By Leen Randell
Updated: Jul 19, 2024
10 Best Herbal Creams For Body Odor
Herbal creams for body odor are topical products infused with natural herbs and essential oils to combat sweat-induced body odor.
These creams help by neutralizing bacteria that cause odor, balancing skin pH, and reducing sweat production.
Examples of herbal creams include tea tree oil and lavender oil-based products, which have been shown to improve lives by boosting confidence and reducing stress related to body odor concerns, allowing individuals to feel more comfortable in their own skin.
The following article describes in detail the most important creams for body odor, including medicinal properties, parts of herbs to use, and recipes for preparations.
- 1. Melaleuca alternifolia
- 2. Lavandula angustifolia
- 3. Cymbopogon citratus
- 4. Santalum album
- 5. Eucalyptus globulus
- 6. Rosmarinus officinalis
- 7. Thymus vulgaris
- 8. Calendula officinalis
- 9. Hypericum perforatum
- 10. Gaultheria procumbens
- What is the best combination of herbal creams to use for body odor?
- What ailments similar to body odor are treated with herbal creams?
1. Melaleuca alternifolia
Melaleuca alternifolia, also known as tea tree, creams helps with body odor because of its potent antifungal and antibacterial properties.
The active compound, terpinen-4-ol, inhibits the growth of odor-causing microorganisms on the skin, reducing the likelihood of body odor.
Additionally, the anti-inflammatory properties of tea tree oil help to soothe and calm the skin, creating a healthy environment that is less conducive to the development of unpleasant odors, promoting overall freshness and confidence.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Melaleuca alternifolia creams that help with body odor.
- Cineole: A monoterpene that has antimicrobial properties, which help reduce the growth of bacteria that cause body odor.
- Linalool: A monoterpene that has antifungal properties, which help prevent the growth of fungi that contribute to body odor.
- Cymene: A hydrocarbon that has antimicrobial properties, which help reduce the growth of bacteria that cause body odor.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of tea tree used to make creams for body odor.
- Leaves: Rich in tea tree oil, which has antimicrobial properties that help combat body odor-causing bacteria.
- Flowers: Contain essential oils that provide antiseptic and antibacterial properties, helping to reduce body odor.
- Stems: Also contain tea tree oil, which contributes to the antimicrobial properties that help combat body odor.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic tea tree for body odor.
- Harvest 500g of fresh melaleuca alternifolia leaves, making sure they are clean and free of contaminants.
- Dry the fresh leaves in a warm place for 7-10 days, or using a dehydrator on 40°c for 24 hours.
- Infuse 250g of dried leaves in 1l of carrier oil, such as sweet almond oil, for 2-3 weeks in a cool dark place.
- Strain the infused oil through cheesecloth and discard the solids, then filter the oil through a coffee filter to remove any remaining impurities.
- Mix 100g of the infused oil with 50g of beeswax and 20g of shea butter, melting the mixture in a double boiler at 60-70°c.
2. Lavandula angustifolia
Lavandula angustifolia, also known as English lavender, creams helps with body odor because of its natural antiseptic and deodorizing properties.
The essential oils present in lavender, such as linalool and linalyl acetate, have antibacterial effects that prevent the growth of odor-causing bacteria on the skin. Additionally, lavender's soothing and calming properties can help reduce stress and anxiety, which are common triggers for excessive sweating and body odor.
This combination makes lavender creams an effective and natural solution for managing body odor.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Lavandula angustifolia creams that help with body odor.
- Linalool: A terpene that helps reduce body odor by inhibiting the growth of bacteria that cause odor on the skin, such as Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli.
- Linalyl acetate: A terpene that contributes to the antimicrobial properties of Lavandula angustifolia, helping to prevent the proliferation of odor-causing bacteria on the skin and reducing body odor.
- Luteolin: A phenolic compound that exhibits antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce sweat and prevent bacterial growth that leads to body odor.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of english lavender used to make creams for body odor.
- Flowers: They are rich in essential oils, particularly linalool and linalyl acetate, which have antimicrobial and antifungal properties that help prevent body odor-causing bacteria.
