18 Effective Natural Home Remedies To Reduce Body Odour
Everyday pantry ingredients can help banish unwanted smells and restore your freshness.
Body odour is a common concern affecting people of all ages. While sweating is the body’s natural way to regulate temperature and eliminate toxins, excessive or unpleasant odour can undermine self-confidence and social comfort. Fortunately, a variety of natural home remedies can help you manage and reduce body odour safely without resorting to harsh chemicals or synthetic fragrances. This article provides an in-depth guide on effective natural solutions, lifestyle changes, and frequently asked questions about combating body odour.
Understanding Body Odour: Causes and Diagnosis
Body odour, or bromhidrosis, primarily results from the breakdown of sweat by bacteria that inhabit the skin. There are several causes:
- Excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis)
- Bacterial activity on warm, moist skin
- Consumption of spicy foods, garlic, onions, or alcohol
- Hormonal changes during puberty, menstruation, or menopause
- Certain medical conditions or medications
If body odour persists despite improved hygiene or is accompanied by other symptoms, consult a healthcare practitioner. Doctors may conduct a physical examination and request blood or urine tests to determine the underlying cause.
How To Get Rid of Body Odour: 18 Natural Remedies
Below is a comprehensive list of 18 home remedies that can help neutralize body odour and restore fresh confidence:
1. Essential Oils
Tea tree, lavender, and sage oil possess potent antibacterial properties and a pleasant aroma. They may be used as natural deodorizers.
- Mix a few drops of your chosen oil with a carrier oil or water.
- Apply to underarms or odor-prone regions after a shower.
- Perform a patch test first to ensure no skin irritation.
2. Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)
ACV is acidic and has powerful antibacterial qualities, making it a natural remedy for body odour.
- Soak a cotton ball in undiluted ACV and apply it directly to the underarms, feet, or other affected areas. Allow it to air dry.
- Alternatively, dilute half a cup of ACV in one cup of water and pour into a spray bottle to use as a deodorant.
- Use daily as needed.
Why it works: ACV lowers skin pH and inhibits bacteria responsible for foul odour.
3. Epsom Salt
Epsom salt soothes the skin, provides antioxidants, and aids in detoxification.
- Add 2–3 cups of Epsom salt to a bathtub filled with hot water.
- Sit and soak for at least 15–20 minutes.
- Repeat 2–3 times a week.
Why it works: Epsom salt helps the body relax, reduces stress-induced sweat, and may help eliminate surface bacteria.
4. Fenugreek Tea
Fenugreek seeds are known for their antibacterial and detoxifying properties.
- Boil 1–2 teaspoons of fenugreek seeds in water for 10 minutes.
- Strain and drink this tea every morning on an empty stomach.
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Why it works: Fenugreek helps cleanse internal toxins and reduces the root causes of body odour.
5. Fennel
Fennel seeds can help neutralize odour from within.
- Chew a teaspoon of fennel seeds after meals.
- You can also brew fennel tea to aid digestion and prevent bad breath.
6. Green Tea
Green tea contains polyphenols, which reduce sweat and odour-causing bacteria.
- Steep a green tea bag in hot water for a few minutes, let cool, and use the water to cleanse your underarms and feet.
- Drinking green tea daily may also provide internal benefits.
7. Tea Bags
Black tea bags help shrink pores and curb sweating.
- Soak tea bags in warm water and place them on your underarms or feet for 5–10 minutes.
8. Baking Soda
Baking soda absorbs excess moisture and neutralizes odours.
- Mix 1 tablespoon each of baking soda and lemon juice to form a paste.
- Apply to clean underarms and rinse after 2–5 minutes.
- Do a patch test first; discontinue use if irritation occurs.
9. Lemon Juice
Lemon juice contains citric acid, which inhibits bacteria and brightens the skin.
- Rub half a lemon onto the underarms or feet, then rinse after a few minutes.
- Use sparingly if you have sensitive skin.
10. Tomato Juice Bath
Tomato juice helps reduce body odour with its antibacterial and astringent properties.
- Add 1–2 cups of tomato juice to a bath and soak for 10–15 minutes.
- Repeat several times a week for improvement.
11. Milk Of Magnesia
Milk of magnesia, a common antacid, also acts as a gentle deodorant.
- Apply a thin layer to cleansed underarms using cotton pads.
12. Rose Water
Rose water is an astringent that tightens pores and leaves a pleasant scent.
