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).