Hyperhidrosis is a medical disorder that affects 3% of Americans. Ordinary people may not know how hyperhidrosis adversely affects a person’s whole life in terms of social relationship. Because other treatments like anticholinergics, botox and Endoscopic Thoracic Sympathectomy (ETS) have side effects, some sufferers want a cure that is safe and natural, such as herbs.
Sage Effect on Sweating
Different herbs have varying degree of effectiveness in treating excessive sweating, but sage has been proven to give positive results in many hyperhidrosis studies. Researchers from Isfahan University of Medical Sciences in Iran studied how simple tea from dried sage leaves and water can reduce sweating problems. The study, where 18 men and 17 women from ages 8-49 participated, showed that sage tea was effective in treating sweaty palms, feet/soles and armpits. The patients were given sage tea thrice a day. The tea containing 5% sage was not ingested orally but applied (topical) to the surface of the affected areas. A 37% reduction in sweating has been observed.
In the research conducted, sage tea was home made using three spoonfuls of dried sage leaves combined with 250 ml water at room temperature. The mixture was steeped for 24 to 48 hours to achieve best results. The mixture was then strained and the liquid solution was applied to the hands and armpits. The “tea” in this study was not for drinking.
What Is Sage?
Sage or salvia officinalis belongs to evergreen minty family that is commonly eaten or used as a cooking herb. However if you will use sage as an herbal treatment for excessive sweating, it may take for a while to see successful results if you eat or drink this herb. Many of those suffering from excessive sweating caused by menopause, night sweating, profuse sweating as in the case of tuberculosis, anxiety and depression may find out that the medicinal benefit of sage is gradual but long- term.
How to Use Sage to Treat Excessive Sweating
Here are a few suggestions on how to use sage for the relief of excessive sweating.
- Eat fresh or dried sage on delicious recipes like pastas and soup. There are many recipes using sage herb that you and your family can enjoy.
- Make a cup of tea from dried sage. Simply boil a cup of water, turn off the fire and put 1 teaspoon of dried sage from the local grocery store. Steep for 3 to 5 minutes. Since boiled water is used, steeping it for more than 5 minutes will lose its herbal benefits and may have some dangerous effects to your health. Then strain it into a cup, put a lemon wedge if you like and some honey to sweeten it. You can drink the tea after it cooled off.
- Using the same tea method (minus the lemon and honey), rub the cooled mixture to the affected area. You can use sponge, piece of cloth or cotton balls and apply liberally on the skin. The astringent effect of this herb works if applied consistently for a couple of weeks.
- Sage can also cure foot sweating. Simply place dry powder sage on your shoes. Dried sage can be hand grinded or electric-milled.
The effect of sage on hyperhidrosis may be not immediately obvious, as the cited study show. Sage treats not only your excessive sweating but your over-all health condition as well. After all, sage is known to be the “fountain of youth” or the herb for longevity.