- Mix rose water with a little apple cider vinegar.
- Spray on underarms after bathing or whenever needed.
13. Rubbing Alcohol
Rubbing alcohol kills surface bacteria instantly.
- Apply with a cotton pad to your underarms.
- Use with caution on sensitive skin and avoid open wounds.
14. Witch Hazel
Witch hazel is an astringent that reduces sweat production and lowers skin pH.
- Apply a few drops with a cotton ball to sweat-prone areas daily.
15. Neem Leaves
Neem is prized for its antifungal, antibacterial, and detoxifying properties.
- Grind fresh neem leaves into a paste and apply to body odor-prone areas.
- Alternatively, boil neem leaves in water, strain, and use as a rinse during baths.
- Repeat daily for best results.
16. Arrowroot Powder
Arrowroot naturally absorbs sweat and keeps skin dry.
- Dust clean, dry underarms and feet with arrowroot powder after showering.
17. Parsley
Parsley neutralizes odours and is rich in chlorophyll.
- Chew fresh parsley leaves daily or add to salads and smoothies.
18. Cornstarch & Turmeric
Cornstarch absorbs moisture, while turmeric possesses antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Mix equal parts of cornstarch and turmeric and dust over clean, dry skin.
Lifestyle Adjustments and Preventive Tips
Beyond topical remedies, these lifestyle adjustments can further help in reducing body odour:
- Maintain regular bathing habits and dry skin thoroughly afterward.
- Change clothes, especially underwear and socks, daily.
- Wear breathable, natural fabrics such as cotton and linen.
- Avoid spicy foods, onions, garlic, and alcohol, which may worsen odour.
- Stay hydrated to help flush toxins from the body.
- Shave or trim underarm hair, as hair can trap sweat and bacteria.
When Should You See a Doctor?
Persistent or severe body odour may sometimes point to medical issues such as diabetes, thyroid disorders, metabolic syndromes, or infections. Seek professional advice if you notice:
- Sudden and unexplained changes in body odour
- Odour combined with other symptoms (such as fever, fatigue, weight loss)
- Symptoms persisting despite improved hygiene and home remedies
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Does shaving underarms reduce body odour?
A: Yes. Shaving or trimming underarm hair makes it harder for sweat and bacteria to accumulate, thereby reducing odour.
Q: Can diet affect body odour?
A: Absolutely. Consuming foods like onions, garlic, and spices can intensify body odour, while a diet rich in vegetables, water, and fibre can help minimize it.
Q: How often should these remedies be applied?
A: Most remedies can be used once or twice daily, but frequency depends on individual skin sensitivity and severity of the odour. Always perform a patch test before regular use.
Q: Are there any risks associated with home remedies for body odour?
A: Most natural remedies are safe for healthy individuals, but some may cause irritation or allergic reactions. Discontinue use if adverse reactions occur and consult a physician.
Q: Do medical treatments exist for severe body odour?
A: Yes. Options like antiperspirants, oral medication, Botox injections, and in rare cases, surgery, are available for persistent cases. Medical intervention is reserved for when lifestyle adjustments and home remedies prove insufficient.
Key Takeaways
- Persistent hygiene and lifestyle choices play a crucial role in preventing body odour.
- Natural remedies such as apple cider vinegar, essential oils, baking soda, and neem can be highly effective and gentle alternatives to chemical deodorants.
- If home remedies do not resolve the issue, persistent or confusing odour warrants a visit to your healthcare provider for further evaluation.
References
- https://www.ndtv.com/lifestyle/summer-skincare-tip-5-home-remedies-to-get-rid-of-body-odour-2928918
- https://www.stylecraze.com/articles/effective-home-remedies-for-reducing-body-odour/
- https://www.practo.com/healthfeed/10-natural-remedies-for-treating-body-odour-33708/post
- https://www.stylecraze.com/articles/how-to-get-rid-of-skunk-smell/
- https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/beauty/easy-diy-home-remedies-to-get-rid-of-body-odor/articleshow/92039539.cms
- https://www.thecrystal.com/blogs/news/span-style-color-blue-stylecraze-span-br-9-best-crystal-deodorants-to-keep-body-odor-away-as-per-an-expert-2025
- https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/beauty/7-home-remedies-to-keep-body-odour-at-bay/articleshow/92247820.cms
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HwM-ZOnwiS0
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