- Leaves: Like flowers, leaves contain essential oils that have antimicrobial properties, helping to control the growth of odor-causing bacteria on the skin.
- Stems: The stems of Lavandula angustifolia may contain some essential oils, although not as much as flowers or leaves, but they can still contribute to the overall antimicrobial and antifungal properties of creams.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic english lavender for body odor.
- Harvest fresh lavandula angustifolia flowers on a sunny day to ensure optimal oil content and flavor.
- Combine 1 cup of dried lavandula angustifolia flowers with 2 cups of carrier oil in a clean glass jar.
- Steep the mixture in a cool dark place for 2-3 weeks shaking the jar every day.
- Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into another clean glass jar.
- Add 1 tablespoon of beeswax and 1 tablespoon of coconut oil to the oil mixture and heat gently until combined.
3. Cymbopogon citratus
Cymbopogon citratus, also known as lemongrass, creams helps with body odor because of its natural deodorizing properties.
The essential oils present in lemongrass, such as citral and geraniol, have antimicrobial and antifungal properties that help control the growth of bacteria and fungi that cause body odor.
These oils also have a refreshing and invigorating scent that can leave the skin feeling cool and refreshed, helping to eliminate unpleasant body odors and leaving the skin smelling fresh and clean.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Cymbopogon citratus creams that help with body odor.
- Limonene: This terpene helps reduce body odor by inhibiting the growth of bacteria and fungi that cause unpleasant odors, thereby preventing the breakdown of sweat into malodorous compounds.
- Cymbopogonolide: A sesquiterpene lactone, this compound has antimicrobial properties that help control the growth of odor-causing bacteria on the skin, thereby reducing body odor.
- Geranial: A monoterpene, this compound has antiseptic and antibacterial properties that help prevent the growth of bacteria responsible for body odor, thereby promoting a fresher and cleaner body smell.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of lemongrass used to make creams for body odor.
- Leaves: They are used due to their high citral content, which is a natural deodorant and antimicrobial agent.
- Rhyzomes: They are used for their citronella oil, which has deodorizing and insect-repelling properties.
- Stems: They are used for their essential oils, which contain geraniol and citral, contributing to their deodorizing and antimicrobial effects.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic lemongrass for body odor.
- Extract the essential oil from cymbopogon citratus by steam distillation for 2 hours.
- Combine 20 grams of beeswax with 10 grams of coconut oil in a double boiler.
- Mix the essential oil with 50 grams of shea butter and 10 grams of vitamin e oil.
- Add 20 grams of distilled water to the mixture and blend at low speed for 5 minutes.
- Pour the mixture into a container and let it cool and thicken for 30 minutes.
4. Santalum album
Santalum album, also known as sandalwood, creams helps with body odor because of its natural antiseptic and anti-bacterial properties.
The essential oil extracted from the sandalwood tree has been used for centuries to reduce sweat and kill bacteria that cause body odor. By applying sandalwood cream to the skin, it helps to create a barrier that prevents bacteria from growing, thereby reducing the unpleasant smell associated with body odor.
This natural remedy is also known to have a calming effect on the skin, promoting a healthy and fresh scent.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Santalum album creams that help with body odor.
- Santalol: Santalol has antimicrobial properties, which help reduce the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms that contribute to body odor.
- Α-santalene: α-Santalene, a sesquiterpene, exhibits antifungal properties, helping to combat fungal growth on the skin, which can also contribute to unpleasant odors.
- Linalool: Linalool, a terpene, has antiseptic and antifungal properties, which help to reduce the microbial load on the skin and inhibit the production of odor-causing compounds.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of sandalwood used to make creams for body odor.
- Buds: Contain a higher concentration of santalol, making them more effective in controlling body odor and skin infections.
- Barks: Contain santalol, santalenic acid, and other compounds that help in reducing sweat and body odor.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic sandalwood for body odor.
- Harvest 20-30 grams of dried santalum album flowers and leaves from the plant's aerial parts.
- Distill 100-150 ml of herbal oil using a steam distillation apparatus for 3-4 hours.
- Mix 20-30 grams of distilled oil with 30-40 grams of beeswax and 20-30 grams of coconut oil.
