Body Odor: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

Body odor is an unpleasant and persistent smell that occurs when bacteria on the skin break down sweat.

It is primarily caused by poor hygiene, excessive sweating, and hormonal imbalances. If left unmanaged, body odor can lead to low self-esteem, social anxiety, and even infections. To combat body odor, herbal remedies such as tea tree oil, lemongrass, and neem have been found to be effective in reducing bacteria growth and neutralizing odors.

When using these herbs, it's essential to use them in moderation and in combination with a balanced diet and regular hygiene practices to avoid any adverse reactions.

This article explains in detail what are the causes of body odor, what medicinal herbs to use to relieve this problem and how to prepare these herbs to get the best results.

What are the main causes of body odor?

The main causes of body odor are apocrine glands' production of sweat rich in proteins and fatty acids, which are broken down by bacteria on the skin's surface, such as Staphylococcus epidermidis and Corynebacterium spp., into compounds like isovaleric acid, indole, and skatole.

These compounds are then volatile and evaporate, releasing a strong, unpleasant smell. Factors that increase the risk of body odor include hormonal changes, certain medical conditions like hyperhidrosis and diabetes, and the use of certain medications like anxiolytics and antidepressants. Poor hygiene, such as infrequent showering or bathing, and a diet high in sulfur-containing foods like garlic and cruciferous vegetables can also contribute to body odor.

Furthermore, genetic predisposition, age, and environmental factors like heat and humidity can all impact an individual's susceptibility to body odor.

• Sweat: Sweat is a primary contributor to body odor as bacteria on the skin break down the sweat's amino acids, resulting in the production of compounds with strong, unpleasant smells.
• Bacteria: Bacteria, particularly those from the genus Corynebacterium, thrive in warm, moist environments and feed on sweat, leading to the production of odor-causing compounds.
• Poor Hygiene: Inadequate showering or bathing, not changing clothes regularly, and not wearing clean underwear can all contribute to body odor as bacteria and sweat accumulate on the skin and clothing.
• Diet: Consuming foods high in sulfur, such as garlic and onions, and those that are high in protein, like fish and meat, can increase the production of compounds that contribute to body odor.
• Hormonal Changes: Hormonal fluctuations during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause can lead to increased sweat production and changes in body odor.
• Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions, including hyperhidrosis, diabetes, and liver or kidney disease, can cause increased sweat production and body odor.
• Antiperspirants and Deodorants: Using certain antiperspirants and deodorants that contain aluminum and other chemicals can lead to the growth of bacteria that contribute to body odor.
• Stress: High levels of stress can cause an increase in sweat production and alter the body's natural pH balance, leading to changes in body odor.
• Age: As people age, their sweat glands become less efficient, leading to a decrease in sweat production and a change in body odor.
• Genetics: Genetic factors can influence an individual's body odor, as some people may be more prone to excessive sweat production or have a unique body chemistry that contributes to body odor.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for body odor?

The main medicinal herbs used for body odor are Cymbopogon citratus, Melaleuca alternifolia, Eucalyptus globulus, Zingiber officinale, Curcuma longa, Cinnamomum zeylanicum, Aloe barbadensis, Cymbopogon nardus, Rosmarinus officinalis, Lavandula angustifolia.

Cymbopogon citratus, also known as lemongrass, is known for its antifungal and antibacterial properties that help reduce bacterial overgrowth on the skin, a common cause of body odor. Melaleuca alternifolia, or tea tree oil, exhibits antimicrobial properties that inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi causing body odor. Eucalyptus globulus, with its decongestant and antibacterial properties, helps to reduce sweat and kill bacteria that contribute to body odor.

Other herbs such as Zingiber officinale (ginger), Curcuma longa (turmeric), Cinnamomum zeylanicum (cinnamon), Aloe barbadensis (aloe vera), Cymbopogon nardus (citronella), Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary), and Lavandula angustifolia (lavender) also possess antimicrobial and antifungal properties that aid in reducing body odor.

