Hemorrhoids are swollen veins of the rectum and anus. They sometimes occur inside the rectum, but usually go undetected since there are less pain receptors there. If you have external hemorrhoids, though, you are likely painfully aware of it. Some of the herbal remedies available at local stores for hemorrhoids may help to reduce your discomfort; however, since rectal bleeding can signal a serious medical condition, such as cancer, see your doctor first to discuss your condition.
Horse Chestnut
According to the Physicians Desk Reference for Herbal Medicines, the active components of horse chestnut leaf and seeds are hydroxycoumarins, which are classified as anticoagulant agents. Specifically, the phytochemicals, aesculin and fraxin, in addition to various tannins and saponins, provide antiexudative effects. This means that these compounds prevent the escape of fluids from blood vessel walls through tiny pores, or leaks, in the cell membranes. Otherwise, if exudation were to occur, these fluids would collect at a site of inflammation, like a hemorrhoid. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine notes that small studies have shown that therapy with this herb is at least as effective as wearing compression stockings; however, homemade horse chestnut preparations should not be used since all parts of the plant contain a liver and kidney toxin called esculin, which is absent from properly prepared formulas you'll find in a local health food store or natural pharmacy. In addition, the National Institutes of Health states that horse chestnut may lower blood sugar and increase blood flow. Check with your doctor before using this herb if you have diabetes or are taking anticoagulant medications.
Stone Root
Richard Mabey, co-author of "The New Age Herbalist," says that stone root is traditionally taken internally to strengthen and tone veins and is particularly good for hemorrhoids. Applied topically, the herb acts as an astringent due to the presence of rosmarinic acid and limonene. Since this herb is usually used in homeopathic formulas to treat hemorrhoids, look for its inclusion in a product by its botanical name of Collinsonia canadensis. According to the Physicians Desk Reference, stone root may cause stomach upset and increase urination. Allergies have also been reported with the use of this herb. Stone root may also increase blood pressure, so check with your doctor about using this herb if you have a history of hypertension.
Witch Hazel
Marvin Schuster, M.D. of Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine is quoted in "The Doctors Book of Home Remedies" as saying that the topical application of witch hazel is one of the best herbal remedies for hemorrhoids. It stops bleeding on contact, he says, because compounds in the herb cause blood vessels to shrink. Witch hazel astringent and suppositories are widely available in stores and pharmacies. Witch hazel is also an ingredient in many topical over-the-counter hemorrhoid medications.There is no toxicity or side effects associated with witch hazel, although you may experience a slight burn if using an astringent prepared with alcohol.
References
- "Physicians Desk Reference for Herbal Medicines"; Thomas Fleming, Chief Editor, et al; 2000
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Horse Chestnut
- National Institutes of Health: Horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum L.)
