Skin Deep

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.

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.

HERBAL ANTIPERSPIRANT

Sage is strongly astringent and acts as a natural antiperspirant. Clary sage (Salvia sclarea) and lavender essential oils are natural deodorants.

1 ounce distilled witch hazel extract
1 ounce alcohol-based sage extract
10 drops clary sage essential oil
15 drops lavender essential oil

Mix ingredients in a small spray bottle and shake well before using. Spray under arms as needed.

AROMATHERAPY DEODORANT

Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens), lavender and petitgrain (Citrus aurantium) essential oils combined with witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) help neutralize odor-causing bacteria. Cypress and petitgrain also have mild antiperspirant properties.

2 ounces distilled witch hazel extract
10 drops cypress essential oil
10 drops lavender essential oil
10 drops petitgrain essential oil

Mix ingredients in a small spray bottle and shake well before using. Spray under arms.

AROMATHERAPY DEODORANT POWDER

Body powders absorb excess perspiration, and a combination of cypress, lavender and petitgrain essential oils combat odor-causing bacteria. This powder can be used on feet, too.

1/2 cup arrowroot
2 tablespoons white cosmetic clay
10 drops lavender essential oil
10 drops cypress essential oil
10 drops petitgrain essential oil

Mix together arrowroot and cosmetic clay. Add essential oils drop by drop to the powder, mixing well with your fingers. Store in a tightly covered container, and let the mixture sit for a couple of days before using. Apply with a powder puff or with your fingers.

AROMATHERAPY FOOT SPRAY

An aromatherapy foot spray is a convenient way to freshen feet and control odor.

4 ounces distilled witch hazel
10 drops petitgrain essential oil
10 drops cypress essential oil
5 drops patchouli essential oil

Combine witch hazel with essential oils. Shake well, and spray onto your feet twice daily, or more often if desired.

CYPRESS-PATCHOULI FOOT BATH

Soaking your feet in a cypress, lavender and patchouli bath fights the bacteria that cause foot odor. Baking soda helps freshen feet and neutralize unpleasant odors.

1 cup baking soda
5 drops lavender essential oil
3 drops cypress essential oil
2 drops patchouli essential oil

Add baking soda and essential oils to a basin of warm water. Mix the oils into the water with your hand, and soak your feet for 15 minutes.

Laurel Vukovic writes and teaches about herbs from her home in southern Oregon. She is the author of 1001 Natural Remedies (DK, 2003) and Herbal Healing Secrets for Women (Prentice Hall, 2000).