10 best herbal essential oils for body odor

Herbal essential oils for body odor are concentrated plant extracts that can effectively combat unpleasant body smells.

These oils work by balancing the body's natural pH levels, reducing sweat production, and eliminating bacteria that cause odor-causing compounds to form. Examples of herbal essential oils that help with body odor include tea tree oil, lavender oil, and lemongrass oil.

By using these oils in a diffuser or applying them topically, individuals can experience improved confidence and reduced anxiety related to body odor, leading to a better quality of life.

The following article describes in detail the most important essential oils for body odor, including medicinal properties, parts of herbs to use, and recipes for preparations.

1. Melaleuca alternifolia

Tea tree essential oils helps with body odor because of its natural antimicrobial properties that target and eliminate bacteria responsible for causing body odor.

When applied topically or added to bathwater, tea tree oil creates an environment that is inhospitable to the growth of odor-causing microorganisms. Additionally, its deodorizing properties help neutralize existing odors, leaving skin feeling fresh and clean.

As a result, tea tree essential oils provide a natural and effective way to combat body odor and leave you feeling confident and comfortable in your own skin.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in tea tree essential oils that aid with body odor.

• Antimicrobial properties: Tea tree oil's antimicrobial properties help to eliminate bacteria that cause body odor, such as Corynebacterium and Staphylococcus aureus.
• Deodorizing properties: Tea tree oil's deodorizing properties neutralize sweat and reduce the formation of compounds responsible for unpleasant odors, leaving skin feeling fresh and clean.
• Antifungal properties: Tea tree oil's antifungal properties help to prevent fungal overgrowth, which can contribute to body odor issues by breaking down sweat and producing compounds with unpleasant smells.

The list below shows the primary parts of tea tree used to make essential oils for body odor.

• Leaves: Known for their antimicrobial properties, tea tree leaves are used to create essential oil that helps combat bacteria and fungi causing body odor.
• Buds: The young buds of the tea tree plant contain high levels of terpenes, which provide a natural deodorizing effect and help reduce sweat-causing bacteria.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic tea tree for body odor.

1. Harvest fresh leaves of melaleuca alternifolia and clean them thoroughly under running water.
2. Steam distill the cleaned leaves in a stainless steel apparatus at atmospheric pressure for 3 hours.
3. Collect the yielded essential oil and filter it through a coffee filter paper to remove impurities.
4. Transfer the filtered essential oil into dark glass bottles with tight-fitting lids and store them in cool places.
5. Label each bottle with the date of extraction and use it within 6 months or add a few drops to your bath water for immediate relief.

2. Lavandula angustifolia

English lavender essential oils helps with body odor because of its natural antimicrobial properties that inhibit the growth of bacteria, which is a primary cause of body odor.

Additionally, lavender's calming effects can help reduce sweat gland activity, leading to less moisture and a decrease in the amount of substances that contribute to body odor.

Furthermore, lavender's deodorizing properties can freshen and purify the skin, leaving it feeling clean and refreshed.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in english lavender essential oils that aid with body odor.

• Antimicrobial properties: Lavender oil's antimicrobial properties help to inhibit the growth of bacteria that can cause body odor, reducing the need for frequent deodorant or antiperspirant applications.
• Antifungal properties: Lavender oil's antifungal properties combat fungal overgrowth in the body, which is a common contributor to body odor and sweat-based infections like athlete's foot and candidiasis.
• Anti-inflammatory properties: Lavender oil's anti-inflammatory properties help reduce redness, irritation, and itching associated with skin conditions that can contribute to body odor, such as eczema and acne.

The list below shows the primary parts of english lavender used to make essential oils for body odor.

• Roots: The roots of the English lavender plant contain a high concentration of sesquiterpenes, which have natural antibacterial and antifungal properties, making them effective in controlling body odor.
• Flowers: The flowers of the English lavender plant are rich in linalool, a compound that has been shown to possess antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, helping to reduce sweat and prevent bacterial growth.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic english lavender for body odor.

1. Harvest high-quality fresh lavandula angustifolia flowers in the morning.
2. Dry the harvested flowers using a food dehydrator or air drying method.
3. Create a botanical mixture by combining dried lavender flowers with a carrier oil.
4. Steep the botanical mixture in a warm dark place for several weeks.
5. Filter and bottle the resulting essential oil using cheesecloth or a coffee filter.

