18 Powerful Home Remedies for Excessive Sweating

Excessive Sweating – And Its Symptoms, Treatments

As per International Hyperhidrosis Association, approximately 7.8 billion Americans are affected by excessive sweating.
Usually, we produce sweat during a workout or in warm environments. But people suffering from excessive sweating often sweat more than normal, regardless of any physical need for it.

What Causes Excessive Sweating?

Nutritional deficiencies, stress, anxiety and poor circulation can trigger excessive sweating. People with diabetes, heart problems, obesity and hyperthyroidism are more prone to it.

How To Get Rid Of Excessive Sweating?

Besides being uncomfortable, excessive sweating can disrupt your routine life. Instead of depending on medicinal treatments, you can try natural remedies to treat the problem at home.

Home Remedies For Excessive Sweating

Natural home remedies for excessive sweating include apple cider vinegar, lemon, black tea, potato and many others mentioned below.

1. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar has astringent property that controls the sweating process. It helps to balance the pH levels of the body, especially under the arms or feet, to get rid of the bacteria. Being an antiperspirant, it forms a coat on the skin which ensures the pores are closed.

• Apple Cider Vinegar For Underarm Sweating
• Using a cotton ball, apply apple cider vinegar to the armpits before going to bed.
• Leave it for overnight and then wash it with water in the next morning.
• Continue this process every night.
• Note:Dilute acv with enough water, if you experience any irritation.

Apple Cider Vinegar For Sweaty Feet

• Pour 1 liter of water and ½ cup of apple cider vinegar in a foot basin and stir well.
• Place your feet in it and soak it for about 15 – 20 minutes.
• Apple cider vinegar can also be added to your bath.
• Follow this process regularly.

Alternative Method: 

• Wash your feet with mild soap and water. Dry them thoroughly and apply acv using a cotton ball. Leave it to dry completely. Repeat the process daily.
• ACV Drink
• Add 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar to water and stir well.
• Add honey to taste.
• Stir it well and drink it in the morning on an empty stomach.

2. Lemon

Lemon is another effective remedy to control sweating. It has citric acid that eliminates the bacteria and its pleasant fragrance makes it as a natural deodorant.

Note: Do not step into the sun after using this method, so the best time is to apply is at night.

Lemon For Armpit Sweating

• Mix 1 teaspoon each of lemon juice and baking soda in a small bowl.
• Apply this paste on the armpits thoroughly by using cotton pad.
• Let it sit for about 20 – 30 minutes and then wash it with water.
• Continue doing this regularly.

Alternative Method: 

• Rub half lemon on the underarms by gently squeezing it. 
• Leave it overnight or if you cannot, leave it for 15 – 30 minutes and rinse off with water. 
• If you are sensitive to lemon juice, dilute it with some water and apply it using a cotton ball.

Caution: Try the above treatment only before going to bed as lemon juice can make your skin photo sensitive. Apart from treating excessive sweating, it can also whiten your underarms or any other part of the body.

Lemon For Body Sweating

• Mix 1 or 2 tablespoons of lemon juice and 1 tablespoon of salt in a small bowl.
• Apply this on sweat prone areas of the body.
• Massage gently with your hands for few minutes.
• Leave it on for about 15 – 20 minutes and then rinse it off with water.
• Pat the skin dry and repeat regularly.

3. Baking soda

Sweat contains certain acids that encourage bacteria to thrive. Baking soda is alkaline in nature which effectively lowers the pH level of the sweat prone areas in our body by simply counteracting with the acids. It will also act as a natural deodorant.

• Combine enough amounts of baking soda and cornstarch.
• Clean the underarms thoroughly and apply the mixture on them.
• Leave it on for 30 minutes and rinse it off with water.
• For more effective results, add any essential oil into the mixture.
• Note: Make sure to wear loose fitted clothes.
• Follow the process regularly.

Alternative Method: 

• After taking bath, apply some baking soda on the sweat prone areas. 
• Discard the excess amount of baking soda and leave it to dry without rinsing off.

4. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil contains lauric acid which helps to eliminate the bacteria that causes the sweat. It has a light fragrance which will help you feel fresh, however be aware that it will stain clothes.

