Sweating Palms and Soles - #7799

Excessive sweating on the palms and soles is often linked to an imbalance in pitta dosha, which governs heat, metabolism, and sweat production in the body. Ayurvedic remedies can help balance pitta and reduce this issue. Herbs like Shatavari and Ashwagandha are calming to pitta and help restore balance, while Chandanasava, which contains sandalwood, is known for its cooling properties and can be beneficial for excessive sweating. These remedies should generally be taken under the guidance of an Ayurvedic practitioner to ensure proper dosage.

External applications like sandalwood paste, aloe vera gel, and herbal powders such as sage or neem can also be helpful when applied to the palms and soles. These provide a cooling effect and should be used 1-2 times a day. From a dietary perspective, it’s important to avoid spicy, oily, and acidic foods, which can exacerbate pitta. Instead, focus on cooling foods like cucumbers, coconut, and dairy products. Consuming herbal teas made with mint, fennel, or coriander can also help balance internal heat. Yoga and pranayama practices, such as Sitali and Sitkari (cooling breath techniques), can help calm the nervous system and reduce sweating by balancing internal heat. Regular practice of these techniques can provide long-term relief, and noticeable results may take a few weeks to appear.

You’re right on the money: Ayurveda often links excessive sweating on palms and soles to an imbalance in the pitta dosha, as pitta governs heat and sweat. But don’t worry, Ayurveda has some neat ways to dial it down. Let’s dive into it!

First, about those herbs you mentioned. Shatavari and Ashwagandha are great adaptogens and can indeed help in cooling and nourishing the body. They aren’t usually the primary treatment for sweating, but they support overall health. You can take them as powders or capsules, following whatever dosage applies to your specific constitution, maybe around 1-2 teaspoons a day, mixed with warm water or milk. Chandanasava, though, should be tried cautiously; it’s generally used for its cooling properties. Taking about 15-20 ml after meals can sometimes help with this condition—but check with an Ayurvedic practitioner to see if it’s right for you.

Now, let’s talk about those external applications! Sandalwood paste or aloe vera gel applied to the palms and soles can provide a cooling sensation. Sandalwood feels soothing; apply a thin layer once a day, maybe just before bed. It’s pretty safe and wonderfully fragrant.

Diet-wise, yes, avoiding spicy, oily, and acidic foods makes lots of sense here—it should help keep the pitta from going wild! Instead, think cucumbers, melons, non-citrus fruits, and cooling drinks like coconut water or buttermilk. Super refreshing and balancing for pitta.

For lifestyle, gentle yoga poses and pranayama can be magic. Sitali breathing, where you inhale through the tongue and exhale through the nose, helps cool the system. Practice it daily, maybe for 5-10 minutes, along with poses like Shavasana or even just sitting peacefully in Sukhasana.

Managing stress is also key. Stress can crank up pitta. Find something calming—a hobby, meditation, a good book. In my practice, people who embrace such changes often see results in a few weeks, say 4-6, but patience is key here. Just give your body time to adjust!

And to others reading, if you’ve got stories or remedies that worked, feel free to jump in! 🤔