Sweating is a natural body function. Everyone does it. Your body flips the sweat switch to help you cool off. However, when a person’s excessive sweating becomes a daily headache and continual embarrassment, it is most likely hyperhidrosis.
Hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating, is a health condition that affects 15 million people in the United States alone. Those suffering from hyperhidrosis tend to sweat up to five times more than the average person.
While there is no medical cure for hyperhidrosis, there are natural hyperhidrosis solutions that can help. Read on to learn about some of the best home remedies for hyperhidrosis. At Ejis, we believe that no one should feel embarrassed about something as natural as sweating. Many people choose to try hyperhidrosis natural treatment options instead of expensive or invasive medical treatments.
Keep reading to learn about 24 of the top all-natural hyperhidrosis treatments. Before you try one, we recommend consulting a doctor to discuss possible contraindications, especially if you’re taking medications for hyperhidrosis or another medical condition.
This article was originally published in June 2019, and updated in January 2020, April 2020, and February 2021.
If you're not using antiperspirant – or using one that could be stronger – one of the easiest home remedies to try is a stronger antiperspirant.
Look for products containing the words ‘clinical strength’ for extra strong options. The science behind aluminum-based antiperspirants is that the ducts of the sweat glands are blocked while the astringent effect simultaneously closes the pores. This results in an effective excessive sweating treatment in many cases.
Make sure your antiperspirant is working to its full potential by applying it before bed rather than first thing in the morning. This gives the aluminum time to absorb into the skin and work its magic throughout the night.
Apple cider vinegar is an incredibly versatile product. You can use it to clean, preserve food, and even to help with some skin conditions. It can also be used to control the odor-causing bacteria that contribute to hyperhidrosis symptoms like bromhidrosis.
Use apple cider vinegar as a natural astringent by applying it to your skin with a cotton ball before bed and washing it off in the morning. Best of all, apple cider vinegar is something you can usually find at your local grocery store!
Both baking soda and cornstarch help absorb sweat, lower pH levels, and block odors. Create your own natural deodorant by mixing baking soda with an equal part of cornstarch and applying it to clean, dry underarms. For best results, apply this all-natural hyperhidrosis remedy several times a day.
Whatever else is going on in your life in addition to managing hyperhidrosis, you deserve a break. Draw up a bath and pour in some Epsom bath salts – they act as an all-natural hyperhidrosis treatment.
Specifically, Epsom bath salts act as an astringent and can help reduce body odor. If you soak for 20 minutes once or twice a week, you’ll be more relaxed in general, and conquer your hyperhidrosis symptoms.
Lemon juice is another all-natural deodorant and hyperhidrosis home remedy you may want to try. To get the best results, apply fresh lemon to your underarms at night, then shower in the morning to remove any residual lemony-fresh scent.
Both sage and black tea can be used as a topical, all-natural hyperhidrosis treatment. The tea helps to control sweating and reduce odor-causing bacteria because the tannic acid in the tea constricts and reduces pores.
To make this home remedy for hyperhidrosis, steep the tea for several minutes, then allow it to cool to room temperature and apply it to affected areas. You can also prepare enough to soak your hands and/or feet. Repeat several times a day, if needed.
We all know salt absorbs moisture – that’s why you occasionally encounter a solid salt-shaker if you live in a humid climate. You can take advantage of that property when it comes to managing sweat. The easiest way to use salt is by applying it to sweaty areas as soon as the sweating begins. The salt absorbs the sweat without residual odor.
For a more intense option, consider mixing salt and lemon juice to make a citrus scrub. Apply and wash it off in the shower or before bed each night.
Schisandra is an herbal remedy made from dried fruit, and is used to treat night sweats and spontaneous sweating. As such, it can be a great home remedy for hyperhidrosis since it’s all-natural and helps alleviate your hyperhidrosis symptoms.
A plant-based tincture, St. John’s Wort is known to help ease symptoms of depression and menopause. While these medical conditions might not seem related to hyperhidrosis, they actually can be. Both menopause and depression can contribute to secondary generalized hyperhidrosis.
As such, a home remedy like St. John’s Wort that helps treat those conditions is also beneficial in helping with hyperhidrosis symptoms.
Like several of the other home remedies for hyperhidrosis on this list, tea tree oil is a natural astringent and helps reduce odor-causing bacteria. To boot, it’s probably the best smelling option on the list. To use tea tree oil as a natural hyperhidrosis treatment, apply it using cotton balls to underarms or other sweaty areas once or twice daily.
If you are using a concentrated essential oil, be sure to combine with a carrier oil before applying to your skin.
