Natural Supplements to Stop Excessive Sweating

Sweating is a normal physiological response to warm temperatures, exercise and the consumption of certain foods. However, there are many other possible causes of sweating, according to the Medline Plus Medical Encyclopedia, including anxiety, substance abuse and numerous acute and chronic health problems. Some conditions may cause excessive sweating, or hyperhidrosis. Natural supplements may be helpful in reducing your excessive sweating, but consult your family physician before using these powerful substances.

Excessive Sweating

Excessive sweating, says MayoClinic.com, may affect up to 2.8 percent of people in the United States. In most people, this condition usually affects your feet, face and palms, causes significant embarrassment and may even affect your activities of daily living. There are two principle types of excessive sweating -- primary and secondary. Primary hyperhidrosis is excessive sweating that is caused by emotional stimuli, whereas secondary hyperhidrosis is excessive sweating caused by underlying condition, such as infection or an endocrine disorder.

Useful Natural Supplements

Natural supplements have long been used to help treat excessive sweating. Some of the most useful natural supplements for this health purpose, says certified nutritional consultant Phyllis A. Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," include vitamin B complex, brewer's yeast, essential fatty acids, vitamins C and E and lecithin capsules. These supplements are commonly used in treating hyperthyroidism, or overactive thyroid -- one of the leading causes of excessive perspiration. Other beneficial supplements may include sage, witch hazel and eucalyptus. More scientific evidence may be needed to better understand the safety and effectiveness of these supplements for this health purpose.

Highlighted Natural Supplement

Sage may be one of the most commonly used natural supplements in treating excessive sweating. According to Dr. Sharol Tilgner, a naturopathic physician and author of "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," sage may be helpful in treating several conditions associated with excessive perspiration, including night sweats and menopause-related hot flashes. Sage is a powerful astringent, which means that it has the ability to cause tissue contraction, including contraction of your skin.

Additional Information

Excessive perspiration is often bothersome. In some cases, excessive sweating may be indicative of an underlying health problem, such as hyperthyroidism, that requires the attention and intervention of a licensed health-care provider. If you suffer from excessive sweating, schedule an appointment with your family physician to discuss all possible causes of your condition as well as relevant treatment methods to help address your problem. A naturopathic physician or other health-care professional trained in clinical nutrition may provide you with the most accurate and relevant information about supplements and their health effects.