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 FK (NYC) on 07/28/2007
★★★★★
The baking soda remedy for body odor was the lucky charm! I tried the zinc oxide remedy after reading it on your site. I think it worked but my armpits were way too greasy! It was very uncomfortable. After that I tried baking soda on my armpits and let me tell you -- it's a winner. Lasts all day and is much better than any natural or chemical deordorant I have ever tried. I now wet the baking soda down before applying it.. otherwise it is gritty. I think baking soda is probably one of the safest remedies to put near your lymph nodes. No way aluminum! I wonder if some day they will attribute some cases of breast cancer to the aluminum in deodorant and location of the sentinel lymph node. Just a theory of mine
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.
Stop Using Soap
Posted by Robin (Rocky Ridge, Ohio) on 01/24/2009
Actually, soap has a higher alkalinity than our skin prefers. Our skin prefers a rather acid ph. This is why after a shower with soap we itch, it's because the ph of our skin has been altered and the natural oils neutralized/removed by the soap. A remedy for itchy skin is a moisturizer of lotion, cream or oil. Oil is actually an acid and that's why the itching stops, because the ph has been altered back to acidic with the application of the oil substance.
When the skin gets alkaline, it creates a breeding ground for the bacteria that causes odor. The bacteria feed off of the sweat in the alkaline environment.
I've been using the no soap and AC vinegar method. I put 50/50 ACV and water in a spray bottle and spritz it on before I shower. After scrubbing with a plain wet washcloth, I get out of the shower and spritz the ACV/Water mixture again instead of deodorant.
What stumps me is the baking soda working on body odor because it is an alkaline substance. The only thing I can think of that causes it to work is that it may become too alkaline for the bacteria to thrive and/or absorbing the sweat. But given all the redness, rashes, itching and reactions to the BS, I would say its probably too alkaline for the skin of most people and the reason for these reactions.
For those of you using regular baking soda from the stores, name brand or otherwise, they also contain aluminum. The only baking soda I know of that is aluminum free is a brand available at the health food stores that specifically states on the label, Aluminum Free. If memory serves me correctly, most of the baking soda found in stores is a by product of aluminum manufacturing. They just don't list it on the label. I buy the aluminum free BS to use internally to keep my body alkalized.
I'm also intrigued by Ted's explanation of magnesium and zinc deficiencies being a cause for an increase in body odor. Earlier today I actually started taking zinc and this evening I took some magnesium citrate because I've been getting the heart palpitations back again and the mag cured it before. hmmmm...I think he's on to something...
Blessings,
Robin
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!
Apple Cider Vinegar and Baking Soda
Posted by Janette (Asheville, NC) on 06/19/2007
★★★★★
I have been having an issue of intense and slightly putrid body odor coming out of my right armpit lately for some bizarre reason. I cannot figure out what is causing it. The thing that has stopped it in about 20 minutes is acv and baking soda remedy. One remedy dose lasts about a day. Now I just have to figure out what is going on in my body to cause this issue! Usually it happens when I have taken a medication or an OTC med like ibuprofen, but I haven't touched anything in months. Another question I have is whether people notice that they have a stronger scent come from one armpit than another?
Zinc Oxide Ointment
Posted by Francisca (Michelbach-le-bas, Alsace, France) on 06/18/2011
Since I started using lemon juice I never looked back! Soon I will try and see how many days I can go without using it. Even on very hot days (and we have had quite a few this year), I can wear clothes made of artifical fibers without smelling at all! Before, even with the best deodorants I would get to the end of a hot day and I would be smelling. I think that the problem for most people is bacteria, at least for under arm odor. Now even if I don't have the time to take a bath on a hot day I don't smell! When I travel I take a couple of lemons in my suitcase wrapped in a plastic bag.
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).
Hand Sanitizer
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.
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
Alkaline Soap, Baking Soda
Posted by Catpat (Hillsborough County Tampa, Florida) on 06/02/2012
Thank you for this site. My problem is a severe onion odor under my armpits for the past 56 years. I have tried BS, crystal stones, lemon, lime and lavender oils, talc powder, antibacterial soaps, Drysol, and even bleach. Every one of these remedies worked for a period of time and then eventually stopped. Lately the smell returns within minutes of my (long) shower. This problem has been the bane of my existence. Can a digestive disorder be the problem? If so what are some of the remedies. How safe is 'ACV with mother'?
