Here is a little-known fact: researchers say up to 20 % of people already find the word “moist” unpleasant.1 So what could be more embarrassing than shaking hands with someone whose hand is sweaty and moist?
Simple: being the person whose hand feels sweaty and moist.
Imagine how challenging it must be to offer a friendly handshake – while fearing you will be perceived as unpleasant.
Sweaty hands are a form of hyperhidrosis, defined as excessive sweating not necessarily related to thermoregulation (heat or stress). About five percent of the world’s population are affected by this condition. Hyperhidrosis most commonly affects the palms, soles of the feet and underarms.
For those affected it is often distressing – and equally hard to control.
A typical example of hyperhidrosis: Calcarea carbonica C30
In my practice I had a very small child who was extremely ashamed of his sweaty hands. In kindergarten the children had to hold hands on outings and this child was terrified that others would notice how moist his hands were.
For a child of that age this is a huge social burden. And I am sure many sufferers – regardless of age – can relate to this fear of exclusion or ridicule.
Conventional treatments range from destroying sweat glands with mild electric shocks or microwaves to prescription ointments and medications and even Botox injections.
In this case, however, we were able to treat the child’s distress successfully with the first homeopathic remedy that comes to my mind for hyperhidrosis: Calcarea carbonica (Calc carb) C30, twice daily, until a clear improvement was seen.
This choice seems plausible: when hyperhidrosis is viewed from a naturopathic perspective, a link is often discussed with calcium metabolism or a possible imbalance in calcium homeostasis – an area that fits Calcarea carbonica.
The decisive criterion for choosing Calc carb is that the hands feel clammy. Usually there is no odour detectable, only that damp-clammy sensation. (Oops, there’s that word again.)
Calc carb can also be a good choice for hyperhidrosis of the head, neck, chest and feet. For example, if a baby’s scalp sweats heavily while feeding or it wakes from a nap with sopping wet hair, one might also consider using Calc carb in a similar way. By itself this is not necessarily an indication for treatment, as it is not a pathology, but it can be a clue to consider Calc carb for other complaints.
The remedy fit well in this case, as Calc carb is also considered suitable for people who are prone to frequent colds. Indeed this was the case with the child – he suffered from colds noticeably more often than his peers.
The prudent use of Calc carb ultimately led to both an improvement in the moist hands and a reduction in susceptibility to infections.
This significantly reduced a social burden while also strengthening general well-being – a genuine win–win situation.
Hyperhidrosis of the hands and/or feet: Silicea D6
Calc carb is not the only option. If excessive sweating also occurs on the feet or the sweat has an unpleasantly sour smell, Silicea D6 can be considered – depending on severity two to three times daily until a clear improvement occurs. You can find more about dosing and potency levels of homeopathic remedies here.
What does “clearly improved” mean? It means the symptoms have receded to the point where they are no longer perceived as bothersome or have disappeared entirely. Once they are no longer the main concern for the sufferer, the intake can be stopped and the course observed. If the symptoms recur, the previously effective dosage can be resumed until improvement occurs again.
Homeopathy helps — spread the word!
Warm regards,
Joette
Sources
- Cheydleur, K., Oberlin College. Why ‘Moist’ Makes us Cringe. 21 August 2015. https://www.oberlin.edu/news/why-moist-makes-us-cringe.
- Calabrese J. Hyperhidrosis? Homeopathic Medicines for Excessive Sweating. https://joettecalabrese.com/blog/hyperhidrosis-homeopathic-medicines/.
Figure 1: Doucefleur\_photo/shutterstock.com ; Figure 2: Alona Siniehina/shutterstock.com
09.07.2026
