Ayurvedic Treatment for Hyperhidrosis

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What is Hyperhidrosis?

Hyperhidrosis is a medical condition in which a person sweats excessively and unpredictably. Hyperhidrosis patients might sweat even if the temperature is cold or when they're sleeping. Sweating helps keep the body cool and is generally normal. But in the case of Hyperhidrosis, you sweat more than your body requires you to sweat.

In simple terms, Hyperhidrosis suggests overactive sweat glands. This condition can affect your entire body or only particular areas. Often, these are the palms of your hands, the bottoms of your feet, underarms, or the face (particularly the forehead). Excessive sweating can hinder everyday activities and could cause social anxiety or humiliation.

Types Of Hyperhidrosis

There are two types of Hyperhidrosis with differing causes & features:

Primary Focal Hyperhidrosis

This type of Hyperhidrosis is localised and affects just specific body parts. Individuals with this particular kind of Hyperhidrosis experience episodes of sweating at least once a week without apparent cause. It generally begins during childhood or adolescence and can be inherited. Hands, legs, underarms, and face are commonly affected. Regardless of the intense sweating, people who are diagnosed with this condition don't typically sweat heavily during sleep.

Secondary Generalised Hyperhidrosis

This is a less common type of Hyperhidrosis and could be caused by some other health problem or medication side effect. It generally begins in adulthood. You might sweat a lot more heavily throughout your body or in a larger area than with focal Hyperhidrosis. It might even happen when you rest. Conditions that might lead to secondary generalised Hyperhidrosis include diabetes, thyroid problems, and also a few cancers.

If excessive sweating is making your daily life tough, it is important to see an Ayurvedic physician. They can figure out the root cause of your Hyperhidrosis and prescribe treatments. This particular condition isn't just a physical issue; it might also be emotionally challenging, which is why you should seek expert help early.

Common Causes of Hyperhidrosis

Hyperhidrosis is characterised by excessive sweating, which hinders everyday life and causes discomfort. Understanding the common causes of hyperhidrosis is vital for its treatment and management.

Common causes associated with Hyperhidrosis include:

• Genetics: Primary focal Hyperhidrosis typically occurs in families. If your parents or siblings sweat excessively, you might get the condition too.
• Medical Conditions: Secondary generalised Hyperhidrosis could result from some other health issues. Endocrine problems like diabetes or thyroid problems are typical culprits. This type of Hyperhidrosis can also be caused by neurological disorders or infections.
• Medications: Some drugs cause extreme sweating as a side effect. Examples are antidepressants, pain relievers, including opioids, and medicines for diabetes.
• Hormonal Changes: Hormone changes during menopause, puberty, or pregnancy might activate sweat glands excessively. This is sometimes temporary, but it can be quite intense.
• Obesity: Excessive body weight causes much more sweating since the body must continue to work harder to cool down.
• Anxiety & Stress: In some individuals, psychological stress and anxiety can cause excessive sweating in an effort to activate the body's fight-or-flight reaction.
• Diet & Lifestyle: Hot beverages, spicy food, and caffeinated drinks can stimulate your sweat glands. Likewise, alcohol warms the body and also triggers more sweating.
• Physical Activity: Although sweating is typical during workouts, Hyperhidrosis might cause more sweating than normal even during moderate exercise.

The first step towards managing Hyperhidrosis is recognition of triggers and underlying causes. In case excessive sweating is dominating your life, speaking to an Ayurvedic healthcare provider about these potential causes can help you to find proper therapy to provide relief & comfort.

Hyperhidrosis Symptoms

Excessive Sweating

Among the most apparent Hyperhidrosis symptoms is excessive sweating. This could happen even if the temperature is low or you aren't working out.

Clammy or Wet Palms & Soles

A typical symptom is unusually wet or clammy hands and feet that can be particularly annoying during social interactions or when handling objects.

Frequent Sweating

Frequent episodes of heavy sweating which are disproportionate to your body temperature or your level of activity.

Noticeable Sweat Stains

Frequent and noticeable sweat marks on clothes, particularly around the armpits, even without much physical activity or stress.

Sweaty Face & Forehead

Excessive facial sweating that's embarrassing and hard to manage, in social or professional settings.

Night Sweating

For individuals with secondary Hyperhidrosis, sweating can happen while asleep, though this is rare with primary focal Hyperhidrosis.

Cold & Clammy Skin

Together with sweating, the skin might be cold & clammy rather than warm, showing that sweating isn't associated with an overheated body.