• Add 10 grams of crushed camphor to 1 cup of coconut oil.
• Stir well to make a paste.
• Apply this on the sweat prone areas of the body.
• Massage it for few minutes and let it sit for about 45 – 60 minutes.
• Wash it off with water.
• Repeat regularly.

Alternative Method: 

• After taking bath, apply enough amounts of organic and cold pressed coconut oil on the sweat prone areas. 
• Massage gently until the oil is completely absorbed. 
• Repeat the application daily.

5. Potato

Due to its quality of absorbing excess water from the body, it is known as an antiperspirant and blocking agent.

• Rub a small potato piece on the sweat prone areas for few minutes.
• Let the potato absorb the excess sweat and prevent sweating further.
• Leave it to dry completely before wearing clothes. Make sure to make wear loose fitted clothes.

Alternatively: 

• you can apply some potato juice using a cotton ball and leave it to dry completely. 
• Extract potato juice, pour into an airtight container and refrigerate it for daily use.

6. Black Tea

The tannic acid present in black tea holds astringent and antiperspirant properties. They provide relief from excessive sweating. The astringent property constricts the sweat glands which controls the sweat flow to outer skin. Black tea contains more tannic acid than normal tea, so it is the best to use.

Black Tea For Armpit Sweating

• Place 2 black tea bags in 3 cups of hot water.
• Let it steep for about 10 – 15 minutes.
• Dip a wash cloth in this tea and put this on the underarms.
• Or place wet black tea bags on the armpits and hold for a few minute.

Black Tea For Feet And Palm Sweating

• Fill a foot bath basin with 1 liter hot water.
• Place 2 black tea bags in this water.
• Allow it to steep for a short while, and then soak the feet or palm in it for about 20 – 30 minutes.
• Take out the feet or palm and pat dry.
• Repeat regularly.

If You Have Generalized Sweating:

Soak a wash cloth in black tea water and wipe the sweat prone areas like neck, armpit and feet using it for almost half an hour.

Alternatively:

• Soak the sweat prone areas in the black tea for 15 – 20 minutes.
• For effective results, drink 2 -3 cups of black tea daily to treat and prevent excessive sweating.

7. Sage

The tannic acid present in sage is known for its astringent properties which restrict the sweat glands from producing excessive sweat and reduces the perspiration. The anti-bacterial and antifungal properties control the bacterial growth causing to sweat.

Method 1:

• Combine 1 teaspoon of sage leaves and 1 -2 cups of water.
• Bring this mixture to boil and remove from the flame.
• Let it cool down to room temperature.
• Use this water to clean the sweat prone areas.
• Repeat at least 3 times a day.

Method 2:

• Add 1 teaspoon of sage to a cup of hot water.
• Allow it to steep for about 5 – 8 minutes and then strain.
• Drink before going to sleep, adding lemon to taste.
• Alternatively include sage in your daily cooking.

Method 3: Sage For Foot Sweating

• Fill a foot basin with hot water.
• Add 2 teaspoon of sage to it and allow it to steep and cool for few minutes.
• Place your feet in this water and let it soak for about 20 – 30 minutes.
• Pat your feet dry and repeat daily.

8. Chamomile

Chamomile has anti-bacterial, astringent and deodorant properties that make it a best remedy for treating excessive sweating. Its antibacterial property helps to eliminate the bacteria which produce the body odor and sweat. Its astringent property helps to constrict the sweat glands and deodorant properties counteracting the odor.

Method 1:

• Place 1 teaspoon of chamomile herb in a cup of hot water.
• Allow it to steep for a few minutes.
• Drink this tea daily to get relief.
• Or Soak a cotton ball or pad in the tea.
• Apply it to the sweat prone areas for few minutes.
• Do this process regularly.

Method 2:

• Add few drops of chamomile essential oil to a bath of warm water.
• Stir it well and soak in the water for few minutes.
• Have this bath daily.

9. Witch Hazel

Witch hazel is obtained from the hazel shrub. Its extract contains tannins, catechins, gallic acid, flavonoids, essential oils such as carvacrol, hexenol and eugenol, saponins and choline which helps to treat the sweating problem effectively, especially on the face, by shrinking the skin pores with its strong astringent properties.

