Sage Tea for Sweating

Held as a sacred plant by the Romans, sage, or Salvia officinalis, has a long and colorful history in healing and folklore. If you suffer from excessive sweating, this bitter-tasting plant may offer some relief. The use of herbs to treat physical conditions is an alternative approach to conventional medical treatments. Before using sage tea to control perspiration, talk to your doctor about potential drug interactions, proper dosage and side effects.

Sage: The Herb

Sage tea is available in bulk form or in individual tea bags from health food stores. The herb’s active constituents include thujone, camphor, tannins, resins and caffeic acids. Sage has antiperspirant and deodorant effects. It also acts as a general tonic, according to the “Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine.” Sage also contains vitamins C, B-complex, and numerous minerals 1.

Sage Tea for Sweating

Herbs for Suppressing the Appetite

Learn More

Sage may directly reduce sweat production, making it valuable as an herbal treatment for women who suffer from hot flashes during menopause. The herb may be more effective when combined with alfalfa. Clinical studies confirming the benefits of sage for sweat reduction in the general population are lacking, however.

Preparation/Dosage

Drink sage tea cold, suggests the “Gale Encyclopedia” to get the most out of its astringent effects for reducing excess sweat. Prepare by pouring 1 pint of boiling water over 3 tsp. of fresh or dried sage leaves and steep for 15 minutes. Strain and store in the refrigerator. Drink up to three cups per day. For an easy tea-type alternative, prepare a sage drink by adding 8 to 12 drops of concentrated sage tincture to a cup of cool water. Drink up to three cups per day.

Considerations

Chamomile for Hair Loss

Learn More

Sage is generally safe with no known food or drug interactions, but there is a risk of side effects. Do not give sage to pregnant women, nursing mothers or children, unless directed to do so by a doctor. Sage tea may reduce a nursing mother’s breast milk. The presence of thujone may trigger convulsions in those suffering from epilepsy. Talk to your doctor before using this herb to reduce perspiration.

Do not exceed the suggested dosage.