Sweating is your body's natural defense against overheating. Sweat glands excrete a mixture of water, urea and sodium chloride onto the skin. As the sweat dries, the surrounding air helps cool the skin. However, excessive sweating, or hyperhidrosis, which occurs when the body isn't overheated, can be a source of discomfort and embarrassment. Skin conditions, stress, chain smoking and heavy drinking can trigger heavy sweating. One herb in particular may be beneficial for reducing excessive perspiration, but see your doctor first for a diagnosis to rule out an underlying disorder that may be causing the problem.
Sage
Used as a culinary spice, sage, or Salvia officinalis, contains flavonoids, volatile oils and tannins, which may be responsible for creating an astringent effect in the body. The "PDR for Herbal Medicines," reports that in addition to inhibiting perspiration, sage is antibacterial and fungistatic, meaning it inhibits the growth of yeast, which may reduce body odor as well as excess sweat.
Dosage
To prepare sage tea, pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1 tsp. of the dried herb, steep for three minutes, strain and drink. If you're using powdered sage, stir 1 tsp. into the cup of boiling water, strain quickly and drink. You may sweeten the herbal tea with honey, if desired. Drink one cup of tea before meals, up to three times per day.
Additional Uses
Make herbal sage tea as directed, let it cool, and use it as a final body rinse after showering. You may also prepare a spray from the herbal tea and spritz your skin as needed to reduce body odor.
Considerations
While sage is generally safe for most people, the "PDR" warns against using it during pregnancy or if you're breastfeeding. At high doses, sage can cause an erratic heartbeat, hot flushing, dizziness and in rare instances, epileptic-type convulsions. See your doctor before using sage to treat excessive sweating.
References
- "Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine, Volume 2"; Jacqueline L. Longe; 2005
- "PDR for Herbal Medicines, 2nd Edition"; Joerg Gruenwald, PhD, 2000
- Herb Wisdom: Sage (Salvia officinalis)
