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DESCRIPTION
Hemorrhoids are swollen, dilated veins of the rectum or anus (the very lowest portion of the colon) that may protrude from the anus. Hemorrhoids may be located at the beginning of the anal canal (internal hemorrhoids), or at the anal opening (external hemorrhoids). They are very much like varicose veins; they loose enlarge and lose their elasticity, resulting in their sac-like protrusions into the anal canal. Hemorrhoids should not be confused with tumors or growths. Hemorrhoids may be present for years, but go undetected until bleed occurs. They can be caused, and aggravated, by sitting or standing for prolonged periods, lifting heavy objects (or lifting relatively light objects improperly), and straining at bowel movements (especially when constipated, although bouts of diarrhea accompanied by involuntary spasms can exacerbate the problem), as well as by pregnancy, obesity, lack of exercise, liver damage, food allergies, and insufficient consumption of dietary fiber.
There are different types of hemorrhoids, depending on their location, severity, and the amount of pain, discomfort, or aggravation they cause. These are:
- Internal: Internal hemorrhoids are located inside the rectum and are usually painless, especially if located above the anorectal line. They do, however, tend to bleed. When they do, the blood appears bright red.
- External: Also known as "piles", an old-fashioned term to describe external hemorrhoids. These develop under the skin at the opening of the anal cavity. When an external hemorrhoid swells, the tissue in the area becomes firm but sensitive and turns blue or purple in color. This type of hemorrhoid can be extremely painful.
- Prolapsed: A prolapsed hemorrhoid is an internal hemorrhoid that collapses and protrudes outside the anus, often accompanied by a mucous discharge and heavy bleeding. Prolapsed hemorrhoids can be come thrombosed - that is, they can form clots within that prevent their receding. Thrombosed hemorrhoids can also be excruciatingly painful.
Hemorrhoids are unique to human beings. No other creature develops this problem. This can be taken as an indication that our dietary and nutritional habits probably play a greater role in this disorder that anything else. Between 50 to 75 percent of this country's population develop hemorrhoids at one time or another, although many may be unaware of them. Hemorrhoids can develop (occur) at any age, but they become more common as people age, usually between age 50 and 70, then rates tend to decrease. Among younger people, pregnant women and women who have had children seem to be the most susceptible. The tendency to develop hemorrhoids can be quite painful, they do not usually pose a serious threat to health.
FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
Rectal and/or anal bleeding. Bright-red blood may appear as streaks on toilet paper adhering to fecal residue, or it may be a slow trickle for a short while following bowel movements. It almost always colors the toilet water. The bleeding can be startling, even frightening, but although it does signal that something is amiss in the digestive systems, rectal bleeding is not necessarily an indication of serious disease.
Pain, itching, burning, irritation or mucus discharge after bowel movements.
A lump that can be felt in the anus.
A sensation that the rectum has not emptied completely after a bowel movement (large hemorrhoids only).
Inflammation and swelling.
CAUSES
Hemorrhoids are caused by repeated pressure in the anal or rectal veins.
Causes for hemorrhoids include pregnancy, constipation, poor diet, sedentary lifestyle, heavy lifting, obesity, liver damage and food allergies. Some people believe that hemorrhoids are caused by constipation, but experts feel they are caused by straining at bowel movements that goes along with chronic constipation. Hemorrhoids are very common during pregnancy and after childbirth due to hormonal changes and pressure from the growing fetus.
RISK INCREASES WITH
Diet that lacks fiber.
Prolonged sitting or prolonged standing.
Obesity.
Pregnancy.
Constipation.
Loss of muscle tone in old age.
Rectal surgery or episiotomy.
Liver disease.
Anal intercourse.
Colon malignancy.
Portal hypertension.
PREVENTIVE MEASURES
Don't try to hurry bowel movements, but do avoid straining and prolonged sitting on the toilet. Do not stay on the toilet any more than 10 minutes at a time to keep blood from pooling in the hemorrhoidal tissues. Keep the anal area clean and use soft toilet paper or moistened baby wipes. Warm sitz baths can also ease the pain with or without added herbs.
