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.
Lime
Posted by Lora (Amsterdam, Noord Holland, Netherlands) on 03/21/2010
★★★★★
Hi, first post here, love the site.
Against body odor i use lime under my armpits. Works like a charm and is oh so cheap. i keep half of a lime in a small container in the bathroom and use it maybe three days and than use the other half that i have refrigirated.
My job involves some heavy work and also with workouts nd i would sweat so much, that i couldnt get it out of my clothes, but then i remembered this old, simple remedy and i am sticking to it. It worked for me on the very first day. But some people need to use it for a week, but it is amazing
Maybe lemons will do the trick to, but this is the way that it has been done in my country for ages.
Hope it helps.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Robert Henry (Ten Mile, Tn Usa) on 03/06/2010
I have tried to avoid using deodorant, but all for naught. The latest rage is to use magnesium oil in lieu of the commercial stuff. That does not work for me. I could not stand myself. Things that contribute to odor are fat and hair. Get rid of what you can.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Marymichellehealth (Regina, Saskchewan, Canada) on 03/05/2010
Hi: regarding the meat thing, my husband is a huge carnivore! He salivates, i am sure, walking down the meat isle at the grocery store. He feels great on the paleo diet! No body odor! He is so clean! he does not even wear deoderant, nor does he have to?! So I dont think body odor is based on meat consumption.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Claudia (Höör, Sweden) on 03/05/2010
Here is a remedy that I came up with after a friend shared with me that she used a Salt Toothpaste under her arms instead of deodorant!!! Make a paste of the following:
Baking Soda
a drop or so of castor oil
essential oil of peppermint, and/or cloves
a few drops of witch hazel (non-alcohol type)/you can omit this if you wish
mix together - apply under arms after shower - a small amount works. rub into your armpit as if it were a cream. you should stay odor free all day.
good luck...
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Pr (Houston, Texas) on 03/04/2010
Hello, it sounds to me like you might have problems with candida (fungus infection) which might be why you have recurring sinus problems. A person can have fungus growing in them for years and not know it because you can't see it. Fungus overgrowth is a killer that is truly deceptive as it quietly grows poisoning your system. We end treating the symptoms of it's poisons with more antibodies which makes it worst. You might want to get your doctor to check you for fungus.
I use Milk of Magnesium for deodorant and Magnesium oil. They both work great for odor under the arms and other areas. But if your odor is from inside especially when you have sinus problems I would check for fungus or bacteria infections.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Mary (Minneapolis, Mn) on 03/04/2010
Well as i stated before nothing seems to be working for me. I now think that the ordor is not coming from my underarms but from within my body somewhere. I notice it more when I have sinus issues. Could this be a connection?? Has anyone had anything like this or heard of anything like this before. Could the odor be connected to my sinus problems?? I don't take anything for my sinus problems now that i found out that antibiotics can do more harm than good. The smell that I have is a sweaty, stinky smell like I have been running or working out for hours. It usually happens when I am at work which is the worse time that it could happen. Anyone someone please help!! Ted you know of anything like this??
Baking Soda, Tea Tree Oil, Witch Hazel
Posted by Sandra (Round Lake, Il) on 03/03/2010
★★★★★
Underarm Body Odor
I have switched to aluminum free deodorant, but was experiencing underarm odor using these deodorants. I am now using a combination of an aluminum-free deodorant along with a solution I created to fortify the effectiveness of the deodorant. My formula is 7 tsp of water, 1 tsp of baking soda, 1 ml of tea tree oil, and 1 tsp of witch hazel. Shake vigorously to dissolve the soda. Pour into a small atomizing bottle and spray on after appying deodorant. I usually spray three sprays. It is now working fine and I am now odor free.
Ozonated Olive Oil
Posted by Colleen (Minneapolis, Minnesota) on 02/23/2010
Steve, where did you find this oil? All the places I looked into online charge quite a bit more than yours. I know this is an old post, but perhaps you can tell us where you got it. Thank you.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Mohini (Suva, Fiji) on 02/21/2010
I have tried using baking soda to get rid of under arm odor. I either just pat baking soda after my bath or mix it with a little talcum powder. I have noticed that inspite of intense sweating, my underarms do not smell. Try avoiding deo sticks, they are not good for the skin as they block your pores and do not let them "breathe". Hope this remedy helps.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Sugar (Candaba, Philippines) on 02/21/2010
help me to cure my armpit odor.. having this problems lessen my self confidence at all.. where can i buy crystal body deodorant stick here in philippines?? help friend..
