Home Remedies For Bad Body Odor

Many people are concerned with how they come across to others. Depending on what culture one comes from, a certain degree of natural body odor is accepted. However, based on the amount of fragrance being sold for both men and women, humans seem to prefer not to smell the natural odors from the body, so they cover them with perfumed scents. If bad body odor becomes problematic, there are products and remedies available that may help.

Foot Odor

Foot odor is primarily the result of foot perspiration and bacteria that live on the feet and proliferate, sometimes smelling offensive, according to the Columbia University health service site, "Go Ask Alice." Several common home remedies may be helpful in reducing or eliminating offensive foot odor, such as sprinkling cornstarch or baking soda on the feet and in shoes. Another idea is using anti-bacterial soap to wash the feet, removing odor-causing bacteria. In addition, those who suffer from bad foot odor can soak their feet daily in warm Epsom salts or white vinegar, which are both able to reduce bacteria living on the skin and lessen odor.

Vaginal and Breast Odor

Besides the odor of normal vaginal secretions, some women produce excessive perspiration in the groin area, causing unpleasant odor. A similar type of odor may appear especially in women with larger-sized breasts. The odor may be vinegar-like or musty smelling and does not respond even to bathing.

Antiperspirants are typically not safe for use around delicate vaginal tissues, but crystal deodorant stones may provide relief from the perspiration odor around the groin and under breasts. Originally from France, crystal deodorant stones are made from natural mineral salts that aid in keeping bacteria under control and do not irritate the skin, according to the Serendip website from Bryn Mawr College. The crystal stones are safe for use for men and women and can be used as under-arm deodorants, in skin creases and folds where perspiration accumulates, around the groin and under breasts in women. Do not apply crystal stones to the mucus membranes of the vagina.

Mouth Odor

Most people do not like the idea of having bad breath or smelling it in others. Bad breath has a variety of causes, according to Melissa Brown of the Bryn Mawr College website, Serendip. It can be caused by odorous food such as garlic, tooth decay, an upset stomach or smoking cigarettes. Using mouthwashes is helpful in some cases for overcoming bad breath. In addition to mouthwashes, those suffering from halitosis can use lozenges made from licorice, which may reduce or eliminate bad breath, according to "The Magic of Herbs," by David Conway; or, try capsules or tablets made from chlorophyll, which are taken internally and may lessen halitosis and other unacceptable body odor, says Conway. Chlorophyll capsules and licorice lozenges are available at health food stores.