Excessive facial sweating, also known as facial hyperhidrosis or facial blushing, can be an embarrassing problem that may disrupt your normal daily activities and social life. This condition may be due to a genetic dysfunction in your body's temperature control system, which is triggered by anxiety, fear and stress during social events or public appearances. Your face may become hot and flushed, and your face and neck may become drenched in sweat, even in mild or cool temperatures. Herbs may help to control excessive facial sweating naturally. Consult your health-care provider before starting herbal therapy.
Herbal Actions
Herbs for excessive facial sweating work in several ways. Some herbs help to reduce facial hyperhidrosis triggers, such as nervousness and anxiety. Astringent herbs act as drying agents, and adaptogen herbs nourish the adrenal glands and help you cope with stress. Check with a qualified practitioner for advice about dosage and preparation of herbs for excessive facial sweating.
Sage
Sage, or Salvia officinalis, is an aromatic astringent herb native to the Mediterranean. Herbalists use the dried leaves to soothe mouth and throat inflammations, treat indigestion, and prevent night sweats and excessive perspiration, including facial perspiration. In their 2001 book, "Herbal Remedies," naturopathic doctors Asa Hershoff and Andrea Rotelli recommend sage for excessive sweating. They also state that sage revitalizes weakened blood circulation, which helps cool your body and reduce excess sweating. If your facial sweating is active during sleep, the authors note that sage is useful for night sweats. Do not use sage in high doses for a long period because it contains a chemical called thujone that can become toxic.
Rehmannia
Rehmannia, or Rehmannia glutinosa, is a Chinese herb with trumpet-like fuzzy purple flowers. It is called "sheng di huang" in traditional Chinese medicine, or TCM, and practitioners use the roots to treat kidney deficiency. In her 2009 book, "The Holistic Herbal Directory," herbal consultant Penelope Ody explains that in TCM, the kidneys are associated with fear and anxiety, which are triggers for an attack of facial sweating. Rehmannia alleviates excessive sweating by clearing heat from the body and cooling the blood. Do not use this herb if you have diarrhea or indigestion.
Schisandra
Schisandra, or Schisandra chinensis, is a woody vine, also known as Chinese magnolia vine. TCM healers use the berries as an adaptogen, which is an herb that restores exhausted adrenal glands and helps you adapt to stress. Naturopathic doctors Asa Hershoff and Andrea Rotelli note that schisandra relieves night sweats and tones the adrenal glands, helping to reduce anxiety that may stimulate facial sweating. Herbalist Penelope Ody states that schisandra strengthens the kidneys, which are associated with emotions, and calms the spirit. Facial hyperhidrosis can also result from deficient yang --- a form of energy associated with dry heat --- which leads to overstimulation and excessive perspiration. Ody recommends combining schisandra with astragalus root, another anti-sweating herb, for yang deficiency. Schisandra can cause heartburn and upset stomach. Do not use astragalus if you have an autoimmune disease, as it may activate your immune system.
References
- "Herbal Remedies"; Asa Hershoff, N.D., and Andrea Rotelli, N.D.; 2001
- "The Holistic Herbal Directory"; Penelope Ody; 2009
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