Body odor is a socially embarrassing situation. This can make you feel awkward towards other people and the location. Body odor can make you and other people feel bad. You notice other people holding their breath while they are around you or are crossing the other way to get away from you. Other people feel bad for alienating you for something you are most probably unaware of. Sometimes, people with body odor don’t even realize they have it. The body is adapting to the things it is in constant contact with such as your smell. Your body is constantly in contact with your smell making it immune to the odor. Though, most of the time people are aware of their body odor. Especially when the body odor came recently.
Body odor is mostly caused by bacterial growth in areas that are moist and humid such as the groin area and underarms. These body odor is mostly prominent when you’re warm, exercising, anxious, under stress and nervousness. The sweat that your body is producing is feeding the bacteria living in specific areas of your body. This bacteria when combined with sweat emit a strong foul odor and the bacteria thrives to live in a have a high pH value on the skin, making the smell a bit sour. You can get this bacteria from poor hygiene and nutritional deficiencies. Though, you can get body odor from medical conditions such as liver disease, diabetes, genetic metabolic disorder and gastrointestinal disorders such as constipation; these conditions are some of the causes for body odor.
The first signs you get when you have body odor is a pungent and unusual smell coming from your body. Other signs or symptoms are cold hands, night sweats, weight loss and excessive sweating. You can basically cover up body odor using deodorants or antiperspirants to mask the odor. Though, using these natural home remedies will solve the problem from the source.
Natural Home Remedies:
Witch Hazel
Witch Hazel balances out the pH level in the skin, making it impossible for bacteria to thrive on the skin. This eliminates the body odor causing bacteria in the body for permanent relief. Witch hazel also contains astringent properties that can shrink the pores, reducing sweat production. You can use witch hazel as a natural antiperspirant. Place witch hazel in a small spray bottle and carry it around with you. Apply a new layer every time you feel sweaty for an instant relief.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil contains anti-septic and antibacterial properties that can kill odor causing bacteria. The astringent content of tea tree will limit sweating and gives the sweat a sweet aroma. Though, it is still best to wipe away the first sign of perspiration. This home remedy is not advised for people with sensitive skin. Always do a patch test application before using this natural homemade remedy. Place 8 tablespoons of water in a spray bottle and mix in 8 drops of tea tree oil. Spray on this mixture after taking a shower and when you feel like sweating to control the odor.
Sage
Sage can control body odor and sweating. This herb can help limit sweat gland activity and make you perspire less. The anti-bacterial properties of sage will prevent the growth of bacteria and stop it from sticking into the skin. The aromatic property of sage is great to act as a natural deodorant. Sage belongs to the rosemary family and has a long lasting aroma. Mix together equal parts sage oil and olive/coconut oil in a small bottle. Apply this mixture on your underarm or groin area. Let it sit and dry on your skin before wearing your clothes since it can create a stain. Repeat this regularly throughout the day.
Wheat Grass
Chlorophyll in wheatgrass can cover up the body odor and kill the odor causing bacteria. Though, the strong taste of wheatgrass can cause headaches and nausea if you’re not used to having it. If you’re new to wheatgrass start with a small amount. Mix together 2 tablespoons of wheatgrass juice and one cup water. Drink this mixture on an empty stomach to prevent overreaction in the body and stop body odor.
If you are unaware or unsure of your body odor, try consulting your family members and friends and ask for their honest opinion. If you don’t find relief with these home remedies its best to consult a medical professional. They can find where the body odor is coming from, it can be caused by an underlying illness that requires medical treatment or medication to resolve. You can prevent body odor by keeping your body clean, detoxifying the body, stop smoking, wear socks to remove moisture on the feet, use blotting paper in sweat, exercising regularly for systematic sweating and maintaining areas that are prone to bacterial growth.
