Natural Standard in Wall Street Journal

An estimated two to three percent of Americans experience excessive sweating, a condition known as hyperhidrosis. Many people use conventional deodorants, antiperspirants and even medications. However, several alternative products and treatments claim to treat excessive sweating and related body odor.

The Wall Street Journal recently consulted Natural Standard to learn more about natural ways to reduce sweating and minimize body odor. In the article, "Ways to Deal With a Sticky Underarm Situation," reporter Laura Johannes discusses various techniques and products, including Botox injections, herbs, alum crystals and a new procedure called MiraDry.

Natural Standard reports that the belladonna plant may have anticholinergic effects, which may help block sweat production. However, the available evidence is limited, and it is unclear if this use is safe or effective.

Crystal and stone deodorants, made with mineral salts like potassium alum, are available as natural deodorants, but scientific evidence of effectiveness is lacking. Manufacturers claim that these alternatives do not simply mask body odor. Instead, they may prevent body odor by neutralizing or destroying odor-causing bacteria. Alum products are thought to create a thin barrier above the skin, inhibiting bacterial growth.

For more information about alternative deodorants and antiperspirants, please visit Natural Standard's Comparative Effectiveness database.

Comments

[CE]

Natural Standard’s comparative effectiveness table for deodorant lists ambrette, chlorophyll, cinnamon, cleavers, eucalyptus oil, Korean pine, lemongrass, parsley, tea tree oil, and usnea but they all are theoretical and lack sufficient evidence. If the mechanism of a natural deodorant is actually to inhibit bacteria growth on the skin, then any herb with antimicrobial properties and a nice smell could be packaged and sold as a deodorant. But I wouldn't buy it.

[A]

Natural Standard is the authority on natural supplements. This database is much more comprehensive and more evidenced-based compared to any other natural supplements database. Now that they started the animal database, NS will be a pioneer in an area that information has always been lacking and unavailable. I expect other media and healthcare organizations to begin using NS as a resource for information.

[DB]

I think this is good primary work, but more should be done. This is a topic that will help many people. As healthcare providers, we push for exercise, but some people avoid it due to the side effect of sweating. If something can solve this problem, maybe we can help put America on the right track to decrease obesity and preventable deaths and healthcare costs.

[ALeal]

Congratulations, Natural Standard, on making it into the Wall Street Journal!

In response to what is written in the article, I have a couple comments. I would err on the side of caution with using belladonna primarily as an antiperspirant. There are just too many side effects involved, and I am not surprised it is a Natural Standard evidence grade C. Nonetheless, further evidence would stir my curiosity on this choice.

This Wall Street Journal article mentions that sage (which has "historically been used to combat sweating") "isn't supported by scientific evidence, according to Natural Standard." It looks like there are, indeed, some studies on sage with hot flashes, but whether this included sweating during hot flashes would require further investigation.

I look forward to seeing more Natural Standard comments in the WSJ and other publications!

[yourfriendlypharmacist]

First off, WOW! Glad to see Natural Standard is getting its name and reputation out there. A well-deserved title of behemoth in the world of natural products.

Secondly, regarding excess sweat, there's a reason why the vast majority of Americans have opted to use antiperspirants such as deodorant: it's because they work and are generally safe. However, sometimes people DO need more treatment than simple deodorant. This should, however, be reserved for extreme cases since most other options are not nearly as safe.

The article mentions anticholinergics, the same group of drugs used to treat motion-induced nausea, incontinence, and organophosphate toxicity. If you've ever heard of belladonna, it's probably from toxicity in kids who think eating random plants is a good idea. They come in looking as red as tomatoes, huffing and puffing, heart rate racing, and extremely dry and warm to touch. These drugs have their fair share of toxicities and really should only be considered as a last line option. Crystal and stone deodorants have been shown to help decrease odor, but not sweat.

[TD]

This is very interesting! It seems that manufacturers will promote anything that is “natural” even if the science is not available to back up its safety and effectiveness. I’m glad NS makes these points clear when consulting with the media. I have heard a lot about Botox injections for sweating. Does anyone know if that treatment is really effective? And is it safe?

[Andrew]

I know a few people who have found success in alum products where they hadn't found success in others. Does any one else have similar success stories or other recommendations for the heavier of sweaters out there?

[Bob]

I’ve also seen hops used as an antimicrobial ingredient in “natural” deodorants.