Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Lime (Citrus aurantiifolia) has a long history of traditional use as a natural remedy for body odor in various cultures. People often rub fresh lime juice directly onto their underarms or other areas prone to odor. This practice is based on lime's natural acidic properties (primarily citric acid), which can temporarily lower the skin's pH. The acidic environment created by lime juice can inhibit the growth of odor-causing bacteria, at least in the short term. However, robust scientific studies directly examining lime's effectiveness for body odor reduction are lacking. Most evidence comes from anecdotal reports and traditional practices, not from controlled clinical trials or peer-reviewed research. Additionally, dermatologists caution that the acidity of lime juice can cause skin irritation or even phytophotodermatitis (a skin reaction triggered by sunlight after lime application). Thus, while the use of lime for body odor is rooted in tradition and some plausible mechanisms exist, scientific validation for its efficacy and safety is limited. The overall evidence supporting lime's use against body odor is modest and largely based on traditional practice rather than scientific research.

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