Diaphoretic: induces sweating (perspiration) to relieve fever
Relaxing Diaphoretics:
Relaxing diaphoretics cause vasodilation of the peripheral capillaries and relax the sweat glands. This kind of diaphoretic is used in acute conditions when there is dry, hot skin with a fever.
Examples:
Asclepias tuberosa (pleurisy root)
Lobelia inflata (lobelia)
Matricaria recutita (chamomile)
Nepeta cataria (catnip)
Sambucus nigra (elderflower)
Tilia europaea (linden flower)
Stimulating Diaphoretics:
Stimulating diaphoretics are used when the sweat glands and peripheral capillaries have no tone. The skin is usually pale, puffy, or cold. Perspiration is usually cool, moist, and mostly on the palms of the hands. This kind of diaphoretic is used when the patient faints or is in shock. This can also be used in chronic illnesses.
Examples:
Capsicum spp. (cayenne)
Ephedra sinica (ma huang)
Hyssopus officinalis (hyssop)
Ligusticum porteri (osha)
Salvia officinalis (sage)
Smilax spp. (sarsaparilla)
Solidago spp. (goldenrod)
Thymus vulgaris (thyme)
Xanthoxyllum clava-herculis (prickly ash)
Zingiber officinale (ginger)
Neutral Diaphoretics:
Neutral diaphoretics have both qualities of Relaxing and Stimulating diaphoretics.