Alkaline Soap, Baking Soda
Posted by Tina (Houston, USA) on 06/03/2012
Good sources of foods that are rich in probiotics several times daily. Kefir, kombucha, sauerkrauet and fermented veggies are great sources of cheap and good probiotics.
http://culturedfoodlife.com/
Also good quality chlorella will reduce or help eliminate the issue. Good luck.
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.
Eliminate Preservatives
Posted by Nadine (NY) on 09/01/2006
★★★★★
Preservatives in your foods can give you body odor if you are allergic to them. They will also give you gas and diarrhea. Get rid of the preservatives and white flour, store bought bread, boxed food and most canned foods. A lot of work to make your own but worth it. You will be healthier and smell better. When you eat the preservatives and your body has a reaction, those fumes etc have to go somewhere.
Baking Soda
Posted by Brian (Lake, Fl) on 05/17/2018
Hi, I recently switched to baking soda deodorant, all natural ingredients. Yesterday I found a lump under the skin in my armpit, sensitive if I mess with it. Has anyone else experienced this?
Baking Soda
Posted by Henry (Texas) on 09/12/2022
Yeah, you need to take 1000 mlg of vitamin C. Take it until you see the lump disappear.
Lime
Posted by Charles (Ghana) on 08/22/2015
★★★☆☆WORKED TEMPORARILY
It's there any maximum duration for the use of lime in curing under arm odor? I've been using lime for the past one month now but whenever I don't apply deodorant after bathing I get some slight smell under my arm, am getting confused now whether to continue using the lime or quit and continue with the deodorant. Kindly advice.
Lime
Posted by Tiw (Los Angeles. Ca) on 08/12/2022
★★★★★
Well if you are a meat eater then yes you will get a musty smell under your arms because the meat is rotting in your tummy and coming out through your pores when you sweat. I noticed that when I ate no meat that the limes worked for me but when I ate meat even just one day I'd get a musty smell when I sweat so food for thought ❤️❤️❤️
Undigested Proteins
Posted by T-ann (Fl, US) on 07/13/2014
Kay, I may have this same issue. Can I ask you where the odor is coming from? I have some chemical/food sensitivities that cause bad headaches. More recently, I eliminated wheat products (as much as possible) and love the results. Lost about 7 pounds, less hunger, less inflammation, no more skin rashes that bleed easily. But now, if I eat certain processed (wheat) foods, I get a bad odor from vaginal area. This happens within minutes of eating these "non-food" (or junk food) items. Maybe my issue is the same as yours....digesting protein. Thank you for posting this info. Please keep posting any more info or results that you get.
Severe Body Odor
Posted by Mike62 (Denver) on 03/08/2014
Xxunknownxx: A Vietnam veteran sometimes smells really bad. The meds they give him are toxins. Toxins, bad hormones, estrogen dominance, and pathogens are accumulating in the body. To get rid of them search raw food videos and become an 80/10/10er like me.
Severe Body Odor
Posted by Mmsg (Somewhere, Europe) on 03/08/2014
Xxunknownxx, changing your way of eating is probably the safest place to start, although it is hard. You can try Paleo or some similar diet which eliminates grains and beans for a while. You probably will have to make "friends" with many more veggies than you are used to!!
Severe Body Odor
Posted by Brian (Sth Aus, Australia) on 03/10/2014
All of the above are great suggestions except the stinky garlic. Anyway, the simplest solution is stop eating sugar or at least reduce it to a minimum because even veggies have a sugar content. So does rice of any colour. Prefer a diet of veggies that can be eaten raw, fruits that are bitter, moderate meat, natural dairy, eggs and moderate natural fats and oils and you'll be normal in no time. Cheers.
