Natural Cures Guide

Hemorrhoids. They even sound awful. But more than half of Americans over the age of 50 have them and younger people can get them as well. These swollen and inflamed vein tissues in the rectal area are extremely common.
Typical symptoms of hemorrhoids are rectal pain, burning or itching, and bright red blood seen on toilet tissue, in the toilet bowl, or on the surface of the stool after defecation. Round swellings or protrusions in the anal area may also be present. But because all these symptoms can be caused by other, more serious conditions, it’s important to get a doctor’s diagnosis to know whether what you have is, in fact, hemorrhoids.
Why do hemorrhoids happen—and can anything be done to prevent them? Hemorrhoids are caused by genetic weakness of the veins in the rectal area, sitting or standing for long periods of time, and anything that causes increased pressure in the veins (pregnancy, heavy lifting, frequent straining during elimination). In Western countries, low-fiber diets with their resulting constipation are considered a major cause. The main reasons to seek medical attention are intolerable pain, severe enough to prevent normal defecation.
Although proscription cortisone and anesthetic products may reduce the pain and swelling of hemorrhoids, they can’t address the causes.
Herbs and other botanical medicines can help strengthen and tone blood vessels. decrease inflammation and stop bleeding. They can also help the constipation that often accompanies hemorrhoids.

Herbal Remedies

Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba)

Extracts of ginkgo leaf help strengthen the blood vessels. Ginkgo is also anti-inflammatory, just what you’re looking for in conditions that include pain and itching among their symptoms. Typical dosage: 40 to 60 milligrams of capsules standardized to 24 percent flavone glycosides and 6 percent ginkgolides two or three times per day; or 1/4 to 1 teaspoon of tincture two or three times per day.

Horse Chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum)

A traditional treatment for strengthening and toning the veins, horse chestnut is anti-inflammatory and therefore decreases swelling. It is also astringent and tends to reduce bleeding. This herb can be used both internally and topically. Typical dosage: 1 cup of tea three times per day (simmer 1 teaspoon of dried seeds in 1 cup of water for 10 to 15 minutes);or 1/8 to 1 teaspoon of tincture three times per day. To use horse chestnut externally, allow the tea to cool. Soak a clean washcloth in the tea and wring out. Apply to swollen tissues as often as needed.

Butcher’s Broom (Ruscus aculeatus)

This herb decreases inflammation and strengthens blood vessels. Typical dosage: 1 cup of tea three times per day (steep 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried leaf in 1 cup of hot water for 10 minutes); or 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of tincture three times per day on an empty stomach.

Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana)

This strongly astringent herb stops bleeding and helps shrink swollen tissues. Apply commercial witch hazel preparations or distilled extract products three times per day and after each bowel movement. Caution: Never use these products internally.

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) and Yellow Dock (Rumex crispus)

These two herbs share some key characteristics. They’re both considered weeds; you can eat the young greens of either; and the roots of both plants are mild, gentle laxatives. It’s the roots you want for treating the constipation that sometimes comes with hemorrhoids. Typical dosage: 1 to 3 cups of tea per day (steep 2 teaspoon of dried, chopped root in 1 cup of water 15 minutes);or 1/2 to 3 teaspoons of tincture per day.

Putting Medicine Where it Hurts

Herbs applied directly to hemorrhoids can ease symptoms, stop bleeding, and speed healing. Look for creams,salves, or suppositories that contain combinations of soothing, anti-inflammatory, and astringent herbs such as calendula, comfrey, chamomile, lavender, St.-John’s-wort, and plantain. Distilled witch hazel is also an excellent astringent that shrinks swollen hemorrhoids and controls bleeding (do not take internally,though). And cypress essential oil may help shrink swollen veins and reduce bleeding.

Rx for Hemorrhoids

This blend combines soothing herbs that foster wound healing with the cooling astringent witch hazel.

4 tablespoons distilled witch hazel
1/2 tablespoon comfrey tincture
1/2 tablespoon horse chestnut tincture
50 drops lavender essential oil
50 drops cypress essential oil (optional)

Combine all the ingredients in an airtight amber glass bottle with a tight lid and label. Store away from heat and light. To use, shake well and apply gently with a cotton ball twice a day and after each bowel movement. If internal hemorrhoids are present, insert the soaked cotton ball briefly into the rectal opening to allow the herbs to soak this area; be sure to keep a grip on the cotton ball so you don’t lose it.

Taking the Waters

A bath in warm water often provides temporary relief from hemorrhoids by soothing inflamed tissues and stimulating circulation. To make that bath more effective, add soothing herbs in the form of essential oils or tea to the water. Good candidates are calendula, comfrey, chamomile, lavender, and St.-John’s-wort. Be careful, however; if you’re adding essential oils, dilute them first. Add no more than 5 drops of essential oil to one fluid ounce of a neutral vegetable-based oil such as olive or almond.

The Rid-of-’Roids Diet

Foods rich in fiber and in proanthocyanidin, two compounds that improve the health of blood vessels, can help prevent future hemorrhoids, and hlep current ones heal. Blackberries,blueberries, and cherries are among the foods that contain these ingredients. If constipation is a factor, you may want to consider a fiber supplement, such as psyllium seed husks (1 tablespoon per day) mixed with water or juice. If your diet is less than healthy, add a good multivitamin to ensure that you’re getting all of the important blood-vessel-healing nutrients. Dairy products, meat, and fatty foods tend to be constipating, so it’s a good idea to cut back on these products.