8 Hemorrhoid Remedies

Some of you know what a pain in the butt they are while others have no clue. Whether you struggle with hemorrhoids, get an occasional flare up or have never experienced this common ailment, read on.

It’s Anal

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center,

“Hemorrhoids are veins in the rectum or anus that have become swollen and painful. Sometimes they go away by themselves, but in other cases they can cause lingering pain, itching, and bleeding…Hemorrhoids are a type of varicose vein that tends to occur as we get older; about 75% of Americans have hemorrhoids at some point.”

There are internal and external hemorrhoids.

The internal ones usually do not pose symptoms however if they become too large they can protrude (prolapsed hemorrhoid) and cause pain.

External hemorrhoids form on the outside of the rectal cavity causing pain and discomfort. Sometimes a blood clot can form inside the internal hemorrhoid and cause intense pain which sometimes requires surgery to repair.

The age of experiencing hemorrhoids is between 45 and 65 years old. However, depending on diet and overall health history, hemorrhoids can afflict any age including children.

Hemorrhoids are not considered a serious health challenge and may very well be prevented.

Talk to your doctor about trying these 8 hemorrhoid remedies.

Telltale Signs You May Have Hemorrhoids

It may not even occur to you that that stabbing pain that feels like a protruding stick, raw open sore or electric shock in your anus is a hemorrhoid. Yet, these are some of the presentations with other symptoms including pain while sitting, bright blood upon wiping, bowel movement pain and itching.

What the Heck! How Do I Get Hemorrhoids?

Some causes include:

• Diet poor in fiber
• Inadequate water consumption
• Excessive straining during bowel movements
• Chronic constipation or diarrhea
• Hard, rough wiping
• Excessive sitting
• Pregnancy
• Medication that causes constipation or diarrhea leading to hemorrhoids
• Medical condition

I Don’t Want Hemorrhoids

Who does?  These 8 hemorrhoid remedies may prevent or quickly heal them and hopefully, rarely experience them again.

Prevention

Eating processed foods such as white flour, sugar, artificial flavors, dyes, chemicals and more can result in stool to becoming too soft or too hard creating hemorrhoid causing diarrhea and/or constipation. If you are young you may not be experiencing these symptoms but if you habitual eat poorly it can catch up with you and be much more difficult to reverse.

Fiber – When it comes to preventing hemorrhoids, eating foods that are fresh and unprocessed can help increase much needed fiber. Fiber is essential to maintain healthy elimination. Foods rich in fiber include beans, fresh fruit and vegetables (nothing jarred or canned) and whole grains. Psyllium husk and flaxseed are good fiber supplements.

H2O – Water is one of the most essential hemorrhoid preventatives. Drink 4 to 6 bottled water sizes (about 9 oz. each) per day. Water and fiber are the perfect combination to maintain healthy stool and avoid straining.

The Herbal Pharmacy

Botanical medicine is the cornerstone of many pharmaceuticals. Therefore, under the guidance of a professional herbalist as well as your general practitioner these herbs may be helpful:

Horse Chestnut – This herb is a natural blood vessel toner and has been linked to enhancing circulation and reducing swelling. It can be taken orally or topically applied. Horse chestnut must be eculin (a poison) free.

Bilberry – Natural anti-inflammatory.

Butcher’s Broom – A veritable go-to hemorrhoid remedy capable of strengthening blood vessels, increasing circulation and acting as an anti-inflammatory.

Like Cures Like

Homeopathy is the practice of using material from nature that if taken in their whole form may cause similar symptoms to a particular ailment. The whole form is then broken down many times and the result is made into tasteless pellets or liquid that some feel are powerful healing agents.

Homeopathy for hemorrhoids includes:

Aloe – For external hemorrhoids.

Aesculus – For burning, “feeling like a lump” hemorrhoids.

Collinsonia – For chronic itchy hemorrhoids often linked to constipation.

It is often best to consult a naturopathic or homeopathic doctor for more precise healing with homeopathy.

These 8 hemorrhoid remedies may be a good start to better anal health. Add in an optimal diet, exercise, and good elimination habits and you may keep hemorrhoids at bay.