Many who suffer from hyperhidrosis, also known as excessive sweating, may ask, "Can herbal tea stop excess sweating?" One recipe for sage tea promises to reduce excess perspiration by 50 percent, but it takes time to work.
Excess Sweating
Although perspiration is normal, too much perspiration (in excess of what is needed to maintain proper body temperature) is called hyperhidrosis. It's normal to perspire heavily on a hot day, after exercise, or under stressful conditions, such as making a speech or performing in a play, musical, dance recital, etc. However, if you're soaking through your shirt when you're sitting at your desk in an air conditioned room, you may suffer from hyperhidrosis.
It's important that you see a doctor to rule out other medical conditions. Women in their 40s and 50s, for example, may actually be experiencing hot flashes associated with menopause. This temporary flushing creates a warm or hot feeling and may cause women to perspire heavily during the hot flash. Another potential cause of perspiration is thyroid disease. Graves' disease or hyperthyroidism is an autoimmune disease in which the thyroid produces excessive hormones; excessive perspiration is sometimes a symptom. There are other diseases too of which excessive perspiration is a symptom, so your first step is to see your doctor to rule out other medical conditions.
If your doctor agrees you suffer from hyperhidrosis, you can do a lot to mitigate some of the embarrassing side effects. Using an antiperspirant and deodorant is essential. Old-fashioned dress or shirt shields, pads that fit under the armpits, soak up excessive sweat and can be changed to avoid ruining clothing. There are also surgical procedures and prescription medications to reduce or stop excessive perspiration.
If, however, you prefer a natural alternative, herbal teas may offer some relief.
Can Herbal Tea Stop Excess Sweating
Several herbs may help with hyperhidrosis. The most commonly used herb is sage.
Sage Tea for Excess Sweating
Sage offers many benefits, including help for excessive sweating and foot odor. Sage leaves may be included in dishes such as salads or cooked foods, or you can brew sage leaf tea. Sage is an easy herb to grow and you can include it in the garden or grow a pot on a kitchen windowsill for a source of fresh sage. Most produce sections in the grocery store offer fresh sage too, which you can use to make the tea, or you can purchase commercially made teas too. Dried sage may be used to make herbal teas, and that's easily found in the spice aisle at the grocery store.
To brew sage tea for excess sweating, boil one cup of water and add a teaspoon of dried sage. Let the mix sit for five minutes after brewing the tea. Don't let it sit for more than five minutes or it will become too strong, and there's some indication that too much sage may be harmful rather than helpful. Sweeten with honey and lemon as desired. You can cool the tea and drink half a cup in the morning and half in the evening.
If using fresh sage leaves, sprinkle them onto your salads. You can add them to the top of a pizza or any Italian dish. Sage also pairs well with pork dishes.
Like most herbal remedies, you probably won't see benefits overnight. It may take several weeks of following this regimen of drinking sage tea before noticing a difference in the amount of perspiration you produce.
Other Alternative Remedies
In addition to herbal teas, Chinese medicine offers remedies for excessive sweating. Acupuncture and herbs may be used to rebalance the body.
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