CBD for Sweating: Our Recipe for Hot Flashes

Sweating is a natural and vital function of the human body that helps regulate body temperature and prevent overheating.

However, for some people, their sweating becomes a burden because it exceeds what is considered normal or the sweat odor is perceived as unpleasant.

For the treatment of excessive sweat production (medically: hyperhidrosis), affected individuals and researchers are increasingly looking towards cannabis and the cannabinoids derived from it. Especially cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive component of the cannabis plant, is gaining increased attention here.

In this article, we will look at why we sweat at all, what distinguishes heavy sweating and hyperhidrosis, and explain how CBD could help against sweating. We'll also reveal our favorite DIY deodorant recipe!

Sweating fulfills several important functions in the human body. Firstly, there is thermoregulation - the regulation of body temperature - the main reason for our sweating. If the body's temperature rises, for example due to physical exertion or high outside temperatures, the brain activates the sweat glands. These then release sweat, which consists mostly of water. Its evaporation ensures that the temperature on the skin surface drops and the body is effectively cooled.

At the same time, sweat contains not only water but also minerals, salts and waste products that are excreted from the body. Sweating thus also has a detoxification function.

But sweat also serves as a means of expressing emotions - whether we want it to at that moment or not. Stress, anxiety and strong emotions can trigger sweating, especially on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet and under the armpits, thus showing our counterpart how we are feeling.

Fresh sweat is odorless. Only when it comes into contact with bacteria on the skin's surface, which break down certain components of the sweat (especially lipids and proteins), unpleasant odors are produced. This process occurs primarily in areas with apocrine sweat glands (e.g., armpits and genital area).

Sweating is therefore a perfectly normal body function that is even very important for a healthy body. Nevertheless, some people suffer particularly badly from their sweat production. When does mere heavy sweating turn into hyperhidrosis, i.e. excessive sweating?

An indicator of hyperhidrosis is that sweating occurs at least once a week and significantly impairs social or professional life.

It is estimated that around 2 to 3% of the population in Germany suffer from hyperhidrosis. This figure refers to the primary (idiopathic) form, in which sweating occurs without a recognizable cause. However, the number of unreported cases could be much higher, as many sufferers do not seek medical advice out of shame. Secondary hyperhidrosis, which is triggered by underlying diseases, is generally less common.

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Excessive sweating can be very debilitating in everyday life. Those affected often look for treatment options that are effective but have as few side effects as possible. While traditional therapies with antiperspirants, medications, Botox injections, or even surgical procedures can cause severe side effects, cannabidiol (CBD) promises natural relief.

How exactly CBD could help against sweating is not yet precisely understood. This is also because, in general, the effect of CBD on the body has not yet been comprehensively researched. However, there are several indications that CBD could also help with hyperhidrosis.

1. CBD influences the endocannabinoid system (  ECS  ) by interacting with CB1 and CB2 receptors. Since the ECS is believed to play a role in regulating sweat production (1), CBD could have positive effects here.

2. CBD has anxiolytic properties (2). By reducing anxiety and stress, the triggers for excessive sweating could be lessened.

3. Studies suggest that CBD has anticholinergic effects  (3), meaning it can inhibit the action of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Since acetylcholine also stimulates the sweat glands, sweat production could thus be inhibited.

Even if the potential benefits are promising: Currently, there is little research on the treatment of hyperhidrosis with CBD. Only one case study (4) reports that a 31-year-old man with treatment-resistant hyperhidrosis was successfully treated with cannabis flowers.

He had suffered from the condition for about 20 years and had already exhausted all other treatment options. However, the effect in this study is primarily attributed to THC, a psychoactive component of the cannabis plant, which in turn can lead to strong negative effects.

Further extensive research is needed here. However, anecdotal reports already suggest that CBD can help reduce sweating.

CBD can be taken in different forms - depending on the desired effect and the user's preferences:

We generally recommend long-term use of CBD products for the most effective and lasting results. People with hyperhidrosis, in particular, ideally combine oral CBD intake to regulate the nervous system with topical application to the particularly affected areas.

For a particularly comfortable application, we recommend adding a few drops of CBD oil to your deodorant. In combination with the classic home remedy baking soda, you easily get a toxin-free, highly effective deodorant that prevents skin irritation.

• 100 ml water
• 2 tsp baking soda
• 1-2 tsp cornstarch
• A few drops of essential oil
• 10-15 drops of CBD oil

Stir the cornstarch into the cold water and bring the mixture to a boil until it has a syrupy consistency. Let the mixture cool down to about hand warmth, then stir in the baking soda, fragrance, and CBD oil into the gel. Stir well, pour into empty deodorant rollers, and voilà!

For an additional fresh effect and longer shelf life, it's best to store your deodorant in the refrigerator.

While research is still in its early stages, it does appear that CBD could be the solution for excessive sweating and hyperhidrosis. Through its influence on the nervous system, its calming and anxiety-reducing properties, and the potential inhibition of sweat glands, CBD is a great, natural alternative to traditional therapies for reducing sweat production. Future studies will need to show exactly how CBD helps against sweating and how it can best be applied.

Medical Disclaimer