• Cymbopogon citratus: Cymbopogon citratus, also known as lemongrass, helps with body odor by its antimicrobial properties which inhibit the growth of bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli that cause body odor.
• Melaleuca alternifolia: Melaleuca alternifolia, also known as tea tree oil, helps with body odor by its antimicrobial and antifungal properties which reduce the population of bacteria and fungi that cause body odor.
• Eucalyptus globulus: Eucalyptus globulus, also known as eucalyptus oil, helps with body odor by its decongestant and antimicrobial properties which reduce sweat and inhibit the growth of bacteria that cause body odor.
• Zingiber officinale: Zingiber officinale, also known as ginger, helps with body odor by its antibacterial properties which inhibit the growth of bacteria that cause body odor and its ability to reduce inflammation and sweating.
• Curcuma longa: Curcuma longa, also known as turmeric, helps with body odor by its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties which reduce the population of bacteria that cause body odor and alleviate inflammation associated with sweating.
• Cinnamomum zeylanicum: Cinnamomum zeylanicum, also known as cinnamon, helps with body odor by its antimicrobial and antifungal properties which reduce the population of bacteria and fungi that cause body odor.
• Aloe barbadensis: Aloe barbadensis, also known as aloe vera, helps with body odor by its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties which reduce the population of bacteria that cause body odor and alleviate inflammation associated with sweating.
• Cymbopogon nardus: Cymbopogon nardus, also known as citronella, helps with body odor by its antimicrobial and antifungal properties which reduce the population of bacteria and fungi that cause body odor.
• Rosmarinus officinalis: Rosmarinus officinalis, also known as rosemary, helps with body odor by its antimicrobial and antioxidant properties which reduce the population of bacteria that cause body odor and protect against oxidative stress associated with sweating.
• Lavandula angustifolia: Lavandula angustifolia, also known as lavender, helps with body odor by its antimicrobial and antifungal properties which reduce the population of bacteria and fungi that cause body odor and promote a sense of relaxation and reduced sweating.

What are the main herbal preparations used for body odor?

The main herbal preparations used for body odor are Decoction, Tincture, Cream, Powder, Salve, Capsule, Gel, Tea, Ointure, Essential Oil.

Decoction is a liquid solution made by boiling herbs such as neem, sage, or tea tree in water, which is then used as a foot soak or bath to reduce sweat and body odor. Tincture is a concentrated liquid extract of herbs like tea tree, lavender, or lemongrass, often used as a natural deodorant or antiperspirant to inhibit the growth of odor-causing bacteria. Cream and Powder are topical preparations containing antimicrobial herbs like tea tree, lavender, or chamomile, applied to the skin to reduce sweat and body odor, while Salve and Ointment are thicker, greasier preparations for skin conditions like athlete's foot.

Capsule and Gel are oral or topical preparations containing herbs like garlic, parsley, or sage, which are believed to reduce sweat and body odor by improving circulation and digestion, while Tea and Essential Oil are used as a natural deodorant or perfume to mask body odor, with the latter often used as a natural insect repellent.

• Decoction: A decoction of the leaves of the plant Plantago major can help with body odor by reducing the bacterial load on the skin due to the presence of antibacterial compounds such as aucubin and caffeic acid.
• Tincture: A tincture of the roots of the plant Valeriana officinalis can help with body odor by reducing sweat and killing bacteria on the skin due to the presence of valerenic acids and other volatile compounds.
• Cream: A cream made from the oil of the plant Melaleuca alternifolia can help with body odor by reducing the growth of bacteria on the skin due to the presence of terpinen-4-ol, an antibacterial compound.
• Powder: A powder of the dried leaves of the plant Cymbopogon citratus can help with body odor by reducing sweat and killing bacteria on the skin due to the presence of limonene and other volatile compounds.
• Salve: A salve made from the oil of the plant Calendula officinalis can help with body odor by reducing inflammation and killing bacteria on the skin due to the presence of triterpenoid compounds.
• Capsule: A capsule containing the dried roots of the plant Echinacea purpurea can help with body odor by reducing inflammation and boosting the immune system, which can help reduce the bacterial load on the skin.
• Gel: A gel made from the oil of the plant Aloe barbadensis can help with body odor by reducing inflammation and killing bacteria on the skin due to the presence of aloin and other compounds.
• Tea: A tea made from the leaves of the plant Camellia sinensis can help with body odor by reducing sweat and killing bacteria on the skin due to the presence of catechins and other polyphenolic compounds.
• Ointment: An ointment made from the oil of the plant Lavandula angustifolia can help with body odor by reducing stress and anxiety, which can contribute to body odor, due to the presence of linalool and other volatile compounds.
• Essential Oil: An essential oil made from the leaves of the plant Cymbopogon nardus can help with body odor by reducing sweat and killing bacteria on the skin due to the presence of geraniol and other volatile compounds.