Hemorrhoids are a common and often painful condition that affects many Americans. The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons notes that hemorrhoids are enlarged blood vessels in or around your anus or lower rectum. Hemorrhoids can be located either internally or externally. More than 50 percent of Americans will develop hemorrhoids at some point during their lives. Herbal remedies are a natural method of treating hemorrhoids, but herbs should only be used after you talk to your health care provider.
Hemorrhoids and Health
There are several common causes of hemorrhoids. They include constipation, prolonged periods of sitting, anal infections and tenesmus, or straining during bowel movements. If you have hemorrhoids, you may experience anal itching, anal aches or pains, bloody stools, painful bowel movements and tender lumps near your anus. Hemorrhoids are often diagnosed by a visual examination of your rectal area, although other more invasive procedures may also be used.
Common Herbal Treatments
One of the most common herbal treatments for hemorrhoids is Hamamelis virginia, or witch hazel, notes Russell B. Marz, a naturopathic doctor, acupuncturist and author of "Medical Nutrition From Marz." Other commonly used herbal remedies for this condition include red grapevine leaves, stone root, nettle, calendula and horse chestnut. Certain herbs may be applied topically to help treat this condition, including powdered comfrey root, elderberry, mullein, lady's mantle, myrrh and bayberry.
An Effective Remedy
Stone root is one of the most effective herbal remedies for hemorrhoids. According to Phyllis A. Balch, a certified nutritional consultant, nutrition researcher and author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," stone root has been used to treat many ailments, including hemorrhoids, indigestion, cramps, headache and bronchitis. Stone root, which has several health benefits, serves as a diuretic, sedative, tonic and antispasmodic. This herbal remedy is also helpful for treating urinary tract conditions.
Considerations
There are many treatment techniques that may help treat hemorrhoids. It is important for you to speak to your healthcare practitioner before using any treatment method for your hemorrhoids, including herbal remedies. Some herbal remedies are contraindicated, or should not be used, by certain people, including those who have specific allergies or certain medical conditions or people who are pregnant or are breastfeeding. Herbal remedies are often part of a well-rounded treatment plan for hemorrhoids.
References
- American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons: Hemorrhoids
- National Center for Biotechnology Information: Hemorrhoids
- "Medical Nutrition From Marz"; Russell B. Marz, N.D.; 1999
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
