Diaphoretic (Makes-you-sweat, svedala, svedopaga) Foods & Herbs List: An Ayurveda Perspective

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Reported by John Immel Asheville, NC
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AYURVEDIC PERSPECTIVE ON DIAPHORETIC

An herb that induces sweating, often by dilating blood vessels close to the skin.

A diaphoretic is an herb that induces sweating, often by dilating blood vessels close to the skin. Diaphoretics typically work by relaxing smooth muscle tissue. Thus, many are antispasmodic as well. Most aromatic herb are diaphoretic, as volatile oils are smooth muscle relaxants. Most warming herbs have some diaphoretic action as well, because increasing heat increases sweat.

Cool Aromatic diaphoretics - Peppermint, Pennyroyal, Eucalyptus
Hot Aromatic diaphoretics - Cloves, Tulsi,
Hot diaphoretics - Yarrow, Sassafras
Pungent Diaphoretics - Cayenne
Acrid diaphoretics (Pungent bitter) - Juniper, Angelica

Lifestyle Practices that are Diaphoretic

Hot bath with 1/3c ginger 1/3c baking soda mix.
Sauna / blankets

Indications

Expelling superficial colds and flues.
Stimulating deficient fevers (hot diaphoretics).
Reducing excessive fevers (cool diaphoretics).
Reduce swelling and edema.
Removing blood stagnation.
Ameliorating skin imbalances resulting from poor circulation.
Relieving sore muscles, aches, pains, & tension.

Contraindications

Many diaphoretics are ultimately cooling as they open the exterior and cause heat loss. Avoid when vulnerable to cold (as in autumn).

INGREDIENTS WITH DIAPHORETIC QUALITY

View By: Dosha Herbal Action Biocharacteristics (energetics) Taste System Meal Season

Browse Diaphoretic Recipes

HERBS & SUPPLEMENTS WITH DIAPHORETIC QUALITY

View By: Dosha Herbal Action Biocharacteristics (energetics) Taste System

Neutral (Tridoshic)
Anantamul
Cumin, Coriander, Fennel Tea
Lemon Balm
Motherwort
Regular exercise
Willow, White
Reduces
Black Cohosh
Bringrajasava- Hair Tonic
Hops
Reduces
Dress Warm - Bundle Up
Elecampane
Encourage a Sweat / Sweat Therapy
Epsom Salt Bath
Hot Bath
Hot Foot Soak
Hot Shower
Inhale Steam
Kanakasava- Breathe Alive Tonic Drink
Kushta
Mustard Poultice
Prickly Ash
Pushkaramoola
Sassafras Root
Sit in the Sauna
Sitopaladi
Sniff raw onions, chopped
Thyme White Essential Oil - 1/3 oz
Wild Ginger
Aggravates
Blue Cohosh
Reduces
Blue Vervain
Calendula, Marigold
Mahasudarshan
Manjistha
Mugwort
Pennyroyal
Pleurisy root
Vomit Therapy (Vamana)
Wormwood
Yarrow
Reduces
Angelica
Butcher's Broom
Echinacea
Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi)
Horehound
Hyssop Powder
Kapha Shirodhara Oil
Lobelia
Osha
Sinus Rinse
Trikatu
Incomplete
Atractyloides
Birch
Boneset
Bupleurum
Catnip
Elder flower
Eucalyptus Essential Oil
Jamaica Sarsaparilla Root
Linden Flower
Patchouli Leaf Powder
Spikenard
Wild Yam

OTHER HERB ACTIONS AFFECTING SKIN-CARE

HELPFUL FOR*

'Diaphoretic' may be helpful for these symptoms and causes below.

CONTRAINDICATIONS / AGGRAVATES / IS AGGRAVATED BY*

'Diaphoretic' may aggravate, or be aggravated by, these symptoms and causes below.

Blood and Circulation
High Blood Sugar

TYPE: EXPERIENCE

Diaphoretic Recipes Listed By Strength

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About the Author

John Immel, the founder of Joyful Belly, teaches people how to have a healthy diet and lifestyle with Ayurveda. His approach to Ayurveda is clinical, yet exudes an ease which many find enjoyable and insightful. John also directs the Joyful Belly College of Ayurveda, offering professional clinical training in Ayurveda for over 15 years.

