By Leen Randell
Updated: Jul 10, 2024
10 Best Herbal Teas For Body Odor
Herbal teas for body odor are a natural solution to reduce sweat and eliminate body odor-causing bacteria.
These teas typically contain antiseptic and antibacterial properties that help to inhibit the growth of odor-causing microorganisms. Examples of herbal teas that help with body odor include peppermint, chamomile, and lemongrass.
Drinking these teas can improve lives by providing a refreshing and odor-free experience, boosting confidence, and promoting overall well-being.
The following article describes in detail the most important teas for body odor, including medicinal properties, parts of herbs to use, and recipes for preparations.
- 1. Melissa officinalis
- 2. Melaleuca alternifolia
- 3. Geranium maculatum
- 4. Satureja hortensis
- 5. Eucalyptus globulus
- 6. Lavandula angustifolia
- 7. Cymbopogon citratus
- 8. Calendula officinalis
- 9. Artemisia absinthium
- 10. Rosmarinus officinalis
- What is the best combination of herbal teas to use for body odor?
- What ailments similar to body odor are treated with herbal teas?
1. Melissa officinalis
Melissa officinalis, also known as lemon balm, teas helps with body odor because of its potent antibacterial and antifungal properties.
The high levels of citral and geranial in Melissa officinalis inhibit the growth of odor-causing bacteria on the skin, reducing sweat and body odor. Additionally, its anti-inflammatory properties soothe the skin, preventing irritation and infections that can contribute to unpleasant body odor.
By balancing skin pH and reducing bacterial growth, Melissa officinalis teas provide a natural solution to body odor.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Melissa officinalis teas that help with body odor.
- Citral: A naturally occurring terpene, citral helps with body odor by inhibiting the growth of bacteria that contribute to sweat's unpleasant smell.
- Geraniol: A monoterpenoid compound, geraniol has antimicrobial properties, which help reduce the population of odor-causing bacteria on the skin.
- Rosmarinicine: A phenolic compound, rosmarinicine acts as an antioxidant and antimicrobial agent, helping to neutralize and eliminate odor-causing substances produced by bacteria in sweat.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of lemon balm used to make teas for body odor.
- Leaves: They are used to make teas due to their calming and antiseptic properties.
- Flowers: They are used to make teas due to their sweet, lemony flavor and potential antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Stems: They are used to make teas due to their ability to be a source of the herb's bioactive compounds.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic lemon balm for body odor.
- Harvest melissa officinalis leaves and flowers in the morning after the dew has evaporated to ensure freshness.
- Dry the harvested melissa officinalis leaves and flowers in a well-ventilated area or using a dehydrator for 1-2 hours.
- Combine 1-2 teaspoons of dried melissa officinalis leaves and flowers with 1 cup of boiling water to prepare the tea.
- Steep the mixture for 5-7 minutes to allow the herbal properties to infuse into the water.
- Strain the tea and serve it hot or chilled within 30 minutes to 1 hour of preparation.
2. Melaleuca alternifolia
Melaleuca alternifolia, also known as tea tree, teas helps with body odor because of its potent antimicrobial properties.
The active compounds in tea tree oil, such as cineole and terpinen-4-ol, have been shown to inhibit the growth of bacteria that contribute to body odor. By reducing the bacterial load on the skin, tea tree tea can help to prevent the breakdown of sweat into compounds that give rise to unpleasant body odor.
This natural remedy can be a useful addition to a personal hygiene routine.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Melaleuca alternifolia teas that help with body odor.
- Cineole: This terpene has antimicrobial properties, helping to reduce the growth of odor-causing bacteria on the skin.
- Limonene: This terpene has natural deodorizing and antiseptic properties, which can help to eliminate or reduce unpleasant body odors.
- Caryophyllene oxide: This sesquiterpene has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to reduce sweat and prevent bacterial growth that can cause body odor.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of tea tree used to make teas for body odor.
- Leaves: Rich in antiseptic and antibacterial properties, which help to combat body odor-causing bacteria.
- Stems: Contain compounds that have antimicrobial properties, which aid in reducing sweat and body odor.
