In Ayurveda, excessive sweating is known as “atipra-svedana” and foul-smelling sweat are often signs of pitta or ama (toxins) imbalance. Excessive sweating, or hyperhidrosis, is when the body sweats more than needed to regulate temperature. In women, it can be caused by hormonal changes (like menopause or pregnancy), caffeine or spicy foods, stress and anxiety, medications, or medical conditions like hyper thyroid issues, infections.

The following herbs are traditionally used to help regulate sweating and reduce sweat odor:

Herbs to reduce excessive sweating and body odor:

1. Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus)

• Energetics: Cooling, nourishing
• Benefits: Balances pitta, supports hormonal balance, reduces internal heat
• Use: Take as a powder (½–1 tsp) with warm milk or water, or you can also take in capsule form in warm milk.

2. Neem (Azadirachta indica)

• Energetics: Bitter, cooling, detoxifying
• Benefits: Clears toxins from the blood, helps with foul body odor caused by ama
• Use: Prepare neem tea with leaves or powder (¼ tsp for one glass water). You can also take a bath by adding neem leaves in water.

3. Chandan (Sandalwood)

• Energetics: Cooling, fragrant
• Benefits: Reduces heat and sweating; natural deodorant
• Use: Drink warm milk with little Chandan powder (small amounts). For external application apply paste on underarms or mix with rose water and apply.

4. Manjishta (Rubia cordifolia)

• Energetics: Cooling, bitter, blood-purifying
• Benefits: Detoxifies liver and blood, reduces foul odor, and pitta-type sweating
• Use: Drink Manjishta powder with warm water or milk. You can use capsules that are available in medical stores but consult doctor for dosage.

5. Triphala – Triphala is a blend of three fruits namely Indian gooseberry or amla, Haritaki (Terminalia chebula) and Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellerica).

• Energetics: Balancing for all doshas, gently detoxifying
• Benefits: Supports gut health, reduces toxins, improves elimination (less toxin buildup means less odor)
• Use: ½–1 tsp powder at night with warm water

6. Coriander (cilantro) seeds – known as dhania seeds

• Energetics: Cooling, digestive
• Benefits: Reduces internal heat and sweat; helps with pitta-type symptoms
• Use: Coriander tea—boil 1 tsp seeds in 1.5 cups water, reduce by half, strain, and drink

7. Rose also known as gulab

• Energetics: Cooling, soothing
• Benefits: Reduces sweat odor and pitta; uplifts mood
• How to use it? Internally- use rose petal jam also known as gulkand or rose water in drinks and externally: Rose water spritzes or add to bath.

8. Mint known as pudina

• Energetics: Cooling and calming
• Benefits: Reduces body temperature and sweat
• How to use it? Prepare mint herbal tea and consume twice or thrice a day.

Lifestyle and diet tips: This is as important as using herbs.

• Avoid spicy, sour, salty foods (increase pitta and sweating)
• Eat more cooling foods: cucumbers, melons, mint, coconut water.
• Stay hydrated with herbal teas like coriander, fennel, mint, or hibiscus.
• Use natural powders like sandalwood, rose, or vetiver as deodorant.

These home remedies one can try to reduce excessive sweating and unpleasant odor. If the problem persists for longer time, contact your doctor and seek guidance to understand the underlying cause of your issue.