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.
Apple Cider Vinegar and Baking Soda
Posted by Alicia (Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada) on 06/18/2011
I LOVE this site!!! I have learned so much. But I do have a question about the BS / ACV combo for armpits, as ther are so many posts on it, I was hoping someone could shed some light on it for me. Am I supposed to use BOTH? Or use baking soda after the ACV? Is it better to use the BS wet or dry? I read some posts where wet usage was recommended but I ended up with a white drippy mess :) Is it better to just pile it on dry
I really hope someone can direct me properly, I have bad odor under my left arm only, incidentally this is the same armpit where I have developed a large cyst several times from store bought deodorant, I have tried all types-even the crystal which did nothing for me. I am polycystic to begin with so I try to watch what I use on my skin.
One last question about the baking soda: I shave frequently so how long should I wait for the ACV or BS application? Thanks so much everyone for your time and valuable posts, I love this community and am spreading the word about Earth Clinic.
Zinc Oxide Ointment
Posted by Sue ( Jamaica) on 06/18/2011
What I am thinking is this, if the reason for the body odor is not the deficiency of zinc, then zinc tabs won't work. If the body is highly acidic, then I can understand why the ACV works. Whatever is causing the BO will predict what will work and that is why some cures work with some people and not with others.
Baking Soda
Posted by Debbie (Melbourne, Australia) on 06/05/2011
Correct me if I am mistaken but I read somewhere that body odor is caused by bacteria on the skin. If you kill the bacteria, you kill the odor. Even bathing in ACV would be beneficial, or a few drops of Tea Tree oil on a wet flannel. Coconut oil under the arms would also do the trick.
Baking Soda
Posted by Francisca (Michelbach-le-bas, Alsace, France) on 06/05/2011
Hi Greggitta, have you tried lemon juice? I don't think that I used to have such a problem with transpiration smell as you but I had a bit of a problem anyway. Since I started rubbing half a lemon under my arms morning and evening a few weeks ago the smell stopped completely right from the first day. It has been very warm here and even though I don't take a bath everyday anymore because of my dry skin I never, ever smell. I have the idea that the lemon killed the bacteria that was causing the smell. I will try now rubbing the lemon only once a day, I think that it will work. I ingested VCO for awhile but I never thought of checking the odor as I was using deodorant anyway. Still, I feel the lemon works better than any deodorant I ever tried. I even take a lemon with me while on a trip as one lemon lasts me a few days and I am trying it out for the white spots on my skin as well. I just carry it in a plastic bag.
Baking Soda
Posted by Greggitta (Carlisle, Ma, United States) on 06/05/2011
★★★★★
I have had terrible under arm odor on the right side for decades. I've tried a lot of things. I started ingesting Virgin Cocout Oil 2 days ago - shooting for 1 tablespoon twice a day. (Also virgin coconut butter which is delicious! ) I started because of some of the other well documented health benefits. The body odor stopped yesterday. No bathing before bed last night and I still woke up this morning smelling like a rose. I can't wait to go dancing. ;-)
Zinc and Magnesium
Posted by Cici (Tulsa, Oklahoma) on 05/22/2011
I've read that some people who had bodyfoot odor problems despite good hygiene were low on zinc and/or magnesium. Of course, check with doctor first.
Flax Seed
Posted by Kathie (Houston, United States) on 05/13/2011
★★★★★
I struggled with body odor (it smelled like old lunch meat... To be so discriptive! ). I started taking flax seed for other reasons (fiber intake and hormones). The body odor receded, but I do not know why... Either because I was having more active bowel movements or it changed my hormones. I am just happy I don't stink anymore!
Now, my husband struggles from a sore back, and no, it is not related to a vitamin/ mineral or exercise issue... He stinks! Because he bathes only once a week. If he would only shower more I would not make him sleep on the sofa! Hence the back problem would be solved! LOL
Milk of Magnesia
Posted by Erin (Seattle, Wa) on 04/29/2011
I have been using a mixture of extra virgin coconut oil and baking soda for months now and rarely have underarm odor, even while playing soccer! Try that too as backup. Hint, small amounts of baking soda, just enough to make the coconut oil slightly grainy, or you might end up with chaffing!
Milk of Magnesia
Posted by Ts (Orlando, Florida) on 04/28/2011
★★★★★
I have tried several different formulas over the years, suffering from underarm odor since a teen. Clinical deodorants, natural deodorants, salt crystal, tea-tree oil, witch hazel, and NOTHING has worked as well as MOM has. I have only been using it for a week now, but I hope it lasts for me as long as some users have reported. Before, I did not have profuse sweating, but immediately after showering I could notice an odor. Alternatives to aluminum-based deodorants would work for a couple of days, but this is actually going over a week now on MOM and I'm super happy about it.
