Excessive Sweating: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

Excessive sweating, also known as hyperhidrosis, is a condition characterized by abnormally high levels of sweat production, often exceeding 100 mL per hour.

This condition can be caused by various factors such as genetics, hormonal imbalances, certain medical conditions like diabetes or thyroid disorders, and even emotional stress. If left unchecked, excessive sweating can lead to skin irritation, fungal infections, and social anxiety. To alleviate this condition, herbal remedies like sage, lemongrass, and witch hazel can be used to reduce sweat production.

However, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional before using these herbs, especially if you have underlying medical conditions or are taking medications, to avoid any potential interactions or adverse effects.

This article explains in detail what are the causes of excessive sweating, what medicinal herbs to use to relieve this problem and how to prepare these herbs to get the best results.

What are the main causes of excessive sweating?

The main causes of excessive sweating are a combination of genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors, including hyperhidrosis, a condition affecting 2-3% of the population, which can be caused by overactive sweat glands, stress, anxiety, and certain medical conditions such as thyroid disorders, diabetes, and menopause.

Hormonal fluctuations, particularly an increase in androgens and estrogen, can lead to excessive sweating in women. Certain medications, including antidepressants, blood pressure medications, and certain antibiotics, can also cause excessive sweating as a side effect. Environmental factors, such as high temperatures, humidity, and physical activity, can trigger excessive sweating in some individuals.

Additionally, certain foods and spices, including spicy and caffeine-rich foods, can also contribute to excessive sweating in some people.

• Hyperthyroidism: Excessive sweating can be caused by hyperthyroidism, a condition where the thyroid gland produces excessive amounts of thyroid hormones, which can accelerate the body's metabolic rate and lead to excessive sweating.
• Genetic predisposition: Genetic predisposition is a common cause of excessive sweating, where individuals are born with a genetic trait that affects the nerve endings in their sweat glands, causing excessive sweating even in mild temperatures.
• Menopause: Menopause is a natural cause of excessive sweating, where hormonal changes during this life stage can disrupt the body's thermoregulation and lead to excessive sweating, particularly hot flashes.
• Overactive thyroid nodules: Overactive thyroid nodules can cause excessive sweating by producing excessive amounts of thyroid hormones, which can accelerate the body's metabolic rate and lead to excessive sweating.
• Panic disorder: Panic disorder is a psychological cause of excessive sweating, where individuals experience anxiety attacks that can cause their body to go into a state of fight or flight, leading to excessive sweating.
• Hypoglycemia: Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, can cause excessive sweating as the body tries to compensate for the lack of energy by increasing blood flow and causing the sweat glands to produce more sweat.
• Caffeine and nicotine: Caffeine and nicotine are stimulants that can cause excessive sweating by stimulating the body's nervous system and increasing heart rate and blood pressure.
• Anxiety: Anxiety is a common cause of excessive sweating, where individuals experience anxiety or stress that can cause their body to go into a state of fight or flight, leading to excessive sweating.
• Hormonal imbalance: Hormonal imbalances, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), can cause excessive sweating due to changes in hormone levels that can affect the body's thermoregulation and lead to excessive sweating.
• Medications: Certain medications, such as decongestants and beta-blockers, can cause excessive sweating as a side effect, particularly if taken in high doses or for extended periods.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for excessive sweating?

The main medicinal herbs used for excessive sweating are Glycyrrhiza glabra, Zingiber officinale, Sesamum indicum, Aloe vera, Curcuma longa, Avena sativa, Melaleuca alternifolia, Saponaria officinalis, Hypericum perforatum, Centella asiatica.

Glycyrrhiza glabra is known for its antispasmodic properties which help in relaxing the muscles and reducing sweat production. Zingiber officinale contains gingerols that have anti-inflammatory properties and help in regulating body temperature. Aloe vera, Sesamum indicum and Curcuma longa are known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties which help in soothing the skin and reducing sweat production.

Centella asiatica, Avena sativa, Melaleuca alternifolia, and Saponaria officinalis have been traditionally used to calm the nervous system and reduce stress which can contribute to excessive sweating, while Hypericum perforatum has been used to treat anxiety and depression.

