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7 Best Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) Treatments, FAQs, And More
Bacterial vaginosis is common in people with a vagina. Although it can clear up on its own, getting treatment can lower your risk of complications and health risks.
A healthy vagina naturally contains both "good" and "bad" bacteria. But if there's an overgrowth of bad bacteria, an infection called bacterial vaginosis (BV) can occur.
BV commonly affects people with a vagina between ages 15 and 44. Typically, it develops in people who are sexually active.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), BV is the most common cause of vaginal symptoms among women ages 14–49 in the United States.
In the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2001–2004, prevalence of BV was about 29% of females ages 14–49, or about 21 million individuals. Prevalence means the number of people affected by a condition at a particular time. Although this survey is older, it provides the most current reliable nationwide count.
Research indicates that BV affects about 1 in 3 women worldwide. Global prevalence of BV varies greatly, ranging from 4–74% of women, according to research from 2022. Bacterial vaginosis is most common in parts of Africa and least common in Asia and Europe.
Here are the top causes and treatments for bacterial vaginosis plus tips for how to prevent bacterial vaginosis.
SymptomsAn excess of bad bacteria throws the vaginal environment out of balance, resulting in symptoms like:
In some cases, BV causes no symptoms. Experts don't know exactly what causes BV.
CausesAccording to the CDC, BV is more common in people who are sexually active. However, researchers do not understand exactly why.
A 2023 study suggests that the bacteria causing BV may be transferrable from women to men during sex, and researchers are exploring whether men can transmit it to women.
One study shows that the bacteria causing BV can live on the penis or in a man's urinary microbiome. In the study, a significant number of women developed BV within 6–12 months after having sex with men, suggesting that bacteria associated with BV were transmitted to the women during sex.
Factors that may increase your risk of BV include:
Although BV can't always be prevented, you can take the following precautions against BV:
Diagnosing bacterial vaginosisTo diagnose BV, a healthcare professional will start by taking a medical history and doing a physical pelvic exam. They will take a sample of vaginal secretions and order lab tests analyzing your vaginal cells and checking for vaginal acidity. Sometimes, clinics do these tests in the office.
Home test kits are available in drugstores, but they are not always accurate. These tests check for symptoms of BV, like changes in vaginal acidity and by-products of a BV infection rather than for BV itself.
Home test kits might indicate whether you have BV. But you'll want to confirm your results with a healthcare professional. They can help you decide on the best treatment.
MetronidazoleOne of the best prescription treatments for BV is an antibiotic called metronidazole. You can take it as a pill or gel.
The CDC recommends the following dosages:
If you have BV that recurs, a doctor may prescribe 500 mg of oral medication for 10–14 days. Another option is to use vaginal gel for 10 days, then twice weekly for 3–6 months.
ClindamycinClindamycin is another effective prescription treatment for BV. It's an antibiotic that you can take as:
An ovule suppository is a medication membrane that melts inside the vagina.
According to the CDC, the recommended dosages for clindamycin are:
Clindamycin cream and ovules contain oil, which may weaken latex products like condoms and diaphragms. This effect can last 72 hours for ovules and 5 days for cream.
TinidazoleIt's possible to develop adverse side effects from metronidazole or clindamycin. In this case, the doctor may prescribe tinidazole instead.
Tinidazole is also an antibiotic that you can take as a pill. For BV, there are two recommended dosages:
Another option is secnidazole. This is an antibiotic that you can take in one dose.
Secnidazole is available as granules that you can consume orally. The recommended single dose is 2 g. You can take the granules by mixing them with unsweetened applesauce or yogurt first.
Secnidazole is significantly more expensive than other treatments. However, it may be a good option if you prefer a single-dose treatment.
ProbioticsProbiotics are good bacteria. Taking probiotic supplements may help introduce healthy bacteria into your body.
According to a 2019 review of 10 studies, which focused on the effects of probiotics on bacterial vaginosis, there's evidence that taking probiotic supplements daily may help treat and prevent BV.
And a research review from 2021 suggests that oral and vaginal probiotics may be an effective treatment and prevention option for BV. But researchers note that more studies are needed to determine:
If you've been prescribed an antibiotic for BV, bear in mind that antibiotics can kill off the good bacteria as well as the bad. Probiotic supplements and yogurt can help replace good bacteria that are destroyed by antibiotics.