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.
Milk of Magnesia
Posted by Amber (Kitchener, Ontario, Canada) on 02/08/2010
★★★★★
Milk of magnesium works better than deodorant! Just rub it in under your arms, let it dry and away you go. I have used it for a week now and will continue to do so. Even if you work out hard (you'll still sweat) but you wont stink!
Anti-Candida Diet, Grapefruit Seed Extract
Posted by Granny Laura (Waco, Tx Usa) on 02/03/2010
★★★★★
I used to have severe body odor before I got tested for allergies and saw a doctor for Candida.
I'm talking about showering using betadine to wash under my arms and then using one of the three "industrial strength" deodorants that I rotated daily. I would still smell "soured" under my arms within 2-3 hrs.
It gradually got better after thousands of dollars worth of medical treatment to get my health better.
From what I have learned over the years...it may be caused by candida and toxins in your body. Try washing w/tea tree soap or GSE (diluted, of course). Try to keep carbs down to 40 gm or less a day. Rotate your deodorants, never using the same one 2 days in a row, the bacteria get resistant.
I don't have that problem now but I still have Candida synmptoms if I don't stay on the anti-candida diet. I found that even a couple of drops of Grapefruit Seed Extract help me to not have BO at all.
Oh yes, if your BO is that bad then your breath isn't going to be fresh, either. Bad breath usually comes from poor digestion, I'm in love w/digestive enzymes just now. lol Those and GSE should help.
Apple Cider Vinegar and Baking Soda
Posted by Mary (Minneapolis, Mn) on 01/27/2010
I too have the reaction to the sun as you do. Have you gotten any answers yet?? If so, can you please post them here or contact me.
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 01/26/2010
★★★☆☆WORKED TEMPORARILY
ACV also worked temporarily for me. i did try the natural crystal deodorant roll on and it also stopped working. is the crystal deodorant stick better?
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Ms. Robert (Dumfries, Va, Usa) on 01/25/2010
@crazydogjack. Thanks for the advice. I will pay a visit to the health food store to get the crystal body deoderant stick. I will post results after sometime.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Crazydogjack (New Castle, Pa, Usa) on 01/21/2010
I had the same problem. Never tried the ACV for it. I bought a crystal body deodorant stick at the health food store and it works great!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Ms. Robert (Dumfries, Va, Usa) on 01/21/2010
★★★☆☆WORKED TEMPORARILY
UnderArm Odor
Hello, I have read many posts here and tried several remedies. The most successful was Organic ACV, it has worked for almost 8mos, the most amount of time for any remedy so far. Well now I'm back to the normal horribly embarrassing smell I've had to deal with for 14 yrs.
I stopped deoderants last year, the ACV was effective but now when I use it, either apply and wash off, or apply w/ baking soda & leave on all day, it's almost like I have no protection. My arms smell horrible, and of course my clothes as well.
Is there any hope for me? It seems that almost any remedy I try may work for a few months then I'm back to the ususal stinky, strong odor!
Lye Soap
Posted by Sandy (Tulsa, Ok) on 01/02/2010
★★★★★
For the past few weeks I have had a terrible body odor. Read on here the other day. A couple of days ago I went to health food store to get a new bottle of ACV. Also picked up a bar of Lye soap. The next morning I decided to use the Lye soap. It worked! No longer have that odor. Washed my clothes and shaved some Lye soap in washer. They no longer smell either!
Multiple Remedies
Posted by David (Tokyo, Japan) on 01/02/2010
Does anyone think that shampoos and soaps actually cause BO? I've been shampoo and soap--free (thanks to borax) for about a year. I change clothes daily, but I often think I don't need to--even socks. Could shampoo and soap be stimulating the body to produce oils to replace oils removed and/or to remove toxins? I'm starting to think so, but does anyone have any thoughts?
