Similar to varicose veins in the legs, hemorrhoids are swollen blood vessels in and around the anus. Symptoms include swelling, itching, leakage, discomfort and bleeding during bowel movements. While practitioners of alternative medicine claim that certain herbs, such as aloe, may treat and prevent hemorrhoids, further scientific studies are needed to confirm its efficacy. Moreover, rectal bleeding can indicate other health issues. Consult a doctor to rule out more serious diseases before self-treating with any herbal preparation.
About Aloe
Native to eastern and southern Africa and cultivated around the world, aloe vera, a member of the lily family, is a perennial herb that reaches heights of 4 feet. This succulent plant features yellow, tubular flowers and tough, fleshy leaves that contain a medicinal gel used externally to treat skin conditions. Aloe leaf juice, which is taken from the leaf base, is used internally, primarily as a stimulant laxative.
Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids affect about 75 percent of the general population, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Internal hemorrhoids are located within the anal canal, and external hemorrhoids protrude from the anus. Both types are caused by repeated pressure in the veins, commonly from straining during bowel movements and chronic diarrhea or constipation.
External Effects
Aloe gel has active compounds used topically in homeopathic medicine to speed wound healing. According to herbalist Steven Foster, author of the book "National Geographic Desk Reference to Nature's Medicine," aloe gel has properties that accelerate healing by alleviating pain and inflammation, two common symptoms of hemorrhoids. A scientific review published in a 2008 issue of Indian Journal of Dermatology agrees, reporting that aloe contains bradykinase, an enzyme that helps to relieve severe inflammation when applied topically to the skin. But although this review is encouraging, as of 2011, no research had specifically focused on aloe's effectiveness as a treatment for hemorrhoids.
Internal Benefits
Making stools softer and easier to pass reduces the pressure on hemorrhoids produced by straining. According to Foster, aloe contains anthraquinones, key ingredients that stimulate contractions in the walls of the digestive tract and promote fluid secretion by the large bowel. Herbalists suggest that aloe's stool-softening abilities help to prevent hemorrhoids caused by increased pressure during strained bowel movements or chronic constipation. Phyllis A. Balch, author of "Prescription for Healing," claims that drinking 1/2 cup of aloe juice three times daily may help to diminish hemorrhoids. But few scientific studies substantiate these claims.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Aloe
- MayoClinic: Hemorrhoids: Symptoms
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse: Hemorrhoids
- "National Geographic Desk Reference to Nature's Medicine"; Steven Foster, et al.; 2006
- "Indian Journal of Dermatology": Amar Surjushe, et al.; 2008
- "Prescription for Herbal Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch; 2002