Skin Changes

Frequent sweating could ultimately lead to skin changes including softening and cracking of skin or infections in the affected areas due to moisture.

Signs and Symptoms of Hyperhidrosis

As Hyperhidrosis can greatly impact everyday life, recognising its signs and symptoms is essential. This can facilitate timely treatment and reduce discomfort caused by this condition.
Here are the warning signs & symptoms associated with Hyperhidrosis:

If you have any of these symptoms or signs, see an Ayurvedic physician urgently. They can identify if you have Hyperhidrosis and also prescribe natural remedies to improve your health. The emotional burden associated with this condition means you should obtain effective management as soon as possible to live a better & healthy life.

Do you have any of the following symptoms?

• Sweating significantly more than usual without a clear reason
• Frequent clamminess or wetness in your hands and feet
• Regularly noticing visible sweat marks on your clothing, especially underarms
• Experiencing skin that feels cold and clammy to the touch alongside sweating
• Sweating heavily even when at rest or in cool environments
• Waking up to wet sheets and clothing during the night
• Noticing skin softening, cracking, or infections in areas frequently sweaty

Ayurvedic Medicines for Hyperhidrosis

Ayurveda offers natural cures and medications for Hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating, by balancing the energies in the body. These remedies generally include herbs that are known for their cooling effects & sweat control to ease this uncomfortable condition.

Here are some effective Ayurvedic medicines for Hyperhidrosis:

• Ushira (Vetiveria Zizanioides): Ushira is an antiperspirant and aromatic herb that can help reduce sweating. It's generally ground into a powder or infused into drinking water to cool the body internally.
• Chandana (Sandalwood): Sandalwood is known to cool the skin. Applying sandalwood paste on the skin can control sweating and also give a pleasant fragrance.
• Kamala (Lotus): Kamala has cooling properties and is used for Hyperhidrosis. It may be made as a paste or even taken as a supplement to reduce body heat.
• Mustaka (Nut Grass): Mustaka helps control sweat production by regulating digestion and body heat.
• Nagakesara (Mesua Ferrea): Nagakesara is another Ayurvedic herb used for excessive sweating and balancing body temperature.
• Padmakashta (Lotus Wood): It's a herb from the lotus plant that helps to cool the body & manages the production of sweat.
• Neem: Its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties help reduce sweat and prevent odour.
• Vetiver: As an oil, it cools the body and inhibits sweat production.
• Tulsi (Holy Basil): Can be chewed or brewed into tea to reduce body heat and sweat.
• Aloe Vera: Aloe vera gel can cool the skin and stop excess sweating.
• Sage: Brewing sage leaves into a tea & drinking it could decrease sweating.
• Rose Petals: A paste of rose petals applied to the skin cools the body and also decreases sweating.
• Sarivadyasava: A coolant & blood purifier, this is generally used for treating Hyperhidrosis by lowering body heat.
• Arvindasava: This formulation calms body tissues and soothes Pitta to reduce sweating.
• Usheerasava: A common diuretic that also functions as a coolant and freshener, decreasing sweat and body heat.
• Padmakadi Kashaya: This is an Ayurvedic rejuvenating tonic that replenishes soft tissues and cools the body.
• Nishosheeradi Kashaya: Provides similar benefits to Padmakadi Kashaya, as it helps in cooling and revitalising the body.
• Chandrakala Rasa: This formulation cools and calms the mind, which could indirectly control sweating related to anxiety and stress.
• Sarivadi Vati: This Ayurvedic formula also soothes the body, brightens the complexion, and reduces sweat-induced itching.
• Saptamruta Loha: A vitamin C and iron supplement that cools the body and also stops too much sweating.
  
  

These Ayurvedic medicines address not just the physical aspects of Hyperhidrosis but also its emotional and psychological impacts.

Conclusion

The excessive sweating caused by hyperhidrosis can not only make you feel uncomfortable and introduce odour, but also lead to dehydration and loss of electrolytes. The most appropriate step when you discover such symptoms would be to consult a healthcare professional or Ayurvedic Practitioner as soon as you can, and get the authentic treatment and care for this condition. 

References:

Hyperhidrosis: disease aetiology, classification and management in the light of modern treatment modalities - PMC

Excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) – causes and treatments | healthdirect

Hyperhidrosis: A Central Nervous Dysfunction of Sweat Secretion - PMC

Hyperhidrosis - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics

Hyperhidrosis: assessment and management in general practice - PMC

Hyperhidrosis Disorder (Excessive Sweating)