John's hobbies & specialties include advanced digestive disorders, medieval Catholic philosophy, & botany. He holds a bachelor's degree in mathematics from Harvard University. His wife and family of 7 kids live in Asheville, NC.

Learn More

College of Ayurvedic Diet & Digestion

Diaphoretic (Makes-you-sweat, svedala, svedopaga) - Foods & Herbs ListCLASSIFICATION OF FOOD, HERBS, & LIFESTYLE

AYURVEDIC PERSPECTIVE ON DIAPHORETIC

Lifestyle Practices that are Diaphoretic

Indications

Contraindications

INGREDIENTS WITH DIAPHORETIC QUALITY

Neutral (Tridoshic)

Reduces

Reduces

Aggravates

Reduces

Reduces

Reduces

Fire FIRE Resembles fire (tejas) in quality - hot, sharp, penetrating, light, dry. SEE ALL 'FIRE' FOODS / HERBS

FIRE

Internal Detoxicant INTERNAL-DETOXICANT Liquefies, dissolves, decongests or dislodges internal stagnant toxins. Decongests the lymphatic system. SEE ALL 'INTERNAL-DETOXICANT' FOODS / HERBS

INTERNAL-DETOXICANT

Outward OUTWARD Outward-moving substances stimulate circulation, push heat towards the skin, or are stimulating. SEE ALL 'OUTWARD' FOODS / HERBS

OUTWARD

Alkalizing ALKALIZING An herb or food that makes the urine more alkaline (higher pH). This herbal action can be helpful for a number of inflammatory conditions. SEE ALL 'ALKALIZING' FOODS / HERBS

ALKALIZING

Digestive DIGESTIVE Herbs that encourage healthy digestion. SEE ALL 'DIGESTIVE' FOODS / HERBS

DIGESTIVE

Rajasic RAJASIC Rajasic foods stimulate desire or nervous energy. Red meat, high protein food, garlic and onions stimulate desire. Rajasic foods include chili peppers, coffee, and anything that stimulates movement. SEE ALL 'RAJASIC' FOODS / HERBS

RAJASIC

Spleen Tonic SPLEEN-TONIC An herb that strengthens spleen function by improving strength of the blood. Spleen tonics Builds agni, brighten the person's appearances & firms up tissues. SEE ALL 'SPLEEN-TONIC' FOODS / HERBS

SPLEEN-TONIC

Air AIR Resembles air (vayu) in quality - highly mobile, drying, light, cold, subtle, rough. SEE ALL 'AIR' FOODS / HERBS

AIR

Vasodilator VASODILATOR A vasodilator is an herb that widens the blood vessels by the relaxation of smooth muscle cells within the vessel walls, thereby increasing circulation systemically or to a local area. SEE ALL 'VASODILATOR' FOODS / HERBS

VASODILATOR

Expectorant EXPECTORANT Expectorants help you eliminate mucus from the lungs. These herbs often work by increasing the quantity of mucus, or thinning the mucus. Expectorants are indicated when phlegm congests the lower respiratory tract. SEE ALL 'EXPECTORANT' FOODS / HERBS

EXPECTORANT

Diuretic DIURETIC Herbs that promote urine formation, thereby flushing the kidneys and urinary tract while eliminating any excess water retention. As diuretics reduce water retention, they are often used to reduce blood pressure. SEE ALL 'DIURETIC' FOODS / HERBS

DIURETIC

Blood Mover BLOOD-MOVER Blood movers improve circulation through these mechanisms: Cardiac stimulation (usually pungents), vasodilation (usually aromatics), or blood thinning (usually bitters). SEE ALL 'BLOOD-MOVER' FOODS / HERBS

BLOOD-MOVER

Analgesic ANALGESIC Pain reliever, reduces pain without eliminating sensation. Also known as anodyne. SEE ALL 'ANALGESIC' FOODS / HERBS

ANALGESIC

Antispasmodic ANTISPASMODIC Herbs that reduce or inhibit muscle spasms or cramping, such as in asthma, menstruation, heart palpitations, migraine, or IBS. SEE ALL 'ANTISPASMODIC' FOODS / HERBS

