Herbal Cure for Body Odor

Sweating and body odor are, in most instances, a natural function. MotherNature.com even notes body odor contains pheromones that attract the opposite sex. Apocrine glands, found in areas of dense hair follicles, are responsible for the odor. They secrete a fatty substance that, upon reaching the skin's surface, is broken down by bacteria, says MayoClinic.com. If there is a sudden change in the smell of the odor or the amount of sweating, this can indicate a medical problem.

Herbal External

According to "Reader's Digest: 1001 Home Remedies," body odor can be treated with
tea tree oil, a natural extract from the Australian Melaleuca alternifolia tree. The essential oils of other, more global herbs, like lavender, pine and peppermint can also be used; they naturally fight bacteria and smell good. Sage takes things a step further by reducing perspiration and blocking sweat glands. It can be purchased as a kitchen plant, or as a diluted oil or herbal tea for topical use.

Herbal Internal

"Reader's Digest: 1001 Home Remedies" says oral ingestion of herbal remedies can help to reduce body odor. Add spinach, kale and chard to your diet. They have a powerful deodorizing effect because they're rich in chlorophyll. If you don't like the taste of chlorophyll-rich herbs, supplemental tablets can be purchased. Parsley has also been credited with reducing body odor. It can be added to food or made as a tea.

Limitations

Adding these green leafy herbs or herbal teas is not something everyone will enjoy. The external application of these herbs can also stain clothing in some instances. Although they are effective as anti-microbes, killing the bacteria and micro-organisms that react with the secretions of the apocrine glands, notes MotherNature.com, they largely lack the ability to help people suffering from more severe body odor problems.

Alternatives

Consult your doctor before self-treating your body odor. If herbal remedies and over-the-counter antiperspirants don't offer any help, a doctor may recommend a prescription antiperspirant with aluminium chloride -- such as Drysol or Xerac -- notes MayoClinic.com. This is to be applied at night and can cause some skin irritation. For the most severe cases, botulinum toxin injections can be used in areas like the armpits. These tiny injections stop the sweat glands from excreting by killing the nerves that control them, notes Patient UK.

Considerations

MayoClinic.com highlights the importance of a number of everyday habits that can help prevent excess sweating in healthy individuals and thus the occurrence of body odor. The importance of bathing daily is emphasized -- herbal oils like tea tree, lavender and peppermint can be added to your bath water. Clothing that fits well and is made of natural materials such as cotton, silk and wool will help the skin breath. Eliminate odorous foods like caffeine, garlic and onions.