Method 1:

• Take some witch hazel and soak a cotton pad in it.
• Wring out the excess and apply this pad on sweat prone areas like armpits, face and feet.
• You can either wash off after 30 minutes or leave it on like that.
• Follow this process regularly.

Method 2:

• Mix witch hazel bark powder and water to make a paste.
• Apply to the sweat prone areas.
• Let it sit for about an hour and then rinse it with cold water.
• Follow this process daily for about a week or two.

10. Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil contains natural anti-fungal and astringent properties that help to give you relief from sweating by killing the bacteria that causes it.

Method:

• Soak a cotton ball in tea tree oil and then apply this on the sweat prone areas.
• If you have sensitive skin, dilute it by adding 4 – 5 drops of tea oil to 1/2 cup of water.
• Repeat it regularly.

11. Tomato Juice

Tomato has anti-oxidant and astringent properties that help to shrink the skin pores.

Method 1:

• Apply tomato juice to the affected areas.
• Let it sit for about 10 – 15 minutes to dry.
• Have a shower to wash the juice off.
• Repeat this process once in a day.

Method 2:

• Drink 1 to 2 glasses of fresh tomato juice once or twice in a day for a week.
• After a week, reduce the amount of tomato juice or consume it on alternative days.
• Also include tomatoes in your daily diet.

12. Wheatgrass

Healthy wheatgrass juice helps you to control sweating. It is high in vitamin A, C, B12, B6 and folic acid. This effectively prevents the sweating by controlling the acid’s activity and toxins in the blood. It neutralizes and dilutes the toxins in the blood and helps you get complete relief from sweating. For this you have to drink a glass of wheatgrass juice daily or else follow the below process.

• Mix 1 tablespoon of wheatgrass juice and ½ cup of water.
• Drink this on empty stomach in the morning.
• Continue doing this every morning.

13. Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil contains natural anti-fungal and astringent properties that help to give you relief from sweating by killing the bacteria that causes it.

• Soak a cotton ball in tea tree oil and then apply this on the sweat prone areas.
• If you have sensitive skin, dilute it by adding 4 – 5 drops of tea oil to 1/2 cup of water.
• Repeat regularly.

14. White Sandalwood

White sandalwood powder is used in Ayurveda to treat or control the sweating. It contains several enzymes that help to absorb the extra moisture from the skin and thus keep the skin dry and fresh. The aromatic fragrance helps to mask the body odor caused by excessive sweating.

• Mix 1 tablespoon of white sandalwood powder, rose water and a little lemon juice to make a fine paste.
• Wash the sweat prone areas with water and pat dry.
• Apply this paste on those areas and leave it to dry completely.
• Rinse with warm water.
• Continue daily.

15. Homemade Deodorant

Instead of using commercial deodorants that contain harmful chemicals, opt for a homemade deodorant. It not only helps in treating excessive sweating but also helps in reducing body odor.

Method 1:

• Add a sufficient amount of water to 1 teaspoon of baking soda.
• Stir well to make a paste.
• Add 4 drops of any essential oil like lavender oil, lemon or vanilla oil (of your choice).
• Apply this to the sweat prone area of the body.
• Let it sit for about 15 – 20 minutes, then either wash or just leave it on.
• Continue regularly.

Method 2:

• Add 3 teaspoon of coconut oil and 2 teaspoon of Shea butter to a double boiler.
• Place over a medium heat to melt.
• If you do not have a double boiler, you can place the ingredients in a jar which has lid over a pan of hot water.
• When melted, remove from the heat and add 3 teaspoons of baking soda and 2 teaspoons of arrowroot powder.
• Stir it well and add any essential oil of your choice.
• Allow it to cool for few minutes.
• Fill this mixture in an empty deodorant stick and store it in the fridge to avoid melting.
• Use this stick regularly.

16. Cornstarch

When you just start to sweat excessively, you can use cornstarch to control it. So, always carry a bottle of cornstarch powder which is lightly perfumed with talcum powder with you.

• Using tissue paper, wipe away the already present sweat. This prevents the cornstarch from forming clumps.
• Dust some cornstarch on the affected areas and leave it to dry completely.
• Apply another layer of cornstarch to seal the area. Let it dry before wearing clothes.
• Repeat whenever required.

Cornstarch For Feet Sweating

• You can dust generous amounts of cornstarch on the sole of your shoes. 
• Or apply some cornstarch before wearing socks.