If you have BV, you could try taking probiotics daily to help treat and prevent future cases of this condition. Probiotics are available in:
You can buy probiotic supplements from:
Garlic has strong antibacterial properties, and it's long been used as a home remedy for BV.
For BV treatment, take garlic orally. Taking it vaginally has been known to burn vaginal tissue.
Research from 2020 looked at alternative treatments for BV. It concluded that taking a garlic supplement tablet could be an option for treating BV, although it also noted studies that suggest antibiotic treatment is more effective.
Boric acid suppositoryBoric acid vaginal suppositories are commonly used to treat BV, according to a research from 2019. According to the research, boric acid is typically effective at treating both BV and vaginal thrush, and few side effects occur.
Please note that boric acid is not edible — it's toxic to eat. Store it away from children and animals. It's also not safe to use if you're pregnant. However, it's considered safe to use boric acid in the vagina.
According to the CDC, experts still don't fully understand how BV spreads. But in general, anything that changes the chemical balance in your vagina can increase your risk of BV.
For instance, these steps may lower your risk of BV:
Although BV can clear up on its own, there are times when it can get worse without treatment. Also, it has been associated with other serious health complications.
ConsiderationsIf your symptoms haven't resolved or started to clear up after a week of treatment, you can make an appointment with a doctor or gynecologist.
Also, contact a doctor if you have:
Consider making an appointment on a day when you won't have your period. This allows the doctor to take a swab of your vaginal discharge for testing.
You can book an appointment with an OB-GYN in your area using our Healthline FindCare tool.
Recurring BVRecurring BV is common. Even with treatment, infections recur in more than 50% of cases within 6 months to 1 year. The reasons for this high recurrence rate are not known.
Research is divided on whether recurrence can be caused by re-infection from partners during sex. The CDC says that although bacteria associated with BV can be found on male genitalia, treating male sex partners for BV has not helped prevent the recurrence of BV in women.
When both sex partners have a vagina, and one of them has BV, the infection often develops in the partner, according to the CDC. But research has not yet determined the effectiveness of treating people with a vagina to prevent BV recurrence.
Other possible causes of recurrence include:
If symptoms recur soon after your treatment, you may want to see a healthcare professional to consider alternative treatments. Options include different or extended drug therapies or supplementation to restore normal flora balance in the vaginal microbiome.
Is bacterial vaginosis contagious?BV is not considered to be an STI. But sex increases your risk of developing the infection.
If a person with BV has sex with a person with a vagina, their partner may need to seek treatment for BV.
What is the quickest way to treat bacterial vaginosis?The fastest way to treat BV is to visit a doctor and get a prescription to treat the condition.
A prescription treatment will likely clear up your symptoms in 2–3 days. If you're pregnant or undergoing any medical procedures, it's especially important to have your BV taken care of sooner rather than later.
The doctor may prescribe an oral or vaginal antibiotic, like:
BV might go away on its own, but it's usually not worth the wait.
If it does go away on its own, it may take around 2 weeks to resolve, and then keep coming back. During that time, you might experience unpleasant symptoms.
How long does BV take to go away?After seeing a doctor and starting treatment with a prescribed medication, your symptoms will likely improve within 2–3 days.
However, it's important to continue taking your medication for the prescribed period of time, even if your symptoms have gone away. This will help ensure that the infection has completely cleared up, which typically takes about 7 days.
Should you be treated for bacterial vaginosis if you're pregnant?If you're pregnant, it's wise to get treatment for BV as soon as possible. That's because BV can increase the risk of early delivery and other complications.
It's safe to take antibiotics for BV while you're pregnant. A vaginal suppository antibiotic is typically prescribed to avoid side effects like nausea, vomiting, metallic taste, heartburn, and others.
What is the difference between a yeast infection and bacterial vaginosis?BV and vaginal yeast infections have similar symptoms but different causes and treatments. Both cause inflammation of the vagina, also known as vaginitis. Both can also cause itchiness, but yeast infections do this more.
One of the differences between BV and a yeast infection is that BV produces a foul-smelling, "fishy" odor, while a yeast infection produces a slight "yeasty" aroma to no vaginal odor at all.
Additionally, a yeast infection may cause redness and inflammation of the vulva, and white, "cottage-cheese-like" discharge, while BV doesn't produce such symptoms.
