Hemorrhoids, also called piles, are swollen veins in the lower portion of the rectum. Usually, they are caused by constipation, straining during bowel movements and pregnancy. Symptoms include burning, itching, swelling, and sometimes bleeding. If you think you have hemorrhoids, or if you are bleeding rectally, you should be examined by your doctor to rule out dangerous diagnoses.
Horse chestnut extract is made from the seeds of the European horse chestnut tree, and is widely used in Europe for the treatment of hemorrhoids and varicose veins. If you are interested in trying horse chestnut extract, a discussion with your doctor will help you determine whether or not you would be a good candidate for this natural treatment.
Step 1
Obtain horse chestnut extract cream or ointment from a reputable health foods store; it can also be purchased online. The preparation should certify that a toxic ingredient, called esculin, has been completely removed. Make sure the cream contains pharmaceutical grade horse chestnut with 2 percent aescin, the compound responsible for many of horse chestnut extract's healing qualities.
Aescin appears to have the ability to repair tiny leaks in blood vessels and capillaries, improving their health, strength, and elasticity. According to the Health Library website, a clinical study of 80 people with hemorrhoids indicated that horse chestnut produced significant improvements in pain, swelling and bleeding within two weeks.
Horse chestnut extract is also available in capsule form; it should be standardized to contain 50 mg aescin per supplement.
Step 2
Before applying horse chestnut ointment, sit with your knees raised in a bathtub with 3 to 4 inches of warm water for 15 minutes. According to Dr. J. Byron Gathright, Jr., MD, chairman of the Department of Colon and Rectal Surgery at the Ochsner Clinic in Louisiana, a warm, soaking bath--also called a sitz bath--not only helps reduce the pain of hemorrhoids but increases blood flow to the area. Paradoxically, this increased blood flow helps shrink swollen veins.
Step 3
Apply the horse chestnut ointment to affected areas. According to the Hemorrhoids Healing website, the aescin in horse chestnut is very helpful in alleviating the pain and swelling of hemorrhoids, reducing not only the severity but the duration of its uncomfortable symptoms. In addition, horse chestnut contains a host of other beneficial substances, including flavonoids, tannins and hydroxycoumarins.
Step 4
Repeat application of the ointment up to three more times a day, and continue using it to soothe and reduce hemorrhoids.
Step 5
In capsule form, take 300 mg of horse chestnut twice a day--using supplements that are standardized to contain 50 mg aescin per dose--for further relief from symptoms of hemorrhoids.
Tips and Warnings
- Take two tablespoons of psyllium seeds three times a day--mixed with water or juice--to reduce constipation that can worsen hemorrhoids. To avoid irritating hemorrhoidal tissues, substitute a facial tissue coated with moisturizing cream in place of toilet paper. Make sure the tissue is white and unscented.
- If you have kidney or liver disease, are taking anti-coagulant medications, or are pregnant, avoid using horse chestnut. To learn more about the side effects of herbs, visit the National Library of Medicine in the Resources below. Never start an herbal or supplementary regimen without consulting your doctor. Herbs can have side effects and interact with prescription medication.
Things You'll Need
- Horse chestnut extract cream or ointment with 2 percent aescin
- 300 mg horse chestnut extract capsules, containing 50 mg aescin