I find using a small spray bottle works best for application, I purchased mine in the travel/trial-size product area of the local pharmacy. I spray one spray under each arm before bed and after showering, and allow to dry before dressing, and have no trouble with odor now AT ALL. I still sweat mildly, but it's natural for our bodies to eliminate sweat, so I'm not worried about that. It was just the BO and now it's GONE! I highly recommend this to anyone, it's a cheap and effective solution.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Gloria (Washington, Dc) on 04/06/2011
Hi Dana---I hope you've found some relief... May I suggest that your odor may be coming from your digestive system. If you are not eliminating your bowels regularly and completely at least once a day, you may have a build up of bacteria, which escapes the body through our sweat, our breath etc. You should try a good colon cleanser, be sure to take fiber, omega fish oil 3-6-9, and probiotics with it. Try this and you should notice a difference within a week. You may still sweat some, but without the embarrassing odor.
Colon Cleanse, Probiotics
Posted 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.
Coconut Oil, Baking Soda
Posted by Rf (Jc, Nj) on 02/22/2011
★★★★★
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
Avoid Caffeine
Posted by Amom (Clayton, Delaware, Us) on 02/21/2011
My 8 year old daughter also had an odor issue - her underarms smelled 'oniony'. I had her using deodorant, but have found that (evco) coconut oil and baking soda do the trick. Using equal parts, melt the coconut oil, then stir in the baking soda. I put it in a small plastic container and put it in the freezer (just until it hardened). She uses a swipe of it under each arm every morning, and what a difference! I couldn't believe it...
Powder With Cornstarch
Posted by Jeffrey (Pawtucket, Ri) on 02/21/2011
★★★★★
Several years ago I switched to natural deodorants from aluminum based anti-perspirants/deodorants due to health concerns and skin irritaton. Eventually even the natural ones began to irritate my skin, so I tried powder with aloe and cornstarch. It works amazingly well for days when I don't do much sweating, like a typical workday sitting behind a desk. Usually one application in the morning is all that's needed. I'm thinking of keeping some at work, so on warmer days or on days that I go for a walk or bike commute, I can do a quick wash of my underarms in the restroom and re-apply. My underarms feel so much better! Healing after a long time of being irritated and raw.
Avoid Caffeine
Posted by Francisca (Michelbach-le-bas, Alsace, France) on 02/21/2011
Good idea but what can a person like myself do who has body oder but who never touches caffeine?
Avoid Caffeine
Posted by Mittie (London, Uk) on 02/21/2011
★★★★★
Body odor tip: avoid caffeine! I discovered after I stopped using deodorant many years ago that I have nasty smelling perspiration a few minutes after drinking a cup of black tea (which I am a real guzzler of, truth be told). Last year I experimented by cutting out black tea for a few days and voila, no smelly BO, zip, zero. Anyone who is having issues with body odor should try this!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Hagi (Calgary, Canada) on 01/19/2011
hagi from canada it is very nice to know about the results of ACV and I tried this product it really helped thank you earth clinic for this wonderfull website
Baking Soda
Posted by Oxygen Therapy (Miami, Florida, Usa) on 01/09/2011
I have been using a 3% solution of H2O2 with baking soda for the past 2 years as a deodorant and I never have underarm odor. Simply mix a 3% solution from your 35% FG H2O2 (I would not use the stuff available at the grocery store because the impurities in it will be absorbed into your delicate underarm. Afterall this was why I stopped using deodorants). Spray some on a cloth and dip that cloth into the baking soda and rub in on. Wipe off any excess.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Brenda (Springfield, Il) on 01/08/2011
★★★★★
For my stinky pits, I now have a concoction that works wonderfully. After showering, I first rub virgin coconut oil on my armpits. Then I wet a finger with water and dip my wet finger into mixture of a little Borax and baking soda, and rub that on. Then I end with a squirt of vodka. (I mix in a spray bottle vodka and a few drops of sandalwood essential oil. ) When I just used baking soda, my pits became irritated and dry. I believe I had a yeast problem, thus the Borax; and the VCO for the dryness. No more body odor for me!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Holly (Chicago Suburbs, Il, Us) on 01/08/2011
★★★★★
I switched to more natural soaps and the deodorants without aluminum and so many chemicals since those irritated my skin, and was using them with success for at least 1 1/2 years. However, I started having problems after I started a new job. I do not know whether it was stress, diet, different clothing fabrics, or some other factor. I started getting recurring rashes on my armpits so at first I thought my deodorant was contaminated, but buying new ones did not help. I suspected moisture was a factor, probably causing excess bacteria or fungus growth. The aluminum-free deodorants do not stop moisture, but that was not causing a problem before. Eventually odor was also getting hard to control also, like never before. I even switched back to an aluminum anti-perspirant and a deodorant soap, but that was not helping.