Glycolic Acid, Essential Oils
Posted by Traveler (Dallas Tx) on 01/29/2014
★★★★★
I've used earthclinic a lot, and done many of these BO busters in particular. White Vinegar spray lasted longer than Apple Cider Vinegar (after a few weeks though I noticed no difference so I rotate.) Baking soda is fine, but chafes and I don't like it as much as other options. The two options I'm using most lately are either Glycolic Acid, or essential oils. I had some leftover glycolic acid from treating my face at home-- I believe it was around 20% strength, so I thought I might try adding to my underarms thinking that maybe, even with shaving, there's a lot of dead skin that holds onto bacteria that makes it stink more easily. Found that the Glycolic Acid carried me for around 3 days (no body odor smell at all that I can recall) and I didn't get as funky after that point (at least for a little while.) I'm out of the 20% but I do have some 10% that I'm currently trying.
When I want to mess around with smells, I try a variety of essential oils. Lavender oil works really well and gets me lots of compliments from people who think it's my perfume. Orange oil works okay-- not bad at all but not as strong and long lasting. I've tried less flowery ones for when I've been sick and so didn't mind smelling strongly herbal. I would just say to be careful and make sure you're not applying something like basil essential oil full strength since that would burn. See what is okay straight, or add to your baking soda or coconut oil, and spot test. I use it straight just fine but I've also used these in other applications so I know what my personal skin to essential oil level I'm comfortable with.
I'll likely use up my 10% glycolic acid stuff and then eventually get a $25 bottle of 20% glycolic acid and use that once a week or so. Since it's an acid, I wouldn't recommend using it everyday or even close to that--maybe twice a week tops.
Bad Body Odor Treatment
Posted by Shalik (Sharon Hill Pa) on 01/07/2014
Hi I am 17 and I been having body odor trouble for some time know. I wash correctly I use clean towels and everything clean clothes everything like that but it's a smell that will not go away and It's very embarrassing. I need help please.
Bad Body Odor Treatment
Posted by Mama To Many (Tennessee, Usa) on 01/07/2014
Dear Shalik,
Well, I am sorry you are having this trouble! When one of my teenage sons had this trouble a few years back, we gave him bentonite clay for a time (internally) and it did seem to help. Most bentonite clay you will find is not mean for internal use (sodium bentonite is not for internal use.) We have used something that is a combination of sodium and calcium bentonite for internal use. Here is where we got it, with more information about it.
http://www.bulkherbstore.com/Bentonite-Clay-Powder?s=bentonite&id=bWg8X7pQ
He took 4 capsules a day (We made it into capsules, but you could put 1 teaspoon in 8 ounces of water and drink it. It doesn't taste bad.) He did this for at least a month. Be sure to take it with plenty of water so it isn't constipating to you. If you have trouble with constipation, you will want to make sure to address that, as it can cause body odor, as well.
Some other things to try would be the following:
drinking plenty of water each day
taking an epsom salt bath a few times a week (1 cup epsom salt per bath)
having an apple and a banana a day
avoiding fried food, fast food, soda, etc.
Earth Clinic has a lot of information here: https://www.earthclinic.com/cures/body_odor.html
There are many things you can try. I hope you find a solution soon. Please let us know what helps you!
~Mama to Many~
Bad Body Odor Treatment
Posted by Bud (World) on 01/07/2014
Take a magnesium and zinc supplement. It will take a few weeks for it to work. Good luck!
Potassium Crystal Deodorant
Posted by Jenny (Brisbane, Australia) on 07/14/2013
★★★★★
Re BODY ODOUR - Used to have it in summer, but have not had it for years now since I changed to using a pure crystal deodorant. It is fantastic. Bit expensive to start with but cheaper in the long run as it lasts for about 12 months or more. Try it, it is fantastic.
Jenny
Avoid Caffeine
Posted by Anonymous (Los Angeles, Ca, Usa) on 04/25/2013
★★★★★
Even if you don't think caffeine is causing your body odor problem (I didn't), PLEASE TRY IT!!
Just avoid it 100% for a few days. You've got nothing to lose. Stick out any headaches or withdrawals, because the benefits could be huge.
NOTE: Decaf coffee can contain up to 60% the caffeine of regular coffee. It IS NOT 100% caffeine free.