ANTISPASMODIC

Decongestant DECONGESTANT An herb that reduces mucus production often by restricting blood flow to mucus membranes. SEE ALL 'DECONGESTANT' FOODS / HERBS

DECONGESTANT

Nervine NERVINE Balances the nervous system. They can help with stress, memory, early alzheimer's, and even chronic pain. Often they are aromatic in nature. SEE ALL 'NERVINE' FOODS / HERBS

NERVINE

Bronchodilator BRONCHODILATOR An herb that encourages the widening or opening of the lung airways. They are helpful in wheezing and asthma. SEE ALL 'BRONCHODILATOR' FOODS / HERBS

BRONCHODILATOR

Anti Inflammatory ANTI-INFLAMMATORY Reduces inflammation in the body. Different herbs and carriers target different body systems. SEE ALL 'ANTI-INFLAMMATORY' FOODS / HERBS

ANTI-INFLAMMATORY

Clear CLEAR Clear refers to anything that cleanses or flushes out wastes, or that digests ama. SEE ALL 'CLEAR' FOODS / HERBS

CLEAR

Hot HOT Hot is identified by increased body temperature, metabolism, or inflammation. SEE ALL 'HOT' FOODS / HERBS

HOT

Liquefied LIQUEFIED Substances that thin fluids (lower viscosity of blood plasma). These may include blood thinners or mucolytic herbs. SEE ALL 'LIQUEFIED' FOODS / HERBS

LIQUEFIED

Mobile MOBILE Mobile refers to anything that stimulates the nervous system, muscles, or activity. SEE ALL 'MOBILE' FOODS / HERBS

MOBILE

Light LIGHT Lightness is identified by reduced weight. SEE ALL 'LIGHT' FOODS / HERBS

LIGHT

Easy EASY Easy refers to anything easy to digest, or digests quickly. SEE ALL 'EASY' FOODS / HERBS

EASY

Dry DRY Dry is identified by lack of moisture, lack of fat, or anything that causes diuresis. SEE ALL 'DRY' FOODS / HERBS

DRY

Difficult DIFFICULT Difficult refers to anything that is difficult to digest, or takes a long time to digest. SEE ALL 'DIFFICULT' FOODS / HERBS

DIFFICULT

Heavy HEAVY Heavy is identified by sedation, sluggishness, or increased weight. SEE ALL 'HEAVY' FOODS / HERBS

HEAVY

Cold COLD Cold refers to anything that reduces body temperature, metabolism, and blood flow. SEE ALL 'COLD' FOODS / HERBS

COLD

Toxic TOXIC A substance that causes toxicity in the body, or that harms the body. SEE ALL 'TOXIC' FOODS / HERBS

TOXIC

Gooey GOOEY Gooey is identified by anything gelatinous (such as oatmeal), or by mucus congestion. SEE ALL 'GOOEY' FOODS / HERBS

GOOEY

Pungent PUNGENT Pungency is characterized by irritation, or sharp, spicy foods that irritate the mouth such as black pepper. SEE ALL 'PUNGENT' FOODS / HERBS

PUNGENT

Bitter BITTER Bitter taste has cholagogue action - it is cold, clear, light, and stimulating. It increases digestive enzymes and is laxative, and drying. SEE ALL 'BITTER' FOODS / HERBS

BITTER

Aromatic AROMATIC Herbs or spices with volatile essential oils that present strong aromas. Aromatic oils shock, refresh and numb tissue, with the end result of relaxing, opening and clearing stagnant fluids in tissues. SEE ALL 'AROMATIC' FOODS / HERBS

AROMATIC

Fire
FIRE
Resembles fire (tejas) in quality - hot, sharp, penetrating, light, dry.
SEE ALL 'FIRE' FOODS / HERBS

Internal Detoxicant
INTERNAL-DETOXICANT
Liquefies, dissolves, decongests or dislodges internal stagnant toxins. Decongests the lymphatic system.
SEE ALL 'INTERNAL-DETOXICANT' FOODS / HERBS

Outward
OUTWARD
Outward-moving substances stimulate circulation, push heat towards the skin, or are stimulating.
SEE ALL 'OUTWARD' FOODS / HERBS

