Sweating cools the body, but excessive sweating that occurs without the normal triggers such as heat, exercise or sweat, called hyperhidrosis, can cause embarrassment and discomfort. Between 2 and 3 percent of people have primary hyperhidrosis, which causes excessive sweating of the hands, feet and armpits, according to PubMed Health. Secondary hyperhidrosis affects people with medical conditions such as stroke or spinal cord injury or those who take certain medications. Alternative practitioners suggest herbs to treat hyperhidrosis, but ask your physician before taking herbs for this purpose, since herbs lack proven benefits.
Sage
Sage, an herb from the mint family, may have astringent properties that reduce excessive sweating. According to the International Hyperhidrosis Society, researchers from the School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences reported on their success using sage tea applied to the skin at the October 2005 meeting of the International Hyperhidrosis Society program at the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology. Researchers applied the tea, which contained 5 percent dried sage, directly to the skin; this tea was not taken orally. The sage mixture reduced sweating by 37 percent, while the placebo reduced sweating by only 14.8 percent.
Schisandra
Made from the fruit of the plant Schisandra chinensis, schisandra has a history of use in traditional Chinese medicine to treat spontaneous sweating. Schisandra has undergone animal trials that show it has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties but has not undergone clinical trials in humans to show effectiveness against hyperhidrosis. Central nervous system depression and heartburn may occur when taking this herb.
Astragalus
Astragalus may help relieve excess sweating. This herb has adaptogenic properties according to traditional Chinese medicine, meaning it helps the body adapt to stress. This herb can interfere with medications taken to prevent organ rejection after transplantation, the University of Maryland Medical Center warns. Ask your doctor before taking astragalus.
Blends
Ayurvedic traditional Indian medicine uses several different herbal blends to treat excessive sweating, although there is no clinical proof that these work. Some suggested remedies include a number of teas, including a mixture made from horsetail, sage and valerian. Mixing nettle leaves, strawberry leaves, sage and walnut leaves in a tea may also help.