- Heat the mixture at 60-70 degrees celsius for 15-20 minutes using a double boiler setup.
- Pour the hot mixture into 100-150 ml glass containers and allow it to cool and solidify completely.
5. Eucalyptus globulus
Eucalyptus globulus, also known as Tasmanian blue gum, creams helps with body odor because of its deodorizing and antimicrobial properties.
The eucalyptol present in Eucalyptus globulus oil has been shown to inhibit the growth of bacteria that cause body odor, such as Staphylococcus aureus and Corynebacterium.
Additionally, its invigorating scent and astringent properties help to keep skin dry and fresh, reducing the likelihood of sweat and bacteria accumulation, which can contribute to unpleasant body odor.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Eucalyptus globulus creams that help with body odor.
- Cineole: Acts as a natural deodorizer and antimicrobial agent, helping to reduce the growth of bacteria that cause body odor.
- Α-terpineol: Exhibits antimicrobial properties, inhibiting the growth of microorganisms that contribute to body odor.
- Caryophyllene oxide: Displays antifungal and antimicrobial activities, helping to control fungal and bacterial growth that may cause body odor.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of tasmanian blue gum used to make creams for body odor.
- Leaves: They contain compounds like eucalyptol, which has antimicrobial properties that help reduce body odor.
- Barks: The bark contains compounds like salicylic acid, which helps to exfoliate and reduce sweat and bacteria that cause body odor.
- Buds: Eucalyptus buds are rich in essential oils that have antiseptic properties, which help to prevent bacterial growth and reduce body odor.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic tasmanian blue gum for body odor.
- Harvest 10 grams of dried eucalyptus globulus leaves for their medicinal properties and add to a heatproof container.
- Steam 20 grams of beeswax in a double boiler for 10 minutes to melt it completely.
- Add 10 grams of shea butter and 10 grams of coconut oil to the melted beeswax and stir well.
- Combine the eucalyptus globulus infusion with the oil mixture and stir well to create a uniform blend.
- Pour the mixture into a clean glass container and let it cool and solidify at room temperature for 30 minutes.
6. Rosmarinus officinalis
Rosmarinus officinalis, also known as rosemary, creams helps with body odor because of its natural antibacterial and antifungal properties.
The essential oils present in rosemary, such as camphor and borneol, have been shown to inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi that cause body odor. Additionally, rosemary contains compounds that help to reduce sweat production and balance the skin's pH, creating an environment that is less conducive to the development of body odor.
This makes rosemary creams a popular natural remedy for body odor issues.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Rosmarinus officinalis creams that help with body odor.
- Caryophyllene oxide: This sesquiterpenoid has antimicrobial properties, which help to reduce the growth of bacteria on the skin that contribute to body odor.
- Rosmarinus acid: A polyphenolic compound with antioxidant and antibacterial properties, which help to neutralize odor-causing compounds and reduce inflammation in the skin.
- Cineole: A monoterpene with antimicrobial and deodorizing properties, which help to inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi that contribute to body odor, while also providing a refreshing and cooling sensation.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of rosemary used to make creams for body odor.
- Leaves: The leaves are rich in antioxidants and antimicrobial properties, making them effective in combating body odor-causing bacteria.
- Flowers: The flowers contain essential oils that have antiseptic and deodorizing properties, helping to control body odor and leave a fresh scent.
- Stems: The stems contain rosmarinic acid, a compound with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce sweat and prevent body odor.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic rosemary for body odor.
- Harvest fresh rosmarinus officinalis leaves and flowers in the morning to ensure highest oil content and potency.
- Clean and dry the harvested rosmarinus officinalis thoroughly to prevent contamination and spoilage.
- Infuse the dried rosmarinus officinalis in a carrier oil like sweet almond oil for 2-3 weeks.
- Strain and filter the infused oil to remove solids and achieve a smooth consistency.
- Mix the infused oil with a moisturizing base like beeswax and shea butter in a double boiler.
7. Thymus vulgaris
Thymus vulgaris, also known as thyme, creams helps with body odor because of its antimicrobial properties.
