Sweating, Excessive

Symptoms

Sweating is healthy. Increased perspiration is how the body regulates water and mineral content and temperature and removes toxins from the system through the skin. Sweating is an action of the sweat glands. One of the two types of sweat glands congregates only in certain areas of the body, such as the groin and underarms. These glands only fully develop at adolescence. The other type is found virtually everywhere on the skin, especially on the palms and soles of the feet. Body odor is individual, created through bacterial decomposition.

Causes

It is normal to sweat more during a fever, in hot weather and during exercise, as a means to regulate body temperature. Some people sweat more than others, as a part of their natural constitution. Fear, anxiety or stress can cause excessive perspiration, especially on the hands and feet. Obesity and drinking alcohol can cause an increase in sweating so can hypoglycemia and hyperthyroidism, which have additional symptoms of nervousness, weakness and trembling. Hot flashes with attacks of sweating often occur with the hormonal shift during menopause. It is completely normal for teenagers to sweat more while hormones are in fluctuation. Night sweats often occur without known cause, however they are sometimes signs of serious illnesses, such as tuberculosis, Hodgkin’s disease and AIDS. Wearing synthetic materials such as polyester, acrylic and nylon contribute to perspiration and should be avoided, as should non-leather shoes, if foot sweat is a problem.

Nutrition

Be sure to replenish the loss of fluids from sweating. Coconut milk is ideal for a hot climate in which people tend to perspire profusely. Coconut milk replaces sodium and liquid lost through sweating. It also replaces potassium and calcium, preventing the muscle cramps and weakness which can result from the loss of these minerals through heavy sweating. In North America, where most people have too much sodium in their bodies due to a salty diet, it is most important to replace water, potassium and calcium if a great deal of liquid has been lost through sweating. Fresh-pressed juice from green vegetables is an excellent way to replace these lost nutrients. Lemons, limes and crab-apples possess a mildly astringent quality which tends to reduce perspiration.

Nutritional Supplements

It is important to replace minerals such as calcium and potassium which are lost during sweating. Lack of calcium can cause muscle cramps, while potassium deficiency causes muscle weakness and constipation. Although potassium is best supplemented through diet, calcium can be supplemented.

Daily dosages:

Calcium, 1,200 mg

Potassium, 2,500 mg

Herbal Remedies

Sweating is a healthy reaction of the body to rid itself of toxins. If there is no known cause for excessive sweating, alleviate the symptoms with medicinal plants.

Sage has a calming action on the sweat-producing nerve fibers. Suppression of perspiration usually begins about two hours after taking sage juice, tea or tincture, and often lasts for several days. Use 20 sage leaves (4 tbsp.) per day. Bring 2 cups of water with 4 tbsp. of sage leaves to boil and simmer for five minutes. Strain and drink in the evening.

Alternatively, mix 5 tbsp. of sage leaves,
1 tbsp. of horsetail and 1 tbsp. of valerian root. Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1 tsp. of this mixture, bring to boil again, strain and drink 1 cup daily, or as needed.

Bathe feet and hands in equal parts of oak bark, tormentil root, eucalyptus leaves, witch hazel leaves and walnut leaves. Add 5 tbsp. of this mixture to 2 qt. of water and boil for five minutes. Strain and add 1 qt. of cold water.

For night sweating, use 2 parts each of wild strawberry leaves and stinging nettle leaves, and 3 parts each of walnut leaves and sage leaves. Add 1 cup of boiling water to 1 tsp. of this mixture and drink before bed.

If sweating is due to anxiety, drink a calming tea of peppermint, lemon balm and fennel seeds before going to bed. Lindenflowers and elderberry promote sweating, so avoid them, if possible.

If perspiration odor is a problem, add a few drops of antibacterial Chinese peppermint oil to shower gel, or add 2 drops of lavender, rose or orange oil to bath water for a pleasant scent.

Homeopathy

A sample of the many prescribed remedies for excessive sweating is given below. Take one in the 6c strength four times daily for up to two weeks. Consult an experienced homeopath if the problem persists.

Take Calcarea for an overweight person who feels cold and clammy, and the sweat smells sour. The head sweats worse at night.

Mercurius is recommended for pungent and sticky sweat aggravated by heat or cold.

Take Sulphur for hot head sweats and diarrhea first thing in the morning.

Tissue Salts

Take 4 tablets under the tongue four times daily.

Silicea is useful for smelly perspiration, especially on the feet and underarms.

Kali phos will help excessive perspiration due to nervousness and stress.

External/Physical Therapies

Use body powder or baking soda to absorb excess moisture.

Available Brand Name Products

Herbal Remedies

Horsetail Leaves (Flora)