How to Treat Sweaty Palms and Feet Naturally

Sweaty palms and feet can be caused by hyperhidrosis, a rare condition in which the sweat glands on various parts of the body are overactive, or they may be a symptom of a more serious condition. Once the latter is ruled out, excessive sweating of the palms and feet may be treated with several natural remedies. These treatments may work well for some and not so well for others, depending on body chemistry and severity of the condition. However, they are all safe to use in moderation, so experiment and find what works best for you. There's nothing to lose but those embarrassing sweaty palms and feet.

Things You'll Need

• Tea bags
• Epsom salt
• Alum powder
• Boric acid
• White cotton socks
• White cotton gloves

Instructions

1. Steep five regular tea bags in one quart of hot water. Allow the mixture to cool completely, and then soak feet or hands for 30 minutes. This treatment works by clogging the pores that produce sweat, but may only provide temporary relief. However, it can be repeated as necessary and daily treatments are recommended. The tea treatment should prevent sweaty palms and feet for 30 minutes to several hours, depending on the severity of the condition.

2. Combine several tablespoons of Epsom salt with water as hot as you can tolerate. Soak the feet every night for at least 30 minutes in the solution. Prepare a separate batch for soaking the hands and you can treat sweaty palms and feet at the same time. Although it's not exactly clear how the salt works to treat excessive sweating, it has been used to successfully treat various types of hyperhidrosis according to a 2004 article published in "Podiatry Today."

3. Sprinkle alum powder, which can typically be found in the spice aisle of the grocery store, inside your socks before putting them on each morning. Dust a light coating over the palms first thing in the morning as well, and sweaty palms and feet should be eliminated for most of the day. Carry the powder with you and reapply if necessary in the afternoon. Alum has the ability to block the pores and prevent excessive sweating. It is extremely effective for most people, but frequent reapplication may be necessary for severe cases of hyperhidrosis.

4. Sprinkle 1 to 2 ounces of boric acid into a pair of white cotton socks. Put the socks on and leave them in place for 48 to 72 hours. Remove the socks and wash your feet thoroughly using soap and hot water. Follow with one of the soaks mentioned above for the best results, and then dry with a clean towel. There is strong anecdotal evidence that this treatment works for even the most sever cases of excessive sweating. Perform the same treatment using white cotton gloves for the hands, and you can treat sweaty palms and feet simultaneously.

Tips & Warnings

• Sprinkle baking soda into the bottom of shoes to help soak up sweat and neutralize odor.

• Use an antiperspirant on sweaty palms and feet for mild cases of excessive sweating.

• Always consult a qualified medical professional before attempting to use any home remedy for sweaty palms and feet. There may be an underlying medical condition that needs to be treated, or your doctor may be able to recommend a more conventional treatment.