Before I provide my thoughts on whether natural remedies can reduce excessive sweating, I would like to address the word 'natural' in natural remedies. Don't be misled by the word 'natural' in thinking that these remedies are any safer or better for you than other available therapies. Yes, they are derived from nature but so are many drugs, and many poisons for that matter. Plants represent a abundant source of potential therapeutic drugs yet to be discovered - thus the branch of science called pharmacognosy. |
I was able to dig out one study* on the homeopathic A. nitricum. Vendors espousing the merits of A. nitricum claim that the remedy can reduce sweating by suppressing anxiety. Unfortunately, the study failed to demonstrate that A. nitricum reduced test anxiety in a general population of university students. Back to the drawing board.
*Baker DG et.al. Complement Ther Med. 2003 Jun;11(2):65-71.
There are a number of options available to treat excessive sweating. These include topically applied products, iontophoresis, botulinum toxin injections and surgery. All of these options have pros and cons associated with them. Most experts (e.g. Canadian Hyperhidrosis Advisory Committee) agree that topical agents should be your 'go to' or first choice option. |
If you wish to compare treatments, make sure you consult our Pros and Cons page. This page provides a quick reference in terms of advantages and disadvantages related to hyperhidrosis treatments. Finally, if your excessive sweating is recent and are contemplating self-treatment make sure you are dealing with focal or secondary hyperhidrosis as opposed to primary or generalized hyperhidrosis. Click here to learn more about focal and generalized hyperhidrosis.
Application of Antiperspirant at Night is More Effective If you are applying your antiperspirant in the morning, you should reconsider. A study has demonstrated that applying an antiperspirant at night is more effective than in the morning. The authors of this study showed that the efficacy of a commercial soft-solid product increased from 56% to 73% sweat reduction*. |
*Swaile DF et al. British Journal of Dermatology 2012 166 (Suppl. 1), pp22–26