Bad body odor - treat it with natural remedies

Reviewed and approved by the doctor Nelton Abdon Ramos Rojas.

Written by Yamila Papa Pintor

Last update: 15 December, 2022

The heat, excessive sweating, running here and there all day long, using non-cotton socks… All of this can lead you to have bad body odor. The good news is there are natural remedies to treat it. You don’t want to miss them, so find out what they are in this article.

Bad body odor: why does it happen?

Although bad odor can happen in any part of the body, there are certain critical areas where it’s more concentrated: the armpits, feet, and genitals. This is due to the reaction of certain microorganisms that love to live in humid places due to transpiration.

Body odor could also be the result of hormonal disorders, food, and hygiene. For instance, the consumption of very spicy foods leads to the emission of strong-smelling waste substances through the skin. Similarly, unhygienic habits exacerbate the appearance of these odors, especially in tropical environments.

Other causes of bad smell:

Excessive sweating due to heat, physical exercises or hormonal changes such as those that occur during the menstrual cycle, puberty or menopause.

• Stress, anxiety, and fear, all release hormones that increase perspiration.
• Overweight
• Poor quality shoes and synthetic socks prevent perspiration and promote the development of fungi and bacteria.

So, what can you do to eliminate body odor? Follow this advice, it might help you.

Natural remedies to eliminate body odor

• Firstly, opt for wearing cotton garments or any other natural fibers for your underwear.

• Decrease your consumption of toxins by incorporating cereals, vegetables, fruits, and legumes in your diet.
• Improve your personal hygiene and use antibacterial soap.
• Don’t use antiperspirant deodorant spray or cream, as they tend to clog pores. They also promote bad smell and the appearance of acne in your armpits and groin.
• Use a solution of mint and rosemary to clean your armpits and feet: Place 5 mint leaves and 5 rosemary leaves in a cup of boiling water. Let it steep and then strain it. Every day, soak a cotton ball in this liquid and pass it through your armpits and feet.
• Use antibacterial essential oils such as lavender. Some people think this herb has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, carminative, antifungal and sedative properties. However, the studies aren’t entirely conclusive.
• Finally, drink a cup of green tea a day as it has a cleansing action.