To determine whether a vaginal infection is BV or a yeast infection, a doctor may:
If you can't use or access antibiotics, certain home remedies — namely probiotics, garlic, and boric acid suppositories — could treat BV. However, some studies indicate that these home remedies aren't as effective as antibiotic treatment.
The CDC reports that while some studies have evaluated supplementing Lactobacillus and other probiotics vaginally to treat BV, research does not support this to replace or add to standard BV therapy.
A 2018 study suggests other potential alternatives to antibiotic treatment, though these need to be done under a healthcare professional's care:
A 2023 study points to the development of antimicrobial resistance worldwide and calls for development of new alternative non-antimicrobial therapies for BV.
Although mild cases of BV may resolve on their own, treatment can help lower the risk of complications. The most effective options are prescription antibiotics. These include metronidazole and clindamycin, which you may take as a pill or cream.
In some cases, a doctor might prescribe tinidazole or secnidazole. These medications are also antibiotics. Taking probiotics, garlic capsules, and boric acid may also help.
Though your symptoms might improve within a few days, be sure to take all your medication as directed. This will help make sure that your infection has completely resolved. If you have recurring BV, you can work with a doctor to find long-term solutions.
Bacterial Vaginosis: Home Tests And What To Know
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Home testing for bacterial vaginosis (BV) can provide a person with important information about their vaginal health.
Quick links to at-home BV testsBacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common bacterial infection of the vagina. BV occurs when there is a change in the balance of bacteria in the vagina. Researchers do not fully understand the cause, but it frequently occurs in sexually active people, making it more likely for them to contract a sexually transmitted infection (STI).
At-home tests allow a person to self-check for BV. Although the tests can provide a person with information about a possible infection, individuals should always see a doctor if they receive a positive result.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), BV is the most common vaginal condition in people aged 15–44 years.
Despite being common in sexually active people, BV is not an STI. Instead, a person may develop BV due to an imbalance of vaginal bacteria. The Office on Women's Health (OWH) states that some common risk factors for BV include:
Symptoms may be mild or not present at all. If they do occur, the CDC notes that a person may experience some or all of the following:
The symptoms of BV are similar to those of other conditions that affect the vagina, so a person should contact a doctor for advice if they experience them.
Due to the ease of use and availability of at-home tests, a person can test for BV at home before making an appointment with a doctor.
Many at-home tests provide specific instructions on when to test for BV, but most people will test if they notice symptoms. Other reasons to test may include:
Older 2013 research has shown that most women perform self-tests correctly and that results from home tests are reasonably accurate. At-home tests may check the pH level of the vagina, which can help determine whether a person has BV.
However, not all tests will be 100% accurate, and false negative results are possible.
The pH level is one of four criteria that doctors use to confirm a diagnosis. The other three are:
After using a home test and returning a positive result, a person should talk with their doctor, who will diagnose and treat the BV.
MNT chooses at-home tests that meet the following criteria:
Below is a range of tests that an individual may order online to check for BV.
Best test for results in 2–5 days: myLAB Box BV Home TestThe company will mail a BV testing kit to a person's chosen location in a discreet package. Once it arrives, a person must follow the instructions to perform the test and then return it to the lab.
According to the myLAB Box website, the kit features:
An individual can use their health savings account (HSA) toward the cost of the test.
The company states that many women with BV have no symptoms, and this tests checks for a wide range of bacteria that may cause BV.
This test may be ideal for those who cannot see a doctor and would like to get results quickly. The free consultation may help a person confirm the diagnosis and get a prescription to treat the infection.
The company claims its labs hold College of American Pathologists (CAP) and Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) certifications.
A person can order a myLAB Box BV Home Test online for $99.
Best test for identifying vaginitis strains: Walk-In Lab Vaginosis Profile – Doctor's Data Test KitWalk-In-Lab offers a vaginosis profile kit that it claims distinguishes between BV and vulvovaginal candidiasis.
The company states that this test is useful for finding the cause of vaginal discomfort and discharge and persistent yeast infections.
Once a person selects and orders the kit, the company will send the kit directly to a person's chosen location.
After completing the test, an individual will send the sample back to the company for testing. However, the company explicitly states not to collect a sample or send the kit back on a Friday.
According to the company, a person can expect their results within 6–8 days.
The company does not offer consultations or prescriptions for those who receive positive results.
A person can order a Walk-In-Lab Vaginosis Profile test for $170.