Lose weight if you are overweight.
Include plenty of fiber in your diet. A high fiber diet is necessary for healthy bowel movements and is one of the best ways to prevent hemorrhoids. Vegetables, wheat bran and fresh fruits are good sources of dietary fiber. A fiber replacement can also help, but it is important to start gradually to avoid bloating and diarrhea.
Drink 8 to 10 glasses of water a day. Drink plenty of fluids to help soften the stool and prevent constipation.
Exercise regularly.
Avoid fats, coffee, alcohol, animal products, hot spices, and red meats.
EXPECTED OUTCOME
Hemorrhoids usually clear up with proper care, but symptoms may come and go (may flare up after a bout of constipation). Stubborn cases may require surgery.
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS
Iron-deficiency anemia if blood loss is significant.
Severe pain caused by a blood clot in a hemorrhoid.
Infection or ulceration of a hemorrhoid.
The most common cause of anal itching is tissue trauma resulting from the use of harsh toilet paper. Candida albicans, allergies, and parasitic infections can also cause anal itching.
TREATMENT
GENERAL MEASURES
Diagnosis may include an anoscopy (visual examination of the anus by means of a short tube called an anoscope, an optical instrument with lenses and a lighted tip), or proctoscopy (method of examining the rectum and lower part of the colon with a protoscope, an optical instrument with a lighted tip).
Treatment is aimed at easing the symptoms.
- Never strain to push stool out.
- When sitting on the toilet, place feet on a low footstool to aid in bowel movement.
- To relieve pain, sit in 8 to 10 inches of warm water (sitz bath) for 10 to 20 minutes several times a day. Herbs may be added to the bath, such as witch hazel, to help reduce swelling and ease discomfort.
- To reduce pain and swelling of a blood clot or protruding hemorrhoid, stay in bed for 1 day and apply ice packs to the anal area.
- Surgery may be required in stubborn cases. Procedures include ligation (tying off hemorrhoid with a rubber band to strangulate it); sclerotherapy (injection of chemical to induce scarring); cryosurgery (freezing the hemorrhoid with liquid nitrogen); coagulation (by infrared light or laser) or hemorrhoidectomy (surgical removal).
Depending upon the location and severity of the problem, health care providers today use the following treatment approaches in dealing with hemorrhoids:
- Conservative measures: A dietary regimen with fiber supplements and self-help treatments is helpful in most cases, except in instances where a hemorrhoid has thrombosed.
- Infrared photocoagulation: This involves the employment of infrared heat to treat minor internal hemorrhoids. It is less painful than ligation but is not always as effective.
- Injection sclerotherapy: In this procedure, used to shrink internal hemorrhoids and stop bleeding, a solution containing either quinine and urea or phenol is injected directly into the hemorrhoids.
- Laser treatment: This approach has gained popularity over the last several years as the easiest and least painful method of dealing with internal hemorrhoids. There is controversy about its efficacy, however. Repeated treatment are frequently required. Most researchers believe that more study should be done to improve effectiveness before laser treatment is routinely recommended.
- Ligation: This is now the most common treatment approach for internal hemorrhoids. A small rubber band is used to tie off the base of the blood vessel. Once blood circulation is eliminated from the offending vessel, it soon detaches and the rubber band is eliminated with body waste. This approach often requires repeat treatment and is painful.
- Surgery: Some hemorrhoids are not helped very much by any of the above approaches and respond to nothing short of aggressive surgery. If you have very painful hemorrhoids or are losing significant amounts of blood, you should receive a thorough examination from your health care provider, preferably a protologist, as soon as possible. Improved surgical techniques have resulted in less painful operations and quicker recovery periods than in the past. Surgery is completely effective in about 95 percent of cases. However, additional surgery may be required if the hemorrhoids recur.
MEDICATION
For minor pain, itching or to reduce swelling, you may use non-prescription drugs or alternative methods that are formulated to relieve symptoms of hemorrhoids. If these symptoms occur during pregnancy, ask your midwife or other health care provider which medications are appropriate to use.