17. Magnesium Rich Foods

Sweating is also caused due to the deficiency of magnesium in the body. However, excessive sweating can also lead to magnesium deficiency in the body. You have to include magnesium rich foods in your diet in order to regulate body temperature. Regular intake of magnesium also helps to decrease the anxiety, another cause for sweating. 

Here is the list of magnesium rich foods you can include in your diet:

• Avocados
• Apples
• Broccoli
• Bananas
• Green leafy vegetables
• Legumes
• Nuts
• Potatoes
• Seeds
• Whole grains

18. Water And Other Fluids

Sweating maintains the body temperature and flushes out the toxins from the body. The same is done by drinking plenty of water. So, it restricts your body to produce less amount of sweat. As you already know stress is considered one of the main reasons for sweating. Water helps your body to stay calm in stressful situations. So, it is very important to drink plenty of water. Not just water, you can drink other fluids too which can help your body replenish the minerals that you lose while sweating. Here are few drinks you can consume to stay hydrated.

• Juice of any fruit or vegetable
• Any herbal tea either hot or cold
• Lemonade
• Coconut water

Tips And Precautions For Excessive Sweating

Other than the above mentioned home remedies, follow these simple tips to prevent sweating:

• Avoid stress and anxiety as they lead to excessive sweating. Do yoga, meditation, and other exercises to control stress and anxiety.
• Avoid or reduce the caffeine intake as it raises the blood pressure.
• Stop using harsh deodorants or soaps in your daily routine.
• Avoid sugary, spicy and chemically processed foods.
• Always shave your underarms and groin areas.
• Wearing loose fitting clothes allows clear air passage and prevents sweating. So, wear clothes that are made up of natural fabrics such as cotton and avoid synthetic fabrics such as nylon, polyesters, etc.
• Don’t take alcohol, drugs or smoke.
• Avoid consumption of too many hot drinks.
• Try to lose extra weight by reducing the fat levels, particularly abdominal fat.
• Grapes contain natural anti-oxidants which help to balance the body’s temperature and reduce the sweating. So, eat handful of grapes daily.
• Taking 2 teaspoons of natural vinegar and a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar for three times a day will help to cure the excessive sweating. But make sure to drink it on an empty stomach for at least 30 minutes before or after meals.
• Drinking green tea or placing the tea bags on the sweat prone areas will give relief.
• Take your bath or shower daily with an anti-bacterial soap to get rid of the bacteria.
• Make sure to dry yourself before applying any deodorant or antiperspirant on the body.
• You can also use underarm liners and shoe inserts to absorb the sweat.
• Using dry shampoo will definitely help you control sweating of the scalp.
• The absorption property and drying property of salt helps in treating excessive sweating. Salt crystals work better than salt powder. In order to control excessive sweating, rub the salt crystals on the sweat prone areas which helps to absorb the sweat and block the pores. Being odorless it doesn’t leave any smell behind. They are very easy to carry and can be used whenever you want.
• Talcum powder works in the same way like corn starch. The powdery base of it absorbs the sweat away before it starts to break. Dust generous amounts of talcum powder all over your body concentrating more on sweat prone areas. Try to use non-perfumed or lightly perfumed talcum powder for effective results. Strong smelling powders can cause body odor.
• Intake of foods that are rich in zinc or taking zinc supplements will provide relief.
• Changing your lifestyle and diet habits as per the problem is very important. Prevention is better than any cure.
• Try to reduce the intake of foods that are rich in iodine. So avoid the vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, white onion and also beef, liver and turkey meats in your diet.
• Eating more natural foods such as cereals, milk and fish regularly will help you to get relief from sweating. Also include vitamin B and silicon mineral rich foods in your diet.
• When you’re travelling / exposed to sun for a longer period then wear a hat and shades.
• Schedule your work properly like arriving early to the work, important meetings, and appointments or to dinner so that your stress and anxiety levels will be maintained.
• Consult your doctor or healthcare provider if you’re unable to control excessive sweating. If sweating occurs due to chest pain, rapid heartbeat, and shortness of breath or sudden weight loss the consult a doctor for immediate medical attention.
• Make sure you know the root cause for your sweating before trying these remedies.