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Karen (Hongkong, China) on 01/01/2010
★★★★★
I've been embarassed about my BO for 18 years. I tried so many remedies such as diff. brand of deodorants but it doesnt work for me. I tried lemon juice and took a bath three a times a day but still the bad smell doesnt eliminate. I did it everything including washing the clothes thoroughly.. but then there's no improvement! Last month i tried to find a solution for my BO and guess what?! lucky me!i found it already! i've read all the comments and suggestions posted on EC site and have a try. I tried using ACV and baking soda for bathing it was really great for me! NO SOAP! i feel fresh everyday.I drink green tea instead of coffee. i also used green tea to rinse my face! it's all natural beauty tips.I also eliminate taking dairy product..(goodbye cheese lol).On summer i try to use milk of magnesia, zinc oxide ointment and essential oil or coconut oil. Today im very happy to share with you that great things happen to me!goodbye BO! Thanks a lot EARTH CLINIC!!be bless..:)
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Dana (Queens, Ny) on 12/25/2009
(QUESTION) I did the Acv rinse and after I got out of the shower I reapplied and then applied deodarant after it dried. I do notice a difference, becuz If I don't use soap and deodarant I will just have the strongest odor! Just terrible. If I drink the ACV and Baking soda is water will that be better? And would U happen to know why ACV help with Body Odor? I'm really curious.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Dana (Rosedale, Ny) on 12/22/2009
I'm so happy you mentioned anxiety perspiration because this is the problem I am having along with sweating(nothing excessive) I can feel nervous and not show it but I will just start to smell. I am going to try this I have the organic acv with mother and now I can get rid of my problem. I just recently got a prescription of the generic brand of drysol, it works if you keep using it but it turned my armpits so dark, and the itch is unbearable. I will be using apple cider vinegar from now on!
Milk of Magnesia
Posted by Ann (Charlotte, Nc) on 12/21/2009
★★★★★
Several months ago I started using milk of magnesia for underarm odor. Just rub a little under the arms and let dry before putting on your clothes. It works great - even better than the antiperspirant I had used for years. It doesn't contain harmful aluminum and and the magnesium is good for you.
Brown Deodorant Stone
Posted by Lynn (Auckland, New Zealand) on 12/16/2009
★★★★★
This stone works great for me. It keeps me smelling fresh throughtout my workouts and not offensive to the people around me during those times.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Heather (Colorado Springs, Co) on 11/17/2009
★★★☆☆WORKED TEMPORARILY
Apple Cider Vinegar worked temporarily as a replacement for deodorant. I followed the advice here and started using ACV before I showered, rinsing it off after a few minutes, but not washing it off. The first time I used it I was thrilled. It lasted 2 1/2 days with absolutely no body odor. But the longer I used it, the less effective it was. After a month, it wasn't even lasting a whole day.
So I'm off to try the crystal deodorant in my quest for a natural deodorant that works consistantly.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by River City Girl (Richmond, Va, United States) on 10/21/2009
To Angela from Charlotte and others: When you rub ACV on your neck then go about your day...don't you smell like vinegar? I have your same trouble with the neck and upper chest smell. I tried peroxide on a cotton ball and it worked, but only for about 10 minutes :0( So do I have a choice? smell like vinegar or smell like body oder? What do you all use to not smell like vinegar? I'm blown away that so many of us have the same problem.
Stop Using Soap
Posted by Robin (Rocky Ridge, Ohio) on 10/06/2009
Kj, sorry it took so long for me to get back to this, I've not been on the site for awhile.
To answer your question, yes it worked right away. I'm still on the no soap and ACV/Water regime. I use it everywhere and because of the alpha hydroxy acids in the ACV, it is an exfolliant, removing the dead skin from your body. I pay special attention to elbows, knees, and feet to keep them soft and at times you can see the dead skin it's removing. (just be careful to shave after using it, not before) The 50/50 water/ACV may be too strong for some. it can be diluted down to 66/33 or 75/25 water to ACV and still work as well. I've been using a deodorant crystal as deodorant but have recently been researching the use of himilayan sea salt, the kind used for salt lamps as a deodorant instead. It's used the same as the crystal deodorant, rubbed on wet and comes in a bar form like soap. It's another alternative to traditional chemical based deodorants. It works because it doesn't allow bacteria to grow...think of foods preserved with salt...same concept. Blessings and good luck!