3. Cymbopogon citratus

Lemongrass essential oils helps with body odor because of its natural antifungal and antibacterial properties.

The oil's citral and geraniol compounds work together to reduce bacteria growth on the skin, which is a common cause of body odor. Additionally, lemongrass essential oil has a deodorizing effect, helping to eliminate unpleasant sweat smells.

As a result, incorporating lemongrass essential oil into one's daily routine can leave skin feeling fresher and more confident throughout the day.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in lemongrass essential oils that aid with body odor.

• Antimicrobial properties: Lemongrass essential oil has been shown to possess antimicrobial properties, which can help combat bacteria and fungi that cause body odor by reducing their growth and activity.
• Deodorizing properties: The oil's deodorizing properties can help eliminate or reduce unpleasant body odor by neutralizing sweat and controlling the growth of bacteria that cause odors.
• Antifungal properties: Lemongrass essential oil has antifungal properties, which can help prevent the growth of fungi that can contribute to body odor, especially in areas prone to moisture like armpits and feet.

The list below shows the primary parts of lemongrass used to make essential oils for body odor.

• Roots: Lemongrass roots are prized for their anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, making them effective in treating bacterial infections that cause body odor.
• Rhyzomes: The rhyzome, a type of underground stem, contains compounds that help to reduce sweat and eliminate bacteria that contribute to body odor.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic lemongrass for body odor.

1. Harvest fresh cymbopogon citratus leaves in the morning for optimal aroma and potency.
2. Cleanly chop 500g of harvested leaves into small pieces using scissors or pruning shears.
3. Steam distill the chopped leaves in a still for 4 hours at a temperature range of 80-100°c.
4. Collect and filter the resulting essential oil from the distillation process using coffee filters or cotton cloth.
5. Store the final essential oil in dark glass bottles with tight-fitting lids and keep them refrigerated to maintain potency.

4. Rosmarinus officinalis

Rosemary essential oils helps with body odor because of its natural antibacterial, antifungal, and deodorizing properties.

When applied topically to the skin, rosemary oil can help eliminate bacteria that cause sweat to become smelly. It also has a pleasant, herbaceous scent that masks unpleasant odors, leaving the body smelling fresh and clean.

Additionally, rosemary oil's antimicrobial properties help to reduce the growth of microorganisms that contribute to body odor.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in rosemary essential oils that aid with body odor.

• Antimicrobial properties: Rosemary essential oil has antimicrobial properties that help kill bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms that can cause body odor. This reduces the amount of odor-causing compounds produced by these organisms.
• Antifungal properties: Rosemary essential oil's antifungal properties help combat fungal infections such as athlete's foot or ringworm, which can contribute to unpleasant body odors. By reducing fungal growth, rosemary essential oil helps prevent these infections from causing bad smells.
• Deodorizing and astringent properties: Rosemary essential oil has deodorizing and astringent properties that help eliminate existing body odor and reduce sweat production. This leaves the skin feeling fresh and clean, with reduced likelihood of new odors forming.

The list below shows the primary parts of rosemary used to make essential oils for body odor.

• Leaves: The leaves of the rosemary plant are rich in antioxidants and camphor, which have natural antibacterial properties that help combat body odor.
• Stems: Rosemary stems contain a high concentration of verbenone, a natural compound that has been shown to reduce sweat and prevent the growth of bacteria that can cause body odor.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic rosemary for body odor.

1. Harvest fresh rosmarinus officinalis leaves in the early morning when they are at their highest concentration of fragrance compounds.
2. Dry the harvested leaves using a food dehydrator or by spreading them out in a single layer on paper towels for 24 hours.
3. Steam distill 100g of dried rosmarinus officinalis leaves with 500ml of water at 100°c for 30 minutes to extract the essential oil.
4. Separate the resulting essential oil from the water using a glass separating funnel and store it in dark glass bottles with tight-fitting lids.
5. Allow the essential oil to mature for at least 24 hours before use, shaking the bottle occasionally to ensure even distribution of fragrance compounds.

