Just the thought of getting up to speak in front of a crowd can cause you to break out in a heavy sweat all over; your hands, underarms, forehead and even your feet may be affected. Sweating is your body's natural cooling system, needed in order to maintain its proper temperature. Fortunately, for most of us, this is only a temporary condition caused by a case of nerves or the heat of the day. For others, excessive sweating, or hyperhidrosis, is an everyday occurrence caused by overactive sweat glands. It's considered a hereditary condition with no cure, but talk to your doctor about using herbs to help control its symptoms.
Sage
Sage is an ancient herb whose name is derived from the Latin "salvare," meaning "to save." There are a number of species of sage used in herbal remedies, but Salvia officinalis, or true sage, is the one commonly used. Sage is a perennial plant whose sweetly fragrant, silvery-green leaves are collected for their medicinal properties. Sage contains a wealth of active compounds, including volatile oils, camphor, tannins, vitamin C, potassium and magnesium. It has a strong antiperspirant action and may help alleviate excessive sweating, but don't use it if you are pregnant. Talk to your doctor before using sage to treat any condition.
Schisandra
Schisandra grows from a woody vine in the eastern parts of the United States and China, producing small red berries that are collected and dried to make herbal medicines. Schisandra is classified an an adaptogen, or an herb that balances bodily functions during times of physical and emotional stress. Phyllis A. Balch, author of "Prescription for Herbal Healing," states that schisandra possesses a calming effect on the nervous system that can help alleviate symptoms of emotional stress, including heart palpitations and excessive sweating. You cannot take this herb if you are pregnant or have gallbladder problems. Check with your doctor before using schisandra to treat your condition.
Walnut Leaf
Hyperhidrosis typically affects the soles of the feet and the palms of the hands. Walnut leaf, gathered from the black walnut tree native to parts of the United States and Asia, can be used externally in a foot bath to help reduce sweating of the feet. According to "Prescription for Herbal Healing," certain proteins in walnut leaves cause the cells lining the sweat gland to link together. This cross-linking creates a barrier between skin and the sweat glands in the feet, which effectively reduces the amount of sweating. You can also use a walnut leaf bath to decrease sweating of your palms. Get your doctor's OK before using walnut leaf.
Tea Tree Oil
Along with excessive sweating, and because they are hidden away all day in shoes and socks, you may also develop a strong case of stinky feet when suffering from hyperhidrosis. Tea tree oil from the Australian tree Melaleuca alternifolia is a medicinal herb that can be used externally to help with this problem. Excessive sweating of the feet invites a host of pathogens to take up residence, including some bacteria and fungi, which can account for the odor. Tea tree oil can be added to a daily foot bath to help control foot odor. Tea tree oil should never be taken internally, as it is toxic. Always consult your doctor before using herbal remedies.
References
- "Prescription for Herbal Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C.; 2002
- PubMed; Hyperhidrosis; June 2009
- AltMD: Sage
- Drug Digest: Schisandra
- MedlinePLus; Tea Tree Oil; November 2010
