Heavy Perspiration

Perspiration is a natural function of the body, vital not only for the elimination of toxins produced by the body but particularly for maintaining the body's internal temperature at a steady 37° C, regardless of the outside conditions.

The body sweats little in cold temperatures, but production increases in the summer, or when the body produces its own heat after physical exertion, during a fever, or as a result of emotion.

Perspiration is made up of 99 per cent water, with a little salt, a few traces of oil and urea, and waste matter from muscle cells. Our bodies are equipped for this elimination with three million sweat glands, known as eccrine glands on the body's hairless surfaces. Apocrine glands are located in the armpits and pubic area. The consumption of meat, cheese, coffee, tobacco, alcohol. and spices increases the activity of the sweat glands.

Sweat has little or no odour when it is first produced, but takes on an unpleasant smell as a result of its chemical degradation upon contact with the skin's bacteria.

Any treatments whose aim is to stop perspiration are considered 'dangerous' by homeopaths, but this does not rule out the offer of some advice to patients.

Useful tips

• Some clothing materials cause more perspiration than others, for they prevent the moisture from evaporating:

some examples are synthetic fabrics (nylon, polyester, or acrylic) or artificial fibres, such as viscose. Cotton and linen, which are made of plant fibres, are much more absorbent

• It is advisable to remove the hair under the arms in cases of heavy perspiration, as hair traps odours and maintains a warm, humid environment that encourages the development of odour producing bacteria
• Antibacterial deodorants pose no risk to your health
• Antiperspirants most often contain aluminium compounds, and act by reducing the secretion of perspiration.

They have an astringent effect on the pores and should not be used more than two or three times per week

A substance is said to be an astringent when it brings about a contraction of the tissues, thus reducing bodily secretions or bleeding, for example

Oligotherapy

Magnesium reduces the stress that can sometimes be placed on the body by fluid loss from very heavy sweating.

This trace element usually comes from the diet, which should be varied and of high quality. In cases of deficiency, which often occurs with magnesium, it can be given as a medicinal supplement.

Dietary sources of magnesium

Present in almost all foods, but mostly in the calorie rich ones, unfortunately. The best sources of magnesium are: citrus fruits, bananas, whole-grain cereals (oat or bran flakes), cocoa and chocolate, shellfish (winkles, shrimps, oysters, and clams) and oily fish, snails, figs, hard cheeses, nuts (almonds, peanuts, hazelnuts and walnuts), vegetables (spinach, dried and green beans, maize, split peas and soya beans) and wholemeal bread.

• Magnesium treatment: this is available in various brands and forms, such as Organic Minerals (Colloidals) which contains 70+ trace minerals:
  - Available in 946ml bottles
  - Take 1-3 caps just before breakfast and/or evening meal
  - Children 1 teaspoon daily for each 20lbs of body weight

Or Maximol (Ionized colloidals):

- Available in 500ml bottles
- Take 1/2 capful once or twice daily on an empty stomach

• You could also try a Stress formula such as Lamberts@ B-100 complex, a mixture of vitamins B1,B2,B3, B5, B6, B12, folic acid, biotin, choline, inositol and PABA:
  - Available in containers of 60 and 200 tablets
  - One tablet to be taken each day

Homeopathy

Calcarea carbonica and Thuja

- Four 5c tablets to be sucked slowly like sweets twice a day, as needed or as a long-term treatment

Calcarea carbonica

- Animal and mineral origin: calcium from oyster-shells
- The homeopathic remedy for acid perspiration on the head and feet
- A specific indication: the condition is made worse by cold

Thuja occidentalis

- Vegetable origin: the white cedar tree
- The homeopathic remedy for unpleasant-smelling perspiration
- A specific indication: oily, shiny skin

• You could also try Psorinoheel@ (Heel), which includes Thuja D6, Psorinum D10, Sulfur D6...
  - Available in drop bottles of 30ml and 100ml
  - 10 drops 3 times daily

Herbal remedies

Sage

Possible Prescription: Ask your herbalist to prepare a 30ml bottle of mother tincture of sage. Take 25 drops in a little water, twice a day.

Sage

Its name comes from the Latin, salvare, to save, which gives an indication of its importance among the various plant remedies. It acts as an antiseptic, a tonic, a regulator of hormones... and of perspiration. The Chinese, convinced of its value, were willing to give the English two cases of tea in exchange for one case of sage. Its essential oil contains phytooestrogens, which make it very useful in treating gynaecological problems, particularly the menopause.

• You could also try Menosan (Bioforce) Sage drops:
  - Available in tincture form in bottles of 50ml
  - 15 to 20 drops in a little water, 3 times daily before meals.