Don't Sweat It!

Everyone sweats. Sweating is the body’s way of controlling temperature, while regulating water and mineral content.

We have over three million sweat glands that release fluids to ensure that our bodies are cool. Activity, stress, heat, humidity, anxiety, genetic predisposition or hormonal changes can trigger perspiration. The amount of sweat can also be increased by smoking, obesity, spicy food and alcohol. Non-breathable synthetic clothing, such as polyester, acrylic or nylon also contribute to the problem.

Did you know that an extremely fit person sweats a lot more during a workout than someone who has just taken up exercising? Whether you are exercising or not you may find you suffer from body odor. Perspiration is a perfect breeding ground for foul-smelling bacteria. Deodorants are the obvious solutions. However, many people also turn to essential oils or homeopathy.

You can purchase a variety of deodorant roll-on lotions and wax based sticks, scented or unscented. They all contain similar active ingredients. Their antiseptic and astringent qualities destroy bacteria and the offensive smell.

The herbs and essential oils in natural deodorants possess anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and soothing qualities. Many ingredients are able to do double duty and provide more than one of these medicinal properties. Bacteria-fighting essential oils and herbs include tea tree oil, citrus oils, lavender, thyme, sage, rose and calendula. Myrrh, ginger and oak bark also have antiseptic abilities, while aloe, witch hazel and coriander provide soothing anti-inflammatory capabilities for sensitive skin.

Glycols are common ingredients in deodorants. They are syrupy combinations of glycerine and alcohols that allows the ingredients to adhere to the skin. Both diethylene glycol and carbitol glycol absorb into the skin and can cause allergic reaction, while ethylene glycol is reported to cause bladder stones. Propylene glycol is used widely, but it is still a petrochemical and should be avoided. Unless the label clearly states that vegetable glycerin is used, stay clear!

Deodorant crystals, while promoted as natural, often contain potassium aluminum sulfate. Otherwise known as aluminum sulfate, this is also present in commercial anti-perspirants. Alum products can cause allergic reactions and infections of skin and hair follicles, so they are best avoided. Aluminum has also been linked to Alzheimer’s disease. Ask at your health food store if you are unsure about your crystal.

Stay Dry

Many people use body powder or baking soda to absorb body moisture during the day. You can also try sage tea, which will calm the sweat-producing nerve fibres. The effect will last up to two hours after drinking it. Just use 20 mL of dried sage to 500 mL of water and simmer it for five minutes.

To reduce anxiety or stress-produced sweating, try a combination of peppermint, lemon balm and fennel tea before bed.

Using 10 drops of essential lemon oil and the juice of a fresh lemon to two ounces (55 mL) of water can make a simple, yet effective anti-bacterial citrus wash. Wipe under your underarms thoroughly with the mixture and remember to refrigerate the remainder. A bath-time alternative is to add a few drops of odor-fighting chinese pepper oil, lavender, rose or orange oil to your bath water, shower gel or on your washcloth.

When taking a homeopathic remedy as a deodorant alternative, it is important to take the remedy most suited to your needs. Calcarea carbonica is for individuals who tend to be overweight and sensitive to cold. Their skin appears to be damp, clammy and sour smelling. They are worse in wet weather, and from mental, or physical exertion. Graphites is for individuals who tend to be stout, with a fair complexion and who have offensive perspiration. Their symptoms are worse at night, and from being bundled up. Kali phosphorica is for individuals who tend to sweat under stress, anxiety, excitement and aggravated exertion. It is worse in the early morning and in the cold weather. Finally, Silicea is for individuals who tend to be chilly with cold hands and feet. There is an objectionable smell coming from their underarms and feet.

You can banish unpleasant body odor forever. It’s no sweat.