Can traditional Chinese medicine really eliminate body odor permanently?

Nov 07, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Liu Wenmin

Introduction

Body odor is often related to overactive sweat glands and the local bacterial breakdown of sweat that produces unpleasant smell. In traditional Chinese medicine, it is believed to be mainly caused by internal accumulation of damp-heat and disharmony of qi and blood. Treatment with Chinese herbs commonly involves oral medications that clear heat, eliminate dampness, regulate qi, and invigorate blood circulation, as well as topical washes or ointments with astringent and antibacterial properties. These treatments can reduce sweat secretion and inhibit bacterial growth, thereby alleviating odor.

In general, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) cannot completely eliminate body odor caused by bromhidrosis, but it may help reduce odor and improve symptoms through bodily regulation. The specific effectiveness varies depending on individual differences and the severity of the condition. If in doubt, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional in advance. Detailed analysis is as follows:

Bromhidrosis is often associated with excessive sweat gland secretion and bacterial breakdown of sweat causing unpleasant odor. In TCM, it is commonly attributed to internal damp-heat and disharmony of qi and blood. Treatment typically involves oral herbal formulas that clear heat, remove dampness, regulate qi, and promote blood circulation, or topical washes and ointments with astringent and antibacterial properties. These can reduce sweat secretion and inhibit bacterial growth, thereby alleviating odor. Some patients with mild cases may achieve long-term relief. However, since TCM cannot fundamentally alter the physiological structure of sweat glands, symptoms may recur after discontinuation of treatment.

For patients with severe symptoms or abnormally excessive sweat secretion, relying solely on TCM is often insufficient for complete elimination of odor, which may persist or worsen under certain conditions. In such cases, other treatment methods are usually required in combination, while TCM can serve as an adjunctive approach to help improve the body's internal environment, reduce the frequency of symptom recurrence, and enhance overall therapeutic outcomes.

TCM treatment should be conducted under the guidance of a qualified physician to avoid skin irritation or other adverse effects from self-medication. If TCM regulation proves ineffective or symptoms worsen, timely medical evaluation is necessary to determine a more suitable treatment plan.

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What are the best methods for permanently removing body odor?

There is no definitive optimal method for the permanent removal of axillary odor. The choice of treatment depends on the individual patient's condition. Common approaches for axillary odor removal include traditional surgery, minimally invasive surgery, laser therapy, botulinum toxin type A injections, and gold microneedle radiofrequency therapy, with varying effectiveness and suitable populations.

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How to completely eliminate body odor (bromhidrosis)

Axillary osmidrosis, commonly known as body odor, typically refers to bromhidrosis in the armpit area. In general, axillary bromhidrosis may be caused by genetic factors, excessive sweat secretion, local bacterial infection, endocrine disorders, dysfunction of apocrine sweat glands, and other reasons. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and then improve the condition through general treatment, medication, surgical treatment, or other methods under the guidance of a physician.

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How to completely eliminate body odor (bromhidrosis)

Under normal circumstances, axillary bromhidrosis may be caused by genetic factors, excessive sweat secretion, local bacterial infection, hyperhidrosis, hyperthyroidism, or other reasons. It is recommended to seek timely medical consultation, identify the underlying cause, and then proceed with treatment under a doctor's guidance through general treatments, medication, physical therapy, or surgical intervention. Daily care should include regular trimming of underarm hair to reduce bacterial adhesion.

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Why did I suddenly develop body odor when I never had it before?

Excessive secretion of thyroid hormones accelerates the body's metabolism, leading to increased sweat production. This results in greater underarm perspiration with altered composition, which, when broken down by bacteria, produces body odor (bromhidrosis). Symptoms may include palpitations and hand tremors. Treatment should involve the use of medications such as methimazole tablets, propylthiouracil tablets, and propranolol tablets under the guidance of a physician to regulate thyroid function.