5. Calendula officinalis

Pot marigold essential oils helps with body odor because of its natural antimicrobial and antifungal properties.

These properties help to reduce the bacteria that thrive on the skin's surface, causing unpleasant odors. The oil also has astringent and antiseptic qualities that help to dry out the skin and reduce sweat production, making it an effective natural remedy for reducing body odor.

Additionally, pot marigold essential oils have been known to help soothe and calm the skin, reducing irritation and inflammation caused by excessive sweating.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in pot marigold essential oils that aid with body odor.

• Antimicrobial properties: Pot marigold essential oil exhibits antimicrobial activity against a wide range of bacteria, fungi, and yeast, helping to reduce the growth of microorganisms that can cause body odor.
• Anti-inflammatory properties: The anti-inflammatory compounds in pot marigold essential oil help soothe and calm the skin, reducing redness and irritation associated with sweat and body odor.
• Antioxidant properties: Pot marigold essential oil's antioxidant activity helps neutralize free radicals that can damage skin cells and contribute to unpleasant body odors, promoting healthy skin and a fresh scent.

The list below shows the primary parts of pot marigold used to make essential oils for body odor.

• Roots: Rich in antibacterial and antifungal properties, roots help combat bacteria and fungi that contribute to body odor.
• Seeds: Containing antimicrobial compounds, seeds provide a natural defense against microorganisms that cause unpleasant odors.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic pot marigold for body odor.

1. Harvest calendula flowers at peak blooming stage for optimal potency and sweet aroma.
2. Dry the harvested flowers in a well-ventilated area or using desiccants for 7-10 days.
3. Steam distill dried calendula flowers with water in a ratio of 1:4 at 100°c for 30 minutes.
4. Collect and filter the essential oil from distillation condensate using coffee filters or cotton cloths.
5. Store the resulting calendula essential oil in dark glass bottles with tight lids at room temperature.

6. Thymus vulgaris

Thyme essential oils helps with body odor because of its natural antimicrobial and antifungal properties, which effectively combat bacteria and fungi that cause unpleasant sweat and body odor.

When applied topically or diffused in the air, thyme oil creates a protective barrier on the skin, preventing the growth of these microorganisms and reducing the occurrence of body odor.

Additionally, its deodorizing properties help to eliminate existing odors, leaving you feeling fresher and more confident throughout the day.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in thyme essential oils that aid with body odor.

• Antimicrobial property: Thyme essential oil has been shown to inhibit the growth of bacteria, fungi, and protozoa that cause body odor, helping to eliminate these microorganisms and reduce unpleasant odors.
• Antifungal property: Thyme essential oil's antifungal properties help combat fungal infections like athlete's foot and ringworm, which can contribute to body odor by causing excessive sweating or skin irritation.
• Deodorizing property: Thyme essential oil has a natural deodorizing effect that helps neutralize unpleasant odors caused by sweat and bacteria, leaving the body smelling fresh and clean.

The list below shows the primary parts of thyme used to make essential oils for body odor.

• Roots: Thyme roots are valued for their earthy, grounding properties that help balance and purify the body's natural scent.
• Leaves: Thyme leaves contain high concentrations of antioxidants and antimicrobial compounds that help combat bacteria and fungi causing body odor.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic thyme for body odor.

1. Harvest fresh thymus vulgaris leaves from your garden or a trusted supplier weighing approximately 500 grams.
2. Dry the harvested leaves in a warm air circulation oven at 35 degrees celsius for six hours to preserve quality and potency.
3. Crush the dried thymus vulgaris leaves into a coarse powder using a mortar and pestle taking about 30 minutes to complete.
4. Steam distill the powdered thymus vulgaris leaves with distilled water in a copper still for four hours at atmospheric pressure extracting the essential oil.
5. Filter the resulting essential oil mixture through a coffee filter or cheesecloth into a dark glass bottle, yielding approximately 20 milliliters of pure thymus vulgaris essential oil.

7. Hydrastis canadensis

Goldenseal essential oils helps with body odor because of its potent antimicrobial properties, which work to eliminate bacteria that cause unpleasant smells.

The oil's active compound, berberine, has been shown to inhibit the growth of these bacteria, reducing their ability to break down sweat and produce odorous compounds.

