How to combat sweating Get through the summer without sweat stains!

Whether it’s hot outside or you’re in a stressful situation, there comes a time when deodorants and drinking lots no longer do the trick. In that case, it’s time to turn to traditional home remedies and the power of nature. Here are our three top tips for combating sweating and body odour.

Medicinal plants have been used for thousands of years as effective remedies for certain ailments. Sage and chamomile don’t just help to soothe sore throats and upset stomachs; they can also help to reduce sweating. Soaking your hands and feet in water infused with sage and chamomile ensures less smelly shoes after summer walks and that you won’t be embarrassed by an unpleasantly moist handshake when meeting people.
To make a hand or foot bath, bring a litre of water to the boil and steep three to four bags of chamomile or sage tea in the water for the allotted time. Make sure the tea has cooled down before bathing hands or feet. For the best effect, do this several times a day. It will also help you feel cooler in general.

If your hands and feet don’t get sweaty, you may nevertheless find that your armpits are problem areas. Apple cider vinegar is one of the best-known natural home remedies for getting underarm wetness under control. Simply dip a piece of kitchen towel or a washcloth in the vinegar and rub it under your armpits.

The smell of vinegar will dissipate quickly, but if you prefer, you could dab the apple cider vinegar under your armpits in the evening and leave it on overnight. The vinegar not only neutralises the smell of sweat, but also makes your sweat glands contract, so you actually sweat less.

Note: to avoid any burning sensation from the acid in the apple cider vinegar, don’t do this immediately after shaving your armpits.

Want to make your own aluminium-free deodorant to combat sweat and body odour the natural way? No problem! You can make your own antiperspirant with baking soda (Kaiser baking soda or sodium bicarbonate from the pharmacy), an essential oil of your choice and water or a carrier fat.

Simply put four teaspoons of baking soda, 200 ml of water and a few drops of the essential oil in a spray bottle and shake well for a few seconds to mix the ingredients. Instead of water, you could also carefully melt coconut oil, shea butter or beeswax in a saucepan. Now add the baking soda and the essential oil and leave the mixture to set in a cream jar. Voilà – you’ve made your own cream deodorant!

Besides using natural remedies to combat heavy sweating or applying deodorants to the skin, it’s also important to choose your clothing carefully. On warm summer days, in particular, it’s best to wear light-coloured clothing, as this reflects the sunlight instead of absorbing it and transferring the heat to your body.

And the materials you wear make an even bigger difference. Airy fabrics made from natural fibres are breathable and naturally regulate your body temperature. They also absorb sweat more effectively and dry faster than materials like water-repellent polyester or polyamide, traditionally used for sportswear. Natural textiles like linen, cotton and silk are ideal for counteracting heavy sweating.

It might seem counterintuitive, but wearing a thin vest made of natural fibres is also a good idea if you sweat profusely. If business attire dictates that you need to wear garments like long-sleeved blouses or shirts in summer, putting a vest on underneath ensures better sweat absorption and helps regulate your body temperature.

The natural fibre TENCEL™ is highly recommended in the summertime as it absorbs a lot of moisture, dries quickly and reduces body odour. This reliably keeps you feeling fresh at all times.

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