Baking Soda
Posted by Princess Murray (Bridgetown, Barbados) on 10/05/2009
I am 33 years of age and started to have a body order problem recently about 1 year now, thanks to this site and hearing others review i now know i am not alone, and wishes to thank you all for the advice about using acv and baking soda, hope it works
Baking Soda
Posted by Phyllis (Weldon, Ca. Usa) on 09/27/2009
★★★★★
I make a baking soda deodorant that is creamy and goes on real easy and stays on in the arm pits real well. Just take any small container with a lid. Put in whatever amount of baking soda you want. Then add any lotion or hand cream you use. I also add a few drops of essential oil to make it smell pretty. Guys, I guess you coud add cologne or some other fragrence. Then I just stir it up, put on the lid and its ready to use.
Milk of Magnesia
Posted by Marixpress (Bronx, Ny) on 08/29/2009
★★★★★
Just use a hair dryer on cool setting and they'll be dry in a quarter of the time :)
p.s. I will NEVER use anything else on my armpits after MOM! It's a dream come true!
Milk of Magnesia
Posted by Marixpress (Bronx, Ny, USA) on 08/28/2009
★★★★★
I have struggled with underarm odor since puberty and all of my adult life. My problem was so bad that nothing over the counter or prescribed helped me. At the end of the day, I still smelled like an onion processing plant.
I read on a site that milk of magnesia helps so I went out and bought the generic store brand. After a shower, I applied some to a cotton ball and coated my armpit with a thin layer then held my arms over my head until it dried. It did not stop the sweating but the odor was completely gone.
My daily routine now is: shower, douse armpit in alcohol to kill bacteria, after alcohol has dried, shake bottle of liquid milk of magnesia and apply thin coating to armpit simply with my fingers. Instead of blowing on them to dry or waiting around, I use the cool temperature setting on my hair dryer. The whole process takes a couple of minutes. It lasts all day and sometimes even into the next day. Apply daily.
One thing I notice from time to time is the occasional swollen gland under the skin surface. When that happens, I just skip the next day and it goes away on its own. MOM is a miracle.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Barbara (Morton, IL) on 08/19/2009
Hello-I also use ACV as deordorant except on the days I shave underarms. I do not add anything to my underarms after applying the ACV. After air drying, I get dressed for the day. Your perspiration odor may be due to toxins in your body. You may want to take ACV, baking soda & water as posted by Ted. I have noticed a big change in my body odor since taking it consistently for several months. I usually have to launder my blouses after 1 wearing due to underarm stink. Not so anymore. Now I can wear a blouse 2 or 3 times before laundering. ACV is a great de-toxifier. I also use it as a mouthwash,astrigent on my face, itchy skin, and apply it to remove a mole. Good luck. I hope this helps.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Glo1965 (Woodbridge, Virginia) on 08/18/2009
★★★★★
Hello. First, this is an awesome website, I've gotten great advice! I have dealt with horrible, sweatty underarm odor for 13 yrs. I visited this site a few weeks ago and read a little about ACV. When you're in my shoes you'll try anything. I'm pleased to say that this has worked better for me than anything else I've tried. The doctor's have prescribed meds that burn, itch and sting; horrible side effects and more importantly they DON'T WORK!!! I've had a couple of days in this 3 weeks where I think it may have failed me. I apply with a dry cloth in the morning and when it dries I put on deod. Usually as long as I don't sweat I won't stink, so I know throughout the day when it's beginning to happen and there's nothing you can do! Does anyone have suggestions of a more effective way that I should use ACV? I read about applying a few minutes before showering and use plain water under my arms, I will try that today. In the meantime if there is any further advice I'd appreciate that!?..
