Hyperhidrosis refers to a condition where the sympathetic nervous
system is overactive and produces sweat in excess of that needed to
keep a constant temperature. This condition may be either primary or
secondary. While there is no known cause for the primary condition, the
secondary condition is usually caused due to endocrine problems,
hormonal treatment, psychiatric disorders, obesity and menopause.
Excessive sweating can be socially embarrassing and may interfere in
professional activities. It is aggravated by emotional stress and high
temperatures.
The Ayurvedic treatment of hyperhidrosis is aimed at
controlling the sweating, regulating the sympathetic nervous system,
reducing stress and treating the known cause of the condition. Medicines
like Arogya-Vardhini, Kachnaar-Guggulu, Panch-Tikta-Ghrut-Guggulu,
Punarnavadi-Guggulu, Maha-Vat-Vidhwans-Ras, Vat-Gajankush-Ras and
Ekang-Veer-Ras are used to treat the overactive sympathetic nervous
system. Medicines which act on the 'Ras' and 'Meda' dhatus (tissues) of
the body are useful in this condition. These medicines include Kutaj
(Holarrhina antidysentrica), Patol (Tricosanthe dioica), Kutki
(Picrorrhiza kurroa), Chirayta (Swertia chirata), Guduchi (Tinospora
cordifolia), Rakta-Chandan (Pterocarpus santalinus) and Vishwa (Zinziber
officinalis). Other medicines which can be used in this condition are:
Saarivadi-Churna, Chandanasav, Usheerasav, Musta (Cyperus rotundus),
Pittapapda (Fumaria vaillantii), Triphala (Three fruits) and Usheer
(Vetiveria zizanioidis). Fine powders of Triphala, Chandan (Santalum
album) and Usheer can also be used locally.
Stress can be treated
using Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), Mandukparni (Centella asiatica),
Jatamansi (Nardostachys jatamansi), Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus
pluricaulis) and Sarpagandha (Rauwolfia serpentina). Endocrine disorders
like hyperthyroidism can be treated using medicines like
Arogya-Vardhini, Chandrakala-Ras, Praval-Bhasma and Saariva (Hemidesmus
indicus). Obesity can be treated using medicines like Medohar-Guggulu,
Triphala-Guggulu, Chandraprabha-Vati, Triphala and Trikatu (Three
pungent herbs). The hot flushes of menopause can be treated using
medicines like Brahmi-Vati, Saraswatarishta, Ashokarishta and
Usheerasav.
Once the acute symptoms have been controlled, the
recurrence of the condition can be prevented by using medicines like
Kutaj-Parpati, Panchamrut-Parpati, Usheerasav, Saarivasav and
Parpatadi-Qadha on a long term basis. Medicines need to be tailor-made
for each individual in order to get the maximum therapeutic response.-
Abdulmubeen Mundewadi
