Body odor is the unpleasant smell our bodies give off when bacteria that live on the skin break down protein in sweat into acids. It is also known as B.O., Bromhidrosis, Osmidrosis, or Ozochrotia. Some other causes of offensive body odor include poor hygiene, nutrient deficiencies, diet, medication, gastrointestinal problems like chronic constipation, and underlying medical problems, such as; genetic metabolic disorders, liver disease, or diabetes. Each person’s unique body odor can be used to identify people, especially by dogs and other animals.

Sweating, in general, is the body’s natural way to regulate its temperature, but unpleasant body odor can affect our confidence and personality. Bacteria breakdown proteins in our sweat into two acids – propionic acid and isovaleric acid. Propionic acid is produced when Propionibacteria break down amino acids. It has a pungent smell and is often associated with vinegar, while Isovaleric acid, also found in many kinds of cheese, is produced by Staphylococcus epidermidis bacteria. Human body also has two types of sweat glands that are present all over our body: Eccrine Glands: These glands are found throughout the body and produce sweat for maintaining our body temperature. Apocrine Glands(scent gland): These glands are usually responsible for the foul odor produced by our body, usually found in our armpits, eyelids, genital area, and breasts.

Body odor can be treated by practicing good hygiene and with over-the-counter medicines or Anti-perspirants or Deodorants. But lately, there has been a lot of debate surrounding the chemicals used in deodorants and their cumulative adverse effect on the human body. The safer, alternative, simple, and natural home remedies that get rid of body odor by controlling the growth of bacteria and reducing excessive sweating, is the use of Essential Oils that possess individual therapeutic properties.

Floral Scent Essential oils: include Rose, Lavender, Clary Sage, Patchouli, Mandarin, Geranium
Citrus Scent Essential oils: include Neroli, Lemon grass, Grapefruit, Bergamot, Cypress, Lemon

Herbal Scent Essential oils: include Rosemary, Coriander, Sage

Other fragrant essential oils that can be used: Ylang ylang, Tea tree, Sandalwood

 Recipe for Essential Oil Deodorant Powder:

¼ Cup Cornstarch or Arrowroot Powder: Corn starch absorbs wetness of sweat, dilutes the alkalinity of the baking soda, arrowroot powder is anti-inflammatory

¼ Cup Baking Soda: odor absorber, anti-bacterial

1 tsp Coconut or Jojoba Oil: antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, moisturizer

2 drops Rose Essential Oil: an astringent, antibacterial, uplifting

8 drops of lavender or Clary sage or Patchouli essential oil: bactericidal, antiseptic, astringent, deodorant,

10 drops Tea tree Essential oil: a natural antiseptic, anti-bacterial, deodorant

In a glass bowl, mix starch, baking soda. Incorporate coconut oil, mix. Now add Rose, Lavender and Tea tree essential oils, mix well. Store the mixture in a tightly sealed wide mouth jar or container for 1-2 days before using to let aroma blend well. Apply this natural deodorant powder daily.

 Natural Deodorant Spray Recipe: mix 5 drops each of clary sage essential oil, bergamot essential oil, lavender essential oil, and 2 oz. of distilled Witch hazel in a 2 oz. glass spray bottle, label, mix and use daily as a deodorant.

Epsom Salt Bath: Fill a bathtub with hot water and pour about 1-2 cups of Epsom salt mixed with 8 drops Lavender Essential Oil and 2 drops Rose or Geranium Essential Oil. Soak in the bath and relax. Try 2-3 times a week

Rose Water Body Spray: Mix 3 tablespoons Rose Water and 1 tablespoon Apple cider Vinegar in a spray bottle, label and use on underarms and other body parts daily.

Can drink sage tea, fennel tea, or parsley tea. Steep one teaspoon of herb in a cup of hot water for 5-10 minutes. Strain the leaves and drink tea once or twice a day.

Note: Sage must not be used by a pregnant or nursing mother.