Hemorrhoids Relief
Hemorrhoids, also known as piles are result of swollen and inflamed veins in the anus and rectum. More than three-quarters of the US population are affected by hemorrhoids at some point of time in their lives. Those who fall into 45 to 65 years old age range seem to be at a higher risk.
Hemorrhoids or Anal Fissures
When people notice blood on the toilet tissue paper and experience pain during bowel movements, the first thing that comes to their minds is hemorrhoids when the actual problem could be a tiny but quite painful wound known as an anal fissure.
Anal fissures are often result of constipation and as stools get dry and hard the anal sphincter is pressured to stretch wider than usual causing a tear called anal fissure. There are often marks of bright red blood on tissue paper.
Anal fissures come with a stinging, sharp and often acute pain each time you pass motion while hemorrhoids often produce bleeding with no pain.
Natural remedies for Hemorrhoids Relief
Here are well known natural remedies that can bring hemorrhoids relief.
1) Eat lots of fiber
Fiber always demonstrated benefits in relieving hemorrhoid discomfort and one of the easiest home remedies to avoid bleeding. Fiber softens stool and increases its bulk which in turn aids in reducing pressure on your sphincter. It has been proven in many trials where fiber proved positive by preventing itching, discomfort, and pain due to hard stools.
There are many ways to obtain fiber. You can begin with eating whole grains and vegetables. You can opt for ready made powdered fiber supplement called Psyllium, it’s affordable and widely available. A recommended amount of psyllium is a teaspoon of the husks in your favorite drink followed by a glass of water.
Another natural remedy is ground flaxseeds
2) Bioflavonoids
Bioflavonoids are special compounds found in plants; they act as stabilizers and fortify blood vessel walls while at the same time reducing inflammation. Bioflavonoids are well known to lessen anal discomfort and pain including discharge throughout severe hemorrhoid attacks. Side effects seem to be rare and mild, making them attractive treatment for hemorrhoids especially for pregnant women (however the flavonoid tangeretin must not be taken by people who were prescribed tamoxifen to treat breast cancer).
So the flavonoids we are talking about are derived from diosmin, citrus fruits, herperidin, and oxerutins. One ready made product called Daflon, that contains citrus bioflavonoids appear to ease symptoms in pregnant women on the 4th day after taking it. It’s also found to reduce symptoms of heaviness, pain, itching, bleeding, and discharge.
3) Witch Hazel Cream
This medication which can be found in many drug stores is prepared from the leaves and bark of a plant scientifically known as Hamamelis virginiana. It is not for oral usage and used topically to the affected area around anus. The cream comes in the type of witch hazel purified ointment, liquid or medicated pads.
Witch hazel acts as an astringent and known to reduce the bleeding of hemorrhoids. It also relieves itching, pain and swelling related with hemorrhoids.
4) Knee Holly or Butcher’s Broom
The plant called Ruscus aculeatus is popularly known as sweet broom, box holly, knee holly and it was used by European butchers to wash their chopping blocks. Butcher’s broom had been a long history of traditional use for hemorrhoids and varicose veins. It is often used when there is underlying poor circulation in the veins.
So what exactly does butcher’s broom do? There are no confirmed researches that say about the effectiveness of butcher’s broom for hemorrhoids, however butcher’s broom are said to contain vein-constricting and anti-inflammatory properties. That active element is called ruscogen.
People who are prescribed alpha blocker or MAO inhibitor drugs and those with high blood pressure should avoid Butcher’s broom always consult your doctor before starting treatment.
5) Horse Chestnut
Horse chestnut is a herb much like Butchers broom and recommended to improve poor circulation of blood or those with chronic venous insufficiency. As a natural remedy, it is well known to relieve inflammation and swelling while at the same time strengthens blood vessel walls. The active element is known as aescin.
6) Additional Natural Remedies
Triphala is said to act a bowel tonic which is gentle on stomach and can relieve constipation.
Calendula and chamomile in the form of topical cream can be applied as ointment.
How to prevent Hemorrhoids?
These are the basic steps to reduce hemorrhoids:
At least six glasses of water intake daily
Sufficient fiber in the diet
Physical exercise