How to Use Herbs to Reduce Body Odor

Body odor is caused by bacteria that thrive on secretions from the sweat glands. An unpleasant aroma is produced as the bacteria break down the fluids in sweat. There are many herbs that can be used to inhibit the growth of these bacteria and reduce body odor as a result.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 1 tsp. dried rosemary 1/2 cup cornstarch 1/2 cup baking soda 1 tbsp. ground sage 1 tbsp. ground rosemary Low tub or jar with lid 3 tsp. crushed fennel seeds Zinc supplement

1. Make a tea from dried rosemary leaves to use as a body wash. Rosemary is an antiseptic and prevents body odor caused by perspiration and bacteria. Steep 1 tsp. of dried rosemary in 1 cup of boiling water for 15 minutes. Apply in the shower as a final rinse to underarms and other areas where body odor originates.

2. After showering, apply a body powder made from ground sage and rosemary. These herbs reduce body odor caused by perspiration or infectious agents. Combine cornstarch, baking soda, ground sage and ground rosemary. Store in a low tub or jar with a tight fitting lid. Apply to the underarms after your regular deodorant and to the body anywhere that odor is a problem.

3. Drink one cup of fennel tea per day to reduce body odor that originates in the intestines. Steep the crushed fennel seeds in one cup of boiling water for 15 minutes, then strain and sweeten with honey, if desired.

4. A deficiency of zinc may be a cause of body odor. Take a zinc supplement once per day to reduce body odor and increase your intake of foods rich in zinc such as spinach, nuts, legumes and rice.

Tips & Warnings

• Fennel seeds can also be eaten whole after meals in addition to or instead of drinking the tea to reduce body odor. If rosemary proves to be irritating to the skin, a body wash can be made with 1 tsp. of dried sage instead. Prepare according to the instructions in step 1.
• If body odor persists or becomes worse, consult a health care professional. Body odor can be an indication of serious diseases of the liver and kidneys. If any irritation is experienced from the external use of rosemary, discontinue using the herb immediately. The body powder may be made without rosemary, if necessary.

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[lacurcio]

on 11/2/2008 This sounds like a wonderful alternative! I bet it smells great!