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.
Exercise
Posted by Freaky (Washington, Dc, Usa) on 11/08/2012
★★★★★
After doing a whole body cleanse, I was left with body odor in one arm pit that persisted without mercy, regardless of deodorant, extra shower scrubbing, etc. I even tried witch hazel to no effect. Finally, I engaged in a vigorous exercise routine that caused profuse sweating, and suddenly it cleared up and has been gone for days.
Baking Soda
Posted by Steve (Waco, Tx) on 09/05/2012
★★★★★
Occasionally I get armpit odor, only on my left side though. The smell can be quite intense as others have said like ammonia big time. Not really sure what causes it, maybe diet or stress related but its so intermittant I cant tell. I do not use any deodorant nor have I used any for quite a few years. Baking soda has always cleared it up instantly. I'll shower and wash with soap (no dye or scent) and still be able to smell it on the left side. Once out of the shower and dry, I take 1-2 tsp of soda and lather it up while my hands are wet and apply to air dry. The smell gets more intense for a few seconds and then its 100% gone, usually for 48 hours or so. I might do this routine for a couple days and then forget about it for weeks/months until I notice the odor again. Wish I knew for sure what was causing this!
Detox
Posted by Tamara (Fort Collins, Colorado) on 06/13/2013
I can corroborate that a clean liver can mean no body odor, although I haven't done a colon cleanse. I've been doing some of the liver cleansing supplements recommended by Bill. These include magnesium, vitamin C, N-acetyl cysteine, alpha lipoic acid, Co-Q10, B vitamin complex, and milk thistle. I'm not very consistent with taking them, but when I do take them at least twice a day, I notice that I have no underarm odor and I don't use conventional deordorant.
Another observation though, is sometimes when I experiment with taking magnesium and I can get the level just right, I will also not have body odor. I don't know if it's connected at all. However, this is trickier because I've noticed that my body's needs for magnesium change from day to day, depending on diet, stress, sleep, and activity. It is very easy to overdo the Mag and get looser bowels the next day. I haven't experimented much with topical application for therapeutic levels, but I have used body sprays that have Mag oil as a base for the function of deodorant that have worked very well. I also use Milk of Magnesia as a very effective, and cheap, deodorant, which is another form of topical magnesium.
Chlorella
Posted by Kally (Oxenford, Queensland Australia) on 06/02/2012
★★★★★
Hi have you tried drinking chlorella - my husband, daughter and I use this and none of us ever need deodorant also bi-carb as deodorant another good one is using silver water all three work a treat for us.
Salt
Posted by Jennifer (Chicago, Illinois, Us) on 05/16/2012
★★★★★
IODIZED SALT (Yea)
I am battling several illnesses right now, and ever since I got sick I have the worst armpit odor! Soap doesn't remove it. I've tried baking soda, apple cider vinegar, and hydrogen peroxide (separately) and they all work fairly well, but they all feel harsh on my skin and I don't like it.
The other day, I discovered a better solution: iodized salt. I had bought one of those himalayan salt stones for the shower—big mistake. Little crevices in the smooth-looking salt crystal actually SCRATCHED me and literally put salt in the wound! Will never do that again.
However, it gave me the idea of simply mixing some salt into water and applying that right in the bath after washing with soap. Works like a charm! The effect was immediate—no smell whatsoever until the next morning (and then only faint). And I didn't even use deodorant!