Use a stool softener, if a laxative is needed.
WARNING! There are no drugs that have been proven absolutely safe for your developing baby. Use extreme caution in taking any medications during pregnancy and then these should only be used after all other methods have been tried and with the careful guidance of your midwife or health care provider.
ACTIVITY
No restrictions. Bowel function improves with good physical conditioning. Get regular moderate exercise.
Avoid reading in the bathroom. The veins and muscles serving the colon and rectum continue to be strained as long as the squatting position is maintained.
Learn proper lifting techniques. Bend your knees, not your back. Do not hold your breath as you lift; this puts enormous strain and pressure upon the hemorrhoidal vessels. Instead, take a deep breath and exhale at the moment of lifting. Make your thighs do the work, not your back. Avoid heavy lifting as much as possible.
Avoid sitting or standing for prolonged periods of time. If sitting for extended periods of time cannot be avoided, take frequent breaks to stretch and move around (this is also good for circulation, the back, and the legs). Above all, do not use the old-fashioned inflated doughnut cushion. This actually increases pressure upon the hemorrhoidal blood vessels, aggravating the swelling and bleeding.
HOLISTIC RECOMMENDATIONS & CONSIDERATIONS
Avoid prolonged straining at stool. Straining for more than five minutes is harmful to colorectal muscles and nerves. It can also increase stress on the veins of the rectum and worsens hemorrhoids. Straining can lead to divertulosis - the formation of small blister-like pockets in the colon walls that can become infected.
To treat hemorrhoids: Grate one medium potato; mix well with 2-3 teaspoons slippery elm powder. Form into small patty and place on disturbed area for 10-15 minutes, 1-3 times a day. This remedy may be used on sore or cracked nipples as well.
Use a peeled clove of garlic as a suppository three times a week. You can also use raw potato suppositories to help heal hemorrhoids and relieve pain. Peel a potato and cut it into small cone-shaped pieces.
Learn not to strain when moving the bowels. Keep the bowels clean and avoid constipation. Do not sit on the commode longer than 10 minutes at a time, as this causes the blood to pool in the hemorrhoidal veins.
Sit on a soft cushion, not on hard surfaces. Use an ordinary cushion, not a doughnut-shaped one. The old-fashioned inflated doughnut cushion actually increases pressure on the hemorrhoidal blood vessels, aggravating the swelling and bleeding.
Cleanse the problem area frequently with warm water. A hot bath for 15 minutes a day is quite helpful. Do not add bath beads, oils, or bubbles to the water, as this can irritate sensitive tissues. Many people add Epsom salts, but this has no proven clinical value. It is the warm water that reduces swelling and eases pain. A warm water sitz bath to which you can add some white oak may be beneficial. Do not use white oak or other sitz bath products if you have either weeping eczema or congestive heart failure.
Warm sitz baths are especially beneficial. Take a mineral sitz bath daily. See Sitz Bath for more information. A recommendation is Batherapy from Para Laboratories/Queen Helene, a powder that contains many valuable minerals and is added to bath water. This can be found in many health food stores.
Avoid use of strong or harsh laxatives. Most of these products induce unnecessary straining at bowel movements and often "overdo" their jobs by creating a condition similar to diarrhea. Also, using chemical laxatives does not provide the healthful benefits that natural substances provide. Laxatives products can also cause the bowels to become dependent upon them for normal functioning, much like an addiction. Instead of chemical preparations, use a stool softener or glycerine suppository if constipation or straining at defecation are a problem.
Anurex is a drug- and chemical-free product that helps give prompt, soothing, and lasting relief from the burning, itching, and bleeding caused by hemorrhoids. It is a small plastic device that contains a permanently sealed cold-retaining gel. When placed at the site of pain, it imparts a controlled degree of cooling to the inflamed tissue. Each Anurex device is reusable for up to six months. This product can be found in many pharmacies and health food stores, or can be ordered directly from Anurex Labs, P.O. Box 414760, Miami, FL 33141; telephone 305-757-7733.
Kombucha tea, which has antibacterial and immune-boosting properties, has been reported to be helpful. See Kombucha Tea for more information.