It takes caffeine hours to leave your system, (even when you don't feel it anymore, it's still there about 4 hours after you consume it - google the half life of caffeine in your body if you're curious). Also, your liver is responsible for removing it; so it's an unneccessary burden.
Avoiding caffeine from ALL coffee and tea removed 90% of my underarm odor problem. Additionally, I get less anxious. After having coffee, I immediately begin sweating, and stinking, all over but particularly in the underarm area.
When I finally do need energy and know sweating/stinking isn't a problem beause I'm at home or something, I'll allow myself some coffee. But a MUCH SMALLER serving than I ever used to have. Caffeine is more powerful than I used to give it credit for, and as a result it caused anxiety, blood sugar crashes, poor sleep, and BO for the longest time while I wondered what was going on. Not just coffee, but tea as well. Although tea does have a milder effect.
An added benefit of avoiding caffeine is that when I have it, it doesn't take much to really charge me up and give me pep - because I haven't built up a resistance to it or dependence on it. I feel like I have some conrol over if/when these things happen now, which is great!
So if you regularly consume caffeine and sweat too much or your BO is stinky, PLEASE TRY IT!
Avoid Caffeine
Posted by Leah (Philadelphia, Pa) on 04/25/2013
Thanks for this tip! I'm definitely cutting down. As for the remaining Bo, I can give you my recipe for home made deodorant that actually works: equal parts corn starch and baking soda mixed in a bowl, slowly add coconut oil till you get a dry paste, add a smidge of extra virgin olive oil till it is the consistency of butter icing. Store in a glass jar at room temp. I was a stink beast for so long and this is the only thing that stops bo in its tracks. Just use your finger to get a little bit and wipe on underarms after shower or after sweating as it goes on better if you are a bit damp.
Lemon
Posted by Funkedafied In Texas (Houston, Texas) on 10/16/2013
★☆☆☆☆
This made me smell even worse than I did before. I don't know why?
Tea Tree Oil
Posted by Anon (Anon) on 09/06/2012
★★★★★
Put a few drops of tea tree oil in a teaspoon of olive oil and rub it into your feet.
Baking Soda
Posted by Anonymosaurus Rex ( Somewhere, Alone, Listening To Radiohead) on 09/03/2012
There's a blog out there called crunchybetty that has a few posts on her experiments in perfecting homemade deodorant. I'd seriously recommend people checking it out.
Also, have you considered using soap nuts for your laundry? I converted to them about 6 months ago and I swear by them! They are amazing!
Baking Soda
Posted by Linda (New Haven, Ct, United States) on 09/05/2012
Thank you for the site. I'm going to look at it tonight.
As for the laundry, I am currently using 2 cups Borax, 2 cups Super washing soda and 2 bars grated Fels Naptha. I store in in a large container with a tight fiting lid to keep out the humidity and use just 2 teaspoons per load. It seems to be working fine so far but I will be on the lookout for soap nuts.
What sort of stores would carry them?
Baking Soda
Posted by Anonymosaurus Rex ( Somewhere, Alone, Listening To Radiohead) on 10/05/2012
Sorry for the late reply, Linda. Soap nuts are available online through ebay sellers or mountain rose herbs. You could also try a local health food store or a food co-op. I'm not in your country, so that's the best advice I can offer. Hope that helps :)
Baking Soda
Posted by Harper (Smyrna, Ga) on 10/15/2012
911 HELP!!!! I have been trying to find a REALLY good natural deodorant... I used a common BS recipe that MANY people/blogs/sites SWEAR by.... And made it for my son and friends and initially it was AWESOME!!
Baking Soda, Corn Starch, Coconut Oil, Tea Tree Oil, Other Fragrance/ES... Changed up the Coconut Oil for Shea Butter and once again with Coco Butter.. to no avail.
THE GOOD: Well, we didn't stink at all... Lol it does perform well in that aspect... Lol Even after extreme cardio/Run outside!
THE BAD: No matter which variation I used all of us (5) had irritation under both underarms. FAR WORSE on the left side though.
