Herbal Treatment of Internal Hemorrhoids - What Are My Options?

Herbal Treatment of Internal Hemorrhoids - What Are My Options?
By JoEllen Watkins

Internal hemorrhoids may not be visible, but they can cause troublesome symptoms. An inflamed hemorrhoid located above the anal opening is considered an internal hemorrhoid. Some alternative medicines contain herbs proven to work on not only easing internal hemorrhoid symptoms, but restoring tissues to their normal position and function. The herbs witch hazel, psyllium, and horse chestnut are particularly useful in helping internal hemorrhoids heal.

The first sign of internal hemorrhoids is usually rectal bleeding during or after a bowel movement. Typically, the bleeding is minor and goes away in a few days. But an internal hemorrhoid signals a problem that could get worse if not treated.

For the squeamish, an internal hemorrhoid can be difficult to treat. You can use a hemorrhoid suppository to relieve symptoms and protect the area while it heals. For hygiene, you might use a rubber finger cot or clean Q-tip to help you insert it. Some hemorrhoid ointments come with their own applicators so you can apply directly to the internal hemorrhoid.

Many of these internal hemorrhoid products contain witch hazel. Witch hazel is a plant that shrinks tissues temporarily. It is ideal for hemorrhoids because it does not burn or sting. It can be applied with a cotton ball or mixed with aloe gel and inserted carefully.

For comparison, a non-herbal ingredient that also shrinks hemorrhoids temporarily is phenylephrine, found in Preparation H. Witch hazel has been found to be at least as effective as phenylephrine, with no side effects.

To keep hemorrhoids from getting worse, you might try an herbal stool softener with fiber. Fibers such as psyllium and flaxseed relieve constipation by absorbing water in your intestines. They cause you to have soft, larger stools that are easy to pass. Relieving your constipation will remove the strain on swollen anal tissues and allow them to heal faster. You must drink plenty of water while taking a fiber supplement.

Because hemorrhoids are tissues containing blood vessels, they are an integral part of the circulatory system. Hemorrhoids will heal faster if they have a good blood supply because they get nutrients essential for tissue repair. Gentle exercise is the best way to improve overall circulation. There are also herbs available that assist the circulatory system by improving vein tone and function.

For more permanent hemorrhoid relief, consider a dietary supplement containing standardized extract of the horse chestnut seed. Horse chestnut extract, taken orally, has proven to be an effective therapy for poor circulation in the legs. For people with leg phlebitis, studies have found oral ingestion of horse chestnut to be as helpful as wearing compression stockings.

Other plant products that have been shown in lab studies to relieve hemorrhoid symptoms on contact include arnica, sage, and butcher's broom. These are typically found in topical (cream) preparations. It's safest to use the commercially processed forms found in hemorrhoid medicine, as raw plants may be toxic.

As always, check with your medical provider if you have any questions about the safety of herbal treatments for hemorrhoids.

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