Key-E Suppositories from Carlson Labs are good for relief of itching and pain.
Wear cotton underwear. Cotton has more "give" than other fabrics and is less likely to restrict circulation.
In rare instances, zinc oxide from creams applied to hemorrhoids can cause a metallic taste in the mouth. If this happens, change creams. In very rare cases, overuse of zinc oxide creams can cause yellow eyes, yellow skin, and abdominal pain. In these cases, discontinue the cream and see a health care provider promptly.
Treatments for hemorrhoids can reduce the risk of permanent fecal incontinence after the damage that can occur during childbirth. See Diarrhea.
Eating certain foods, especially beets, can cause the stool to become reddish and can be mistaken for blood.
The most common cause of anal itching is tissue trauma resulting from the use of harsh toilet paper. Candida albicans, allergies, and parasitic infections also can cause anal itching.
See Constipation for more information.
DIET & NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS
To prevent constipation, eat a well-balanced diet that contains many high-fiber foods such as fresh fruit, wheat bran muffins, beans, vegetables and whole-grain cereals. Some suggestions are apples, beets, Brazil nuts, broccoli, foods in the cabbage family, carrots, green beans, guar gum, oat bran, lima beans, pears, peas, psyllium seed, and whole grains. A high fiber diet is probably the most important consideration in the treatment and prevention of hemorrhoids. Keep in mind, eating certain foods, especially beets, can cause the stool to become reddish and can be mistaken for blood.
Drink 8 to 10 glasses of fluid daily. Drink plenty of fluids, especially water (preferably steam-distilled or other quality water). Water is the best, most natural stool softener in existence. It also helps prevent constipation.
If you are bothered by persistent bleeding, take vitamin and mineral supplements to prevent anemia. An iron supplement together with a powerful vitamin B complex and vitamin C will keep the blood healthy. A sublingual B complex, such as Perfect B from Pharmaceutical Purveyors of Oklahoma or Coenzymate B Complex from Source Naturals, is among the most efficiently absorbed forms of the B vitamins.
Weight loss diet if you are overweight.
Avoid fats and animal products. Red meat and high protein diets are especially hard on the lower digestive tract.
Take 1 or 2 tablespoons of flaxseed oil daily. Flaxseed oil helps to soften stools.
To help bleeding hemorrhoids, eat foods such as alfalfa, blackstrap molasses, and dark green leafy vegetables, which are high in vitamin K. These help in clotting and healing of tissues. Do not take or use these items if you are on blood thinners for other health issues.
Use supplements that strengthen rectal blood vessels. Take 1,000 to 2,000 mg per day of a plant-based supplement called hydroxyethylrutoside (HER, or HER flavonoids) to heal hemorrhoids. If HER flavonoids are unavailable, take citrus bioflavonoids (rutin and hesperidin), 3,000 to 6,000 mg per day. An animal-based supplement called glycosaminoglycan (GAG, or aortic GAGs) taken in dosages of 100 mlligrams per day, provides the protein building blocks for healthy veins and helps control pain.
If you decide to use a fiber supplement (such as psyllium), start with a moderate amount and increase your intake gradually. If you take too much at first, this will cause painful bloating, gas and diarrhea. Note: Always take supplemental fiber separately from other supplements and medications.
NUTRIENTS Supplement Suggested Dosage Comments Very Important Aerobic Bulk Cleanse (ABC)
from Aerobic Life IndustriesAs directed on label. Mix with 1/2 fruit juice, and drink it down quickly before the fiber thickens. Take separately from other supplements and medications. Keeps the colon clean, relieving pressure on the rectum. Super Cleanse for Your Colon, Economy Size, Nature's Secret, 200 Tabs, Easy Move & Colon Clean, TCM formula, Maren Runchang, 100% Natural, 60 Caps, Ultimate Fasting Cleanse, Nature's Secret, Includes 2 free CDs, 5 Part-5 Day Program Calcium
And
Magnesium1,500 mg daily.
