“Taila gandushabhyaaso dantabalaruchikaraaanam”
(Charak Sutrasthan 25/40)
Habitual gargling with sesame oil promotes taste in food and strength of teeth.
No matter how regular we are with our bathing routine, there comes a point when we are left wondering what in the world is causing that stink in me! Well, it turns out your body odor is related to your diet and hygiene habits. These are the everyday regular habits one needs to take care of to control body odor among other routine things.
Antiperspirants and deodorants are chemical products that many of us use to combat sweat issues and control body odor. These highly advertised products with pleasant fragrances often come with harmful substances like aluminum, parabens, glycol, sulphate, and chemical based fragrances that may block the sweat glands or cause side effects to delicate skin. There are some effective methods in nature's storehouse for eradicating body odor effectively and without harming the body. Let us be honest, fighting the symptom alone without addressing the root cause of it is like trying to extinguish a fire with a stove burning inside the house. It does not help. So today we discuss the real reasons that cause body odor.
Causes:
- Profuse sweating.
- Growth of bacteria on your skin.
- Hormonal changes.
- Lack of personal hygiene.
- Wearing unwashed clothes.
- Certain medical conditions like obesity, diabetes, etc.
- Taking medications like antidepressants and antipsychotic drugs.
- Nervousness, anxiety, and stress can make you sweat more.
According to Ayurveda, vitiation of pitta dosha, medo dhatu (adipose tissue) and consumption of more pitta aggravating foods like spicy, oily, deep fried foods, garlic, onion, etc., are the cause of body odor. Strong body odor is a sign of toxicity. The toxicity may come from infection, a proliferation of normal gut bacteria, and other metabolic disorder. When at high levels, toxins in the blood are released through the skin and breath, giving an odor. Bacteria grow more easily on the skin when it is releasing toxins.
To fix bad body odor, find and address the source of toxicity and any other internal imbalance. Some lifestyle changes and following a naturally hygienic routine could help greatly in controlling body odor and reviving an otherwise lost confidence.
Follow these simple tricks and face the world with pride, Naturally!
- Lavender essential oil diluted in coconut oil may help topically in the armpits as a deodorant.
- Bathe regularly with a neem-based soap to kill bacteria. During summer, take shower twice a day.
- After bath, you can dust talcum powder or massage rose water till it is absorbed into your skin.
- You can apply sandal paste and rose water at night times to your palms, soles, and underarms.
- Tea tree oil: Tea tree oil is derived from tea tree and has strong antiseptic nature. It is this antibacterial activity of it and sweet smell. Tea tree oil removes bacteria from body and provides a healthy skin. Moreover, it is not acidic in nature due to which it can be used over genitals too. Mix few drops of it with water and rinse your body with it. Apply it 2-3 times a day in case of persistent musty odors. Patch test before using it over whole body.
- Wheat grass juice: Drinking wheat grass juice in empty stomach can get you relieved from strong body smells. However, it should be taken in small, diluted quantities first because it has a strong flavor and can give an unpleasant feeling. Mix 2 tsp of wheatgrass juice in 1 cup water and drink every morning.
- Prefer wearing light, loose cotton clothes.
- Natural fiber clothing: Wearing clothes that are light and made of natural fibers like cotton, silk, or jute, that are not too tight is recommended. Synthetic polymer clothes do not allow air to pass through them making it impossible to reach internal areas like armpits and groin.
- You can boil few neem leaves or neem bark in bathing water. It might help in killing the bacteria.
- Shave your underarms regularly. And scrub regularly with turmeric and besan paste.
- You can rub a piece of alum soaked in water on your underarms.
- Avoid consumption of pitta aggravating foods.
- Avoid alcohol and caffeinated drinks. Drink green tea or tea prepared with coriander seeds.
- Include cucumber, bitter gourd, snake gourd, bottle gourd, pumpkin, and cilantro in your diet.
- Drink enough water.
- You can drink lemon, watermelon and Sariva juice added with sugar candy, camphor, and cardamom.
- Baking soda is a mild cleanser and helps to maintain the pH level of the skin. Mix a portion of baking soda, cornstarch, and coconut oil. Transfer it to a container and keep it in the refrigerator overnight to set. Apply it on the areas prone to sweating.
- To manage excess pitta, you can take decoction prepared of Triphala, Amalaki and Yashtimadhu.
- Soak 1 tbsp of fenugreek seeds overnight. Next day morning drink the water in empty stomach.
- Balance your emotions and relax by doing yoga, pranayama, and meditation.
- If you are obese, reduce your body weight by diet and exercise.
As we all are genetically different with different constitutions and patterns, we respond to treatments in many ways. Hence Standard Ayurvedic Treatments are always individually formulated. This article is intended only for information. It is not a substitute to the standard medical diagnosis, personalized Ayurvedic treatment or qualified Ayurvedic physician. For specific treatment, always consult with a qualified Ayurvedic physician.
REVIVING CARROT STRAWBERRY SMOOTHIE
Ah summer! Warm weather, lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, more daylight to get outside and get active… it is truly the perfect time to enjoy an ice-cold smoothie. Why are strawberries so great in smoothies? In addition to being naturally sweet, they are also a low sugar fruit, which means they can help curb sugar cravings without spiking your blood sugar. A boost of vitamin C and polyphenols (specialized antioxidants) also come with strawberries. Add in some beta-carotene from carrots, more vitamin C from camu camu, and anti-inflammatory power from ginger, and you have a sweet, low sugar smoothie.
Ingredients
- 1 or 2 baby bokchoy
- Carrots 4 - chopped
- Strawberries - 4
- Half inch gingers
- 1 tbsp flaxseed
- 1 tsp camu camu powder
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup ice
Preparation
1) Grind all contents on a grinder until smooth.
2) Add flax seeds over it, after serving into a container.
Enjoy!!!