Additionally, goldenseal's natural astringent properties help to tighten pores, allowing for more effective sweating and reduced moisture buildup, further contributing to a fresher, cleaner scent.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in goldenseal essential oils that aid with body odor.

• Tea tree oil (melaleuca alternifolia): Has antibacterial properties that can help eliminate bacteria that cause body odor.
• Lavender oil (lavandula angustifolia): May help reduce sweat production and promote a sense of freshness and cleanliness.
• Geranium oil (pelargonium graveolens): May help balance hormone levels, which can contribute to body odor.

The list below shows the primary parts of goldenseal used to make essential oils for body odor.

• Roots: Rich in berberine, a natural antibacterial agent that helps combat body odor-causing bacteria.
• Barks: Containing berberine and other bioactive compounds, barks are effective at reducing sweat and body odor.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic goldenseal for body odor.

1. Harvest 2 cups of fresh hydrastis canadensis roots and wash them thoroughly with distilled water.
2. Chop the roots into small pieces and soak them in 4 cups of vodka for 48 hours.
3. Strain the mixture through cheesecloth or a coffee filter and discard the solids.
4. Transfer the liquid to a dark glass bottle and store it in a cool place for 14 days.
5. Filter the liquid again and dilute it with distilled water to create a 10% essential oil solution.

8. Mentha x piperita

Peppermint essential oils helps with body odor because of its natural deodorizing properties.

The oil's menthol content has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects, which help to reduce sweat production and eliminate bacteria that cause unpleasant odors. Additionally, peppermint oil's refreshing and cooling sensation can also help to increase blood circulation, promoting a healthy skin environment that is less conducive to body odor.

This natural remedy can be used in combination with other antiperspirants or deodorants for added effectiveness.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in peppermint essential oils that aid with body odor.

• Antimicrobial property: Peppermint essential oil's antimicrobial properties help kill bacteria that cause body odor, reducing the production of odor-causing compounds.
• Anti-inflammatory property: Peppermint essential oil's anti-inflammatory properties soothe and calm the skin, reducing irritation and inflammation that can contribute to body odor.
• Cooling and decongestant property: Peppermint essential oil's cooling and decongestant properties help reduce sweat production, which can reduce the occurrence of body odor.

The list below shows the primary parts of peppermint used to make essential oils for body odor.

• Roots: The roots of peppermint are rich in menthol and other bioactive compounds that help to reduce sweat and body odor, making them a popular choice for aromatherapy.
• Leaves: The leaves of peppermint contain high amounts of menthone, which has natural deodorizing properties and helps to eliminate bacteria that cause body odor.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic peppermint for body odor.

1. Harvest fresh peppermint leaves from a pesticide-free garden or farm on a sunny day.
2. Dry the freshly harvested peppermint leaves using a food dehydrator at 35°c for 8 hours.
3. Steam distill 100g of dried peppermint leaves in 500ml of distilled water for 30 minutes.
4. Separate the essential oil from the distilled water using a separator or sedimentation method within 2 hours.
5. Store the extracted mentha x piperita essential oil in a dark glass bottle with a tight-fitting lid at room temperature for up to 12 months.

9. Eucalyptus globulus

Tasmanian blue gum essential oils helps with body odor because of its natural antimicrobial properties, which work to combat bacteria that cause unpleasant odors.

The oil's compounds have been shown to inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi on the skin, reducing sweat-induced odor-causing agents.

Additionally, Tasmanian blue gum essential oils' deodorizing properties help to neutralize existing body odor, leaving the skin feeling refreshed and confident.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in tasmanian blue gum essential oils that aid with body odor.

• Antimicrobial properties: This property helps to eliminate bacteria and other microorganisms that cause body odor by inhibiting their growth and reproduction.
• Decongestant and anti-inflammatory properties: Tasmanian Blue Gum essential oil's decongestant and anti-inflammatory properties can help reduce sweat gland activity, which in turn reduces the amount of odor-causing compounds produced by bacteria on the skin.
• Antioxidant properties: As an antioxidant, Tasmanian Blue Gum essential oil can help neutralize free radicals that can contribute to body odor by breaking down proteins and fats on the skin.

