Body Odour

Body odour comes from the skin, which produces two different types of sweat from two different types of sweat glands: eccrine and apocrine. These glands secrete sweat in response not only to heat, but also to stress, anger, nervousness and sexual excitement. Bacteria that thrive on secretions from the apocrine sweat glands can grow and multiply, producing an aroma that comes from the bacteria breaking down the fluids in sweat.

Body odour can also be caused by skin infections, the most common of which is athlete's foot (see Fungal Skin Infections). Body odour can also be a result of serious diseases of the liver and kidney, conditions that you want to have diagnosed as soon as possible for the best treatment. If your body odour persists, see your doctor for help.

DRUG TREATMENT

There are no drugs that specifically treat body odour, but perhaps deodorants and antiperspirants should be labelled as drugs because they can contain compounds such as aluminium chloride hexahydrate, benzalkonium chloride, boric acid and hexachlorophene.

Any of these agents can cause skin irritation and be absorbed through the skin into the body, so be sure to read labels carefully if you're searching for a new deodorant or antiperspirant. And if you're switching to a stronger product, do a patch test first on a small area of skin.

HERBAL REMEDIES

Sage (Salvia officinalis)
Compounds found in sage can dry up perspiration, and the oils in sage are antiseptic and antibiotic. Sage can be used on the skin to help reduce a body odour problem caused by perspiration or by infectious agents.

One way to use the herb is as a body powder (see the recipe below) Another way is to wash the body in a tea made from sage. Sage tea helps reduce excessive sweating (steep 2 teaspoons of dried herb in % litre of hot water for 5 minutes).

Caution: if used internally, take small amounts as needed rather than taking routinely. Prolonged use can result in dizziness, hot flushes and seizures. Do not use internally if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
An aromatic culinary herb that contains antiseptic and antibiotic agents. It has a refreshing pine like scent . The ground, dried herb can be used as a body powder to treat odour caused by perspiration and bacteria or by fungus on the skin. A tea from rosemary can be used as a body wash (steep 1 teaspoon of dried leaf in 1/4 litre of hot water for 10 to 15 minutes).

Caution: If irritation occurs, discontinue use.

Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)
Hildegard of Bingen recommended fennel seed as a treatment for body odour back in the tenth century. At Indian restaurants you might see fennel seeds for after a meal. Fennel improves digestion and can also reduce bad breath and body odour that originates in the intestines.

Typical dosage: eat whole seeds after a meal as desired; or drink 1 cup of tea per day (simmer 2 to 3 teaspoons of crushed seeds in 1/4 litre of water for 10 to 15 minutes).

SWEET-SMELLING BODY POWDER
You can use this powder under the arms or wherever odour originates.

35 grams cornflour
35 grams bicarbonate of soda
1 tablespoon ground sage
1 tablespoon ground rosemary

Mix ingredients together.

SOMETHING YOU DIDN'T EAT?...
Zinc deficiency may contribute to body odour. If this might be the case for you, check out the following foods, which are rich in zinc, to add your diet.

* Spinach
* Whole grains
* Legumes
* Rice
* Nuts