Natural Cures Guide

Hollywood legend has it that great actor Rex Harrison had bad breath and that famed forties pin-up Betty Grable battled body odor. So don’t feel singled out if, in your natural state, you smell a bit more natural than you (and your friends) would prefer. When it’s not a hygiene problem and you didn’t step in anything during your lunch time stroll, something else can be to blame.

Body odor comes from the skin, which produces two different types of sweat from two different types of sweat glands: eccrine and apocrine. These glands do their thing in response not only to heat, but also to stress, anger, nervousness, and sexual excitement. Bacteria that thrive on secretion from the apocrine sweat glands can grow and multiply, producing and aroma that comes from the bacteria breaking down the fluids on sweat.

Body odor can also be caused by skin infections. The most common of these is athlete’s foot. But body odor can also be a result of serious diseases of the liver and kidney, conditions that you want to diagnose as soon as possible for the best treatment. If yours persists, see your doctor for help.

Herbal Remedies

Sage (Salvia officinalis)

Compounds found in sage can dry up perspiration, while the oils contained in sage are antiseptic. Using sage on the skin can help lessen a body odor problem caused by perspiration or by infectious agents. One way to use the herb is as a body in a tea made from sage. Sage tea helps reduce excessive sweating (steep 2 teaspoons of dried herb in 1 cup of hot water for 5 minutes). Caution: If used internally, take small amounts as needed rather than taking routinely. Prolonged use can result in dizziness, hot flashes , and seizures. Do not use internally if you are pregnant or nursing.

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)

This aromatic culinary herb contains agents that are antiseptic and antibiotic. Its piney scent is also refreshing. Use the ground, dried herb as a body powder to treat odor caused by perspiration and bacteria or by fungus on the skin. You can also make a tea from rosemary to use as a body wash (steep 1 teaspoon of dried leaf in 1 cup of hot water for 10 to 15 minutes). Caution: If irritation occurs, discontinue use.

Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)

As early as the tenth century A.D., the mystic Hildegard of Bingen recommended fennel seed as a treatment for body odor. At Indian restaurants you might see fennel seeds instead of after-dinner mints. Fennel not only improves digestion but also can reduce bad breath and body odor that originates in the intestines. Typical dosage: Eat whole seeds after a meal as desired; or drink 1 cup of tea per day (simmer 2 to 3 teaspoons of crushed seeds in 1 cup of water for 10 to 15 minutes).

Sweet-Smelling Body Powder

You can use this powder under the arms or wherever odor originates.

1/2 cup cornstarch

1/2 cup baking soda

1 tablespoon ground sage

1 tablespoon ground rosemary

Mix ingredients together.

Zinc deficiency may contribute to body odor. If this might be the case for you, check out the following foods, which are rich in zinc, to add to your diet.

* Spinach

* Whole grains

* Legumes

* Rice

* Nuts