Body Odour...

The smell caused when stale sweat comes into contact with bacteria on the skin. In some cases body odour can be caused by excessive sweating, dietary problems or medication.

Treatment - Practical Advice

The most effective way to prevent body odour is to wash all over at least once a day, and to use an underarm deodorant or antiperspirant. Deoderants work by restricting the action of bacteria on the skin; antiperspirants reduce the volume of perspiration that is released through the skin (the latter are not favoured by natural practitioners as they interfere with the natural elimination process of sweating). Dusting the body with sodium bicarbonate is a more natural, while effective, deoderant. In warm weather wear loose clothing made from natual fabrics (cotton, linen, wool). Change clothing worn next to the skin daily. Sometimes body odour can be caused by fungal infections.

Dietary

Improper diet and deficiencies in certain vitamins and minerals can sometimes contribute to this condition:

Excess fat can sometimes be a cause of body odour, particularly saturated fats found in meat and dairy produce. Avoid foods which contain saturated fats or which list vegetable oil as one of the ingredients, but fail to mention the type of oil. Replace saturated fats with sunflower seed oil, polyunsaturated margarine, and olive oil. Deficiency of zinc is sometimes related to excessive perspiration: take 20 - 30 mg of chelated zinc daily.

Aromatherapy

Mix 6 drops of essential oil of lavender in 1 pint of distilled water and keep in the bathroom. Dab onto areas of the body which prespire easily.

Orthodox

Excessive perspiration, also known as hyperhydrosis, is treated by applying aluminium chloride preparations to the affected areas.