Alkalizing
ALKALIZING
An herb or food that makes the urine more alkaline (higher pH). This herbal action can be helpful for a number of inflammatory conditions.
SEE ALL 'ALKALIZING' FOODS / HERBS

Digestive
DIGESTIVE
Herbs that encourage healthy digestion.
SEE ALL 'DIGESTIVE' FOODS / HERBS

Rajasic
RAJASIC
Rajasic foods stimulate desire or nervous energy. Red meat, high protein food, garlic and onions stimulate desire. Rajasic foods include chili peppers, coffee, and anything that stimulates movement.
SEE ALL 'RAJASIC' FOODS / HERBS

Spleen Tonic
SPLEEN-TONIC
An herb that strengthens spleen function by improving strength of the blood. Spleen tonics Builds agni, brighten the person's appearances & firms up tissues.
SEE ALL 'SPLEEN-TONIC' FOODS / HERBS

Air
AIR
Resembles air (vayu) in quality - highly mobile, drying, light, cold, subtle, rough.
SEE ALL 'AIR' FOODS / HERBS

Vasodilator
VASODILATOR
A vasodilator is an herb that widens the blood vessels by the relaxation of smooth muscle cells within the vessel walls, thereby increasing circulation systemically or to a local area.
SEE ALL 'VASODILATOR' FOODS / HERBS

Expectorant
EXPECTORANT
Expectorants help you eliminate mucus from the lungs. These herbs often work by increasing the quantity of mucus, or thinning the mucus. Expectorants are indicated when phlegm congests the lower respiratory tract.
SEE ALL 'EXPECTORANT' FOODS / HERBS

Diuretic
DIURETIC
Herbs that promote urine formation, thereby flushing the kidneys and urinary tract while eliminating any excess water retention. As diuretics reduce water retention, they are often used to reduce blood pressure.
SEE ALL 'DIURETIC' FOODS / HERBS

Blood Mover
BLOOD-MOVER
Blood movers improve circulation through these mechanisms: Cardiac stimulation (usually pungents), vasodilation (usually aromatics), or blood thinning (usually bitters).
SEE ALL 'BLOOD-MOVER' FOODS / HERBS

Analgesic
ANALGESIC
Pain reliever, reduces pain without eliminating sensation. Also known as anodyne.
SEE ALL 'ANALGESIC' FOODS / HERBS

Antispasmodic
ANTISPASMODIC
Herbs that reduce or inhibit muscle spasms or cramping, such as in asthma, menstruation, heart palpitations, migraine, or IBS.
SEE ALL 'ANTISPASMODIC' FOODS / HERBS

Decongestant
DECONGESTANT
An herb that reduces mucus production often by restricting blood flow to mucus membranes.
SEE ALL 'DECONGESTANT' FOODS / HERBS

Nervine
NERVINE
Balances the nervous system. They can help with stress, memory, early alzheimer's, and even chronic pain. Often they are aromatic in nature.
SEE ALL 'NERVINE' FOODS / HERBS

Bronchodilator
BRONCHODILATOR
An herb that encourages the widening or opening of the lung airways. They are helpful in wheezing and asthma.
SEE ALL 'BRONCHODILATOR' FOODS / HERBS

Anti Inflammatory
ANTI-INFLAMMATORY
Reduces inflammation in the body. Different herbs and carriers target different body systems.
SEE ALL 'ANTI-INFLAMMATORY' FOODS / HERBS

Clear
CLEAR
Clear refers to anything that cleanses or flushes out wastes, or that digests ama.
SEE ALL 'CLEAR' FOODS / HERBS

Hot
HOT
Hot is identified by increased body temperature, metabolism, or inflammation.
SEE ALL 'HOT' FOODS / HERBS

Liquefied
LIQUEFIED
Substances that thin fluids (lower viscosity of blood plasma). These may include blood thinners or mucolytic herbs.
SEE ALL 'LIQUEFIED' FOODS / HERBS

Mobile
MOBILE
Mobile refers to anything that stimulates the nervous system, muscles, or activity.
SEE ALL 'MOBILE' FOODS / HERBS