Best test for results in seconds: FloriSense Vaginal Health TestFloriSense claims that its Vaginal Health Test gives results in about 10 seconds. It tests the pH in a person's vagina to identify whether there is an infection.
The company advises that if the swab changes color, it will indicate trichomoniasis (trich) or BV. If the test detects either of these, an individual should contact a doctor for confirmation and treatment.
If there is no color change to the swab, but a person is experiencing symptoms, it could indicate a yeast infection. This is treatable with over-the-counter (OTC) medications.
The box contains two swabs with complete instructions and an information insert.
This test is suitable for those who want an affordable test that provides quick results and may differentiate between BV and a yeast infection.
However, while this test can help determine whether an infection is present, users may have to undergo further testing at a doctor's office to confirm their result.
Additionally, lab tests may provide more accurate results, as scientists can check the samples for specific infection strains under a microscope.
A person can order the FloriSense Vaginal Health Test online for $18.95. It includes two swabs.
Best test that provides prescription medication: LetsGetChecked Vaginitis Test (BV, CV, TV)This test checks for BV, yeast infections, and trichomonas.
A person uses this test by:
The company writes that a person will receive their results online within 5 days.
According to LetsGetChecked, a person gets automatic access to medication if they receive a positive result. The company sends treatment to customers at no additional cost. Customers will also get a one-on-one call with a nurse.
A person can get treatment for BV, candidal vaginitis, and trichomonas vaginitis.
LetsGetChecked notes that this test is not suitable for everyone, including those who:
It is also a more expensive option and will not suit those with smaller budgets.
A person can order the LetsGetChecked test online for $239.
Best test for routine monitoring: MedLab Diagnostics Vaginal pH Test StripsThis is a pack of 50 pH test strips that people can use to monitor vaginal acidity levels. The company suggests using these strips regularly to monitor vaginal health and quickly detect any abnormalities.
The company also suggests using them after taking antibiotics or when experiencing symptoms of a condition such as BV.
However, this test cannot specifically indicate if a person has BV or any other condition, as it does not check for strains of bacteria. And the test strips do not go to a lab for further analysis.
Instead, a person can interpret the pH levels on the test strips and seek further testing and medical advice if their results indicate that they are at risk of BV. For instance, a pH level higher than 4.5 may indicate that a person has BV or another vaginal infection.
This product will suit those who want to routinely measure and monitor the acidity levels in the vagina, which may indicate abnormalities.
A person can order a pack of 50 MedLab Diagnostics Vaginal pH Test Strips for $17.99.
Best test for vaginal and urinary tract infections (UTIs): Stix Vaginal Testing KitThis testing kit by Stix comes with:
The company says this kit is eligible for purchase with a health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA).
A person performs the UTI test by:
A person performs the vaginal pH test by:
This test is a viable option for those who are prone to UTIs or vaginal infections. Having this type of kit at home can be helpful for quickly doing a test if a person thinks they have an infection.
However, this kit only checks the pH of the urethra or the vagina. It does not check against strains of bacteria or provide an accurate diagnosis of what might be causing the change in vaginal acidity levels.
Therefore, users should always visit a doctor to confirm a diagnosis, especially if the tests show a positive or abnormal result.
A person can get the Stix Vaginal Testing Kit online for $28.
The table below compares each at-home BV test for its type, price, and uses and whether it indicates a BV infection.
An individual with BV should speak with a doctor to identify the best ways to help support treatment, including minimizing discomfort. A physician can suggest OTC or prescription medication that can safely relieve symptoms such as itching.
The OWH also suggests:
When possible, a person should visit a doctor if they notice symptoms of BV. The doctor will likely perform a physical examination and run some lab tests.
A person should also contact a doctor if they have positive results from an at-home BV test. A doctor can then confirm a diagnosis and provide treatment. The CDC notes that typical treatment for BV involves antibiotics.
The CDC also warns that BV can come back following treatment. If a person notices recurring symptoms despite the initial treatment, they should speak with a doctor for further evaluation.
The medication and dosage a doctor prescribes for BV will depend on the type of infection a person has, any allergies they may have, and the severity of the BV.
The CDC provides the following BV treatment guidelines for doctors. All of these treatments have approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The CDC specifically recommends oral metronidazole, metronidazole gel, or clindamycin cream as first-line treatment options. It considers the other treatments to be alternatives.
The topical treatments include:
Oral treatments include:
Learn more about BV medication.