I turned to this site (of course) for a deodorant remedy after deodorants were no longer effective and started using ACV with "The Mother" about a month ago. I use a cotton round to apply ACV in the morning, keep it on for a while, then rinse it off in the shower. I often use it before bedtime too and just leave it on, especially when I was trying to heal the rashes, which ACV probably only helped to heal and did not irritate at all. I also do not rinse it off if I am just staying home.
The vinegar smell is very strong at first, but it fades after it dries and with time, or after rinsing. Now I have no more odor problems as long as I keep up with it daily. I also do not have a problem with rashes anymore. I have not used soap or deodorant on my armpits at all since I started doing this. What I love about ACV is that it is not messy, there is no residue, and it is great for the skin! I even use it after hair removal (I use an epilator), but I see others saying the opposite, so be careful.
Even though the vinegar smell fades, I can still smell ACV a little bit up close. It is not a bad smell (and no odor most importantly), but I am always a little self-conscious wondering whether others can ever smell any vinegar on me up close. My husband does not notice it, but he does not have the greatest sense of smell either. He does hate the smell though when I first apply it of course! Either way, there have been too many benefits, so I am sticking with this as long as it keeps working!
Baking Soda
Posted by Fra Fra (Mineral Wells , Tx. Usa) on 01/08/2011
You might try spraying some H2O2 under your arms and when it drys, add the baking soda. It was really helped for me.
Baking Soda
Posted by Marissa (Glendale, Usa) on 01/08/2011
★★★★★
I've been using a different kinds of deodorants since 2005 but still I have my smelly armpit and I feel so pity for myself and ashamed for having this. Until I found this website FINALLY!! Baking soda works great and I really feel comfortable at all times! Thanks a lot!
Coconut Oil, Baking Soda
Posted by Dave (Tokyo, Japan) on 01/02/2011
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.
Coconut Oil, Baking Soda
Posted by Robyn (Perth, Australia) on 01/01/2011
★★★★★
pure coconut oil and bicarb for body odour
While I have not tried this personally, I was told by a friend that she very successfully makes the above ingredients into a paste and applies to her armpits, then wipes away residue when dry.
Coconut Water Vinegar
Posted by Loyd (Manila, Philippines) on 12/06/2010
★★★★★
I will sugest coconut water vinegar, apply to affected areas before shower for at least 5 minutes. This work for me so far, do not use antiperspirant or deodorant,
Milk of Magnesia
Posted by Lon (Stanhope, Nj) on 11/26/2010
★★★★★
I've been having very good luck with Milk of Magnesia, the cheap kind without any other additives. The more expensive brand has bleach or something added to it, which we don't want, so check the label. I dab it under my arms with a piece of gauze.
Hand Sanitizer
Posted by Mel (Selangor, Malaysia) on 11/26/2010
★★★★★
My place is very hot and humid all year, so I sweat all day. Sadly, this causes my armpit to smell really bad, but usually my deodorant can cover it up (I rotate deodorant every 2 days - the theory behind it is so that the bacteria will not immune with deodorant). But recently, I found that the smell gets worse, but only on my right side (the left still smell, but not so much) and it happen so sudden!!! I thought it was because of my hormones, but after sticking to healthy diet for a month, still, no effect. I try using lemon and lime, but the effect is no better than normal soap. And baking soda irritates my skin. Four days ago, I try using hand sanitizer as deodorant, just for experiment. And for 4 days it works wonders!!! My armpit didn't smell AT ALL!!! But this is only 4 days, don't know when will it get back to being smelly again.
But just now I try to drink ACV as lots of people in EC suggested. I wanna drink it, but man, IT IS SOOOO SOUR!!! 1 tablespoon ACV diluted with 1 glass of water, and my throat feels the pain. I wanna try with honey, but some people in EC say AVC not suppose to be consume with honey. Is it really?
Maybe I should just use it for topical use only... Wish me luck!!! P/S: But seriously, if you're travelling for a couple of days, just bring along hand sanitizer for your armpit. No hassle!
Baking Soda
Posted by D.ron (Madison, Wi) on 11/10/2010
Aluminum destroys the nervous system preventing the glands from sweating... Not a good solution. Once the aluminum is in your body it travels to the brain causing more havoc.