- Barks: Have astringent and antiseptic properties, which help to reduce sweat and prevent the growth of odor-causing bacteria.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic tea tree for body odor.
- Harvest 2-4 melaleuca alternifolia branches with plenty of leaves for a strong tea flavor.
- Dry the fresh branches in a warm shaded area for 1-2 weeks to remove moisture.
- Steep 1 teaspoon of dried melaleuca alternifolia leaves in boiling water for 5-7 minutes.
- Strain the tea mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a large cup or teapot.
- Allow the tea to cool for 10-15 minutes before serving in a separate cup.
3. Geranium maculatum
Geranium maculatum, also known as wild geranium, teas helps with body odor because of its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.
The tea's active compounds, such as geraniol and linalool, help to balance the body's natural pH levels, reducing the growth of bacteria that cause body odor. Additionally, its astringent properties help to tighten pores, preventing sweat from accumulating and contributing to bad body odor.
This natural remedy promotes a fresher and cleaner body, making it a popular choice for those seeking a holistic approach to body odor management.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Geranium maculatum teas that help with body odor.
- Phenolic acids: These compounds have antimicrobial properties, which help in reducing the growth of bacteria on the skin that cause body odor.
- Iridoids: Iridoids, such as geraniin, have been found to possess antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which help to reduce sweat and prevent bacterial growth that leads to body odor.
- Tannins: Tannins in Geranium maculatum have astringent properties, which help to reduce sweat and dry out the skin, making it less prone to body odor-causing bacteria.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of wild geranium used to make teas for body odor.
- Roots: The roots of Geranium maculatum are commonly used to make teas for body odor due to their astringent and antiseptic properties.
- Leaves: The leaves of Geranium maculatum are used in teas for body odor as they contain compounds that help to eliminate bacteria and reduce sweat.
- Flowers: The flowers of Geranium maculatum are used in teas for body odor due to their antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, which help to soothe and calm the skin.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic wild geranium for body odor.
- Harvest fresh flowers and leaves of the herb at dawn when the dew is still present.
- Dry the harvested material in a warm place or using a dehydrator for 24 hours.
- Measure out 1-2 teaspoons of dried flowers per 8 oz of boiling water in a teapot.
- Steep the mixture for 5-10 minutes in a covered teapot to allow flavors to infuse.
- Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or fine-mesh sieve into a cup for consumption.
4. Satureja hortensis
Satureja hortensis, also known as summer savory, teas helps with body odor because of its antiseptic and antibacterial properties.
The tea's active compounds, including carvacrol and thymol, work to combat the bacteria that cause body odor, such as Bifidobacterium and Staphylococcus. By inhibiting the growth of these bacteria, the tea helps to reduce the production of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) responsible for the pungent smell.
This results in fresher breath and reduced body odor.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Satureja hortensis teas that help with body odor.
- Carvacrol: This phenolic compound exhibits antimicrobial properties, which help reduce the growth of odor-causing bacteria on the skin, thereby reducing body odor.
- Thymol: Similar to carvacrol, thymol has antimicrobial properties that inhibit the growth of bacteria responsible for body odor, promoting a fresher and cleaner body smell.
- Caryophyllene oxide: This sesquiterpenoid has been found to have antifungal properties, which can help control fungal growth on the skin that may contribute to body odor.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of summer savory used to make teas for body odor.
- Leaves: Satureja hortensis leaves are used to make teas for body odor because they contain oils that have antimicrobial properties, helping to reduce bacteria that cause body odor.
- Flowers: Satureja hortensis flowers are used to make teas for body odor because they contain essential oils that have deodorizing and antiseptic properties, helping to eliminate body odor-causing bacteria and reduce sweat.
- Buds: Satureja hortensis buds are used to make teas for body odor because they contain aromatic compounds that help to reduce body odor by inhibiting the growth of bacteria that cause unpleasant smells.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic summer savory for body odor.
- Harvest satureja hortensis leaves and flowers when they are in full bloom to ensure optimal flavor and aroma.
- Dry the harvested satureja hortensis leaves and flowers in a warm place for 1-2 weeks.
