Definition of Diaphoretic:
Diaphoretics (Gr. through, + to carry) and Sudorifics (L. sudor, sweat, + facere, to make). increase the action of the skin, causing sweat-secretion; are called sudorifics when the secretion is so profuse as to form beads on the surface:
[Culbreth1927, pg 44].
- Simple - which enter circulation and stimulate the sudoriferous glands, by which they are eliminated: pilocarpus, ammonium acetate and citrate, sarsaparilla, guaiacum, mezereum, sassafras, senega, serpentaria, salicylates;
- Nauseating - which relax and dilate the superficial capillaries: ipecac, tartar emetic, opium, Dover's powder, alcohol, ether, spirit of ethyl nitrite, lobelia, tobacco, vapor and Turkish baths, wet-pack, hot drinks;
- Refrigerant - which reduce circulation by acting on the sweat-centers in the spine and medulla: potassium citrate, aconite, veratrum viride, tobacco, lobelia, pilocarpus, spirit of ethyl nitrite, opium.
Diaphoretics are medicines that promote or cause perspirable discharge by the skin [Brown1878; Meyer1932].
An agent that promotes sweating. Traditionally utilized to promote a safe fever by allowing the body to modulate temperature through the normal cooling mechanism of sweating. Also plays a role in detoxification [Sanchez BOTM680].
Helps us to sweat when need to modify body temperature. For fever - drink hot, sweat; drink cold: pee - detox [Palmer2004].