Perspiration is the body’s natural temperature regulating mechanism. The sweat caused by an overheated body will gradually evaporate, cooling the body and bringing it back to its normal temperature. Some people sweat more than others while others may also experience offensive body odor. Excessive sweating under the arms can be lessened with the help of commercially available deodorants, but these can only reduce sweating and mask the odors to a limited extent. Deodorants by their very nature treat only the symptoms and not the root of the problem. Home remedies for excessive underarm sweating can address the root of the problem by eliminating toxins from the body and lessening the degree of sweating.
Diet and nutrition play a big role in how much you sweat. If you are overweight and unfit you will sweat more. Exercise and a proper diet will go a long way in helping you to lose weight and in lessening the amount you sweat as well as reducing body odors. Exercise will allow the pores to eliminate sweat more effectively and prevent bacteria from taking root. A diet consisting of a high proportion of greens and fruits will provide you with ample dietary fiber and essential nutrients and keep you healthy. Avoid eating spicy foods as these will cause you to sweat more.
Hygiene is important too. Bathing regularly will clear the pores off dirt and prevent the buildup of bacteria under the arms. Adding bath salts when bathing would also be a good idea. You can also make a pretty effective bath salt at home. All you need to do is mix 1½ cups of borax, 1 cup of baking soda and 1 cup of sea salt. To this you can add a few drops of either lemon oil, peppermint oil, geranium oil or orange oil. Add about half a cup of this mix to a warm or hot bath and soak in it for about half an hour. You can use cool water during summer according to your need.
You could make some bath oil by mixing about 4oz of vinegar and about 30 drops of an essential oil of your choice. The mixture should be kept in an airtight container and allowed to steep for about one week before being used. The container should be kept in a dark place and shaken every day. About 3 to 4 tablespoons should be added to the bath.
Steam baths are a great way to cleanse your pores and eliminate toxins from your body. Regular steam baths can help to de-stress you while eliminating bad odors and reducing sweating. Remember to drink lots of water and other fluids to prevent dehydration.
Using a scented body powder too can help absorb moisture and reduce odors under the arms. You can even try making your own powder at home by using either cornstarch or white clay as a base. To this base can be added some powdered jasmine and a few drops of lavender or orange oil. You can use any other essential oils as per your personal preferences. The mixture should be shaken and stored for a week before being used.
Another unlikely remedy for excessive underarm sweating consists of a drink made from mixing 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and 1/8 teaspoon of baking soda. The mixture should be drunk from 1 to 3 times every day.
Homemade deodorants can help soak up the perspiration under the arms and eliminate bacteria. One effective formula for a homemade deodorant uses 2 oz aloe vera juice and 1 tablespoon of alcohol to form a base. To this is added five drops each of sage, coriander and cypress essential oils along with 20 drops of sandalwood essential oil. The mixture should be kept in a spray bottle and used under the arms.
A word of caution – before trying any home remedies using essential oils, it is important to check your skin for any allergic reactions by testing it on a small area of skin such as the back of your hand.