Hyperhidrosis: 7 Natural remedies to combat Excessive Sweat

Sweating is a normal process by which we eliminate toxins through the skin. Sweat also has other functions like controlling our body temperature, helping us to freshen up when we are in a warm climate or doing physical activity, however, when sweating is considered excessive or abnormal, it is known as hyperhidrosis.

Why does it happen?

Hyperhidrosis can be classified into two types: Primary and secondary.
Primary hyperhidrosis: Sweat related to emotional issues such as anger, depression and anxiety, among others.
Secondary hyperhidrosis Sweat occurs as a symptom of a disease or condition, such as spinal cord injury and diabetes. There are several reasons to which excessive sweating can be linked, among the most common are:

• Hormonal changes
• Diabetes
• Anxiety
• Obesity
• Thyroid problems
• Pregnancy
• Spinal cord problems
• Depression
• Heart and lung disease
• Brain injury
• Menopause

How to recognise excessive sweat

Often it occurs in the palms of hands and soles of the feet, as well as the armpits and face, although it can affect other areas. In addition, it is accompanied by other symptoms such as the skin peeling, cracking, odour especially in feet, loss of colour in problematic areas and peeling skin.

Sometimes sweat can soak our clothes, and may occur in other areas of the body such as the back and neck. Excessive sweating is recognisable when it is not connected to any specific condition, i.e. when there is no justification for its appearance like there would be in cases of extreme heat or exercise.

Natural remedies for excessive sweating

There are various treatments for hyperhidrosis, from medicines to procedures such as surgery, however, it is also important to know that natural options can be very useful in combating it.

1.Salvia Tea: Treating excessive sweating problems does not always require an external treatment, the consumption of certain nutrients can serve us effectively and this is certainly the case of Salvia, whose magnesium and B vitamins can help control sweating from the inside. It is recommended to consume daily, although another alternative recommended for this purpose is green tea.

2.Witch hazel is a plant with astringent properties ideal for treating sweating and is therefore often used as an ingredient in various antiperspirants. To take advantage, you can soak a cotton ball in witch hazel water and apply on problem areas including armpits, hands, feet or neck after a bath or after washing these parts of the body. If you do not have witch hazel water, you can still reap its benefits by making tea from the bark or leaves, and use it in the same way once it cools.

3.Sodium Bicarbonate: One of the most popular remedies for sweating is baking soda. It can be used diluted in a little water, just enough to form a paste and applied to the areas to be treated. Let the mixture sit for 30 minutes and then rinse with a little water. Repeat daily after bathing.

4.Apple Vinegar: Daily consumption of apple cider vinegar can be useful to improve hyperhidrosis. It is advisable to consume three teaspoons a day or a teaspoon diluted in half a glass of water 1 hour before each main meal.

5.Potatoes: Apply potato slices in the areas you want to try to improve. This is a very simple remedy but the potato must be raw and you must leave it on for at least 15 minutes to half an hour. Later remove, allow to dry and wipe with a dry cloth.

6.Tea for sweat on the feet and hands: The tannic acid in tea has astringent properties and can be harnessed to combat excessive sweat. Boil a half litre of water and place several tea bags in the water. Once cool, empty the contents into a container large enough to submerge the soles of your feet or palms of your hands and let stand for 15 minutes. Later dry them off. Start with your hands and then your feet. If you suffer from excessive sweating in both areas. You can also use wet tea bags to treat areas such as the armpits, ensuring that they have already been cooled.

7. Corn starch: A useful remedy for various areas of the body including underarms and neck, is to use a mixture of corn starch and sodium bicarbonate. Mix 10 tablespoons of cornstarch with 3 tablespoons of baking soda in a bottle or jar. Dry the affected area with a clean towel and, with your hand, apply a layer of powder. Wipe away any excess with clean towel. Reapply the mixture to prevent lumps from forming. Cornstarch is very absorbent and usually prevents excessive sweating.

Revised by: Dra. Loredana Lunadei on 04/04/2018

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