- Crush 1 tablespoon of dried satureja hortensis leaves and flowers using a mortar and pestle for 30 seconds.
- Steep 1 teaspoon of crushed satureja hortensis in 8 ounces of boiling water for 5-7 minutes.
- Strain the tea and drink it immediately to enjoy its flavor and potential health benefits.
5. Eucalyptus globulus
Eucalyptus globulus, also known as Tasmanian blue gum, teas helps with body odor because of its natural deodorizing properties.
The tea's primary active compound, eucalyptol, has antimicrobial and antifungal properties that help reduce the growth of bacteria and fungi that cause body odor. Additionally, the tea's astringent and antiseptic properties help to dry out and balance the skin's pH, making it less hospitable to the microorganisms that contribute to body odor.
Regular consumption of Eucalyptus globulus tea may help to reduce body odor and promote overall skin health.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Eucalyptus globulus teas that help with body odor.
- Cineole: As a natural antimicrobial agent, cineole helps reduce the growth of bacteria on the skin, thereby minimizing the production of sweat and body odor-causing compounds.
- Α-pinene: This terpene has antimicrobial properties that help combat bacteria and fungi causing body odor, while also reducing inflammation and promoting a healthy skin environment.
- Catechin: A type of phenolic compound, catechin has potent antioxidant and antimicrobial properties that help eliminate odor-causing bacteria and reduce the production of volatile compounds contributing to body odor.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of tasmanian blue gum used to make teas for body odor.
- Leaves: Leaves of Eucalyptus globulus are used to make teas for body odor due to their deodorizing properties, which help reduce sweat and kill bacteria.
- Barks: Barks of Eucalyptus globulus are used to make teas for body odor due to their antimicrobial properties, which help inhibit the growth of odor-causing bacteria.
- Stems: Stems of Eucalyptus globulus are used to make teas for body odor due to their deodorizing properties, which help reduce sweat and kill bacteria, similar to the leaves.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic tasmanian blue gum for body odor.
- Harvest 30g of fresh or 15g of dried eucalyptus globulus leaves.
- Rinse the leaves with cold water to remove any dirt or debris.
- Steep 1 teaspoon of dried leaves or 2 teaspoons of fresh leaves in 250ml of boiling water.
- Infuse for 5 to 7 minutes or until the desired flavor and aroma are achieved.
- Strain the tea and serve immediately while still warm and fragrant.
6. Lavandula angustifolia
Lavandula angustifolia, also known as English lavender, teas helps with body odor because of its natural antibacterial and antifungal properties.
The tea's active compounds, such as linalool and linalyl acetate, work to reduce sweat and prevent the growth of odor-causing bacteria on the skin. Additionally, the tea's calming and balancing effects on the body help to regulate sweat glands, leading to fresher and more pleasant body odor.
This makes Lavandula angustifolia tea an effective and natural solution for maintaining body freshness and confidence.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Lavandula angustifolia teas that help with body odor.
- Linalool: A terpene with antimicrobial properties, helping to reduce bacteria that cause body odor.
- Linalyl acetate: A terpene that has deodorizing and antiseptic properties, which can help eliminate body odor-causing bacteria and reduce sweat.
- Caffeic acid: A phenolic compound with antimicrobial properties, which can help inhibit the growth of bacteria that contribute to body odor.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of english lavender used to make teas for body odor.
- Leaves: Used for their antimicrobial properties that help to reduce sweat and prevent the growth of bacteria that cause body odor.
- Flowers: Utilized for their fragrance and antiseptic properties, which help to freshen and deodorize the body.
- Stems: Employed for their ability to absorb and balance the body's pH levels, reducing the likelihood of body odor-causing bacteria growth.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic english lavender for body odor.
- Harvest 20-30 grams of fresh lavandula angustifolia flowers in the late morning for optimal oil content.
- Dry the harvested flowers in a single layer at 30-40 degrees celsius for 2 hours.
- Grind 5 grams of dried lavandula angustifolia flowers into a fine powder using a spice grinder.
- Steep 1 teaspoon of the ground powder in 250 milliliters of boiling water for 5-7 minutes.