• Glycyrrhiza glabra: Glycyrrhiza glabra, also known as licorice root, helps with excessive sweating due to its anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties, which can help calm the nervous system and reduce stress-induced sweating.
• Zingiber officinale: Zingiber officinale, also known as ginger, may help with excessive sweating due to its ability to improve digestion and reduce nausea, which can contribute to excessive sweating in individuals with digestive issues.
• Sesamum indicum: Sesamum indicum, also known as sesame, may help with excessive sweating due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation that can contribute to excessive sweating.
• Aloe vera: Aloe vera helps with excessive sweating due to its ability to reduce inflammation and promote skin health, which can help alleviate symptoms of excessive sweating.
• Curcuma longa: Curcuma longa, also known as turmeric, may help with excessive sweating due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress that can contribute to excessive sweating.
• Avena sativa: Avena sativa, also known as oat, may help with excessive sweating due to its ability to reduce anxiety and stress, which can contribute to excessive sweating in some individuals.
• Melaleuca alternifolia: Melaleuca alternifolia, also known as tea tree oil, may help with excessive sweating due to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce skin infections and inflammation that can contribute to excessive sweating.
• Saponaria officinalis: Saponaria officinalis, also known as soapwort, may help with excessive sweating due to its ability to reduce inflammation and promote skin health, which can help alleviate symptoms of excessive sweating.
• Hypericum perforatum: Hypericum perforatum, also known as St. John's Wort, may help with excessive sweating due to its antidepressant properties, which can help reduce stress and anxiety that can contribute to excessive sweating.
• Centella asiatica: Centella asiatica, also known as gotu kola, helps with excessive sweating due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress that can contribute to excessive sweating.

What are the main herbal preparations used for excessive sweating?

The main herbal preparations used for excessive sweating are Decoction, Tincture, Capsules, Salve, Cream, Ointment, Suppository, Poultice, Gel, Powder.

Decoction of herbs such as sage and chamomile is used to treat excessive sweating due to their antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, which help reduce sweat gland activity and alleviate symptoms. Tinctures made from herbs like silver birch and ginseng are administered orally to treat excessive sweating by stimulating the body's natural thermoregulation and reducing sweat production. Capsules and tablets containing herbs like dandelion root and licorice root are used to treat excessive sweating by regulating hormones and reducing sweat gland activity.

Topical preparations like Salve, Cream, Ointment, Suppository, Poultice, Gel, and Powder made from herbs like aloe vera, tea tree oil, and witch hazel are applied directly to the skin to reduce sweat production, prevent bacterial growth, and provide antiseptic and anti-inflammatory benefits.

• Decoction: A decoction of the plant Hypericum perforatum, also known as St. John's Wort, may help alleviate excessive sweating by reducing stress and anxiety, which can trigger sweat glands to produce excessive sweat.
• Tincture: A tincture of the plant Avena sativa, also known as oat straw, may help reduce excessive sweating by acting as a natural antiperspirant, while a tincture of the plant Gelsemium sempervirens may help alleviate excessive sweating by reducing nerve stimulation that can lead to sweat production.
• Capsules: Capsules containing the plant extract of Piper nigrum, also known as black pepper, may help reduce excessive sweating by increasing the body's heat loss through the skin, thus helping to cool the body down.
• Salve: A salve made from the plant extract of Plantago major, also known as plantain, may help soothe and calm the skin, reducing excessive sweating caused by irritation or inflammation.
• Cream: A cream made from the plant extract of Calendula officinalis, also known as marigold, may help soothe and calm the skin, reducing excessive sweating caused by irritation or inflammation.
• Ointment: An ointment made from the plant extract of Symphytum officinale, also known as comfrey, may help soothe and calm the skin, reducing excessive sweating caused by irritation or inflammation.
• Suppository: A suppository made from the plant extract of Hydrastis canadensis, also known as goldenseal, may help reduce excessive sweating by acting as an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory agent, reducing sweat gland irritation.
• Poultice: A poultice made from the plant extract of Urtica dioica, also known as nettle, may help reduce excessive sweating by acting as a natural diuretic, increasing urine production and reducing sweat production.
• Gel: A gel made from the plant extract of Aloe barbadensis, also known as aloe vera, may help soothe and calm the skin, reducing excessive sweating caused by irritation or inflammation.
• Powder: A powder made from the plant extract of Passiflora incarnata, also known as passionflower, may help reduce excessive sweating by acting as a natural sedative, reducing stress and anxiety that can trigger sweat glands to produce excessive sweat.