Is There An Herbal Medicine For Hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids, also known as piles, develop when veins in the lower portion of your large intestine become swollen and painful. The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that, although your hemorrhoids may clear up on their own, many hemorrhoids cause long-term symptoms, such as pain, itching and bleeding. Herbal medicines are a time-trusted approach to treating hemorrhoids, although not all herbs used for this condition have undergone rigorous scientific testing and should be used only after you consult a qualified health care practitioner.

About Piles

Piles may vary in size and may occur either within your anal canal or outside your anal canal, notes the National Health Service of the United Kingdom. Internal hemorrhoids are the more common type, and they typically manifest about 1 inch above your anal opening. In most cases, hemorrhoids do not lead to serious health problems and may be treated with conservative treatment measures, although about 10 percent of people require surgery to treat or remove their piles, reports NHS.

Useful Herbal Medicines

The University of Maryland Medical Center states that herbs have long been used in treating hemorrhoids, although herbs, like prescription drugs, may cause side effects and may interact with other substances. Examples of herbs that may be useful in treating your hemorrhoids, reports UMMC, include goldenrod, gotu kola, yarrow and witch hazel -- an herb that may be applied to the affected area or used in a sitz bath. Comfrey, elderberry and aloe vera may also be helpful.

A Commonly Used Botanical

Yarrow is a commonly used botanical remedy in the treatment of hemorrhoids. UMMC states that yarrow is a popular European folk medicine and historically has been used in treating wounds and passive bleeding caused by hemorrhoids. This herbal remedy, notes William A. Mitchell Jr., a naturopathic physician and author of "Plant Medicine in Practice," possesses astringent action, or the ability to make your tissues contract. The entire yarrow plant is used in herbal supplements.

Additional Information

Although serious health complications associated with hemorrhoids are rare, some people may experience severe bleeding or necrosis -- tissue death -- in the area surrounding enlarged veins that form blood clots. Before incorporating herbal remedies into your hemorrhoid treatment plan, discuss the possible side effects and drug interactions with a licensed health care practitioner. Not all herbal remedies may be appropriate for you or your condition, so it always wise to ask a botanically trained health care practitioner about the best herbs for you.