Hemorrhoids (Piles) are varicose veins in the circulatory system that surrounds the anus and the rectum’s lower part. Besides, constitutional factors, constipation, pregnancy, and sedentary lifestyles cause this ailment. Phytotherapy provides useful herbs for hemorrhoids for the acute phase of this ailment, such as the oak tree or figwort, which are applied as sitz baths and compresses on the anus; and also, plants to prevent a new formation of hemorrhoids or their growth: mild laxatives such as psyllium, and venotonic ones such as hazelnut, cypress, or yellow melilot.
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Herbs for Hemorrhoids
OAK TREE: This plant is one of the best herbs for hemorrhoids and anal fissures. It reduces anal inflammation, stops the slight bleeding that usually accompanies these disorders, and favors the painful anal fissures’ scar formations. You can apply it in hot sitz baths and enemas for 15 minutes once or twice daily.
HORSE CHESTNUT: Horse chestnut eases the pain and reduces the size of hemorrhoids.
HAZELNUT: This plant is one of the best natural herbs for hemorrhoids. The externally used Hazelnut is an excellent wound healer and helpful for torpid wounds and varicose ulceration. It has a notable sedative and anti-inflammatory effect on hemorrhoids, applying its decoction in compresses and sitz baths.
CYPRESS: This plant is amongst the best remedy for hemorrhoids. Its healing properties are as intense as witch hazel, one of the most active plants known for blood circulation. Cypress is recommended to fight varicose veins, varicose ulceration, and hemorrhoids and can be taken internally and externally via cream applications.
YELLOW MELILOT: This herb is an effective hemorrhoid treatment because it is very effective against varicose veins, edema, tired legs, and hemorrhoids. Due to its anticoagulant, blood thinning, and circulation-activating properties, the yellow melilot is recommended for vein inflammation and prevents arterial and venous thrombosis. Its mildly diuretic effect promotes all these uses.
LEMON TREE: Lemon tree constitutes an excellent hemorrhoid home treatment due to its hesperidin content and diosmin and other flavonoids; with a similar action to that of vitamin P, the lemon reinforces the constancy of the capillary vessels and improves venous blood flow. It is helpful in swollen legs, edema, varicose veins, hemorrhoids, thrombosis, and emboli. You can also use the lemon tree to treat high blood pressure.
SILVERWEED: Silverweed is an herb used on hemorrhoids to reduce inflammation and size because of the plant’s tannin action.
Walnuts are an Effective Hemorrhoid Treatment
ST. BENEDICT THISTLE: This herb is an excellent wound healer when applied externally, thanks to the antibiotic properties of its active component, cnicin. According to Fernandez y Nico, this substance is effective against gram-negative bacteria, such as Brucella, Shigella, and Escherichia coli. It cleans wounds and skin sores. It can also be used with a sitz bath for hemorrhoids.
FENUGREEK: Fenugreek is one of the best herbs for hemorrhoids; when directly applied to the anus with a cold compress or sitz baths, it reduces the inflammation of hemorrhoids.
WALNUT: One of the most effective hemorrhoid treatments is using a decoction of walnut leaves or green rind applied to the affected area.
PSYLLIUM: Psyllium has beneficial effects on the intestine thanks to its mucilage properties. You can obtain this benefit via enemas, which experts recommend for anal and rectal inflammations. It reduces the inflammation of hemorrhoids and eases discomfort caused by anal fissures.
Milfoil is an Effective External Hemorrhoid Treatment
TORMENTIL: Anyone wanting to know how to get rid of hemorrhoids needs to consider tormentil. This herb reduces inflammation and is an excellent treatment for bleeding hemorrhoids.
FIGWORT: This is one of the best herbs for hemorrhoids because it calms the pain they produce and reduces their size.
GRAPEVINE: Grapevine is beneficial in the healing of hemorrhoids because it contains sugars, tartaric acid, tartaric salts, and other organic acids, which have anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties.
CRAMP BARK: This plant has mildly activating effects on venous blood flow. It reduces congestion of hemorrhoids and varicose veins, especially when combined with other venotonic plants.
MILFOIL: This plant is an excellent external hemorrhoid treatment because it reduces inflammation and size when hemorrhoids flare up and itch.
Frequently Asked Question
I’m drowning in fiber. Why are these guys still hanging around?
Try adding psyllium husk or chia seeds for extra bulk and lubrication. Swap refined grains for whole wheat, and don’t forget the leafy greens and legumes. Hydration is key, too – think warm water with lemon, not sugary sodas.
Aloe vera, witch hazel, coconut oil – which is the magic potion?
Ditch the potion dreams – it’s a team effort! Aloe vera gel soothes inflammation and itching, while witch hazel shrinks tissues. Coconut oil’s antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties can calm things down. Apply individually or mix and match, but always patch test first!
Sitz baths – are they fancy shallow baths?
Not quite! Picture a lukewarm pool party for your posterior. Fill a basin or bathtub with enough water to cover your hips, add Epsom salts or apple cider vinegar for extra oomph, and soak for 15-20 minutes. Repeat after bowel movements and before bed for maximum relief.
Ice or heat – which is the fire extinguisher for my fiery bottom?
Both have their moments! Ice packs wrapped in a towel can numb pain and reduce swelling for short bursts (10-15 minutes). Like a warm sitz bath, heat relaxes muscles and improves blood flow. Experiment and see what soothes your specific inferno.
Can I ditch the meds and go all-natural?
Tempting, but consult a doctor before ditching meds, especially if symptoms are severe or persistent. They can rule out other conditions and recommend the best action, including a combo of natural and medical interventions.
DISCLAIMER: All content on this website is presented solely for educational and informational objectives. You should not rely on the information provided as a replacement for advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified medical expert. If you are pregnant, nursing, or have any preexisting medical concerns, you should talk to your doctor before using any herbal or natural medicines.
REFERENCES
- George D. Pamplona-Roger, M.D. “Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants.” George D. Pamplona-Roger, M.D. Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants. Ed. Francesc X. Gelabert. vols. 1 San Fernando de Henares: Editorial Safeliz, 2000. 208, 251, 253, 258, 265, 371. Print.
- George D. Pamplona-Roger, M.D. “Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants.” George D. Pamplona-Roger, M.D. Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants. Ed. Francesc X. Gelabert. vols. 2 San Fernando de Henares: Editorial Safeliz, 2000. 444, 474, 505, 515, 519, 543, 544, 642, 691. Print. [herbs for hemorrhoids]
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3342598/
- Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hemorrhoids/symptoms-causes/syc-20360268
- Cleveland Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hemorrhoids/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20360280
- Harvard Health Publishing: https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/fabulous-fiber
- American Heart Association: https://www.heart.org/en/news/2022/01/27/sound-the-fiber-alarm-most-of-us-need-more-of-it-in-our-diet
- HealthLine: https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/sitz-bath
- Medical News Today: https://www.sutterhealth.org/health/digestive/home-remedies-for-hemorrhoids
- Aloe Vera: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2763764/
- Witch Hazel: https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-227/witch-hazel
- Coconut Oil: https://www.1mg.com/articles/7-expert-tips-to-manage-piles-at-home/
- Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hemorrhoids/symptoms-causes/home/ovc-20360269
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3342598/
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