1. itching and burning after half of the day (ESPECIALLY AFTER A WORKOUT)
2. We are African American so our armpits turned the LITERAL CRAYON BLACK... And then began to shed skin... (GROSS) with burning and extreme sensitivity... (WHYYYY SWEET BABY JESUS! ?) lol
******CAN ANYONE HELP! ?******
1. Help us get our armpits NORMAL AGAIN?
2. And figure out what went wrong! ?
3. A really good alternative/natural rememdy that REALLY works?
*** The pain ONLY left when we went back to store brand traditional deodorants... :(
I even tried ACV w/lemon juice in distilled water!! HELP PLEASE!
Baking Soda
Posted by Momma2boys (Pacific Nw, Usa) on 10/15/2012
Hi, The baking soda in the recipe actually irritates a lot of people from what I've heard. I just use virgin coconut oil by itself. It works great - I don't stink at all and this has been my deoderant for 4 or 5 years now. :)
Baking Soda
Posted by Cris354 (Ny) on 10/15/2012
MAGNESIA MILK works better than anything. Comercial deodorants only works for 10 or 15 minutes on my skin, so I start using lemon juice, ammonia, coffe, peroxide, alcohol, borax, baking soda and cant remember how many things I tried. Nothing works for my stinking armprit and having clear, dry and clean smell in my underarm.
Baking Soda
Posted by Trish (Los Angeles, Ca) on 09/05/2013
HELP!!! I too have a horrible rash from the baking soda. It started under both arms, it's finally down to one, but I've had it for 4 months!! I have tried tea tree oil, apple cider vinegar and coconut oil and nothing is working. Does anyone have a solution? Thanks!!
Baking Soda
Posted by Sp (Wb, Nj) on 09/05/2013
Hi Trish, not sure if you're looking for help with the baking soda rash or the underarm odor. I learned about using zinc oxide ointment here at EC for underarm odor. Most deodorants give me a rash. Then I'd have to use nothing until the rash cleared up enough that I could use a mixture of baking soda and cornstarch. I use zinc oxide ointment now instead of commercial deodorant and I swear by it. Very gentle and effective.
Baking Soda
Posted by Bev (Long Beach, Ca) on 09/06/2013
Hi Trish... I too, had the same rash from using baking soda. Read on EC to use Aloe Vera. I had some outside. Picked a large stalk, peeled the spines off, split it in half and applied it to my under arms. Did this everyday until it was all cleared. Did not take long at all. Good luck.
Baking Soda
Posted by Devon (San Antonio) on 07/13/2015
You are such a Sweetheart! May God bless you always.
Detox
Posted by Citygirl27 (Richardson, Tx, Usa) on 06/21/2012
Can you please give info on how you used the epsom salts for a liver cleanse? Many thanks.
Detox
Posted by Mary (Minneapolis, Mn) on 06/12/2013
hi Caleb from Calgary, Ab, Canada: I too work in an office setting with no strenuous work. Other than walking to the copier I hardly move but not less than 2-3hr after I get to work the strong under arm odor begins. We are in very tight quarters so hard for any one not to smell me. Can you tell me how you do the colon cleanse because we share some of the same habits such as going to the bathroon lathering up and doing this several times a day to no avail. I now think that people are avoiding walking by me area just so they don't get slapped in the face by the funk! .. Help! I am going to try the liver cleanse because that is the only thing I have not done so far. Everything else that I tried seemed to work for a little while but the odor always comes back. Do you use 100% grapefruit juice or can you use the pink grapefruit juice?? please respond because I think you may have hit upon something here. How many times a day do you do it?? how much do you take?? I'm praying that you have the answer.
Detox
Posted by Krystle (Elk Grove, Ca Usa) on 03/01/2014
I was wondering exactly how you did your cleanse! Thanks!
Baking Soda
Posted by Man (Sojourning America) on 03/04/2014
★★★★★
I have been using baking soda for under arm deodorant for several years now. In fact I use baking soda for body wash. It seems when I use store bought soaps that I have body odour no matter how good the soap smells. It only takes a tiny amount of baking soda for the underarm deodorant.
I have a suspicion also that home made sauerkraut in the diet once in a while may help the body to fight the bad bacteria in the gut which may help with reducing body odour. Home made sauerkraut is raw and unheated and therefore still alive with beneficial microbes. That store bought stuff has been cooked or pasteurised.