Light
LIGHT
Lightness is identified by reduced weight.
SEE ALL 'LIGHT' FOODS / HERBS

Easy
EASY
Easy refers to anything easy to digest, or digests quickly.
SEE ALL 'EASY' FOODS / HERBS

Dry
DRY
Dry is identified by lack of moisture, lack of fat, or anything that causes diuresis.
SEE ALL 'DRY' FOODS / HERBS

Difficult
DIFFICULT
Difficult refers to anything that is difficult to digest, or takes a long time to digest.
SEE ALL 'DIFFICULT' FOODS / HERBS

Heavy
HEAVY
Heavy is identified by sedation, sluggishness, or increased weight.
SEE ALL 'HEAVY' FOODS / HERBS

Cold
COLD
Cold refers to anything that reduces body temperature, metabolism, and blood flow.
SEE ALL 'COLD' FOODS / HERBS

Toxic
TOXIC
A substance that causes toxicity in the body, or that harms the body.
SEE ALL 'TOXIC' FOODS / HERBS

Gooey
GOOEY
Gooey is identified by anything gelatinous (such as oatmeal), or by mucus congestion.
SEE ALL 'GOOEY' FOODS / HERBS

Pungent
PUNGENT
Pungency is characterized by irritation, or sharp, spicy foods that irritate the mouth such as black pepper.
SEE ALL 'PUNGENT' FOODS / HERBS

Bitter
BITTER
Bitter taste has cholagogue action - it is cold, clear, light, and stimulating. It increases digestive enzymes and is laxative, and drying.
SEE ALL 'BITTER' FOODS / HERBS

Aromatic
AROMATIC
Herbs or spices with volatile essential oils that present strong aromas. Aromatic oils shock, refresh and numb tissue, with the end result of relaxing, opening and clearing stagnant fluids in tissues.
SEE ALL 'AROMATIC' FOODS / HERBS

Astringent
ASTRINGENT
Astringency is characterized by constriction, drawing together, or drying.
SEE ALL 'ASTRINGENT' FOODS / HERBS

Acrid
ACRID
Acrid taste is a combination of bitter and pungent tastes. Example include radish, turnip, and coffee.
SEE ALL 'ACRID' FOODS / HERBS

Sweet
SWEET
Sweet refers to anything builds tissue, including macronutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins and fats.
SEE ALL 'SWEET' FOODS / HERBS

Sour
SOUR
Sour refers to anything fermented or acidic.
SEE ALL 'SOUR' FOODS / HERBS

Crunchy
CRUNCHY
Makes an audible noise when you eat them. Can provide fun texture variation.
SEE ALL 'CRUNCHY' FOODS / HERBS

Resinous
RESINOUS
Resinous substances often contain sap in them, such as rosemary, or herbs such as cedar, frankincense, and guggulu.
SEE ALL 'RESINOUS' FOODS / HERBS

Musky
MUSKY
Have an earthy smell to them, such as mushrooms.
SEE ALL 'MUSKY' FOODS / HERBS

Skin Care
SKIN-CARE
Includes skin care, and anything that nourishes epithelial membranes (of digestive, respiratory, urinary tract, blood vessels, etc).
SEE ALL 'SKIN-CARE' FOODS / HERBS

Energy Vitality
ENERGY-VITALITY
Includes vitality improving foods, herbs, and exercises by dosha.
SEE ALL 'ENERGY-VITALITY' FOODS / HERBS

Anti Aging
ANTI-AGING
Geriatric conditions typically involve low agni / metabolism, poor circulation, weakness & debility, muscle weakening, poor digestion, a drop in sex hormones, and connective tissue degradation in bones & skin.
SEE ALL 'ANTI-AGING' FOODS / HERBS

Antispasmodic
ANTISPASMODIC
Herbs that reduce or inhibit muscle spasms or cramping, such as in asthma, menstruation, heart palpitations, migraine, or IBS.
SEE ALL 'ANTISPASMODIC' FOODS / HERBS

Vasodilator
VASODILATOR
A vasodilator is an herb that widens the blood vessels by the relaxation of smooth muscle cells within the vessel walls, thereby increasing circulation systemically or to a local area.
SEE ALL 'VASODILATOR' FOODS / HERBS