You really feel frustrated when you get foul smelling armpit odor even after practicing good hygiene. This might happen to some people throughout the year but in summer months it is worse.
What do you do for this embarrassing armpit odor ?
Rush for deodorants or antiperspirants!
Maybe you do not prefer these harmful chemical based products. They are anyway temporary solutions. Their long term use may harm your skin and cause other health complications.
So, let us look at some natural ways to get rid of the nasty underarm odor. You will find many natural remedies to remove the foul smell emerging from your armpits. You can select one or more of what you prefer or what works best for you.
Table of Contents
- What Causes Underarm Odor?
- Home Remedies for Underarm Odor
- Other Tips and Precautions to Stop Smelling Bad
What Causes Underarm Odor?
Underarm odor is caused by the sweat in the same manner as the body odor is released.
The apocrine glands located in the groin, armpits and around nipples secrete sweat in genital area, nipples and underarm. The same glands are responsible for secretion of milk in the breast and formation of wax in the ears.
The secreted protein rich sweat is broken down by bacteria resulting in fault smelling odor.
Some people develop less sweat and others more. Children generally don't produce much body odor but some of them may produce underarm odor.
People suffering from a condition called hyperhidrosis which causes too much sweat also produce foul smelling body odor.
Other factors that contribute to body odor are
- Consuming raw onions and garlic
- Taking spicy foods
- Eating certain types of fishes
- Wearing synthetic clothes
- Hormonal Imbalance
- Certain medicines like diabetes pills
- Obesity
You can reduce, prevent and even get rid of the smelly underarms with the use of following home remedies.
Home Remedies for Underarm Odor
How to Get Rid of Underarm Odor Permanently Without Deodorant?
1. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera with antibacterial capabilities is also an excellent antioxidant and is soothing to skin. Applying aloe vera regularly can remove your underarm odor. You can apply it topically on your underarms as well as drink aloe vera juice to fight the foul smelling odor with double action
- Gently massage organic aloe vera gel on your armpits
- Do it 2-3 times daily
- Drink aloe vera juice
2. Alum
Alum is a potassium aluminium sulfate and is widely used in water purification and cosmetics, baking and fireproofing. It is also used aftershave. Alum is an excellent deodorant and antiperspirant to get rid of armpit odor.
- Wash your underarms with warm water and dab it dry with a towel
- Rub a crystal.of alum underarm
- Wash the crystal with warm water for further use later
- Do it 2 times daily
3. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is widely used as a home remedy for many skin and other conditions. The generally available kitchen item apple cider vinegar is antimicrobial. It kills bacteria. It also changes pH of the skin in which the bacteria can't survive
- Wash and clean underarms with warm water
- Dilute apple cider vinegar in water and apply underarm with a cotton ball
- Do it 2-3 times daily
4. Baby Powder
Baby powder absorbs moisture, keeps the skin surface dry and prevents friction. Baby powder is useful in removing the underarm foul smell by cutting off moisture in which the bacteria thrive. Some talks contain asbestos which can be dangerous, but most reputed brands of baby powder are free of asbestos and are safe to use.
- Wash, clean and dry your underarm
- Sprinkle baby powder
- Wear cotton clothes
5. Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide or H2O2 is a pale blue clear liquid chemical that has high antiseptic capabilities. It is generally used after dilution to 3% or 6% in most skin applications. Hydrogen peroxide is an excellent remedy to remove armpit smell.
- Do a patch test on your arm and if your skin doesn't show any irritation then
- Apply on armpits
- Do it twice daily
6. Peppermint Oil
Peppermint Essential oil is an excellent agent to kill bacteria. It is widely used for various skin conditions. You need to dilute peppermint oil before use as it can irritate the skin. It not only clears the foul understanding smell but also gives pleasant smell.
- Wash clean and dry your underarms.
- Add 2-3 drops of peppermint oil in ½ teaspoon of coconut oil and mix well
- Apply with a cotton ball on your underarms
- Do it twice daily
7. Sage Tea
This sage tea is not for drinking here but for topical application. You can use sage oil or tincture to achieve the same objective. It helps to reduce production of sweat by the glands. This results in the underarm smell.
- Prepare sage tea
- Apply warm on underarms with cotton balls.
- Make sure it is not too hot to burn the skin
8. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is antimicrobial, antiseptic and antiviral concentrated oil requiring dilution before use. It is widely used for various skin problems. You can use diluted tea tree oil to get rid of armpit odor. First do a patch test to ensure dilution is right for your skin.
- Dilute tea tree oil in water by adding 2-3 drops in half teaspoon of water
- Mix well
- Apply with cotton balls underarms
9. Wheatgrass Juice
Wheatgrass is rich in chlorophyll which helps in removing foul body odor. In addition wheatgrass is considered very well for your overall health. It produces sweat that bacteria can't attack so the foul underarm smell is kept under control.Out of all the above methods of getting rid of the foul underarm smell this is the most cumbersome method as it requires a lot of preparations. but it is very good for overall health too.
- Learn to grow wheatgrass at home
- drink a glass of wheatgrass daily
Other Tips and Precautions to Stop Smelling Bad
- Take showers daily. More the merrier
- Drink lots of water
- Use good quality deodorant
- Wear cotton apparels
- Avoid wearing synthetic clothes
- Change and wash your clothes regularly
- Avoid smoking
- Trim underarm hair regularly
- Eat more healthy foods like fruits and vegetables
- Avoid foods that give foul odor like onions, garlic and other spicy foods
If you take these precautions and use the above remedies then you will get rid of underarm