Herbal Cures for Sweating
Sweating is the body's way of controlling body temperature and removing toxins. Excessive sweating affects between 1 and 3 percent of the population, interrupting everyday activities and lowering the quality of life.Treatments range from antiperspirants to surgery, although their results can vary. When used as part of a total treatment plan, some herbs can offer relief from excessive sweating. Consult with your physician if you have excessive sweating symptoms for other treatment options.
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Tea Tree Oil
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Tea tree oil is an herbal extract made from the leaves of the melaleuca tree, which is native to Australia. It is a popular remedy for skin conditions and contains strong anti-fungal properties. With its cinnamon scent, it makes a good deodorizer, and is useful when applied to sweaty areas of the body, particularly the feet. Be careful when applying tea tree oil to the skin, as it can cause dermatitis. Discontinue use if this happens. Do not take internally.
Burdock
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Burdock can help with the elimination of fluids form the body; in this way it helps with a reduction in excessive sweating. Instead of heavy sweating, burdock encourages the removal of fluids from the body via the lymph nodes, bowels and kidneys. It is beneficial to take it in tincture form, because the tea is not palatable. Look for burdock in tincture form in your local health food store and follow the dosing instructions.
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Sage
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Sage is useful in preventing excessive sweating because it acts as a natural antiperspirant. It is available in many different forms, including tea bags, tincture and sage oil. Follow dosing instructions.
Use the tea bags as a medicinal drink, or steep in boiling water, cool off and use as a wash on sweat prone areas. Do not use on the face or genital area. Sage can also be mixed with witch hazel to make an effective astringent antiperspirant, effectively drying up wetness. Combine 1 oz. of witch hazel with 1 oz. of sage tincture for an effective all natural antiperspirant.
Astragalus
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Astragalus is an herb that is native to the northeast part of China. It has gentle diuretic qualities that help to relieve excessive perspiration. Astragalus has a pleasant taste that is mild enough to ingest in tea form. It contains components called flavonoids that give it its sweat reducing properties. Because it helps circulation in the body, it is able to alleviate extreme sweating and water retention. When taking astragalus, you will notice a diminished thirst level. Look for dried astragalus or tincture at your local health food store. Follow label instructions for dosing.
Belladonna
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Belladonna is well known as deadly nightshade, and has been used for many years because of its medicinal properties. It is capable of relaxing the smooth muscles of internal organs. It also helps to dry up fluids in the body, including perspiration, mucous and saliva. The active ingredients in belladonna are alkaloids and are considered quite toxic, therefore they should only be taken under the direction of a health practitioner. Belladonna has not been proven to treat or cure excessive perspiration.
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