Shirishadi churna in the management of Primary palmar and axillary hyperhidrosis: Two case reports

Hyperhidrosis (HH) is a dermatological disorder characterized by excessive sweating beyond thermoregulatory needs. It is classified into primary and secondary forms, and often interferes with daily activities, causing embarrassment along with social anxiety. The condition affects approximately 2–5% population worldwide. A large percentage of the adult population typically uses deodorant and antiperspirant products, as well as certain surgical techniques for sweat gland removal. Thus, an effort to provide Ayurveda management options, including Ayurveda antiperspirant formulations, should be made to substitute the adoption of chemical, artificial deodorant talc, or any surgical procedure. In the present cases, two patients who visited the Ayurveda Outpatient department, with complaints of axillary and palmar HH, were managed through Pragharshana (~therapeutic coarse powder massage) with Shirishadi churna, a compound formulation mentioned in the Aragvadhiya adhyaya of Charaka Samhita, for a duration of 60 days. The intervention provided marked improvement in Gravimetric measurements, Minor starch-iodine test, Axillary Osmidrosis assessment, HH Disease Severity Scale, and Dermatology Life Quality Index parameters. No recurrence of excessive sweating or malodor was observed during follow-up. The results suggest that Shirishadi churna offers a noninvasive, affordable, and self-applicable Ayurvedic option for managing primary palmar and axillary HH, providing a practical and safe approach suitable for routine self-care in resource-limited settings.