Excessive sweating, also known as hyperhidrosis, is a common condition that is easily treated by medication. To treat the condition, however, you may need to endure various injections, along with clogged pores to prevent the perspiration. As an alternative, vitamins, minerals and herbs help remedy your excessive sweating naturally.
Natural Vitamins for Excessive Sweating
Causes
Some people may begin to sweat excessively, mostly on the hands and feet, when they are afraid, anxious or stressed, Conditions like hypoglycemia, which is chronic low blood sugar, and hyperthyroidism-- an overactive thyroid and too much hormone production--can add to symptoms of anxiety including hyperhidrosis. Extreme night sweating may be a result of a serious condition like tuburculosis, AIDS or Hodgkins's disease. Obesity and the consumption of nicotine, alcohol and caffeine can also lead to a great deal of sweating and an increase in the symptoms of the above conditions.
Traditional Treatment
Regular antiperspirants contain aluminum chloride, which helps symptoms but it is often not enough to deal with excessive sweating. Botulinum toxin type A injections can disable sweat glands for up to nine months. Anticholinergic drugs (drugs that block the neurotransmitter acetylcholine) like Oxybutynin (Ditropan) can reduce sweating, but they cause side effects like drowsiness, dryness and vision issues. Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy is a process in which the main sympathetic chain that runs along the spine and the nerve ganglia are removed, burned or clamped. This process has had a high success rate but there are side effects like compensatory sweating (sweating from untreated areas) and heart troubles.
Vitamins and Minerals
Vitamins that improve the nervous system can help reduce excessive sweating. The Vitamin B complex supports a healthy immune and nervous system. You can take it in a multivitamin or take each vitamin separately in supplements or in food. Vitamin C can reduce stress and tension, and when it is in combined with the zinc, copper, and selenium it can ensure hormone production is regulated in the thyroid. Excessive sweating can cause you to lose important nutrients through the sweat. Calcium and potassium must be replenished or muscle cramps, constipation and muscle weakness can occur. Calcium can also be supplemented with magnesium to reduce a strong reaction to stress by the body.
Herbs
Sage is one of the most effective herbs against excessive sweat, as it has a calming effect on the nerve fibers that produce sweat. Drink sage as a juice, tea or tincture, and relief may occur within two hours and last for a few days. For excessive sweating of the feet and hands, use a special herbal bath: Mix equal parts of oak bark, tormentil root, witch hazel, walnut leaves and eucalyptus leaves. Add 5 tablespoons to two quarts of water and boil it for five minutes before straining and adding equal parts cold water. If your sweat is a result of a malfunctioning adrenal system, try Siberian or Panax ginseng. They can also improve your sense of well-being and may give you a boost of energy.