750 mg daily.Essential for blood clotting. Helps prevent cancer of the colon. Use calcium chelate or asporotate form. Magnesium is needed to balance with calcium. Just An Ounce Calcium & Magnesium Liquid, Almond Flavor, 16 fl. oz., Cal-Mag Pre-chelated Calcium & Magnesium, Vital Earth, 240 Gelcaps Vitamin C
with
bioflavonoids3,000-5,000 mg daily.
100 mg daily.Aids in healing and normal blood clotting. Vitamin C 500 with Bioflavonoids, 100% Natural, 500 mg, 250 Capsules, Vitamin C Liquid, with Rose Hips & Bioflavonoids, Dynamic Health, Kosher, Natural Citrus Flavor, 1000 mg, 16 fl. oz., Vitamin C 1000 With Bioflavonoids, Nature's Wau, 100% Natural, 1000 mg, 250 VCaps Vitamin E 600 IU daily. Promotes normal blood clotting and healing. Vitamin E alpha tocopherol, Nature's Way, 400 IU, 100 Softgels, Vitamin E 400, Nature's Way, 400 IU, 100 Liquid VCaps, Advanced Gamma E Complex W/ Mixed Tocopherol & Tocotrienols, 120 Softgels, Vitamin E (Hypoallergenic), Allergy Research Group / Nutricology, 400 IU, 120 Softgels Important Vitamin B complex
Plus Extra
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)
And
Vitamin B12
Plus
Choline
And
InositolB-Complex: 50-100 mg 3 times daily, with meals.
Vitamin B6: 50 mg 3 times daily, with meals.
Vitamin B12: 1,000 mcg twice daily.
Choline/Inositol: 50 mg each twice daily.All B vitamins are vital for digestion. Improved digestion results in reduced stress on the rectum. For the vitamin B12, Use a lozenge or sublingual form. Vitamin B 100 Complex W/ Coenzyme B-2, Nature's Way, 631 mg, 100 Caps, Ultimate B (Vitamin B Complex Formula), Nature's Secret, 60 Tabs Helpful Coenzyme Q10 100 mg daily. Increases cellular oxygenation and assists in healing. CoQ10 - Coenzyme Q-10, Hi Tech Pharmaceuticals, 100 mg, 60 Tabs, Liquid CoQ10, NOW Foods, 4 oz., 100 mg per Teaspoon Dimethylglycine (DMG)
( Aangamik DMG from FoodScience Labs)125 mg twice daily. Improves cellular oxygenation. DMG Supplement N,N Dimethyl Clycine, NOW Foods, 125 mg, 100 Caps Key-E suppositories
from Carlson LabsAs directed on label. Shrinks inflamed hemorrhoidal tissue. Potassium 99 mg daily. Constipation, which can cause hemorrhoids, is common in those with potassium deficiencies. Potassium, 100% Natural, Nature's Way, 99 mg, 100 Caps Shark Cartilage ( BeneFin) 1 gram per 15 lbs. of body weight daily. Can be taken either orally or rectally in a retention enema. See Enemas for more information. Treats pain and inflammation. Shark Cartilage, NOW Foods, 750 mg, 100 Caps Vitamin A 15,000 IU daily. If you are pregnant, do not exceed 10,000 IU daily. Aids in healing of mucous membranes and tissues. Vitamin A, 10,000 IU, 100% Natural, Nature's Way, 100 Softgels Plus
Natural Beta-carotene15,000 IU daily. Antioxidant and precursor of vitamin A. Beta Carotene (Natural Dunaliella salina), Nature's Way, 100% Nature, 25,000 IU, 100 Softgels Or
Carotenoid complex ( Betatene)As directed on label. Aids in healing of mucous membranes and tissues. Antioxidant. Multi-Carotene Antioxidant Complex, Nature's Way, 60 Softgels Vitamin D 600 IU daily. Aids in healing of mucous membranes and tissues. Also needed for calcium. Vitamin D, 1,000 IU, NOW Foods, 180 Softgels, Vitamin D, 400 IU, Nature's Way, 100% Natural, 100 Caps
HEMORRHOIDS SUPPLEMENTAL PRODUCTS
Information, supplements and products for hemorrhoids, swollen veins around the anus and in the rectum.