- Strain the tea through a fine-mesh sieve into a cup and serve immediately.
7. Cymbopogon citratus
Cymbopogon citratus, also known as lemongrass, teas helps with body odor because of its natural antiseptic and deodorizing properties.
The essential oils present in lemongrass tea, such as limonene and citral, have antibacterial and antifungal properties that help reduce the growth of odor-causing bacteria on the skin. Drinking lemongrass tea also helps to detoxify the body, promoting better digestion and eliminating toxins that can lead to body odor.
This results in a fresher and cleaner body scent.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Cymbopogon citratus teas that help with body odor.
- Citronellal: A terpene, which helps with body odor by reducing the growth of bacteria that cause body odor, such as Staphylococcus aureus.
- Cymbopogonol: A phenolic compound, which helps with body odor by inhibiting the production of volatile sulfur compounds, which are the primary cause of body odor.
- Limonene: A terpene, which helps with body odor by reducing the amount of sweat produced and also inhibiting the growth of bacteria that cause body odor.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of lemongrass used to make teas for body odor.
- Leaves: They are used due to their high citral content, which provides a refreshing and deodorizing effect.
- Stems: Stems of lemongrass are also used in teas, as they contain oils that help reduce sweat and body odor.
- Rhyzomes (or rhizomes): The rhizomes, or underground stems, of lemongrass are the main source of its essential oils, which are used to make teas that help combat body odor.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic lemongrass for body odor.
- Harvest 1/4 cup of fresh leaves and stalks in the morning when they are at their highest oil content.
- Chop the harvested material into small pieces to release their oils and flavor.
- Steep the chopped material in 1 quart of boiling water for 5-7 minutes to infuse the tea.
- Strain the tea through a fine-mesh sieve into a container to remove the solids.
- Store the tea in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before serving.
8. Calendula officinalis
Calendula officinalis, also known as pot marigold, teas helps with body odor because of its natural antiseptic and antibacterial properties.
The tea's active compounds, such as triterpene saponins and flavonoids, work to reduce the growth of bacteria and yeast that cause body odor.
Additionally, calendula tea's anti-inflammatory properties help to soothe and balance the skin's pH levels, reducing the production of sweat and its associated odors, resulting in a fresher and more confident you.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Calendula officinalis teas that help with body odor.
- Flavonoids: These plant-derived compounds have been shown to inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi that contribute to body odor, thus reducing the unpleasant smell.
- Saponins: Saponins have antimicrobial properties, which can help to inhibit the growth of bacteria that break down sweat and cause body odor, thereby minimizing its occurrence.
- Phenolic acids: Phenolic acids, such as caffeic acid and ferulic acid, exhibit antimicrobial activity, which can help to reduce the growth of odor-causing bacteria and fungi, ultimately minimizing body odor.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of pot marigold used to make teas for body odor.
- Flowers: They are rich in antifungal and antibacterial properties, which help in controlling the growth of odor-causing bacteria.
- Leaves: They possess natural deodorizing and antiseptic properties, making them effective in reducing body odor.
- Seeds: They contain compounds that help in regulating sweat gland function and reducing bacterial growth, ultimately addressing body odor.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic pot marigold for body odor.
- Gather 1 ounce of dried calendula officinalis flowers from a reputable herbal supplier.
- Steep 1 teaspoon of the dried flowers in 8 ounces of boiling water for 5-7 minutes.
- Strain the tea into a cup using a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth.
- Add honey to taste if desired to sweeten the tea.
- Drink the tea immediately or store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
9. Artemisia absinthium
Artemisia absinthium, also known as wormwood, teas helps with body odor because of its natural deodorizing properties.
The herb contains sesquiterpene compounds, which have been shown to inhibit the growth of bacteria that cause body odor. Additionally, wormwood tea's antimicrobial properties help to combat the bacteria that break down sweat and cause unpleasant smells. By reducing the bacteria that contribute to body odor, wormwood tea can leave skin and clothing feeling fresher for longer.
This makes it a popular choice for those seeking a natural solution to body odor.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Artemisia absinthium teas that help with body odor.