Baking Soda
Posted by Raven (Cebu City, Philippines) on 11/10/2010
Using "Aluminum chloride" on my underarms has cured my excessive underarm sweating which caused the awful body odor. No more sweat, no B. O. I bought it over the counter at a drug store. Its very effective. You apply it last thing at night in bed. Its a roll-on. One or two swipes is enough. But make sure your underarms, feet or affected areas were dry for at least an hour before applying. Then wash it off with soap in the morning. No more any need to apply deodorant or antiperspirant afterwards. Just dust some Baking Soda instead. And your SWEAT-FREE and ODOR FREE the whole day. But make sure before applying the aluminum chloride that 24hours had passed before or after shaving. Application is every night for two weeks then every other night then gradually twice a week usage. But baking soda is maintained everyday. I'm using the brand DRICLOR by Stiefel Lab Ltd. Its a very expensive topical deodorant compared to the usual ones. Price is almost 6 times higher. But in the long run, using it only twice a week, it proves to be the cheapest and most effective. 185ml lasts for 3 months at the least.
Lime
Posted by Jane (Durham, Oregon, Usa) on 11/08/2010
★★★★★
Fresh limes, (not lemons for some reason unknown to me) cut in half and save half in fridge and use other half under arms and pits at top of legs after shower and allow to dry (I use blow dryer) lasts 2-3 days for me. Three limes of any size a week should be enough unless you are a daily shower person. We are all individual but the salt deoderant stopped for me and I learned of this and it works amazingly for me!! Gotta love it!
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.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Zsaqwe (Brownsville, Texas) on 10/20/2010
★★★★★
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.
Ammonia Odor
Posted by I Smell (Atlanta, Ga) on 10/19/2010
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.
Ammonia Odor
Posted by Kleemarti (Tampa, Florida, Hillsborough) on 10/19/2010
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.
Baking Soda
Posted by Crzybeau (Las Vegas, Nevada, United States) on 10/15/2010
Try drinking liquid mint flavored chlorophyll 3x a day (2 tablespoons in 8oz water) and take a good quality probiotic. Also try adding more vegetables and fruits in your diet. Minimize/eliminate processed foods, coffee, soda, sugar in general. Get tested for any food allergies as well. Hope this helps ;)
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?
Anti-Candida Diet, Grapefruit Seed Extract
Posted by Crzybeau (Las Vegas, Nevada) on 10/14/2010
Hello Granny laura, I would like to know how exactly you did it to get rid of your underarm odor. I believe its due to candida and I want to stop this embarrasing problem. Please help. Im desperate and depressed :(
Baking Soda
Posted by Nodame (Cabuyao, Philippines) on 10/13/2010
★★★★★
Hi guys, I just want to share the solution I found for my body odor. I think I started having this awful odor in my underarms when I was in high school. It was so embarrassing and didn't enjoy my teenage life. I had always stayed at home because I was always afraid that my friends would smell me. It was terrible and I tried different ways to solve it but nothing worked. I took shower 3 times a day but just after a minute out of shower my underarms would stink. My clothes smelled bad. I really prayed that God would heal me and he answered my prayer. What I did was, I bought a bottle of Active charcoal. Here in the Philippines you can buy it for $3.47. It contains 50 capsules. I take it after lunch and dinner. When I shower I use a loofah in my underarms but I only scrub lightly. After shower I pat baking soda on it. On the first day I did it, it worked immediately. I've been doing this for 3 weeks now and I always smell good. The temperature here is always 35 degrees and I always sweat but I don't worry anymore because I don't smell bad. I'm so happy that I can do anything I want now. I washed my clothes with baking soda too, I mix it with the detergent. It was effective. I also tried rubbing allum on the armpit of my clothes and it was effective too. Now all my clothes don't smell bad anymore. I also had the vaginal smell but it was gone since I started taking active charcoal. I hope these solutions can help you too. Don't give up.
Hand Sanitizer
Posted by Linda (Atlanta, Ga) on 10/06/2010
★★★★★
Drinking ACV made my body odor go away.
P.S. A quick fix for Body odor is a drop of handsanitizer on the armpit
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.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Nature Boy (Ft Laud, Fla Usa) on 09/12/2010
Noelle, u r a funny man and I enjoyed ur post. im gonna do it just like you did, but I will have to get some grip tape for my shower. I dont wanna defeat the purpose by trying to get rid of b/o and break my neck dancing in the shower. That would be like the pharmicuticl companys saying here take this it will help with ur depression but whoops it destroys ur liver, just a minor side effect.