Hemorrhol Natural Hemorrhoid Relief Cream, Life-Flo, 2 oz
Hemorrhol is a unique, all natural cream formulation expressly designed for the relief of pain, itching and burning associated with hemorrhoids.Comfrey Leaf Powder, 100% Organic - 4 oz. Bulk
One of the most well-known healing plants, especially for its ability to heal tissue and bone.Gotu Kola Powder (Centella asiatica), 100% Organic - 8 oz. Bulk
Gotu kola has been used as a tonic for purification of blood and for promoting healthy skin. It has also been used to aid in restful sleep, treat skin inflammations, as a treatment for high blood pressure and as a mild diuretic.Hemorrhoid Cream, Nelson's Bach - 30g/1oz., Organic
Nelson's Hemorrhoid cream is a soothing cream formulated from fresh plant tinctures to help alleviate the discomfort of hemorrhoids.Unker's Medicated Salve - 7 oz.
Unker's Medicated Salve has been providing healing and relief for over 60 years. It works great for arthritis, sore muscles and joints, cuts, burns, bruises, throat congestion, sinus problems, psoriasis, and much more.Natural Fiber Supplement (Truman's) - 12 oz.
Truman's Natural Fiber Supplement formula helps to give bulk to the stool and to check diarrhea; thus, creating balance in the bowel movements.Bentonite Clay, Pascalite - 100 Caps
Pascalite is a form of calcium bentonite containing at least twenty elements including iron, magnesium, and silicon, better than sodium bentonite. Uses as skin cleanser, conditioner, internally for heartburn, ulcers and for a natural mineral dietary supplement.Witch Hazel Tincture, 100% Organic - 2 fl. oz.
Witch Hazel can be taken internally for diarrhea and hemorrhage.Cayenne & Garlic Combo, Nature's Way 530mg - 100 Caps
The benefit of cayenne herb and is that it has an invigorating warming effect and the serum cholesterol lowering garlic bulb supports healthy circulation.Ashoka Powder (Saraca indica), 100% Organic - 8 oz. Bulk
Ashoka has been known to be used in uterine and uterine related indications and produces an estrogen-like effect that enhances the repair of the endometrial and stops bleeding.Vitamin C 500 W/ Rosehips 100% Natural, 500mg - 250 Caps
Vitamin C with Rose Hips is an antioxidant useful in treating infections, bruising, colds & flu, sinusitis, sore throats, blood clots, atherosclerosis, high blood pressure, physical and mental stress, immune function, cholesterol levels, liver toxicity and assists in collagen formation.Calcium Citrate / Malate Complex, Nature's Way 500mg - 250 Caps
Take Nature's Way Citrate Malate complex for superior calcium uptake and for proper bone development and muscle function.Psyllium Husk, 525mg - 180 Caps
When immersed in the intestines, psyllium husk increases in volume and swells the amount of intestinal matter. This stimulates and lubricates the bowels and helps move waste through the colon.Horse Chestnut Extract Tincture, 100% Organic - 2 fl. oz.
The Aescin in Horse Chestnut is a powerful saponin that has been shown to support healthy circulation, especially in the legs.Comfrey Leaf / Herb Skin Poultice - 2.5 oz.
Abscesses, Bed Sores, Blood Poisoning, Breasts - Sore Nipples, Bruises, Burns, Chicken Pox, Cuts, Disinfectant, Gangrene, Infection, Open Sores And Ulcers, Swelling, Ulcers, Wounds.Multi Mineral Complex w/ Iron -Nature's Way 100 Caps
Nature's Way Multi Mineral Complex with Iron offers a complete carefully dosed blend of minerals vital to the body. This multi-mineral provides nutritional support for normal bone development, muscle function, reproduction and metabolism.Vascular Aid - 50 Tabs
VASCULAR AID has combined the most powerful ayurvedic herbs and nutrients that work together to fortify and nourish the overall health of veins.