Thyme's active compounds, such as thymol and carvacrol, inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi that cause body odor. These microorganisms thrive in warm, moist environments, making thyme creams an effective solution for individuals experiencing excessive sweat and body odor.
By reducing the bacterial load, thyme creams promote a fresher and cleaner scent, providing long-lasting relief from body odor.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Thymus vulgaris creams that help with body odor.
- Thymol: Thymol is a phenolic compound that has antimicrobial properties, which help reduce the growth of bacteria that cause body odor.
- Carvacrol: Carvacrol is a phenolic compound that exhibits strong antimicrobial and antifungal properties, which inhibit the growth of microorganisms contributing to body odor.
- Rosmarinus acid: Rosmarinic acid is a phenolic diterpene that has antioxidant properties, which help neutralize the odor-causing compounds produced by bacteria on the skin, thereby reducing body odor.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of thyme used to make creams for body odor.
- Leaves: Thyme leaves are used due to their high concentration of thymol, a natural antiseptic and antibacterial agent that helps combat body odor-causing bacteria.
- Stems: Thyme stems are used for their essential oils, which contain thymol and carvacrol, compounds that have antimicrobial properties and help reduce body odor.
- Flowers: Thyme flowers are used for their essential oils, which contain thymol and other compounds that help control the growth of bacteria responsible for body odor.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic thyme for body odor.
- Harvest thymus vulgaris leaves in the morning after dew has evaporated for best potency.
- Dry the harvested thymus vulgaris leaves in a single layer at 35c for 1 week.
- Combine dried thymus vulgaris leaves with 150ml of coconut oil in a double boiler.
- Heat the mixture in the double boiler at 45c for 2 hours to infuse the oil.
- Strain the infused oil through a cheesecloth into a bowl and store in a cool dark place.
8. Calendula officinalis
Calendula officinalis, also known as pot marigold, creams helps with body odor because of its natural antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.
The plant's active compounds, such as triterpenoids and carotenoids, work to reduce bacterial growth and inflammation that can contribute to body odor. Calendula creams also have a drying effect on the skin, which can help to reduce sweat and moisture that can lead to body odor.
By reducing bacterial growth and inflammation, Calendula creams create an environment that is less conducive to body odor.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Calendula officinalis creams that help with body odor.
- Triterpenoid saponins: These compounds have antimicrobial properties, helping to reduce the growth of bacteria that cause body odor.
- Flavonoids: As antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents, flavonoids help to soothe and calm the skin, reducing irritation and sweat buildup that contributes to body odor.
- Phenolic acids: These compounds exhibit antimicrobial and antifungal properties, which can help control the growth of odor-causing microorganisms on the skin.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of pot marigold used to make creams for body odor.
- Flowers: They are used due to their antimicrobial and antifungal properties, which help to reduce bacteria and odor-causing microorganisms on the skin.
- Leaves: They are used because of their ability to inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi, thereby reducing body odor and promoting a healthy skin environment.
- Roots: They are used due to their antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, which help to soothe and protect the skin from irritation and odor-causing infections.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic pot marigold for body odor.
- Harvest 20 fresh calendula flowers at peak bloom to ensure potency and optimal oil content.
- Dry the flowers in a warm place for 7-10 days to reduce moisture and preserve properties.
- Combine 1 cup dried calendula flowers with 2 cups carrier oil in a clean glass jar.
- Steep the mixture in a cool dark place for 2-4 weeks to allow for oil extraction and infusion.
- Strain the mixture through cheesecloth and whip the resulting infused oil with 1/2 cup beeswax to create a smooth cream consistency.
9. Hypericum perforatum
Hypericum perforatum, also known as St John's Wort, creams helps with body odor because of its antibacterial and antifungal properties.
The active compounds in St John's Wort, such as hyperforin and hypericin, inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi that cause body odor. These compounds also have anti-inflammatory properties, which help to reduce redness and irritation associated with body odor.
By applying St John's Wort cream to the affected area, individuals can experience a reduction in body odor and improved skin health.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Hypericum perforatum creams that help with body odor.
- Naphthoquinones: Naphthoquinones, particularly hypericin and hyperforin, have been found to exhibit antifungal properties, which can help control the growth of microorganisms responsible for body odor.
