Nearly 8 million people in the US suffer from excessive sweating, or medically known as hyperhidrosis. However, no one talks about it because they consider it too embarrassing – more than dandruff, acne, or even obesity.
This condition causes persistent and excessive sweating in the groin, feet, hands, and underarms. It is quite frustrating to not be able to wear light-colored clothing without worrying about sweat marks.
While there are medical treatments for hyperhidrosis, you can first try out some of these 6 natural care tips for your sweaty pits:
1. Baking Soda
Baking soda is alkaline, thus helping balance the acids in sweat that feed bacteria, causing bad smells. Baking soda lowers your armpits’ pH levels and acts as a deodorant by absorbing odors. It is in fact, one of the most effective natural deodorants you can find.
Combine ½ cup cornstarch, ½ cup of baking soda, and 2-3 drops of lavender oil in a cup. Wash your underarms, apply the mixture using a slightly damp cloth and let it dry.
2. Apple Cider Vinegar
ACV or apple cider vinegar has astringent properties that may help keep sweating in check, and also balances your body’s pH levels if taken orally. ACV also acts as an antiperspirant, forming a thin layer on the skin to ensure your pores stay closed.
Wash your sweaty armpits and then in circular motions rub a cotton ball soaked with ACV onto the area. Leave it on overnight and rinse it off in the morning.
3. Black Tea
The tannic acid in black tea has astringent and antiperspirant properties that may help control excessive sweating. It constricts the sweat glands, controlling the amount of sweat that flows out to the outer layer of the skin.
Put 2 black teabags into 3 cups of just-before-boiling water. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes. Dip a small towel or cotton pad into the black tea, and dab it on your clean underarms. Do this regularly for best results.
4. Coconut Oil
One of the many uses of coconut oil is that it also helps control excessive sweating. Apply coconut oil on your sweaty pits, massage well, allow to sit for at least an hour, then rinse it off.
5. Witch Hazel
Witch hazel is a power herb that contains many beneficial compounds that come together to make an extremely potent sweat fighter by shrinking your skin’s pores with its strong astringent properties.
Soak a small towel or a large cotton pad with some naturally preserved witch hazel and rub it on your underarms. You may leave it on without rinsing, or let it stay for 30 minutes before washing with water.
6. Sage
Studies have proven that sage is an effective natural remedy for excessive sweating. It contains antifungal and antibacterial properties that help restrict bacteria growth that can lead to foul smells and excess sweating. Sage leaves also contain tannic acid that constricts sweat glands and reduce sweating.
There are a few ways to use sage to care for your sweaty pits:
- Boil 1 tsp of dried sage leaves in 1-2 cups of water. Let it cool to room temperature and use it to wipe your underarms clean. Repeat at least twice a day for best results.
- Drink sage tea by steeping 1-2 tsps of dried sage leaves in a cup of hot water for 5-7 minutes. Sip every night before bed.
Read the full article by Natural Living Ideas here for more natural care tips for your sweaty pits.
Fisherofmen says
Wow! Didn’t know anything like this existed. Very Helpful. Could you also do this in the heat like for spring and summer to minimize the heat from melting the deodorant turning it into a liquid having the arm pits turn musty and stain the shirt??
Lisa Chan says
Hi there, yes, some people do this too. 🙂
Fisherofmen says
Okay. Kool. Thanks.
Lisa Chan says
You are very welcome! ?
ilonapulianauskaite says
hello, great tips, thank you for sharing?
Lisa Chan says
You are most welcome! ?
Manuela says
I knew about baking soda, but you share more great tips! Thank you for them!
Lisa Chan says
Hi Manuela, glad this helps! ?