Natural Remedies for Hemorrhoids

Natural Remedies for Hemorrhoids
Although they are embarrassing to discuss with friends, family and even your doctor, they happen to more people than those who care to admit it. Unpleasant a topic though this might be, I am not going to make any attempts to dumb it down, use myriad euphemisms, or otherwise cover up what we are here to discuss. Just as everyone poops, so do most people at times suffer when doing so. If you are ready for plain talk, please read on. If however, you would prefer not to discuss this in plain ol’ English because the subject matter is that unpleasant, that is understandable. But you might learn something, so hang with me, okay?

Simply put, hemorrhoids, or piles as they are also known, develop when the veins that are present in the anus and rectum areas become swollen and inflamed. Studies have shown that three-quarters of the people in the United States between the ages of 45 and 65 years develop this condition at some point in their lives. There are two types of hemorroids – internal and external.

The internal types are those that are found inside the anal cavity, usually causing some bleeding at the end of a bowel movement. Do note though, that bleeding from the anus could possibly be a symptom of some other, more serious condition, so it is best to consult your doctor if this occurs. Other symptoms of internal hemorrhoids include the feeling of the need to have a bowel movement even though there is no stool present – this usually results in straining, which worsens the discomfort of the condition.

Internal hemorrhoids can also cause pain, itching and irritation around the anus, often occurring when the hemorrhoid has prolapsed and is seen outside the anus. This can also happen when the hemorrhoid becomes twisted or a blood clot develops. These symptoms can also cause swelling or painful lumps around the anus, and once again, could be the symptom of another ailment, so it is best to have these evaluated by a doctor.

External hemorrhoids are situated outside the anus and are felt as a bulge inside the anus. They too can become painful and itchy, but don’t cause the typical symptoms.

Hemorrhoids are common and not life threatening at all. However, because of the pain, swelling, bleeding and itching that are coupled with this condition, they do affect your daily life, and can very often cause embarrassment to the sufferer as well. So, if you yearn for the day when you can sit properly and walk around in public without that terrible urge to scratch, then read on and discover how to treat this common affliction without the use of dangerous drugs.

Five Natural Remedies To Use For The Relief Of Hemorrhoids
Although we get so used to going to the doctor for each and every thing that ails us, as survivalists we have to rediscover natural ways to heal ourselves. Our ancestors certainly didn’t run to the doctor each time they were in pain, either because they worked too hard in the field that day or because they had hemorrhoids. We don’t really have a choice but to get back to basics and rely on God’s green earth to heal ourselves. Here are some natural methods to treat them and, over time, eliminate new ones.

Fiber
Eat foods that are rich in fiber. Good examples are whole grains and vegetables (especially the green leafy kind) which will give you consistent relief from bleeding and other symptoms of hemorrhoids. This is due to the fiber softening the stools and increasing bulk, thus reducing straining. Psyllium and ground flaxseeds are other forms of natural fiber that are also very effective in preventing constipation.

Witch Hazel
Witch Hazel is made from the leaves and bark of the Hamamelis virginiana plant and is found in most pharmacies as a liquid (distilled) and as well as soothing pads saturated in the stuff. It is not taken internally, but rather applied topically to the affected area. Witch Hazel helps to minimize the bleeding and calm the inflammation of hemorrhoids given its astringent properties, and also relieves the pain, swelling and itching that is associated with hemorrhoids.

Butcher’s Broom
Then there is the plant called Butcher’s Broom. You may have read about it with names like box holly, knee holly, or sweet broom. Butcher’s Broom has been used for the treatment of hemorrhoids and varicose veins for thousands of years. The active compound in Butcher’s Broom is called ruscogen, and has been found to work wonders as an anti-inflammatory and at vein-constriction, which help to improve the tone of veins and cause swollen tissue to shrink. It is usually taken orally in tea form, but is also known to be effective when applied as a compress or in an ointment directly to the area.

Bioflavonoids
Bioflavonoids have been found to reduce pain, discomfort and anal discharge during an acute attack by offering kryptonite to your blood vessel walls and reducing inflammation. Because side effects are rare and mild in bioflavonoids, they can be used by women during pregnancy.

Horse Chestnut
Horse Chestnut is an herb, and like Butcher’s Broom, is recommended for use in cases of poor circulation. In folk medicine it is used for swelling and inflammation, and like the bioflavonoids, offers that extra wall needed for strength. Horse Chestnut can be taken as a tea or as a capsule and can also be applied externally in the form of a compress.

The Ordinary Sitz Bath
There is a reason your grandmother and mom often took baths at the end of the day. Heck, you might have even found them to be soothing and relaxing after a long day at work or working in your farm. The same benefits a warm bath has on your muscles and blood circulation, it has on hemorroids. It reduces swelling, calms inflamed tissue and all this is helpful not just to your physical well-being but your emotional one as well. So grab a good book, a glass of red wine, light your candles and relax. When you come out, your whole body, including your behind will feel less irritated.