I chose iodized salt because iodine is a powerful antimicrobial in its own right. I mix the salt with about two parts warm water (some will not dissolve) and keep it in a little jar in the shower. At the end of the shower (soap and rinse first), I just pour some of the saltwater into my hand and splash it under each arm, being careful to get the whole underarm. When the liquid gets low, I just add some water from the shower for next time
Plastic is best for use in the bath because of the risk of glass breaking. Might be convenient to get one of those dispenser bottles with the pointy top!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Michelle (Texas) on 07/20/2012
Rachel, food grade DE should help with the pinworms. 1 tablespoon 2x's a day in whatever kind of liquid you like to drink. ACV and baking soda taken internally are amazing, so keep it up. I use a mixture of 3parts arrowroot, 1part baking soda, coconut oil, tea tree oil, and orange essential oil as a deodorant. It's amazing, hope it helps.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Mthomas (Columbus, Ohio) on 03/22/2012
Just wanted to share some info. I stopped using deodorant with aluminum in it years ago, only using one kind sold in health food stores, it was the only one that worked, then 4 years ago, I moved on to only apple cider vinegar which I have been using ever since, organic is of course best, I don't dilute it, I just put it on and go, have never had a problem smelling like acv, but what I really wanted to say is for anyone using baking soda with it or as sub for deodorant, you are defeating the purpose because baking soda has aluminum in it. Just thought I would make others aware.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Londonlola (London, Uk) on 03/02/2012
★★★☆☆BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
Hi All, I discovered this website several weeks ago and have been so excited about the body odour remedies. I tried BS about a year ago which worked but stained my under-arms so badly. Then having found this site, started drinking ACV which I think has improved my energy levels. I also apply ACV to my skin after cleansing. The skin appears brighter and so soft. My big issue is body odour though. I started applying ACV to my under-arms which worked for a couple of weeks but I started noticing the stained under-arms so have stopped. Drinking ACV has made no difference to my BO. However I am going to try all the other remedies listed on the site in turn - GSE, milk of magnesia, colon cleansing etc. Great site!
Stainless Steel Bar
Posted by Cientxa (Indianapolis, Indiana) on 12/23/2011
★★★★★
This stainless steel soap shaped bar really does work for body odor. I was skeptical when I read about it and my curiosity got the best of me and I ordered one. It works in the shower after bathing with soap. You rub it like deodorant over problem areas and there is no odor all day. It has certainly changed the way I feel about using deodorants, the fact that it is just a piece of metal.I have had a "sweating problem" all my life and this is the first time that something has worked instantly and continues to work daily.
Clay
Posted 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.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Pleased With Results (uk) (Guildford, Surrey) on 11/20/2011
★★★★★
I have an occasional excessive sweating and body odour issue - right arm pit only! I have been suffering on and off with this since August (last bad case of this was a few years ago) and have ruined so many clothes and am so self conscious I just had to do something. Luckily I found the earth clinic website yesterday and all the wonderful advice from posters.
Today I applied Cider Vinegar to my armpit and left for a few minutes before showering (not organic with mother but I shall definitely be investing in some). I also applied a different deodorant from my usual one and have been dry and non-smelly all day.
Am also making a conscious effort to move my arms more/massage my underarm and drink lots more water.
Thank you to all contributors on this website!
Homemade Deodorant
Posted by Angela (Seattle, Wa) on 08/03/2011
★★★★★
First of all, thank you to those who posted about Milk of Magnesia. I am going to try that very soon.
What has worked for me for the past 2 years is homemade natural deodorant. It does not "cure" body odor permanently, but it does work to eliminate smell if used each day.
I found the recipe on a natural homemaking blog. It contains some combination of the following igredients:
-coconut oil
-baking soda (preferrably natural)
-cornstarch or arrowroot
-shea butter (optional)
(Mix all together adding more cornstarch or baking powder as needed to make a thick white paste that becomes mostly solid, depending on the temperature in your home.)
The shea butter was recommended because baking soda can cause a rash after prolonged use. Only a little shea butter is needed. I have had the best success mixing this with cornstarch baby powder. Coconut oil is an antibacterial, so it really cuts the smell.
Some people have made it thick enough to be shaped into a recycled deodorant case. I just put mine in a tupperware dish and rub it on in the mornings. I also sprinkle on excess baby powder to dry the area as it can feel a little oily. Many people swear by this deodorant. I am so thankful to find it and be free of the scary aluminum anti-perspirants. Feel free to Google search to find more recipes out there.
Clay
Posted by Caseyu (Minneapolis, Mn, Usa) on 07/02/2011
★★★★★
I had ingested the bentonite clay (1 Tablespoon diluted with water; 15 ml) to reslove some toxicity issues and noticed that my body odor was completely solved as well. it has absolutely no taste and no side effects. it didn't make me nauseated like ACV makes me feel. also make your salivatory glands pure so your mouth is "fresh". I love this stuff.