Valerian root, also known as nature’s Valium, can be beneficial in reducing anxiety and reducing symptoms of menopause. As with St. John’s Wort, this makes Valerian root an effective natural hyperhidrosis treatment since it helps treat some of the causes of secondary generalized hyperhidrosis.
You can usually find witch hazel at grocery stores and pharmacies, and it is commonly used to treat a number of skin conditions. You can use witch hazel as a natural astringent by applying with a cotton pad and washing off after 30 minutes. This helps control odor-causing bacteria. Plus it’s gentle enough to use on your face, which is ideal if you struggle with a sweaty face as part of your hyperhidrosis symptoms.
If you’d rather leave the antiperspirant creation to the professionals, you can find all-natural products at your local health food store or online. Natural antiperspirants are preferred by people who don’t want to use a product containing aluminum, the main ingredient in most clinical-strength antiperspirants. Natural antiperspirants are usually made without dyes, preservatives, etc.
Did you know that some foods make you sweat (and some help reduce sweating, too)? If you’re consuming them, they could be contributing to your hyperhidrosis symptoms. Many people find making simple adjustments to their diets help relieve the symptoms of hyperhidrosis. Here are some suggestions:
Your body naturally produces more sweat when you are dehydrated or your body temperature rises. As such, drinking plenty of water is a win-win when it comes to preventing sweat the natural way. A fully hydrated body also aids in digestion, which is also beneficial when you sweat too much.
Natural ways to stop sweating also include making healthy choices when it comes to drinks.
Another natural remedy for excessive sweating is to limit or avoid alcohol and caffeine altogether. Drinking alcohol can widen the blood vessels in your skin and increase your heart rate, which causes the body to react with more sweat. Caffeine causes the same effects as alcohol and it stimulates the nervous system, which means more sweat.
Underarm hair traps moisture, keeping it from evaporating naturally. Not only does this cause a build-up of sweat, but bacteria break down that trapped sweat, leading to body odor. Avoid this chain-reaction by shaving or trimming your armpit hair. It also helps to improve the performance of your all natural antiperspirant because the substance will make direct contact with your skin.
If you're (still) a smoker, take this as a sign it's really time to quit – for so many reasons, including that it will reduce excessive sweating!
The nicotine in cigarettes increases your body temperature, which in turn, triggers your sweat glands to produce more sweat. If you are looking to improve your health and eliminate the frustration of underarm sweat, look for effective ways to quit smoking.
The state of our bodies accurately represents the state of our minds. When you become stressed out, your body enters fight-or-flight mode. In turn, your heart rate elevates, your body temperature goes up, and sweat pores open up. To avoid excessive sweating due to stress, try to avoid stressful situations whenever possible. Practice relaxation techniques like breathing or meditation throughout the day.
While it may seem counterintuitive, deliberately working up a sweat is also an effective way to naturally reduce perspiration for two reasons.
Some of the easiest home remedies for hyperhidrosis don’t require you to eat, drink, or apply anything – they’re simple lifestyle changes you can make to help reduce the chance for odor-causing bacteria to win the day. Here are a few suggestions:
Changes to your wardrobe can help reduce perspiration naturally. Opt for breathable fabrics, such as cotton and linen, which allow air to flow through them easily. This speeds up sweat evaporation and keeps you cool.
One of the most embarrassing aspects of hyperhidrosis is sweating through clothing, leaving visible wet marks for the world to see. To help reduce or limit the occurrence of sweat marks and pit stains, consider adjusting your wardrobe.
Ejis sweat proof boxer briefs and undershirts (buy in our shop or on Amazon) are designed specifically for people suffering from hyperhidrosis. Our sweat proof undergarments feature a waterproof layer designed to protect clothing from wet marks.
Finding effective home remedies for hyperhidrosis and its symptoms takes time and patience. Using natural hyperhidrosis solutions may be an effective, affordable and safe way to treat and manage excessive sweating… and the first step to finding a sense of normalcy again.
If you're ready to take control over how hyperhidrosis is affecting your life, Ejis products can help. We have sweat proof undershirts, sweat proof underwear, and anti-odor dress socks to help manage sweat wherever it affects you most. (Buy in our shop or on Amazon)
Sweaty feet can cause all sorts of problems, like discomfort, infection, and odor. If your feet sweat a lot, then consider using shoe insoles for sweaty feet. There are many different types of insoles available on the market today but not all of them are good for people who have sweaty feet. Read on for some of the best insoles for sweaty or smelly feet.
Sweating is the body’s natural response to an increase in temperature; it helps cool us down. You’ve heard about sweaty armpits and sweat patches on the back of shirts, but a less-discussed sweat zone is the head and face. Sweating in this area can leave you feeling even more exposed, as we often present and express ourselves with our faces. Keep reading for our list of the best antiperspirants for facial sweating.