Skin Deep
Banish Body Odor, Naturally
 |
Most people can keep body odor under control with deodorizing herbs and essential oils, such as lavender, sage and cypress.
|
Most people equate perspiration with body odor,
but that’s not really accurate. Perspiration itself doesn’t smell
bad — it’s when sweat comes into contact with bacteria on your skin
that unpleasant odors are created.
RELATED CONTENT
Learn about what this earthy plant can offer you in the kitchen, bathroom, and more....
One mint relative that’s not so well known in temperate North America (though it has been grown her...
I’ve read at least a half-dozen books on aromatherapy over the past few years, and I have to say th...
Free yourself from pain, fatigue, strain and more with the ancient herbal art of aromatherapy....
Store these seven staples in your herbal apothecary kit....
Perspiration is secreted by two types of glands: eccrine glands,
which have the job of regulating temperature and produce sweat
that’s mostly water, and apocrine glands, which are concentrated in
the armpits and groin area and respond to emotional stimuli. The
apocrine glands are the primary culprits in body odor because they
produce perspiration rich in fatty substances that bacteria feed
on. Although the exact function of apocrine glands isn’t clear,
some researchers believe that they convey information, such as mood
and sexual arousal, through the release of pheromones.
Commercial Deodorants: Do or Don’t?
Regular bathing washes away sweat and bacteria, but most people
rely on a deodorant or antiperspirant to control body odor.
Deodorants contain antimicrobial compounds and fragrances to mask
odors, while antiperspirants contain aluminum compounds that react
with sweat to plug ducts in the sweat glands, thereby reduc-ing
perspiration.
There are good reasons to avoid most conventional deodorants and
antiperspirants. Some deodorants (and deodorant soaps) contain
chemicals, such as triclosan, a potentially toxic compound
implicated in liver damage and cancer. Many health-conscious
consumers have long shunned antiperspirants because of the possible
connection between aluminum and Alzheimer’s disease. More recently,
researchers have raised concerns about the potential link between
antiperspirant use and breast cancer. Some researchers believe
that, because aluminum mimics estrogen, it poses a risk to women.
The jury is still out on the health risks of antiperspirants, but
the Food and Drug Administration recently began requiring
antiperspirants to carry a warning label stating that people with
kidney disease should consult their doctors before using the
products.
Because safe alternatives to conventional deodorants and
antiperspirants are avail- able, there’s no reason to use
chemical-laden products. Most people can keep body odor under
control with deodorizing herbs and essential oils. Reducing the
intake of alcohol, caffeine and garlic also can help alleviate body
odor.
HERBAL DEODORANT
Natural odor-fighting herbs, such as thyme (Thymus vulgaris),
sage (Salvia officinalis), lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) and
rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) make a light, refreshing
deodorant. Apple cider vinegar has natural antibacterial
properties.
2 tablespoons dried thyme
2 tablespoons dried sage
2 tablespoons dried lavender
1 tablespoon dried rosemary
1 cup distilled witch hazel
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
Steep herbs in witch hazel in a covered jar for one week.
Strain, and pour into a spray bottle. Add vinegar and shake well.
Spray under arms as needed.