An uncomfortable and painful condition, hemorrhoids are the result of swollen and inflamed veins in the lower rectum and anus. They are caused by increased pressure inside the veins. Straining during bowel movements, sitting for extended periods of time, getting too little exercise and pregnancy can influence their development. Mayo Clinic estimates that by age 50, nearly half of all adults will have experienced the pain of hemorrhoids. Symptoms include mild bleeding from rectum, itching, irritation, pain and swelling. Eating a high fiber diet, exercise, stool-softeners and using some simple herbal remedies can bring you some relief.
Witch Hazel
Witch hazel provides relief from the symptoms of hemorrhoids by its soothing, astringent action. According to AltMD, witch hazel works by strengthening the swollen veins in the rectum. Most over-the-counter hemorrhoid pads, such as Tucks, contain witch hazel as their active ingredient. You can also use witch hazel straight from the bottle by applying it to the hemorrhoids using a cotton ball. Hemorrhoids may bleed a bit and the astringent action of witch hazel can help stop the oozing. Commercial witch hazel products containing wood alcohol should only be used externally.
Aloe vera
Aloe vera whose name means "true aloe" is a succulent plant that is native to parts of Africa. It can be grown anywhere as a houseplant. Its leaves contain a clear gel that can be used externally to treat burns, sunburn and wounds. It can also be used to treat hemorrhoids. Keeping a plant in the home is the best way to get fresh gel. Simply break off one of the leaves, slit it open lengthwise, scoop out some gel with a cotton ball and apply it directly to the hemorrhoids. Aloe is also available commercially as a gel, ointment and lotion. Aloe is safe for external use, but you should test a small patch of skin for allergic reaction the first time you use it.
Butcher's Broom
Butcher's broom is a low-growing evergreen shrub, also known as box holly or sweet broom, whose root is used to make medicinal substances. It has been used as a treatment for problems of the circulatory system, especially the veins, for over 2,000 years. Its active ingredients ruscogenin and neoruscogenin constrict blood vessels and therefore can provide some benefit in the treatment of hemorrhoids. Drugs.com mentions the use of a topical cream containing 64 to 96mg of the extract daily for hemorrhoids. Currently, no side effects or drug interactions have been reported with its use.
Blond Psyllium
Psyllium, which is derived from the outer covering and seed of the herb Plantago ovata, is used as a stool softener and laxative for treating hemorrhoids. The most common cause of hemorrhoids is eating a low-fiber diet. Psyllium, found in commercial products like Metamucil, provides soluble fiber by forming a gelatin-like mass in the intestine that stimulates elimination. Psyllium delays the absorption of certain medications and should not be taken at the same time. It must be taken with a full glass of water.
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