Kitchen cupboard staple could be the answer to excessive sweating, say experts

While sweating during hot weather is considered normal, excessive sweating can prove unpleasant.

Dr Chris Estheridge, the Chair of The British Herbal Medicine Association, explained how sage could help.

He said: “Sage is a herb that has traditionally been used for the treatment of excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis).

“It is believed that the active chemicals in sage may regulate neuroreceptors and neurotransmitters in the brain, resetting the body’s temperature regulation system and thereby reduce perspiration.”

More recently, research has shown sage’s ability to help with physical and mental comfort during the menopause.

Jenny Carson, a qualified nutritionist working with Viridian Nutrition, explained it may also help with hot flushes, a common symptom of menopause: “Sage has been shown in studies to decrease the frequency of hot flushes by as much as 50 percent and stop the most intense hot flushes all together.

“The way sage helps is by modulating specific brain receptors allowing the brain to manage thermoregulation normally and therefore limit the occasions where the body feels hot and starts sweating as a result.”

In one study, daily use of a sage supplement significantly reduced the number and intensity of hot flushes over eight weeks. 

The NHS offers the following advice when it comes to excessive sweating: “You can see a pharmacist about excessive sweating. You can buy things without a prescription, such as stronger antiperspirants instead of deodorant, armpit or sweat shields to protect your clothing, foot powders for sweaty feet and soap substitutes that are more gentle on your skin.”

In some cases, sweating could be a sign of an underlying health problem.

Dr Sarah Brewer said: “Unexplained excessive sweating can be a sign of excessive anxiety and stress, an over-active thyroid gland or a hidden infection, so if the problem persists or is getting worse, always consult your doctor.”

The NHS says see a GP if you’re sweating excessively and:

• things you can do yourself are not helping
• it’s lasted for at least 6 months
• it stops you from getting on with your daily activities
• it happens at least once a week
• it happens at night (you’re having night sweats)
• you have a family history of excessive sweating
• you’re taking medicine for another condition

The health body adds: “The GP may refer you for tests if they think another condition may be causing your sweating.

“If there’s no obvious cause for your sweating, and nothing seems to be helping, then you may be referred to a specialist (dermatologist).”