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Angela (Charlotte, Nc) on 08/10/2009
★★★★★
I am so very thankful for the remedies found on this site. I have had underarm issues for the last 30 years. I've tried everything from bathing in baking soda to using a men's deordorant---nothing worked!! Not until ACV. I am tickled at how well my self-confidence has hit the ROOF! I take a bath twice a week with 1cup ACV 1cup Baking Soda. Daily I use a cotton swab to wipe under my arms. I still use deordorant. However, I'm glad to say it's a woman's deordorant. Also, my next had an odor when I sweat. Therefore, I swab my neck everyday. In fact, my neck discoloration has gone away. I am African-American and figured my neck was naturally dark. Not anymore. Thanks Earthclinic for saving my LIFE!
Apple Cider Vinegar and Baking Soda
Posted by Bce (Bce, Jamwest) on 08/07/2009
★★★☆☆BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
TED; I HAVE BEEN TAKING BAKING SODA AND ACV FOR BODY ODOR AND IT WORKS BUT WHEN I WALK IN THE SUN AND START TO SWEAT, MY SWEAT SMELLS LIKE THE VINEGAR OR THE BAKING SODA AND THAT SMELL IS ALSO VERY OFFENSIVE. AS YOU KNOW HOW AWFUL ACV SMELLS AND THE BS SMELLS LIKE ASH. PLEASE HELP ME. IS THERE SOMETHING WRONG WITH MY ORGANS?
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Bce (Sav, Jamaica) on 08/07/2009
Try 1/4 tablespoon of baking soda and 2 tablespoon of acv in 8 oz of juice or water and drink on empty stomach daily. when you are going to bathe, wet up you whole body, then put some baking soda in you hand. wipe under one arm then the other then to all the places that you have odor or to your whole body. use you soap on your rag and soap your whole body and then wash off. you will feel very fresh when you are finished. trust me!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Kje10959 (Bedford, Nh) on 08/07/2009
I too had bad underarm odor. I tried the ACV and it sort of worked but I kept at it. I realized that the odor was coming from the residue of the deoderants (all natural ones) that had remained in my clothes. After several washes of all my shirts the residue is finally gone and so it the odor. You can try spraying your underarm area on your shirts with white vinegar or a stain remover before laundering to help remove the residue. After it's gone, I KNOW you will have results with the ACV. It took about 2 months for me to finally say ACV works!!! I used to spray the vinegar on before showering and then again when I was out of the shower. Now I only wash with a clean washcloth (I do that area first, NO soap), and when I get out and dry off, I spray the armpit area and rub it all around the whole area. If it's going to be hot and I know I'll be sweaty, I'll repeat the spray once the first one has dried. This has been successful for me. Don't give up, it does work!!!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Maury (Nr. Baltimore, Md.) on 08/06/2009
For body odor try zinc ointment, and you can sprinkle on some talc free powder if you want to smell nice.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Kelly (Chicago, Il) on 08/06/2009
★☆☆☆☆
I too have an issue and the ACV is not working. I even went out and bought the organic with "Mother". Applied it, waited 3 minutes, took a shower (no soap), also did not use any deo or antipersperants, but as soon as I start to get a little hot, I might as well jump back in the shower. I have been doing this for over a month, and it still hasn't worked. I even tried to do another application at night before I went to bed, but the morning had the same results.
Has drinking acv worked any better for you?
I've read that if your body was low on B vitamins, zinc and magnesium that you might have body odor. So I am trying to eat more foods with those in them. If that fails, I might just take those kinds of vitamins. If that fails as well, I'm not sure what else to do. I've even went to the dermatologist who prescriped something that smelled like rotten eggs that burned my pitts, but still did not work. I think that might have been for someone that has excessive sweating, but I don't have that, just the smell. And of course my left side is worse than my right.
I was curious if anyone read anything about hormones being out of whack might have anything to do with this. I'm only 30, but I guess that might be a possibility. I'm willing to try almost anything to not have the odor anymore.
Milk of Magnesia
Posted by Raquel (West Palm Beach, FL) on 07/23/2009
★★★★★
I also use MOM as a deodorant, can't be without it! I had the idea of adding a few drops of essential oils (lavender and tea tree) for added protection plus I like the "clean" scent.