HERBS
A paste made from powdered comfrey root can be used in a poultice to heal bleeding hemorrhoids. If a food allergy is present, use a comfrey poultice to reduce inflammation. Note: Comfrey is recommended for external use only. Do not use comfrey during preganncy.
An elderberry poultice can relieve the pain associated with hemorrhoids. A mullein poultice can be used as well. See Poultice for more information.
Other beneficial herbs include buckthorn bark, collinsonia root, parsley, red grape vine leaves, and stone root. These can be taken in capsule or tea form.
Use cayenne (capsicum) and garlic enemas to keep the bowels clean. A plain water enema is fast acting and relieves discomfort in most cases. See Enemas for more information.
Aloe vera gel can be applied directly to the irritated area. It works similar to aspirin, relieving pain and soothes the burning sensation.
Calendula cream applied to external hemorrhoids relieves pain and inflammation.
St. John's Wort oil can be used as an overnight retention enema. To make a retention enema, add 1 tablespoon of oil to 1 pint of distilled lukewarm water, and place in an enema bag. Just before going to bed, lie down on your right side, draw both knees toward the abdomen, and insert the nozzle. It is a good idea to lubricate the nozzle with vitamin E oil or a lubricated jelly (like K-Y Jelly). Take a deep breath, which helps draw the greatest amount of fluid into the colon, Retain the liquid overnight, and expel it first thing in the morning. St. John's Wort stopes production of hormones that cause inflammation and swelling.
Witch Hazel can be used as a suppository. Use 1,000 mg 3 times daily. Use as a poultice as needed. It treats bleeding hemorrhoids and also relieves pain and inflammation. See Poultice for more information.
Butcher's Broom, Ruscogenin tablets. Take 100 mg once daily. It is particularly effective for burning and itching.
Dandelion Tincture. Take 10 - 15 drops in 1/4 cup water 3 times daily internally. It softens and lubricates stool.
Horse Chestnut, Aescin tablets. Take up to 150 mg daily, Relieves swelling and inflammation. Makes blood vessels more elastic.
Oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs). Grapeseed or pinebark extract tablets. Take 100 mg daily. Improves the blood vessel strength and flexibility.
Psyllium see or Plantain powder, as directed on label. Avoid over the counter laxatives that contain both cellulose and psyllium, since cellulose can cause itching. Do not use within one hour of taking other medications. If using a Tea Bag, prepare with 1 cup of water. Take 1 cup 3 times daily. Gentler alternative. Soothes the hemmorrhoids; coats and protects bowel lining. Plantain is also called whole psyllium seed and is a gentler alternative.
NOTE: Bulk herbs are available through Mountain Rose Herbs and Nutritional Supplements are available through Herbal Remedies. To find supplements not listed above, click on the links below:
Mountain Rose Bulk Herbs
Mountain Rose Aromatherapy Oils
Mountain Rose Herbs, Aromatherapy Oils A-B
Mountain Rose Herbs, Aromatherapy Oils C-E
Mountain Rose Herbs, Aromatherapy Oils F-L
Mountain Rose Herbs, Aromatherapy Oils M-P
Mountain Rose Herbs, Aromatherapy Oils Q-Z
Mountain Rose Herbs, Aromatherapy Oils: Oil Blends & Resins
Mountain Rose Herbs, Aromatherapy Oils: Diffusers, Nebulizers, & Burners
Mountain Rose Herbs, Aromatherapy Oils: Oil Kits
Click Here To Visit Herbal Remedies Product Page
NOTIFY YOUR MIDWIFE OR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER IF...
A hard lump develops where a hemorrhoid has been.
Hemorrhoids cause severe pain that is not relieved by treatment above.
Rectal bleeding is excessive (more than a trace or streak on toilet paper or stool). Rectal bleeding can be an early sign of cancer.
If home treatments bring no relief, consult your health care provider, especially if the problem is recurrent and bleeding persists. Although the amount of blood loss might seem insignificant, even a slow loss of blood will eventually result in anemia and its associated problems (See Anemia for more information.
MoonDragon's Pregnancy Information: Bowel Tips