BV can affect the overall health of the vagina and increase a person's risk of developing other vaginal infections. The CDC also advises that a person's risk of the following conditions increases with untreated BV:
The OWH offers the following advice on lowering the risk of developing BV:
Below are answers to the top frequently asked questions about BV.
What happens if bacterial vaginosis goes untreated?BV can sometimes go away on its own without treatment. However, untreated BV can increase a person's risk of a range of serious health conditions, some of which can affect fertility.
A person with untreated BV may be at a higher risk of getting or transmitting HIV, experiencing premature delivery if pregnant, and getting chlamydia or gonorrhea, which can increase the risk of pelvic inflammatory disease. This condition can affect a person's ability to have children.
Is bacterial vaginosis an STD?BV is not an STI. According to the CDC, it is an imbalance of certain types of bacteria in the vagina.
Will BV go away on its own?The CDC states that BV can sometimes go away on its own. However, a person should always seek treatment from a doctor for BV as it can increase a person's risk of STIs and serious health conditions.
BV causes itchiness, pain, and abnormal discharge in the vagina. The bacterial infection can cause a person to be more likely to contract other infections, such as common STIs.
A person can test for BV using a home testing kit, which they can often purchase online or at a local pharmacy. Individuals should speak with their doctor if they receive a positive result from any at-home test.
12 Home Remedies That Can Tackle Body Odour
By Kate Halim
Body odour is a common problem among men, women, teenagers and even children. If not handled properly, it can severely affect a person's quality of life. Although its causes are sometimes linked to a person's hygiene practices, body odour can indicate a more serious underlying condition in some instances.
A dermatologist based in Lagos, Foluke Adeniyi told Saturday Sun that it is a common misconception that sweat causes body odour because human sweat is almost odourless.
According to her, body odour occurs due to bacteria on a person's skin breaking down protein molecules within sweat and producing odour as a result. She added that body odour is an umbrella term for natural smells originating from a person.
"The human body can produce a range of substances that carry a smell, known as odorants. Many of these are important for regular bodily function and, in small quantities do not lead to unpleasant odours. However, an excessive accumulation of these compounds on the skin can cause noticeable smells", she said.
Adeniyi stated that in some people, body odour usually becomes more pronounced during puberty, as hormones and sweat glands become more active at this time. People with obesity and individuals with certain medical conditions, such as diabetes are also more susceptible to having body odor.
While body odour can come from any part of the body, it most commonly occurs in the mouth, armpits, genitals, arms, belly button, behind the ears, feet, and groin.
Diseases that can cause body odour
Adeniyi noted that changes in body odour are normal and may happen due to multiple factors. It could be due to changes in one's lifestyle or the sign of an underlying medical condition. She listed some health conditions that may cause body odours. They include.
Stress and Anxiety
Stress and anxiety may play a role in causing you to sweat more, which may result in stronger body odour. While hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) may not cause health complications, it may cause a person social distress and result in low self-confidence.
Diabetes
Diabetes is characterized by inadequate insulin secretion, which may lead to increased levels of acetone in the body. This may result in a sweet smell from the mouth
Infectious Diseases
Certain strains of microbes may result in strong and distinct body odours. Digestive and upper respiratory infections and bacterial vaginosis may cause a strong and sweet smell in the stool, breath, or vaginal discharge.
Cancer
Cancer or tumours may show a change in certain metabolic activities, which may result in the secretion of volatile compounds. These volatile compounds, like alkane and benzene derivatives, may produce a strong and distinct body odour.
Hormonal changes
The hormonal fluctuations women experience during puberty, menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause may cause significant changes in their body odour. Changes in hormones like cortisol, progesterone, estrogen, and testosterone levels in women have been associated with different body odours.
Home remedies that get rid of body odour
One: Coconut oil
Rub a small amount of coconut oil directly on the sweat-prone areas of your body. For foul body odour, mix a small amount of citric acid powder with water and use it as the last rinse before you step out of the bathroom. Concentrate on the armpits and the groin area. Dry your body and apply coconut oil. Coconut oil is rich in lauric acid, which is known to eliminate the bacteria present in our body, thus helping in getting rid of body odour.
Two: Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar can be directly applied to your underarms and other body parts using a cotton ball. Alternatively, half a cup of ACV can be mixed with one cup of water and used as a deodorant. As this is a natural alternative to store-bought deodorants, it can be used on a regular basis as per one's requirement.
