patting on some bicarb soda - how obvious! Absorbs moisture and eliminates odour's. It's fantastic that something so simple is so effective. I pat on a little in the mornings, and I an odour free for the whole day. I believe it works better than conventional deodorant. And it does not create a rash flare up. So at last, I am rash free and odour free!
Bitter Gourd Juice
Posted by Peter (Malden, MA) on 10/21/2006
★★★★★
Bitter gourd juice is good for body odour. To sweeten it blend it with banana
