Hemorrhoids, also known as piles, are inflamed and enlarged veins in your anus and lower rectum. If you notice bleeding during bowel movements, or itching, pain and swelling around your anus, you may have hemorrhoids. Obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, heredity, pregnancy and straining during bowel movements may trigger hemorrhoids. Herbal poultices and ointments may relieve the symptoms and support damaged veins. You should consult a health care professional for an accurate diagnosis, since rectal bleeding can also be a sign of serious disease.
Horse Chestnut
Horse chestnut, or Aesculus hippocastanum, is a deciduous tree that bears large, nut-like seeds encased in a spiny capsule. Traditional healers use the seeds in teas and extracts to treat varicose veins, ulcers, hemorrhoids and venous insufficiency. The seeds are rich in triterpene saponins, tannins and proanthocyanidins, which tighten the veins, increase capillary stability, and have anti-inflammatory and anti-edema actions. Dr. Linda B. White and medicinal plant expert Steven Foster recommend drinking a tea made from the seeds as well as application onto inflamed tissue. Consult a knowledgeable health care practitioner if you experience itching, nausea or gastrointestinal upset after drinking horse chestnut tea.
Witch Hazel
Witch hazel, or Hamamelis virginiana, is a tall shrub native to North America. Traditionally, lotions, ointments and suppositories made from the leaves and bark provide relief for skin problems, venous disorders, hemorrhage, varicose veins and hemorrhoids. The active ingredients are the tannins, which have potent astringent, hemostatic and anti-hemorrhoidal actions. Dr. Linda B. White and Steven Foster state that witch hazel can stop bleeding and help shrink swollen hemorrhoids. You can make a tea from the dried herb and drink it or mix it into lotions and creams for topical application. Commercial preparations or distilled extracts of witch hazel are for external use only.
Aloe
Aloe, or Aloe vera, is a fleshy plant originally from northern Africa, but is now cultivated in the United States and Central America for its cosmetic and medicinal uses. The gel from the inner leaf is a traditional tonic drink and, when applied topically, helps heal wounds, burns and skin disorders. Dr. James F. Balch and Phyllis A. Balch suggest applying aloe gel---from the fresh pulp, if possible---directly onto inflamed tissue. It has a pain relief action similar to aspirin and will soothe the burning. However, avoid aloe if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
References
- "Medicinal Plants of the World"; Ben-Erik van Wyk and Michael Wink; 2009
- "The Herbal Drugstore"; Linda B. White, M.D., Steven Foster; 2000
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC, and James F. Balch, M.D.; 2000
