Prevent Sweaty Armpits with These 5 Natural Remedies
According to information from the American Academy of Dermatology, excessive and uncontrollable sweating is medically called hyperhidrosis and occurs without the triggers we mentioned above.
It often occurs in the armpits, as this area has more sweat glands than other areas. However, it can also affect the hands and feet. In any case, those who suffer from it seek treatment, since it’s uncomfortable and can be accompanied by unpleasant odors.
How to naturally control armpit sweating
People with severe cases of underarm sweating should see a doctor. Although this symptom isn’t indicative of a serious illness, it may require specific treatment. According to the Mayo Clinic, prescription antiperspirants, prescription creams, and medications to block nerves, among others, can be prescribed.
Some natural remedies seem to prove helpful for this symptom. Although these preparations aren’t backed by science, several testimonies suggest that they’re useful. They contain natural ingredients that are generally safe to use.
1. Apple cider vinegar and lavender oil
Combining apple cider vinegar with essential lavender oil can be useful to reduce underarm sweating. In addition, it can also help reduce unpleasant odors.
Ingredients
- ½ cup of apple cider vinegar (125 ml)
- ½ cup of water
- 6 drops of essential lavender oil
Preparation and application
- Firstly, pour the apple cider vinegar into a container and mix it with the essential lavender oil. If you have sensitive skin, dilute the mixture slightly with water.
- Then, close the container and let sit for 10 to 12 hours.
- After that time, dip a cotton ball into the mixture.
- Then, apply it to your armpits.
- Use twice a day if you feel that you need it.
Also see: How to Make Homemade Lavender Soap
2. Baking soda and lemon oil
Baking soda is very popular in natural cosmetics. In this case, combine it with some little lemon oil to get a product that helps control armpit sweating and unpleasant odors.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons of baking soda (30 g)
- 6 drops of lemon oil
Preparation and application
- Mix the baking soda and lemon oil together in a bowl.
- Then, clean your armpits.
- Gently massage the mixture into the areas.
- Leave on for 20 minutes and wash off using a damp cloth.
- Use daily.
3. Sea salt and lemon juice
Due to its texture, sea salt is a natural exfoliator and, therefore, helps to remove dead skin cells. Lemon, meanwhile, has been used in natural medicine against body odor due to its citrus aroma.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons of sea salt (30 g)
- 3 tablespoons of lemon juice (45 ml)
Preparation and application
- Firstly, mix the sea salt with the lemon juice to make a grainy paste.
- Gently massage the mixture into the armpit area for two to three minutes.
- Leave on for 10 more minutes.
- Wash it off.
- Use daily.
- Remember to avoid sunlight when using this remedy to prevent unwanted reactions.
4. Cornstarch and baking soda
A dry deodorant made of cornstarch and baking soda can help keep armpits free of humidity and unpleasant odors. If you want to try it out, follow this recipe:
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons of cornstarch (30 g)
- 1 tablespoon of baking soda (9 g)
- 2 tablespoons of organic coconut oil (30 g)
Preparation
- Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl until a homogeneous paste forms.
- Rub the treatment into your armpits and leave on for 30 minutes.
- Wash off with damp cloth.
- Use twice a day if necessary.
We recommend that you read: Discover the Benefits of Baking Soda Mixed with Honey
5. Sage and tomato
This fresh sage and tomato preparation may not seem an attractive option. However, sage has antibacterial properties that you can take advantage of to deodorize your armpits. This way, in addition to minimizing sweat, you avoid bad odors.
Ingredients
- 6 fresh sage leaves
- 1 ripe tomato
Preparation and application
- Finely chop the sage leaves and leave them on a cloth to extract their liquid.
- Blend in a food processor along with the ripe tomato.
- Then, rub the paste into your armpit areas and leave on for 20 minutes.
- Finally, wash off with cold water.
- Use at least three times a week.
Natural remedies to fight underarm sweating and odors may not be effective in many cases. As we discussed, its effects have only been described anecdotally and haven’t been scientifically rest. For proper control of these problems, it’s best to consult your doctor.
All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.
- Treatments for excessive armpit sweating. (2005). Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin. https://doi.org/10.1136/dtb.2005.431077
- Mas, A., Troncoso, A. M., García-Parrilla, M. C., & Torija, M. J. (2015). Vinegar. In Encyclopedia of Food and Health. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-384947-2.00726-1
- Lis-Balchin, M. T. (2012). Lavender. In Handbook of Herbs and Spices: Second Edition. https://doi.org/10.1533/9780857095688.329
- Shahtalebi MA, Ghanadian M, Farzan A, Shiri N, Shokri D, Fatemi SA. Deodorant effects of a sage extract stick: Antibacterial activity and sensory evaluation of axillary deodorancy. J Res Med Sci. 2013;18(10):833–839.