- Thujone: Thujone helps with body odor by acting as a natural deodorant and antibacterial agent, reducing the growth of bacteria that can cause unpleasant odors.
- Absinthin: Absinthin helps with body odor by exhibiting antimicrobial properties, inhibiting the growth of odor-causing bacteria on the skin and in the body.
- Tannins: Tannins help with body odor by acting as a natural astringent, reducing sweat and bacterial growth on the skin, which can contribute to unpleasant body odors.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of wormwood used to make teas for body odor.
- Leaves: These leaves are used for their antifungal and antibacterial properties to help control body odor and prevent infections.
- Buds: The buds are used for their astringent properties, which help to dry out the skin and reduce sweat, thereby reducing body odor.
- Stems: The stems are used for their antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, which help to soothe and calm the skin, reducing irritation and body odor.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic wormwood for body odor.
- Harvest 1-2 ounces of fresh or dried absinthe leaves and stems in the morning to ensure optimal potency.
- Rinse the harvested absinthe plant material in a fine-mesh strainer under cold running water for 30 seconds.
- Steep 1-2 teaspoons of the absinthe plant material in 8 ounces of boiling water for 5-7 minutes to release flavors.
- Strain the absinthe tea into a cup using a fine-mesh strainer to remove loose plant material and sediment.
- Serve the absinthe tea hot or iced and let it steep for an additional 2-3 minutes if desired.
10. Rosmarinus officinalis
Rosmarinus officinalis, also known as rosemary, teas helps with body odor because of its natural deodorizing properties.
The herbs' essential oils, such as camphor and borneol, have antimicrobial effects that inhibit the growth of bacteria responsible for causing body odor. By reducing the bacteria's presence, rosemary tea helps to minimize the production of volatile organic compounds that contribute to unpleasant body smells.
Regular consumption may also help to improve circulation and detoxify the body, further reducing body odor.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Rosmarinus officinalis teas that help with body odor.
- Carnosic acid: A diterpene carboxylic acid that exhibits antimicrobial properties, which can help reduce the growth of bacteria that contribute to body odor.
- Rosmarinic acid: A polyphenolic compound with antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, which can help combat oxidative stress and bacterial overgrowth that may lead to body odor.
- Bornyl acetate: A terpene with antimicrobial and antifungal properties, which can help inhibit the growth of microorganisms that cause body odor.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of rosemary used to make teas for body odor.
- Leaves: The leaves are used because of their high content of antioxidants and antimicrobial properties, which help to reduce body odor.
- Flowers: The flowers are used due to their ability to deodorize and their antimicrobial properties, making them effective in fighting odor-causing bacteria.
- Stems: The stems are used because they contain compounds that help to balance the body's pH levels and reduce sweat, which can contribute to body odor.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic rosemary for body odor.
- Harvest 2 tablespoons of fresh rosmarinus officinalis leaves or 1 teaspoon of dried leaves for tea.
- Rinse the leaves with cold water to remove any impurities and debris thoroughly.
- Steep 1 teaspoon of dried leaves in 1 cup of boiling water for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Strain the tea into a cup using a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth immediately after steeping.
- Serve the tea hot or cold garnished with additional rosmarinus officinalis leaves for flavor and aroma.
What is the best combination of herbal teas to use for body odor?
The best combination of herbal teas that help with body odor is a blend of Peppermint, Sage, and Tea Tree.
Peppermint helps to reduce sweat and improve digestion, while Sage aids in balancing body chemistry and eliminating bacteria that cause odor. Tea Tree, with its antimicrobial properties, further kills bacteria that contribute to body odor, leaving you feeling fresh and confident throughout the day.
Drinking a combination of these teas may help to naturally alleviate body odor concerns.
What ailments similar to body odor are treated with herbal teas?
Ailments similar to body odor that are treated with herbal teas are those related to sweat and bodily secretions.
For instance, tea tree oil is often used to treat excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis), while sage tea can help alleviate menstrual cramps and other symptoms associated with premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
Other herbs like peppermint and chamomile may be used to soothe digestive issues such as bloating and gas, which are also related to bodily secretions.