Six Natural Cures for Excessive Sweating (Hyperhidrosis)
Hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating, can be a challenging condition to manage. This article presents six natural remedies to help control this issue, starting from number six and working our way to the most effective solution.
Hyperhidrosis is estimated to affect 1-3% of the population globally, with some studies suggesting it may be as high as 4.8% in the US. This prevalence highlights the importance of finding effective treatments for this condition.
6 Natural Remedies for Excessive Sweating (Hyperhidrosis)
1. Avoid Processed Foods
Focus on natural, unprocessed foods to reduce toxins that trigger sweating.
2. Witch Hazel
Use as a natural astringent to shrink pores and combat sweating.
3. Sage
Apply topically or drink as tea to reduce perspiration.
4. Apple Cider Vinegar
Use topically or internally to balance pH and control sweating.
5. Schisandra
Take as supplement to support adrenal function and reduce sweating.
6. Yoga
Practice regularly to reduce stress and balance body functions.
6. Practicing Yoga
While yoga might seem counterintuitive for managing sweating, it offers several benefits:
- Harmonizes the body and corrects imbalances
- Induces inner calm and emotional stability
- Reduces stress and anxiety-related sweating
- Stimulates the digestive system
- Encourages the body to flush out toxins
Yoga is particularly helpful for those with hyperhidrosis associated with:
- Stress or anxiety
- Weight problems
- Poor diet
- Food intolerance
Interestingly, the popularity of yoga has skyrocketed in recent years. The number of Americans practicing yoga increased from 20.4 million in 2012 to 36 million in 2016, a remarkable 76% increase. This growth suggests that more people are recognizing the various health benefits of yoga, including its potential to manage conditions like hyperhidrosis.
5. Schisandra
Schisandra is a medicinal berry known for:
- Supporting adrenal function
- Lowering inflammation
- Improving liver function
- Stopping excessive perspiration and night sweats
Usage:
- Available as dried fruit extract, tincture, teas, and pills
- Start with the recommended dose and increase slowly
- Do not consume more than 3 grams daily
4. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar offers multiple benefits:
- Astringent properties to control sweating
- Balances pH levels when taken internally
- Acts as an antiperspirant
Usage methods:
- For sweaty underarms:
- Wash the affected area
- Apply with a cotton ball
- Leave overnight and rinse in the morning
- Internal consumption:
- Mix 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar and 1 teaspoon of raw honey in a glass of water
- Drink once daily on an empty stomach
- For sweaty feet:
- Create a foot soak with 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar and 4 cups water
- Soak feet for 20 minutes daily
The popularity of apple cider vinegar as a natural remedy is reflected in its market growth. The global apple cider vinegar market size was valued at $838.9 million in 2020 and is projected to reach $1.46 billion by 2030, indicating a growing interest in its various health benefits.
3. Sage
Sage is an excellent remedy for excessive sweating due to its:
- Anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties
- Tannic acid content, which constricts sweat glands
Usage methods:
- Topical application:
- Boil 1 tablespoon of dried sage leaves in 1-2 cups of water
- Cool to room temperature
- Clean affected areas thoroughly
- Repeat 3 times daily
- Internal consumption:
- Brew sage tea
- Drink nightly before bedtime
Sage is widely cultivated for its medicinal properties. Global sage production was around 45,000 tons in 2019, with Turkey being the largest producer, accounting for about 50% of global production. This significant production volume underscores the widespread use and recognition of sage’s beneficial properties.
2. Witch Hazel
Witch hazel, derived from the hazel shrub, is effective for:
- Shrinking skin pores with its astringent properties
- Combating facial sweating
Usage:
- For facial sweating:
- Apply a thin layer using a cotton ball soaked in witch hazel
- For other sweat-prone areas:
- Use a larger cotton pad or washcloth soaked in witch hazel
- Apply to affected areas
- Leave on or rinse after 30 minutes
The growing recognition of witch hazel’s benefits is evident in its market growth. The global witch hazel market size was valued at $134.5 million in 2020 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.8% from 2021 to 2028. This growth suggests an increasing awareness of its effectiveness in skincare and managing conditions like hyperhidrosis.
1. Avoid Chemically Processed Foods
The most effective solution is dietary change:
- Eliminate processed, packaged, pre-made, deep-fried, and fast foods
- Focus on natural, unprocessed foods from the earth
Reasons:
- Chemical toxins and compounds in processed foods trigger more sweating
- Being overweight compounds the problem
- A poor diet affects nearly every health condition
The importance of this advice is underscored by recent dietary trends. In the US, ultra-processed foods made up 57.9% of energy intake in 2017-2018, up from 53.5% in 2001-2002. This increase in processed food consumption highlights the need for greater awareness about the health impacts of our diet choices.
On a positive note, there’s growing interest in natural and organic foods. US organic food sales reached $56.4 billion in 2020, up 12.8% from 2019. This trend suggests that more people are recognizing the benefits of a diet based on natural, unprocessed foods.
By following these natural remedies and making dietary changes, you can effectively manage hyperhidrosis and reduce excessive sweating.
