Approximately 50
percent of the U.S.
population has hemorrhoids by age 50. Hemorrhoids are
actually just enlarged (varicose) veins that occur in the anus or rectum. The
veins in these areas are located in the lower part of the body, and gravity
causes the blood to pool in them instead of flowing back to the heart, which
causes the veins to stretch and weaken. This accumulation of blood causes hemorrhoids
to occur when veins become distended and inflamed. Symptoms from inflamed veins
can cause itching, rectal bleeding, and pain but are treatable at home and
usually disappear on their own in a few days. If hemorrhoids become infected or
begin bleeding heavily, urgent care is recommended.
Causes of hemorrhoids are prolonged sitting, heavy lifting, straining,
constipation, chronic diarrhea, stress, pregnancy, obesity, and hormonal changes. Red pepper, mustard,
coffee, and alcohol can also contribute to symptoms. Mild cases of hemorrhoids can be helped with exercise, dietary changes,
plenty of fluids, and fiber. To avoid or relieve constipation, increase
dietary fiber to five servings per day by eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole
grains, psyllium seed husks, ground flaxseed and drink plenty of water. One to
two tablespoons of flax seed daily with food provides soluble and insoluble
fiber, omega-3 fatty acids and lignans which help promote bowel regularity and stool
softening. Try to avoid laxatives, as diarrhea can worsen hemorrhoids. Yoga,
meditation, exercise, and aerobics can help with stress and bowel function.
Witch hazel helps to clean the area while topical remedies such
as zinc oxide, calendula, aloe vera, chamomile, horse chestnut, St. John’s wort,
and homeopathy ointments help to relieve burning, itching, pain and
discomfort. These ointments and creams
can help protect
irritated tissue, reduce swelling and help heal sores. A 20 minute sitz bath using about 6
inches of water with one cup of Epsom salts and witch hazel can help with irritation.
Herbs and supplements can strengthen the veins and relieve
irritation as they heal, but can require several months of use to attain
maximum effect. Triphala is a compound of three herbs
that is used in Ayurvedic medicine as a gentle bowel regulator. Gotu kola helps improve blood circulation and help
with vein support. Butcher’s
broom helps to tone and shrink hemorrhoids. Hawthorn
berries help to dilate blood vessels and improve blood flow. Horse
chestnut promotes normal tone in the walls of veins and is helpful for varicose
veins. Aloe vera liquid after meals can
help with bowel regularity, blood circulation and healing. Supplements like vitamin
C, vitamin E and flavonoids (often combined with vitamin C) are important for shrinking
and healing inflamed tissues, and strengthening the immune system.
A natural treatment of peppermint and tea tree essential
oils can help relieve pain, help with muscle relation, heal, and reduce the hemorrhoids
size. Mix four to six drops of tea tree
oil with one tablespoon of olive oil. Fill a
bathtub with warm water and add four to six drops of peppermint oil to the
water. Using a clean, damp, warm rag, gently
clean the affected area. Soak in the bath tub lying back and elevating
your pelvis, keeping your weight off the sores to allow the oils to reach the
hemorrhoids for at least 10 minutes. Pat dry and apply the oil mixture evenly
over the affected area with cotton and reapply every few hours. Take an
essential oil bath at least once a day until you see improvement.