Apple Cider Vinegar, Acidophilus
Posted by Willow (Lexington, Ky) on 06/20/2011
★★★★★
Hi,
I accidentally cured my body odor problem when I was treating myself for bacterial vaginosis. I am on a strict regiment of herbal supplements and vitamins. One of these includes acidophilus and apple cider vinegar (with mother). After experimenting with several types of acidophilus, I wound up taking a gelcap version that requires refrigeration. It has 2 or 3 BILLION live active cultures. This is the dose that I maintain daily. After being on this for a month and half, I noticed I didn't have to fight with body odor - which I always felt was a symptom of some other underlying issue. I used to prepare my day around the fact that I would sweat through deodorant. I was using rubbing alcohol daily after showering to kill remaining bacteria. I packed deodorant EVERYWHERE I WENT. I truly feel I got to the root of the evil bacteria by taking probiotics and ACV though. I tried everything from various natural deodorants, to no deodorant, to the horrible "anti-sweat" deodorants. The acidophilus and ACV has truly helped maintain a healthy pH. I just make this very much a part of my daily life and I have no more issues.
Hope this helps.
Apple Cider Vinegar and Baking Soda
Posted by Debbie (Melbourne , Australia) on 06/20/2011
Instead of going to the trouble of buying a hand sanitizer... Why don't you just buy a small bottle of eucalyptus 100% pure essential oil or tea tree oil essential oil. That is pure with nothing else. There are other essential oils that you can use that kill bacteria as well. You could dilute them with some water and put them in a little bottle for use when you are out.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Jennifer (Sunrise, Fl, Usa) on 09/08/2011
★★★★★
Body Odor:
Ever since I was 13, no deodorant completely worked for me. I made the mistake of trying every chemical-laden deodorant on the market. I didn't realize, until I weaned myself off of commercial deodorants, that it is the DEODORANTS that are the problem!! I switched to rock type deodorants (there are several different brands, you can buy the kind with the rock or spray-on liquid) about 4 years ago and I will never go back to any other kind of deodorant ever again. In fact, when I do put on regular deodorants now, my body completely rejects them and I break out in horrific, very painful rashes. A few tips for effective use:
1) You need to give your body time to "detox" after using regular deodorants before the natural crystal rock kinds work for you. About 1 or 2 weeks is usually sufficient before you notice a real change.
2) Follow the directions carefully or the deodorant won't work! Apply IMMEDIATELY after getting out of the shower. For a rock deodorant, wet the rock under running water and apply about 20-30 strokes per armpit (yes, really, that many). For a spray deodorant, apply 4 or 5 sprays under each arm.
3) If the natural deodorant doesn't work for you on its own, you can also apply baking soda to the armpit area. Be forewarned though, baking soda can be a little harsh and can leave you with raw skin if used everyday.
- If you are experiencing a lot of body odor, also try the following things which addresses the issue from the inside out: oil pulling, taking coconut oil internally, taking ACV internally, eating an all-natural diet, eliminating toxins from your household, and using all-natural dioxin-free tampons.
Female Body Odor:
To prevent this, wash gently with a 100% natural glycerine soap everyday, which can be purchased very inexpensively for approximately $1 at most grocery or health stores. Don't use regular soap or body washes that are not formulated for use in this area - this is a very gentle region and a body wash that doesn't have a very neutral pH will sting and irritate the area. The more chemicals you can keep out of this area the better (latex condoms, tampons that have dioxide, douches). If you are still experiencing odor after keeping good hygeine, see a doctor, because it might be the sign of an infection.
Foot Odor:
Rock deodorants can be used for this same purpose - and it works! See the instructions above for application. I prefer the spray-on for ease of application.
Mouth Odor:
Good oral hygeine is key. Brushing after every meal and regular flossing are obvious solutions, but if this doesn't work on its own, see the EC posts for oil pulling, oil of oregano, hydrogen peroxide and sea salt rinses.
