Hyperhidrosis (Excessive Sweating): natural remedies and the evidence behind them
Hyperhidrosis is a condition marked by sweating that goes well beyond what the body needs for temperature regulation, often affecting the hands, feet…
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Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing
Traditionally calms nervous system sweating
Why it may be relevant
Stress-triggered hyperhidrosis may respond to acupuncture's traditionally recognized ability to calm autonomic nervous system activity that drives sweat responses.
Traditionally used to help regulate the body's autonomic functions, including excessive perspiration linked to stress or emotional tension.
Dose or use Seek a licensed acupuncturist; a typical course is weekly or twice-weekly sessions over several weeks.
Key study Traditionally used for this condition; this specific use has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
EvidenceCenturies of traditional use · Human evidence not yet assessedTime to resultsTypically 4–8 weeks of regular sessionsTraditional useLong-standing traditional staple
Caution: Seek a licensed acupuncturist; tell them about any blood-thinning medications or bleeding disorders.
Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing
Classic herb traditionally used for sweating
Why it may be relevant
If your sweating happens all over your body, even at rest, sage is the best-known traditional herb for excessive perspiration and is taken by mouth to help calm generalized and night sweating.
For centuries sage tea and extracts have been the go-to herbal remedy for excessive sweating; its tannins and volatile oils are traditionally credited with a drying, anti-hidrotic effect.
Dose or use Drink sage tea or take a standardized sage-leaf extract; follow the product's label and start with a lower amount.
Key study Long used traditionally to reduce excessive and night sweating; this use in hyperhidrosis has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
EvidenceCenturies of traditional use · Human evidence not yet assessedTime to resultsOften a couple of weeks of regular useTraditional useLong-standing traditional staple
Caution: Sage contains thujone; avoid high doses or prolonged daily use, and avoid it in pregnancy, breastfeeding, or if you have a seizure disorder.
Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing
Traditionally calms nervous system sweating
Why it may be relevant
Stress-triggered hyperhidrosis may respond to acupuncture's traditionally recognized ability to calm autonomic nervous system activity that drives sweat responses.
Traditionally used to help regulate the body's autonomic functions, including excessive perspiration linked to stress or emotional tension.
Dose or use Seek a licensed acupuncturist; a typical course is weekly or twice-weekly sessions over several weeks.
Key study Traditionally used for this condition; this specific use has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
EvidenceCenturies of traditional use · Human evidence not yet assessedTime to resultsTypically 4–8 weeks of regular sessionsTraditional useLong-standing traditional staple
Caution: Seek a licensed acupuncturist; tell them about any blood-thinning medications or bleeding disorders.
Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing
Adaptogen traditionally used to ease stress
Why it may be relevant
If your sweating flares when you are stressed or anxious, ashwagandha is traditionally used to help the body handle stress and calm the nervous tension that can set off a sweat response.
A long-standing Ayurvedic adaptogen taken to lower the body's stress response and ease anxiety, the pathway that often drives emotionally-triggered sweating.
Dose or use Commonly taken as a standardized root extract capsule once or twice daily; follow the product's label and give it time to build up.
Key study Traditionally used as a stress-calming adaptogen; its use specifically for excessive sweating has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
EvidenceCenturies of traditional use · Human evidence not yet assessedTime to resultsOften several weeks of daily useTraditional useLong-standing traditional staple
Caution: Avoid in pregnancy; may add to the effect of sedatives and thyroid medication, so check with your doctor if you take either.
Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing
Calming acupressure point for stress
Why it may be relevant
When stress sets off your sweating, this wrist point is traditionally pressed to calm the mind and settle nervous tension, something you can do yourself between acupuncture visits.
A well-known Traditional Chinese Medicine point used to reduce anxiety and stress; in TCM the Heart is said to govern sweat, making it a natural fit for stress-driven perspiration.
Dose or use Find the point on the wrist crease, on the pinky side of the inner forearm, and press with steady, firm pressure for 1-2 minutes on each side, breathing slowly.
Key study Traditionally used in acupressure to calm stress and anxiety; this specific use for excessive sweating has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
EvidenceCenturies of traditional use · Human evidence not yet assessedTime to resultsMay feel calming within minutes; use regularlyTraditional useLong-standing traditional staple
Caution: Press gently and stop if it feels painful; skip over broken or irritated skin at the wrist.
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Pressure point
LI4 (Hegu) - Large Intestine 4
Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing
Hand point traditionally used for sweat
Why it may be relevant
Because it sits right on the hand, this point is easy to use for focal sweating and is the classic Chinese-medicine point taught for regulating how the pores open and close.
A widely used Traditional Chinese Medicine master point of the hand, traditionally applied to help regulate perspiration and ease stress.
Dose or use Find the point in the web between thumb and index finger, then press and massage with firm circular pressure for 1-2 minutes on each hand.
Key study Traditionally used in acupressure to regulate perspiration; this specific use has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
EvidenceCenturies of traditional use · Human evidence not yet assessedTime to resultsVaries; use regularly for best effectTraditional useLong-standing traditional staple
Caution: Do not use during pregnancy, as this point is traditionally avoided in pregnancy; press gently and skip irritated skin.
When does your excessive sweating show up most?
It's concentrated in specific spots — sweaty palms, feet, or underarms
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Pressure point
LI4 (Hegu) - Large Intestine 4
Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing
Hand point traditionally used for sweat
Why it may be relevant
Because it sits right on the hand, this point is easy to use for focal sweating and is the classic Chinese-medicine point taught for regulating how the pores open and close.
A widely used Traditional Chinese Medicine master point of the hand, traditionally applied to help regulate perspiration and ease stress.
Dose or use Find the point in the web between thumb and index finger, then press and massage with firm circular pressure for 1-2 minutes on each hand.
Key study Traditionally used in acupressure to regulate perspiration; this specific use has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
EvidenceCenturies of traditional use · Human evidence not yet assessedTime to resultsVaries; use regularly for best effectTraditional useLong-standing traditional staple
Caution: Do not use during pregnancy, as this point is traditionally avoided in pregnancy; press gently and skip irritated skin.
Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing
Astringent traditionally used on damp skin
Why it may be relevant
For sweating focused on your hands, feet, or underarms, witch hazel is a traditional topical astringent whose tannins tighten the skin and can help keep those spots drier.
A long-used natural astringent; its tannins tighten and strengthen tissue, the same action behind its traditional use as a mild antiperspirant on localized areas.
Dose or use Dab alcohol-free witch hazel onto clean, dry hands, feet, or underarms with a cotton pad once or twice a day and let it dry.
Key study Traditionally used as a topical astringent; its use specifically for excessive sweating has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
EvidenceCenturies of traditional use · Human evidence not yet assessedTime to resultsSome feel drier the same day; use regularlyTraditional useLong-standing traditional staple
Caution: For external use only; can dry or irritate sensitive skin, so patch-test first and avoid broken skin.
Evidence grades describe the strength of published research for Hyperhidrosis (Excessive Sweating), not a promise of results. A higher grade is not a personal recommendation. Nothing here is medical advice — talk to your clinician before starting anything, especially alongside prescription medication.
Related pressure points
Hands-on options you can try yourself.
Acupressure is a comfort measure, not a treatment for Hyperhidrosis (Excessive Sweating) itself. Each page shows where the point is and how to press it.
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We track 4 natural options for Hyperhidrosis (Excessive Sweating) — what each is typically used for, usual dose, cautions, and the study behind the ones with real trial data.
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