Body Odor/Deodorant: Bergamot, Citronella, Cypress, Eucalyptus, Geranium rose, Juniper, Lavender, Tea Tree, Inhale, Breeze, Resting, Dude, Lemongrass, Patchouli, Peppermint, Spearmint, Thyme.
Application ideas:
Dilute oil of choice and apply to underarms.
Body odor is embarrassing and sometimes inescapable. Most of the time there is no serious physical concern associated with it, but there are occasions where it can be caused as a result of some hidden illness. For persistent body odor, please see your licensed health professional.
"Body odor usually occurs when skin bacteria combine with sweat. However, it can occur after the ingestion of pungent foods such as onions and garlic" (Althea 87).
When looking for oils to help with this sensitive subject, there can be quite a list of possibilities. Patricia Davis suggests that the most effective deodorizing essential oil is Bergamot, though Lavender, Neroli, Juniper, Cypress, Thyme, and Sage can be used (97). When applying oils to the skin, always check the cautions for those oils before use.
Other potential deodorant oils include: eucalyptus, lemongrass, and patchouli (Purchon 25).
Deodorant Recipe
2/3 cup witch hazel hydrolat (alcohol free)
6 tsp aloe vera juice
2 tsp zinc oxide powder
30 drops rose geranium essential oil
In an 8 oz dark glass spray bottle, combine witch hazel, aloe vera juice, zinc oxide powder, and rose geranium essential oil. Shake vigorously to mix well.
To use, apply to clean, dry armpits. Allow to dry completely before dressing, to avoid white marks on clothing (Purchon 417).
Cooling Lavender-Mint Powder
1 cup baking soda
30 drops lavender essential oil
30 drops peppermint or spearmint essential oil
Mix ingredients in a a glass bowl. Stir to combine. Pour the mixture into a glass or ceramic sugar shaker, and apply to problem areas (Althea 88). You can also sprinkle this in shoes to help with foot odor.
Althea Press. Essential Oils, Natural Remedies: The Complete A-Z Reference of Essential Oils for Health and Healing. (2015). p. 87-8
Davis, Patricia. Aromatherapy An A-Z. (2000). p. 97
Purchon, Nerys and Lora Cantele. The Complete Aromatherapy and Essential Oils Handbook For Everyday Wellness. (2014) p. 25, 417.
