Although sweating is a very natural way for bodies to self-regulate and function well, body odor is an undesirable side effect. Even though it's common to use deodorants to prevent body odor, some people are opting for more natural solutions.
To prevent those oh-so-unpleasant odors from creating a very specific aura around you, try these all-natural body odor solutions.
Shower right
Showering at least once a day with anti-bacterial soap is key to reducing the number of odor-causing bacteria that breed on the skin. After showering, it is important to thoroughly dry each and every part of the body, especially those where you are prone to sweat.
Neem bath
Neem, also known as Indian lilac, naturally kills bacteria. Boil neem leaves (or neem tea) in water and add the water to a bath. Alternatively, soak a towel in the neem water and use it to clean underarms and other sweat-prone areas.
Breathable undershirt
Not all undershirts are the same. Natural materials such as cotton and bamboo help prevent body odor, so wear undershirts made of those materials. Avoid materials such as polyester.
Sour yogurt
This may sound odd, but try using fresh or spoiled yogurt as soap. This method works because the good bacteria in yogurt fights the bad odor-causing bacteria.
Lemon juice and rose water
Make a home remedy of equal parts lemon juice and rose water. Seal the solution in a bottle and store in the refrigerator. Use a cotton ball to rub the solution into your armpits twice daily.
Sage spray
This fragrant spice is a natural anti-bacterial. Try brewing sage tea or diluting sage oil and keeping the resulting liquid in a bottle. Apply the sage mixture using a cotton ball to the underarms, or keep the home remedy in a spray bottle and simply spray the underarms when you need to freshen up.
Witch hazel
Splash witch hazel onto the skin and apply it throughout the day using a cotton ball to sweat-prone areas. Be careful to also moisturize wherever you use witch hazel to avoid drying out the skin too much.
Spicy foods, caffeine and alcohol
Diet is directly related to body odor. WebMD warns against consuming spicy foods, caffeine and alcohol – all of which increase sweat.
Eat greens
Chard, spinach and kale, as well as parsley and wheatgrass are rich in deodorizing properties such as chlorophyll. Incorporate these foods into your daily diet to promote deodorizing defense mechanisms within the body.
Epsom salt
Epsom salt is known to act as both a stress reliever and antioxidant at the same time. Taking a bath with 2 to 3 cups of Epsom salt can also help reduce body odor.