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 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
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 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.
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.
Baking Soda, Corn Flour, Coconut Oil
Posted by Tanja (Marseille, France) on 09/10/2010
★★★★★
A huge breakthrough my friends!!! After spending a fortune trying to find a 'natural' alternative to the toxic deodorants on the market, I stumbled upon this homemade miracle:
You can follow the exact recipe or adapt it. I used around 55 grams of Bicarbonate Soda, 30 grams of corn flour and around 8 Tbs of coconut oil. (add more if you need to)
Mix it into a good consistency... Not too, runny not too thick. Put it in a glass jar. Voila! Rub a little under your arms and that's that. Your search is over. I swear by this. It truly works... And keeps on working. Yay! The manufacturers have just lost millions. :)
PS: I just had to share this one. I truly love this site. It's helped so many people. Many many thanks to Earth Clinic for all that you do.
Baking Soda
Posted by Marlene (Surrey, Bc) on 05/30/2010
I've just started to try coconut oil and it seems to be working. When I get up in the morning I put coconut oil under the arm, then I go for a brisk 1 1/2 hour walk. I used to smell terrible when I got home, now I don't. After I have my morning bath I use the coconut oil again. I don't know if it would last all day for everyone but I don't seem to have to reapply.I also ingest about 3 tablespoons per day, this could also be helping. The coconut oil is antibacterial, therefore killing the bacteria that causes the smell. Hope this helps.
Baking Soda
Posted by Nimo (Taipei, Noidea, Taiwan) on 06/01/2010
★★★★★
I have being using sodium bicarbonate, as deodorant, under my arms for almost 2 years now and never a problem. Do you shave it? because maybe that's why you feel pain. It really keep me without any bad smell all day.
Baking Soda
Posted by Faith (Ab Canada) on 06/21/2010
Delightful Home Made Baking Soda Deodorant...
Thoroughly Mix 2 tablespoons of Baking soda in water (About a cup of water but this really depends on the size of the spray bottle).
Once the baking soda has dissolved, pour the mixture into a glass spray bottle.
This method is easy, clean & works awesome!
* Special Note: Add your favourite essential oils to give it a pleasant scent : )
Baking Soda
Posted by Bellabing (Manila, Philippines) on 07/28/2012
Every human being have different types of body odor. If you are acidic by nature, try iliminate those acidic foods, i.e. Spicy foods, spices, caffeine, alcohol, cigarette, that causes body odor. Take a bath twice a day, morning and evening. Put baking soda and hydrogen peroxide on the water that you use for bathing and add essential oils e. G. Tea tree oil, peppermint oil, if you like. Detoxify your body using sea salt (not iodize) with warm water in a bath tub or a large pail and soak your body 30-45 minutes twice a week. Drink plenty of water, and eat as much green leafy vegetables to cleanse your system. Do not take apple cider vinegar if you are acidic or you have an ulcer. Drink virgin coconut oil or take activated charcoal powder or capsules. (Please google search activated charcoal for more info). You can also make your own deodorant - a mixture of antibacterial toothpaste and baking soda, then rub it on your under arm to keep you going the whole day. Always bring antibacterial wet tissue to wipe your underarm whenever it gets wet. Most of all, always think positive because God is good all the time. :)
Baking Soda
Posted by Mama To Many (Tennessee) on 11/21/2015
Dear Sarah,
Using Baking Soda for deodorant gave my son the same rash. If yours hasn't cleared up yet, a calendula salve is what cleared up his rash, which was itchy and miserable.
I think using coconut oil straight for a deodorant would have a tendency to stain clothes. I have seen recipes for home made deodorant creams or bars that have coconut oil in them, along with things like arrowroot powder, baking soda, essential oils, and beeswax. It might be something to look into, I think mixed with other ingredients, coconut oil wouldn't be so likely to stain.
The following are some other things you could use as a deodorant. Magnesium Oil, Witch Hazel, Rubbing alcohol. (Either on a cotton ball or in a spray bottle.)
~Mama to Many~
