weating is a natural process that serves to protect our bodies from overheating but since it leaves bad odor we use antiperspirants and deodorants to mask the unpleasant smell.
However, sweat itself doesn’t smell bad. The bad odor is actually caused by the bacteria and fungi that normally reside on our skin and tend to multiply and grow in our armpits. So, the role of the sweat is to fight off the infections and prevent the bacteria and their toxins to get into the body.
Unfortunately, the excessive use of antiperspirants ruin this process by clogging the sweat ducts and causing accumulation of aluminum and other toxins in the tissue. This enables the bacteria to multiply, grow and enter the bloodstream. This in turn may lead to some severe health issues, such as reproductive damage, cancer and even Alzheimer’s disease.
In order to prevent further health issues caused by using antiperspirants and other commercial deodorants you should definitely opt for a natural and less harmful solution. Here are some ingredients that are safer than the commercial products and which can help you to get rid of the bad odor:
1. Lime
Lime has no side effects and it is more efficacious than the artificial antiperspirants. Take a fresh lime and cut it in half. Rub one half into your armpits and let it dry before you put on your clothes. This will also give time to the citric acid to act and will keep you fresh for a couple of hours.
2. Apple Cider Vinegar
ACV has the ability to control the sweating. It balances the pH levels in your body and kills the harmful bacteria.
Soak a cotton ball into apple cider vinegar and apply it to your armpits before you go to bed. Let it act overnight and wash it the next morning. Repeat this on a regular basis. In case you experience irritation, dilute the apple cider vinegar with water.
3. Baking Soda
Baking soda is alkaline ingredient which lowers the levels of pH in those areas that are most prone to sweat.
Prepare a mixture of cornstarch and baking soda. Before applying it, clean your underarms. Apply the mixture and let it stay for half an hour. Then, rinse with water. If you want better results, you can add your favorite essential oil as well.
4. Coconut oil
Owing to the lauric acid, coconut oil can also eliminate the harmful bacteria and make you feel fresh since it has a light fragrance. However, note that it may stain your clothes.
Prepare a paste by mixing a cup of coconut oil and 10 g of crushed camphor. Apply the paste to the underarms and massage for about an hour. Then, rinse it off.
5. Black tea
Black tea has antiperspirant and astringent properties due to the tannic acid in its content. It is especially useful if you suffer from excessive sweating. It acts by constricting the sweat glands and controls the sweat flow to your skin.
Put two black tea bags into hot water and let it steep for 15 minutes. Place the wet tea bags on your armpits and hold for a couple of minutes.