- Flavonoids: Flavonoids present in Hypericum perforatum, such as quercetin and kaempferol, possess antibacterial and antifungal properties, helping to reduce the population of odor-causing bacteria on the skin.
- Tannins: Tannins in Hypericum perforatum creams can help bind to and neutralize the enzymes responsible for producing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) associated with body odor, thereby reducing their intensity.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of st john's wort used to make creams for body odor.
- Leaves: They contain flavonoids, which have antifungal and antibacterial properties to combat body odor-causing microorganisms.
- Flowers: They possess anthraquinones, which have antimicrobial and antifungal properties to prevent the growth of odor-causing bacteria and fungi.
- Seeds: They contain hyperforin, a compound with antibacterial and antifungal properties that can help control body odor.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic st john's wort for body odor.
- Harvest 30 grams of dried hypericum perforatum flowers and leaves to create the herbal base.
- Infuse the herbal base in 100 milliliters of cold-pressed olive oil for 2 weeks at room temperature.
- Strain the infused oil through a cheesecloth and discard the solids after 48 hours of infusion.
- Mix the strained oil with 20 grams of beeswax and 10 grams of shea butter in a double boiler.
- Heat the mixture at 160 degrees fahrenheit for 10 minutes and pour it into sterilized jars.
10. Gaultheria procumbens
Gaultheria procumbens, also known as wintergreen, creams helps with body odor because of its natural antimicrobial and antifungal properties.
The methyl salicylate present in wintergreen has been shown to inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi that cause body odor. Additionally, the astringent properties of wintergreen help to reduce sweat production and kill bacteria that thrive in moist environments, thereby reducing the occurrence of body odor.
This makes wintergreen creams a popular choice for those seeking a natural solution to body odor.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Gaultheria procumbens creams that help with body odor.
- Bornyl acetate: This terpene constituent has antimicrobial properties, helping to reduce the growth of odor-causing bacteria on the skin.
- Gaultherin: As a phenolic constituent, Gaultherin has antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, which can help eliminate bacteria and fungi that contribute to body odor.
- Bornol: This terpene constituent has been shown to exhibit antimicrobial and antifungal properties, which can help control the growth of microorganisms that cause body odor.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of wintergreen used to make creams for body odor.
- Roots: Rich in essential oils and phenolic compounds, including salicin, which contribute to its deodorizing and antimicrobial properties.
- Leaves: Used for their high concentration of essential oils and organic compounds that help to reduce body odor-causing bacteria.
- Barks: Contain salicin and other compounds that help to reduce inflammation and prevent bacterial growth, thereby minimizing body odor.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic wintergreen for body odor.
- Harvest fresh gaultheria procumbens leaves and stems in the early morning when the plant is at its highest moisture level.
- Dry the harvested gaultheria procumbens leaves and stems in a warm well-ventilated area for 7-10 days.
- Combine 2 ounces of dried gaultheria procumbens leaves and stems with 8 ounces of base cream in a double boiler.
- Simmer the mixture over low heat for 30-40 minutes while stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.
- Strain the cooled mixture through a cheesecloth and transfer the resulting cream to a sterilized container for storage.
What is the best combination of herbal creams to use for body odor?
The best combination of herbal creams that help with body odor is a blend of tea tree oil, neem, and lemongrass.
Tea tree oil has antifungal and antibacterial properties that combat odor-causing bacteria. Neem oil's antiseptic properties help reduce sweat and prevent bacterial growth, while lemongrass oil's deodorizing properties leave a refreshing scent. Together, these creams create a powerful synergy that not only reduces body odor but also promotes healthy skin and a fresher, cleaner feel.
Apply after showering for optimal results.
What ailments similar to body odor are treated with herbal creams?
Ailments similar to body odor that are treated with herbal creams are eczema, acne, and hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating).
Herbal creams containing ingredients like tea tree oil, aloe vera, and lavender can help soothe and calm irritated skin, reduce inflammation, and prevent bacterial growth.
These natural remedies can provide relief from symptoms such as itching, redness, and discomfort associated with these conditions.