Being acidic in nature, apple cider vinegar is known for its ability to kill and prevent bacterial formation, which can, in turn, prevent the occurrence of foul body odour.
Three: Epsom salt
Fill your bucket with hot water and pour about two to three cups of Epsom salt into it. Use this water to wash your body thoroughly and in slow motion. You can try this treatment three times a week for the best results.
Epsom salt is an antioxidant and is known to detoxify our bodies. It also helps our body produce a hormone called serotonin, which helps it to relax. These properties of Epsom salt relieve stress and this, in turn, decreases sweat production, thereby eliminating foul odour from our body.
Four: Fenugreek tea
Add one teaspoon of fenugreek seeds to 250ml of water and bring it to a boil till the quantity of water reduces to half. Drink this on an empty stomach every morning. You can continue drinking this every morning to detoxify your body.
Being an antioxidant, fenugreek flushes out all the toxins from our body. It also possesses antibacterial properties and inhibits any bacterial infection from spreading further. Fenugreek tea is thus believed to fight body odour naturally by treating its root cause.
Five:Fennel seeds
You will need one teaspoon of crushed fennel seeds, one cup of water and a small amount of honey for this home remedy. Add the crushed fennel seeds to a cup of water and allow the mixture to boil. Strain the mixture. Add some honey for flavour and drink up. Consume it every morning until you get the desired result.
Some of the components present in fennel seeds are stimulants and promote the secretion of digestive and gastric juices in the stomach. They are also known to act as laxatives and can prevent body odour.
Six: Green tea
You will need green tea leaves and water for this remedy. Boil enough water in a teapot and add the green tea leaves. Allow it to cool and then apply the strained extract to the sweat-prone areas of the body. Regular intake of green tea on an empty stomach can also help you deal with foul body odour.
Apply this mixture on alternate days as the daily application could be too drying for some skin types. The antioxidants and tannic acid in green tea help combat body odour from within, while the external application of green tea helps to keep the skin dry and keeps the bacteria in check. Daily intake of green tea helps to flush all the toxins out of the body.
Seven: Tea bags
Bring two litres of water to a boil and add four tea bags. Pour this tea into your regular bath and soak in it for 15-20 minutes. Do this at least thrice a week. The tannins present in tea keep the skin dry, thereby preventing sweat formation.
Eight: Baking soda
Put one tablespoon of powdered baking soda in a bowl and brush it on all the sweat-prone areas of your body, such as your underarms. Dust off the extra powder and go about your day as usual.
Alternatively, you can mix baking soda with a few drops of water to make a paste. Apply this paste to the underarms and other areas of your body. Leave it on for 10-15 minutes and wash off with lukewarm water. Pat your body dry with a towel. Do this daily for a few weeks.
Baking soda absorbs moisture, and hence, it prevents the formation of sweat. It not only kills the bacteria on the skin but also alkalizes the body and neutralizes the pungent odour that our body gives off.
Nine: Lemon juice
Cut one big lemon into two and rub it directly on your underarms. Allow it to dry completely. Wash off with lukewarm water. If you have sensitive skin, you can dilute lemon juice with a few drops of water and then apply it to the underarms. You can do this daily. The acidic nature of lemon lowers the pH of your body, making it difficult for bacteria to survive on your skin.
10. Rose water
Mix three tablespoons of rose water with one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar. Store this mixture in a bottle and spray it on your underarms and other body parts whenever required. Apply this daily for best results.
As rose water is an astringent, it reduces the size of the pores on the skin, decreasing sweat production. It also leaves behind a floral fragrance.
Eleven: Neem leaves
Grind a handful of neem leaves and one cup of water to make a fine paste. Apply this paste to all the sweat-prone areas of your body. Allow it to dry and wash it off with warm water.
Alternatively, boil some neem leaves in water. Strain the water and use it to take your bath. Daily use is recommended for best results.
The antibacterial, antifungal, and antiseptic properties of neem help it to eliminate the odour-causing bacteria. It also removes all the toxins from within the body, eradicating the root cause of body odour.
Twelve: Parsley leaves
Add a teaspoon of parsley leaves to one cup of water and boil for five minutes. Strain and drink the water. Drink parsley water regularly for best results.
Parsley leaves have been known to possess anti-odour properties for ages. The presence of chlorophyll in these leaves is said to eliminate body odour and bad breath internally.
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