Herbal Therapy for Excessive Armpit Sweating

Hyper hidrosis is defined as abnormally excessive perspiration and has affected millions of people around the world. While more common remedies for this condition include Botox treatments and invasive surgery, some have chosen to utilize herbal remedies instead, with varying results. Although no conclusive evidence has been presented as to the effectiveness of these remedies, many do contain chemicals with natural antiperspirants such as aluminum chloride, giving some credence to their validity. Below are some of the more popular herbal remedies as well as their history, features and effects.

Sage Tablets

• For hundreds of years, people have touted the medicinal effects of sage, including its ability to reduce excessive sweating. Sage is a small, perennial evergreen sub-shrub with grayish leaves and bluish or purplish flowers. The most common forms of sage available for human consumption are in teas or as tablets. It originates from the Mediterranean region, is a member of the mint family, and has a mild peppery flavor. It can be ingested or applied topically. However, experts recommend refraining from the use of sage if you suffer from a chronic seizure condition of any kind.

Chamomile

• This daisy-like plant is found naturally throughout Europe and parts of Islamic North Africa, such as Morocco. German (or blue) chamomile is the variety most often used in teas due to its mild, pleasant taste, but also is believed to possess a bevy of medicinal qualities. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, there are more than 100 separate ailments and conditions that chamomile is believed to effectively treat, including excessive sweating. In addition to consuming it in tea, chamomile oil can be applied topically and is also alleged to cleanse the blood and release body toxins.

Valerian Root

• This perennial plant has heads of sweet smelling white or pink flowers, and is typically in bloom between June and September in the northern hemisphere. The root from the plant has long been attributed to relieving ailments such as insomnia, anxiety, and excessive perspiration. It is believed to be a natural sedative and relaxant, reducing anxiety levels that may lead to abnormal sweating. It is most commonly found in capsules or tablets for consumption, although daily usage varies depending on the size of the pill and the severity of the condition. Adverse effects if taken in large quantities include stomach aches, apathy, or feelings of mental dullness and depression.

St. John's Wort

• Also known as Tipton's weed or Klamath weed, St. John's Wort is a yellow-flowered plant found in temperate and subtropical regions all over the world, including North America, Europe and Asia. It has most commonly been used as an herbal remedy for depression, earning the reputation of "Nature's Prozac," but studies have also shown it to be more effective than a placebo when treating excessive perspiration. Experts believe this remedy is most effective under two conditions: 1.) when ingested (as a tea, for instance), and 2.) when used in conjunction with other remedies simultaneously.

Astragalus

• Native to temperate regions in the northern hemisphere, including parts of China, the root of this pale-flowered plant has long been hailed for its medicinal properties, including its qualities as an antiperspirant. Astragalus is believed to invigorate the body through enzymes that promote white blood cell function, according to the Institute for Traditional Medicine, thus aiding those who suffer from profuse night sweating or spontaneous sweating due to weakness. An extract made from the root can be ingested or applied directly to the skin, with results varying based on the severity of the sufferer's condition and toxicity level of the extract itself.