Hemorrhoids are swollen veins around your anus and in your rectum that may protrude. The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse states that almost three out of four Americans will develop hemorrhoids at some point in their lives. Hemorrhoids usually develop in middle-aged adults and pregnant women. Before trying herbal home remedies to treat your hemorrhoids, talk with your doctor about the inherent risks and benefits of herbal medicine.
Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids may be caused by many factors, including straining during bowel movements, sitting for prolonged periods on the toilet and being obese. Lack of exercise, liver damage and inadequate consumption of dietary fiber may also contribute to this condition. There are several common symptoms associated with hemorrhoids, including itching, burning, pain, inflammation, swelling, irritation, seepage and bleeding. Although hemorrhoids can occur at any age, they tend to be more common as you age.
Herbal Home Remedies
Dr. Joseph E. Pizzorno, Jr., a naturopathic physician and author of "The Clinician's Handbook of Natural Medicine," states that commonly used herbal remedies for hemorrhoids include horse chestnut, gotu kola, butcher's broom, European blueberry and bromelain. Other effective herbal remedies may include aloe vera gel, bayberry, goldenseal root, myrrh, white oak, comfrey root, elderberry, yarrow, witch hazel, buckthorn bark, collinsonia root, parsley, red grapevine leaves and stone root. Some of these herbs are applied directly to your hemorrhoids as pastes, gels or salve, some are used as poultices, and some are taken orally.
A Popular Herb
Witch hazel is one of the most popular herbs in the treatment of hemorrhoids. According to Phyllis A. Balch, a certified nutritional consultant and author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," witch hazel is helpful for hemorrhoids due to its astringent properties. An astringent is a substance that causes your tissues to contract. Witch hazel is applied topically and relieves itching. Witch hazel has been used to help treat hemorrhoids, mouth and skin inflammation, and phlebitis. The bark, leaves and twigs of the witch hazel tree are used in herbal preparations.
Warning
Herbal remedies, including herbal remedies for hemorrhoids, contain powerful substances that can significantly affect your health. Herbal remedies should be taken under the guidance and supervision of a qualified health care professional. Naturopathic physicians or medical doctors trained in botanical medicine can help you choose the appropriate herbs for your condition, tell you what side effects you might experience and offer suggestions about treatment dosage and duration. Use extra caution when taking herbs if you are pregnant.
References
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse: Hemorrhoids
- Mayo Clinic: Hemorrhoids
- "The Clinician's Handbook of Natural Medicine"; Joseph E. Pizzorno, Jr., N.D.; 2002
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
