Several herbs may be helpful in treating your excessive sweating, or hyperhidrosis, a medical condition in which you sweat profusely and unpredictably. If you have hyperhidrosis, you may sweat even when the temperature is low and you are at rest. Certain long-term health conditions, such as hyperthyroidism, may also cause excessive sweating. Before taking herbs to help treat your excessive sweating, talk with your doctor about possible side effects, proper dosage and potential drug interactions.
Sage
Sage, also known as Salvia officinalis, is an herb that may be helpful in treating your excessive sweating. A member of the mint family, sage has been cultivated for culinary and medicinal purposes for hundreds of years. Sage is an evergreen shrub native to the Mediterranean region, has a pungent taste, and possesses warming and drying tendencies. The aerial herb in budding stage is used to help treat numerous health problems, including excessive sweating. Dr. Sharol Tilgner, a naturopathic physician and author of the book "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," states that sage is a carminative, astringent and antibacterial that is used to treat excessive perspiration, hot flashes and night sweats. Sage may also be helpful in treating mucous membrane irritation, such as cankers and sore throats. If you are pregnant, cautions Tilgner, you should avoid taking this herb.
Schisandra
Ed Smith, an herbalist and author of the book "Therapeutic Herb Manual," states that schisandra, also known as Schisandra chinensis, is a nutritive, antioxidant, adaptogen, astringent, expectorant and anti-tussive that helps treat excessive sweating. Schisandra, notes Smith, is particularly effective in combating night sweats and spontaneous perspiration. It may also be helpful in treating dryness and thirst caused by fever. Schisandra, a member of the Schisandraceae family, has a pungent, sour, bitter, salty and sweet taste and possesses warming tendencies. The fruit of the plant is used by practitioners of herbal medicine to help treat many health conditions, including excessive sweating. Tilgner notes that, in addition to treating excessive sweating, schisandra may also be used to help treat hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, asthma, prolonged diarrhea and certain conditions associated with immune system deficiency.
Lemon Balm
Lemon balm, also called Melissa officinalis, is a perennial herb native to Europe that now grows throughout the world. Lemon balm belongs to the mint family and can grow over 2 feet tall. This herb has a sweet and sour lemon-like taste and possesses slightly warming tendencies. The leaves of the plant, which contain plant chemicals known as terpenes, are used for medicinal purposes. According to Tilgner, lemon balm is a nervine, sedative, mild antidepressant, hypotensive and antiviral that has been used to help treat the signs and symptoms associated with hyperthyroidism or an overactive thyroid gland. Common signs and symptoms associated with hyperthyroidism include excessive sweating, anxiety, restlessness, heart palpitations and irritability. If you are pregnant, warns Tilgner, you should avoid taking this herb, unless you are under the care and supervision of a qualified health care professional.
References
- MedlinePlus: Hyperhidrosis
- Botanical.com: Sage, Common
- "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth"; Sharol Tilgner, N.D.; 1999
- "Therapeutic Herb Manual"; Ed Smith; 2007
