Home Remedies and Herbs for Excessive Sweating (Hyperhidrosis)

Excessive sweating is a medical condition also known as hyperhidrosis. It is characterized by excessive and unpredictable sweating that is not always related to temperature or exercise.¹ While sweating is a normal bodily function that helps you stay cool during elevated temperatures, hyperhidrosis occurs without any sort of distinguishable trigger.² Depending on the person, excessive sweating at night may be more common than during the day, however, in many people it can occur at any point. Focal (primary) hyperhidrosis is a specific condition whereby the person sweats excessively on their hands, feet or armpits. Secondary hyperhidrosis occurs as a symptom of another preexisting condition.² While not a severe medical condition, hyperhidrosis can cause social anxiety, embarrassment and general discomfort if it persists long-term.³

What Causes Excessive Sweating (Hyperhidrosis)?

It is difficult to determine specific excessive sweating causes when it comes to focal (primary) hyperhidrosis. Possible excessive sweating causes may include a genetic predisposition that leads to overactive sweat glands.² Where secondary hyperhidrosis is concerned, excessive sweating causes are attributed to conditions like anxiety disorder, cancer, heart disease, menopause, stroke and many other medical ailments.^{1 2}

Excessive Sweating (Hyperhidrosis) Symptoms

Hyperhidrosis symptoms generally refer to sweating that is above an average or expected level. In general hyperhidrosis symptoms include:³

• Wetness that soaks through clothes
• Wetness on palms, feet, face or the underarms
• Sweating episodes occurring at least once per week
• Excessive sweating at night or during day
• Wetness occurring on both sides of the body

In very severe situations hyperhidrosis symptoms may indicate serious underlying conditions. If you experience hyperhidrosis accompanied by nausea, vomiting, chest pain, chills or dizziness then it’s important to seek immediate medical attention.³

Natural Remedies and Herbs for Excessive Sweating (Hyperhidrosis)

There are certain excessive sweating natural treatments that can help manage and prevent hyperhidrosis symptoms. The following are some excessive sweating natural treatments to try at home:

• Apple Cider Vinegar - Apple cider vinegar is a natural astringent that cools the body and speeds up metabolism. This can help prevent or alleviate excessive sweating, particularly in overweight people.
• Sage - age is a traditional excessive sweating natural treatment that can help to dry the body.
• Tea Tree Oil - Tea tree oil has skin astringent health benefits that can help cleanse the body and prevent hyperhidrosis due to overactive sweat glands. Tea tree oil can also prevent fungal infections due to excess moisture buildup.
• Wheatgrass Juice - Wheatgrass juice is rich in essential vitamins that can help balance out acids in the body. This can help to prevent excessive sweating.
• Tomato Juice - Tomato juice is high in vitamin C, which is an antioxidant. Antioxidants can help to cleanse the body and lower instances of excessive sweating.
• Witch Hazel - Witch hazel is another skin astringent that can be used as an excessive sweating natural remedy. Witch hazel topical applications help to dry out the affected areas such as the hands, feet, underarms and face.

References

1. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007259.htm
2. http://umm.edu/health/medical/ency/articles/hyperhidrosis
3. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hyperhidrosis/basics/definition/con-20030728