The list below shows the primary parts of tasmanian blue gum used to make essential oils for body odor.

• Roots: Tasmanian Blue Gum roots have antimicrobial properties that help to control bacterial growth, reducing body odor.
• Barks: The barks of the Tasmanian Blue Gum contain anti-inflammatory compounds that soothe and calm irritated skin, helping to reduce sweat and body odor.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic tasmanian blue gum for body odor.

1. Harvest fresh or dried eucalyptus leaves in the morning after dew has evaporated and before heat of the day sets in weighing approximately two cups per batch.
2. Dry the harvested eucalyptus leaves using a food dehydrator on low setting for six hours or air dry them for up to three weeks ensuring they are brittle and crumbly.
3. Steam distill the dried eucalyptus leaves in a copper still with a ratio of one part eucalyptus to two parts water for 30-45 minutes collecting the essential oil as it separates.
4. Filter the collected essential oil using a coffee filter or paper towel to remove any remaining solids and sediment taking care not to contaminate the oil.
5. Store the filtered herbal eucalyptus globulus essential oil in a dark glass bottle with a tight-fitting lid in a cool place for up to six months while ensuring it is kept away from direct sunlight and heat sources.

10. Artemisia absinthium

Wormwood essential oils helps with body odor because of its natural antiseptic, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties.

When applied topically or diffused into the air, wormwood oil works to eliminate bacteria that cause body odor, leaving skin feeling fresher and cleaner. Additionally, its deodorizing effects help neutralize sweat and reduce perspiration, making it an effective solution for individuals who experience excessive sweating or strong body odor.

This natural remedy provides a safe and gentle way to address this common issue.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in wormwood essential oils that aid with body odor.

• Antimicrobial properties: Wormwood essential oil has been shown to inhibit the growth of bacteria, yeast, and fungi, which can cause body odor by breaking down sweat and producing unpleasant compounds.
• Antiperspirant and antifungal properties: Wormwood oil's ability to reduce sweating and prevent fungal overgrowth helps to eliminate the underlying causes of body odor, making it an effective natural remedy for preventing and treating foot and groin fungus.
• Deodorizing and antiseptic properties: The deodorizing properties of wormwood essential oil help to neutralize unpleasant body odors, while its antiseptic properties help to soothe and calm the skin, reducing inflammation and irritation that can contribute to body odor.

The list below shows the primary parts of wormwood used to make essential oils for body odor.

• Roots: Rich in sesquiterpenes, which have natural antibacterial and antifungal properties, making them effective against body odor-causing bacteria.
• Barks: Containing aromatic compounds like thujone and camphor, which help to deodorize and freshen the skin, reducing sweat-induced odors.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic wormwood for body odor.

1. Harvest fresh artemisia absinthium leaves in large quantities ensuring a minimum of 250 grams for the recipe.
2. Wash the harvested leaves thoroughly with distilled water removing any dirt or debris and pat dry with a clean cloth.
3. Steam distill the washed leaves using a steam distillation apparatus at a temperature range of 100 to 150 degrees celsius.
4. Collect the resulting essential oil which should have a dark yellow to amber color and a sweet earthy aroma and filter it using a coffee filter or cheesecloth.
5. Store the filtered essential oil in a dark glass bottle with a tight fitting lid for a minimum of 48 hours allowing the flavors to mature.

How to best treat body odor with herbal essential oils?

The best way to treat body odor with herbal essential oils is to combine them in a blend that targets sweat glands.

Tea tree oil's antimicrobial properties reduce bacteria growth, while lemongrass oil's deodorizing effects eliminate odors. Lavender oil's soothing qualities calm the skin, and geranium oil's antifungal properties prevent fungal infections.

Apply this blend topically after showering or bathing for optimal results.

What ailments similar to body odor are treated with herbal essential oils?

Ailments similar to body odor that are treated with herbal essential oils are acne/essential-oils.html">acne, athlete's foot, and vaginal yeast infections.

Tea tree oil has antibacterial properties that help combat acne, while lemongrass oil has antifungal properties that can alleviate fungal infections like athlete's foot. Geranium oil has antimicrobial properties that can help treat vaginal yeast infections.

These essential oils can be used in combination with other natural remedies to promote healthy skin and body functions.